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When the Fire is Out

Summary/Abstract: The fire of Rome in the times of the Emperor Nero has been noted in history as an immeasurable tragedy. In order to clear himself of suspicion of setting fire to the city, the emperor directed the anger of the Roman public at the followers of Christ. The people of Rome needed someone to blame and they needed something to make up for their misfortune. Nero quickly found a solution for both these issues and organised a macabre spectacle with Christians torn apart by animals or burnt alive. The victims of these tragic events were not literally accused of setting fire to Rome, but of “hatred towards the whole humankind”. They were perceived as members of a new Judaist sect and considered a threat because the new religion was beginning to attract even Roman citizens. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that despite their evil faith, the death of the Christians was undeserved and served only to fulfil the appalling fantasies of Nero. The fire was to inspire the emperor and it is said that he sang about the fall of Troy and the new city named after him while he marvelled at the flames as they consumed Rome. His terrifying deed and the victims of his madness will never be forgotten.

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