In the year 64 AD, a devastating fire broke out in the city of Rome. The fire raged on for six days and seven nights, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
This event has become notorious in history as the Great Fire of Rome. It is said that Emperor Nero, who was ruling at the time, had an infamous reaction to the burning city.
The Great Fire of Rome
The Great Fire of Rome was a catastrophic event that occurred during the reign of Emperor Nero. The fire started on the evening of July 18th and quickly spread throughout the city. It is estimated that a significant portion of Rome was destroyed, including many buildings, homes, and temples.
Historians believe that the fire started in an area near the Circus Maximus and eventually engulfed several districts of Rome. The narrow and crowded streets made it difficult to contain or extinguish the flames. Strong winds further fueled the fire, causing it to spread rapidly.
Nero’s Reaction
As the fire consumed Rome, rumors began to circulate about Nero’s reaction to the disaster. According to popular belief, Nero watched the city burn from his palace atop Palatine Hill while playing his lyre.
But what did Nero really say when Rome burned?
Historians differ in their accounts of Nero’s words during this tragic event. Some claim that he showed little concern for his people’s suffering and famously remarked:
“What an artist dies with me!”
This callous statement suggests that Nero cared more about his own artistic ambitions than about the lives and well-being of his subjects.
However, it is important to note that these accounts may be exaggerated or biased against Nero due to his later reputation as a tyrannical ruler.
The Blame Game
After the fire, Nero faced criticism from the Roman citizens. In an attempt to deflect blame, he accused the Christians of starting the fire and initiated a brutal persecution against them. This persecution added to his already tarnished legacy.
In conclusion, while we may never know the exact words Nero uttered when Rome burned, his alleged indifference and self-centeredness have become ingrained in popular perception. The Great Fire of Rome remains one of history’s most infamous disasters, forever linked with Nero’s controversial reign.
- The Great Fire of Rome was a catastrophic event during Emperor Nero’s reign.
- Nero allegedly watched Rome burn while playing his lyre.
- Accounts of Nero’s words during the fire vary, but he is famously quoted saying, “What an artist dies with me!”
- Nero blamed the Christians for starting the fire and persecuted them as a result.