Acte (fl. 55-69)

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Acte (fl. 55-69)

Mistress of the Roman emperor Nero. Name variations: Claudia Acte or Akte. Born in Asia Minor; brought to Rome as slave in imperial house of Nero or Claudius; fl. bet. 55 and 69.

Imperial freedwoman, became the mistress of Nero (55), causing a split between Nero and his mother Agrippina the Younger; helped to avert the seduction of Nero by Agrippina (59); assisted at Nero's funeral (69), a testimony of her devotion.

See also Women in World History.