The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD is one of the most infamous events in history. As flames engulfed the city, rumors began to circulate that the Emperor Nero was not only indifferent to the destruction but also actively playing music while Rome burned. This notion has persisted throughout the centuries, but what is the truth behind these claims?
The Accusations
Accounts from ancient historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius suggest that Nero did indeed play an instrument called the lyre during the fire. The lyre was a stringed instrument similar to a small harp, and Nero was said to be a skilled musician.
According to these accounts, Nero climbed atop his palace, known as the Domus Aurea or Golden House, and performed while watching Rome go up in flames. He allegedly sang songs about the fall of Troy, comparing Rome’s destruction to that ancient tragedy.
The Historical Context
To understand why Nero might have been playing music during such a catastrophic event, it’s important to consider the historical context. The Great Fire of Rome occurred at a time when tensions between Nero and the Roman population were already high.
Prior to the fire, Nero had been facing growing opposition from senators and members of Rome’s elite class who resented his autocratic rule. The fire provided an opportunity for his detractors to further vilify him by portraying him as callous and indifferent.
The Alternative Explanation
While it’s difficult to determine with certainty what transpired during those fateful days in 64 AD, some historians argue that Nero may not have been playing music at all. They suggest that this accusation was part of a larger smear campaign against him.
Nero himself blamed Christians for starting the fire and used it as justification for persecuting them. This led some historians to speculate that the claim of Nero playing music was a deliberate fabrication meant to divert attention from his own role in the disaster.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the truth of what Nero was doing while Rome burned may never be fully known. The accounts we have from ancient historians are colored by their own biases and political agendas.
However, it is clear that the image of Nero playing music while Rome was engulfed in flames has endured throughout history. Whether it is an accurate representation of his actions or not, it serves as a powerful symbol of an emperor who was perceived as detached from the suffering of his people.
In Conclusion
The question of what Nero was playing while Rome burned remains shrouded in mystery. While some accounts suggest he played the lyre and sang songs about ancient tragedies, others argue that this accusation was part of a larger smear campaign against him. Regardless of the truth, the image persists as a symbol of Nero’s perceived indifference to the plight of his people.