Brief overview of the events surrounding the Great Fire of Rome
In a hot July summer of 64 A.D., a fire broke out near the Capena Gate (the
marketplace near the Circus Maximus) and spread quickly across the entire
Circus, and finally it was completely out of control, the fire destroyed nearly
half of Rome.
The Roman historian Tacitus records the event:
"First, the fire swept violently over the level spaces. Then it climbed the
hills-but returned to ravage the lower ground again. It outstripped every
counter-measure. . . Terrified, shrieking women, helpless old and young, people
intent on their own safety, people unselfishly supporting invalids or waiting
for them, fugitives and lingerers alike--all heightened the confusion."
As the fire blaze out of control some citizens tried every measure to put out
the flames. It is told that the citizens were stopped. Also some of the mob lit
torches and threw them into the flames to feed the fire. Tacitus make an
interesting note about these arsonists who had claimed "they acted under
orders. Perhaps they had ... or they may just have wanted to plunder
unhampered."
Nero heard the news from his Palace at Antium and rushed to Rome just in time to
see the Palatine Palace in flames. His newly built mansion, the Domus
Transitoria, was nothing but a pile of smoldering ashes. Nero immediately
organized a team of firefighters and provided shelter for the panic stricken
people who had been left homeless. The fire burned for nine days, leaving 10 out
of its 14 regions in ruins, with the loss of many lives.
Nero decided that he would place the blame on scapegoats, because there was a
dangerous rumor that Nero himself had ordered the fire in order to vandalize the
capital city, and to free up space for his new building plans. It is recorded
that later he indeed take advantage of the situation and begin planning and
building his Golden House. His scapegoats were none other than the Christians,
who were already being accused in one way or another within Roman pagan society.
This was officially the time that the active persecution of the Christian Church
began. At some point soon after it became a crime to bear the name
"Christian" and the suppression of the church became state policy. This
persecution would last, off and on, for almost three centuries.
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Table of Contents
Main Menu
- Ancient Assyrian Social Structure
- Ancient Babylonia
- Ancient Canaan During the Time of Joshua
- Ancient History Timeline
- Ancient Oil Lamps
- Antonia Fortress
- Archaeology of Ancient Assyria
- Assyria and Bible Prophecy
- Augustus Caesar
- Background Bible Study
- Bible
- Biblical Geography
- Fallen Empires - Archaeological Discoveries and the Bible
- First Century Jerusalem
- Glossary of Latin Words
- Herod Agrippa I
- Herod Antipas
- Herod the Great
- Herod's Temple
- High Priest's in New Testament Times
- Jewish Literature in New Testament Times
- Library collection
- Map of David's Kingdom
- Map of the Divided Kingdom - Israel and Judah
- Map of the Ministry of Jesus
- Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
- Messianic Prophecy
- Nero Caesar Emperor
- Online Bible Maps
- Paul's First Missionary Journey
- Paul's Second Missionary Journey
- Paul's Third Missionary Journey
- Pontius Pilate
- Questions About the Ancient World
- Tabernacle of Ancient Israel
- Tax Collectors in New Testament Times
- The Babylonian Captivity
- The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser
- The Books of the New Testament
- The Court of the Gentiles
- The Court of the Women in the Temple
- The Destruction of Israel
- The Fall of Judah with Map
- The History Of Rome
- The Incredible Bible
- The Jewish Calendar in Ancient Hebrew History
- The Life of Jesus in Chronological Order
- The Life of Jesus in Harmony
- The Names of God
- The New Testament
- The Old Testament
- The Passion of the Christ
- The Pharisees
- The Sacred Year of Israel in New Testament Times
- The Samaritans
- The Scribes
Ancient Questions
- How did the ancient Greeks and Romans practice medicine and treat illnesses?
- What were the major contributions of ancient Babylon to mathematics and astronomy?
- How did the ancient Persians create and administer their vast empire?
- What were the cultural and artistic achievements of ancient India, particularly during the Gupta Empire?
- How did ancient civilizations like the Incas and Aztecs build their remarkable cities and structures?
- What were the major trade routes and trading practices of the ancient world?
- What was the role of slavery in ancient societies like Rome and Greece?
- How did the ancient Mayans develop their sophisticated calendar system?
- What were the key events and significance of the Battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece?
- What was life like for women in ancient Rome?
Bible Study Questions
- What does biblical archaeologist said about hieroglyphics?
- Where is the Negev where Abram went to in Genesis?
- What is the name of Ramallah in the Bible?
- How do we approach and study the historical and cultural context of biblical passages?
- What is the significance of the Psalms in personal and corporate worship?
- How do we discern and apply biblical principles to contemporary ethical issues?
- What is the biblical perspective on the nature of God's love and mercy?
- How do we interpret and understand apocalyptic literature in the Bible?
- What are the different covenants in the Bible and their significance?
- How do we grow in spiritual maturity and develop a deeper understanding of the Word?
About
Welcome to Free Bible: Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Present! Step into a world where ancient history and biblical narratives intertwine, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.
Discover the captivating stories of forgotten empires, delve into the customs and cultures of our ancestors, and witness the remarkable findings unearthed by dedicated archaeologists.
Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of knowledge, where the past comes alive and illuminates our understanding of the present.
Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, where curiosity is rewarded and ancient mysteries await your exploration.
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