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Comparing Tacitus And Suetonius The Fire In Rome In 64 CE

1250 Words5 Pages

Tommaso Floro
4/6/23
HIST-103-2023
Prof. J.Herrman The Fire in Rome in 64 CE,

Both Tacitus and Suetonius provide accounts of the fire in Rome in 64 CE, but their approaches and interests differ. The Fire in Rome was a significant event in the history of the Roman Empire. Both Tacitus and Suetonius provide detailed accounts of the fire,the events that occurred, and its aftermath The Great Fire of Rome occurred in 64 CE during the reign of Emperor Nero. Tacitus and Suetonius were both Roman historians who lived in the first and second centuries AD, and they both wrote about the Great Fire of Rome and its aftermath. Tacitus wrote about the fire in his Annals, while Suetonius wrote about it in his Life of Nero. Both historians provide valuable …show more content…

He describes how the fire allowed Emperor Nero to carry out his ambitious plans for rebuilding the city, but also how Nero was blamed for starting the fire and subsequently persecuted Christians as scapegoats (Tacitus, Annals 15). Tacitus is known for his critical approach to the Roman Empire and its ruler, Nero. For example, Tacitus describes how the fire began and spread, the efforts of the people to extinguish it, and the destruction caused by the flames. He describes the fire as a catastrophic event that lasted for six days and seven nights destroying much of the city. Tacitus describes the fire as a devastating event that destroyed much of Rome and left many citizens homeless. (Tacitus, Annals 15) While Tacitus provides a detailed and vivid description of the fire and its destructive impact on the city, Suetonius offers a more personal and intimate view of the event through his portrayal of Nero's actions and behavior during the crisis. Suetonius is known for his vivid and detailed accounts of historical events and figures. In Suetonius’ Nero, he describes the emperor's erratic behavior during the rebellion, including his decision to abandon Rome and flee to a villa outside the city. Suetonius also portrays Nero as being consumed by fear and paranoia in the days leading up to his suicide, with the emperor reportedly hearing voices and seeing omens of his impending doom (Suetonius, …show more content…

While Tacitus provides a detailed account of the fire and its devastating impact on the city, Suetonius offers a more personal and intimate perspective on the actions of Nero during the crisis (Tacitus, Annals 15) (Suetonius, Nero 38). Tacitus and Suetonius are both important sources for the final Julio-Claudian emperor, but they differ in their approach and style of writing. Tacitus is known for his historical works, particularly the Annals and the Histories, which provide detailed accounts of the reigns of the Julio-Claudian emperor. He is known for his critical approach and his tendency to emphasize the negative aspects of the emperors' reigns, particularly their cruelty and corruption. On the other hand, Suetonius is known for his short bibliographies of well known Roman leaders during this time period. Suetonius offers a more concise and focused perspective on the role of Emperor Nero in the events leading up to and following the fire in his Suetonius’ Nero. Suetonius' Nero provides a detailed account of Nero's life and reign, including his role in the events leading up to the Great Fire of Rome and the subsequent persecution of Christians. It also offers insights into Nero's personal life, including his relationships with his mother, his wives, and his

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