Who was Poppaea Sabina, and why did Nero marry her?

Poppaea Sabina was a noblewoman and the wife of the senator Otho, who later became emperor. Nero fell in love with her, which became a primary motivation for his decision to marry her.1

Nero’s pursuit of Poppaea was a significant factor in the destabilization of his court. His mother, Agrippina, vehemently opposed his affair with her, which contributed to Nero’s decision to have his mother murdered in 59 CE. Following his mother's death, Nero sought to marry Poppaea, but he was first required to remove his existing wife, Octavia. Nero had Octavia put to death in 62 CE, citing fears that she was inciting disaffection among the populace and at court, and he subsequently married Poppaea that same year. Poppaea remained his wife until her death in 65 CE.21