A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

was commander of the praetorian troops, together with Tigellinus, towards the latter end of Nero's reign. He took an active part in suppressing the conspiracy of Piso against Nero, A. D. 66, and was in consequence rewarded by the emperor with the consular insignia. His mother was a freedwoman, who was accustomed to sell her favours to the servants of the imperial palace; and as Caligula did not disdain such intercourse, Nymphidius claimed that emperor for his father. On the death of Nero in A. D. 68, Nymphidius attempted to seize the throne, but was murdered by the friends of Galba. (Tac. Ann. xv. 72, Hist. 1.5, 25, 37; Plut. Galb. 8-15.)