A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. The elder Paris lived in the reign of the emperor Nero, with whom he was a great favourite. He was originally a slave of Domitia, the aunt of the emperor, and he purchased his freedom by paying her a large sum of money. Domitia availed herself of his influence with Nero to attempt the ruin of Agrippina, whom she hated. The plot, however, failed, and Agrippina demanded the punishment of her accusers; but Paris stood too high in the monarch's favour to experience the punishment which was inflicted on his accomplices. Shortly after this Paris was declared, by order of the emperor, to have been free-born (ingenuus), and Domitia was compelled to restore to him the large sum which she had received for his freedom (Tac. Ain. 13.19-22, 27; Dig. 12. tit. 4. s. 3.5). Paris, however, was not fortunate enough to retain the favour of the emperor. The silly man wished to become a pantomime himself; and as he was unable to profit by the lessons in dancing which Paris gave him, and looked upon the latter as a dangerous rival, he had him put to death towards the end of his reign. (D. C. 63.18; Suet. Nero 54.)