Rome Is Burning

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Nero became Emperor in A.D. 54. On July 18, 64 A.D., a lamp left unextinguished in a stall filled with combustible material ignited a catastrophic fire in Rome. Whether this was accidental or deliberate remains uncertain, but a gusty wind quickly fanned the flames, leading to one of the most devastating disasters in the city’s history. The fire resulted in death and suffering for thousands. Drawing on new textual interpretations and archaeological evidence, Anthony Barrett explores this pivotal moment in Rome's history and its lasting impact. He argues that the Great Fire, which ravaged much of the city, significantly altered the course of Roman history. It precipitated the collapse of Nero's regime and marked the end of Rome's first imperial dynasty, changing how emperors were chosen. Additionally, the fire initiated the first systematic persecution of Christians, who were scapegoated for the disaster. Barrett's comprehensive study delves into this dramatic event, which continues to captivate public imagination and remains a recurring theme in contemporary art and literature.