The Great Fire of Rome began in the merchant district near the Circus Maximus and spread through the densely built city for several days, destroying much of it. According to the historian Tacitus, ten of the fourteen districts of Rome were damaged, and three were completely destroyed. Emperor Nero was at Antium when it started; he returned, opened public buildings and his own gardens to the homeless and organized relief. Rumors accused him of starting the fire to clear land for his new palace, the Domus Aurea, though Tacitus doubted this, and the true cause is unknown and may have been accidental. Nero blamed the Christians, who were persecuted and executed in large numbers. The city was rebuilt with wider streets, height limits and more fire-resistant materials.
Before and after
- from 58 CE to 63 CERoman–Parthian War of 58–63
- 61 CEBirth of Pliny the Younger
- c. 63 CEEruption of Churchill
- 64 CEOrigins of Domus Aurea
- from 19 July 64 CE to 26 July 64 CEGreat Fire of Rome
- 65 CEDeath of Saint Peter
- from 66 CE to 74 CEFirst Jewish-Roman War
- from 66 CE to 135 CEJewish–Roman Wars
- 66 CEDeath of Paul the Apostle
More in Earth & climate
- c. 2,040 BCEEruption of Long Island
- c. 1,370 BCEEruption of Witori
- c. 1,050 BCEEruption of Pinatubo
- c. 100 BCEEruption of Okmok
- c. 50 CEEruption of Ambrym
- c. 240 CEEruption of Ksudach
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 1st century.