What is nero known for?

Unfortunately we are left with the negative side of Nero. The ancient writers, for their own reasons, seemed to dwell on his vices and "depravities" while glossing over his positive aspects. Very little is mentioned about Nero's scientific quests, his architectural interests or his popularity with the common people. Therefore we are left with the impression that Nero was a ruthless Christian killer and a murderer of his own mother, with little or no background as to why he did these things.