What Was Nero Playing When Rome Was Burning?
Nero, the notorious Roman emperor who ruled from 54 to 68 AD, is often associated with the phrase “fiddling while Rome burns.” This phrase suggests that Nero was playing the fiddle or lyre while watching the city of Rome engulfed in flames during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. However, this popular belief is actually a historical misconception.
The Myth of Nero’s Musical Interlude
Contrary to popular belief, Nero did not play the fiddle or any other musical instrument while Rome burned. The notion that he did stems from a mistranslation and misinterpretation of historical accounts. The fiddle did not even exist during ancient Roman times!
The Great Fire of Rome was a catastrophic event that lasted for six days and devastated large parts of the city. It started on July 18, 64 AD, and destroyed countless buildings, including the grandiose imperial palace known as the Domus Aurea or Golden House.
Nero’s Response to the Fire
Nero was not present in Rome when the fire started. He was staying at his villa in Antium, approximately 35 miles away from the city. However, as soon as he received news of the fire, Nero returned to Rome and took immediate action to address the situation.
Contrary to popular belief and fictional portrayals, Nero did not ignore or revel in the destruction caused by the fire. Instead, he took measures to provide relief and support for those affected by providing shelter for displaced citizens in his own gardens and opening public buildings as makeshift accommodations.
Nero’s Rebuilding Efforts
After ensuring immediate relief for those impacted by the fire, Nero focused on rebuilding and reconstructing the city. He initiated a comprehensive urban planning project to redesign and improve Rome’s infrastructure, including widening streets, creating firebreaks, and constructing new buildings.
One of Nero’s key architectural contributions was the construction of the grandiose Domus Aurea. This magnificent palace complex covered a vast area and featured lavish gardens, artificial lakes, and opulent decorations. However, it is important to note that the Domus Aurea was built after the fire as part of Nero’s vision for a new Rome and was not responsible for its destruction.
Debunking the Myth
The myth of Nero fiddling while Rome burned persists despite historical evidence to the contrary. The source of this misconception can be traced back to Tacitus, a Roman historian who wrote about Nero’s reign decades after the events took place.
Tacitus mentioned that during the fire, Nero “climbed on his private stage and sang The Fall of Ilium.” This passage has been misinterpreted over time, leading to the false belief that Nero callously enjoyed music while his city was in ruins.
The Inaccuracy of Tacitus’ Account
In reality, Tacitus’ account suggests that Nero performed on stage in his palace while reciting or singing about a tragic event from ancient history—the fall of Troy. The intent behind this performance was likely to evoke emotions related to loss and destruction rather than indifference or enjoyment.
It is important to approach historical accounts with critical thinking and consider multiple sources before accepting popular beliefs as fact. In the case of Nero playing music during Rome’s burning, it is clear that this widely held belief is not supported by historical evidence.
In Conclusion
Nero did not play any musical instrument while Rome burned. The myth surrounding Nero’s musical interlude is based on a mistranslation and misinterpretation of historical accounts.
Instead, Nero took immediate action to provide relief and support for those affected by the fire, and later focused on rebuilding and reconstructing the city. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction when examining historical events, debunking misconceptions that have persisted over time.