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When Was the Great Fire of Rome?

HistoryAncient Rome

Quick Answer

The Great Fire of Rome broke out on 18 July 64 AD during the reign of Emperor Nero and burned for six days.

The Full Story

On the night of 18 July 64 AD, fire erupted in the merchant shops near the Circus Maximus in Rome. Fanned by strong winds and fed by the city narrow, densely packed wooden buildings, the blaze burned for approximately six days. Of Rome 14 districts, 3 were completely destroyed and 7 more were severely damaged. The fire left roughly 70% of the city in ruins. Emperor Nero was away at Antium (Anzio) when the fire started and returned to organise relief efforts, but rumours spread that he had played the lyre while watching the city burn — the origin of the phrase "fiddling while Rome burns." Nero subsequently blamed Christians for the fire, launching the first state persecution.

Key Facts

1.Nero used the cleared land to build his extravagant palace, the Domus Aurea (Golden House), fuelling suspicion that he started the fire.
2.New building codes after the fire required wider streets, stone construction, and open courtyards.
3.The Great Fire displaced hundreds of thousands of Romans; temporary shelters were set up in public buildings and Nero own gardens.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The Great Fire of Rome — 64 AD and the Myth of Nero"