Nero Significant Event

Describe in detail ONE significant event in the life of a classical historical figure. In what ways did this person’s response to the event reflect aspects of his or her character? This essay will describe the significant event in the life of Emperor Nero which will be the event of the Great Fire in 64 AD. The Great Fire of Rome occurred on the summer’s night of 18th of July 64 AD during the Nero-Claudian dynasty (54 - 68AD). The fire caused widespread devastation before being brought under control after six days. Nero’s response to this event, both short and long term, which reveal many different aspects of his character.

In the summer night of 18 July 64 AD, the fire that raged through Rome for nine days in total – at first for 6, then reigning and burning for

This is controversial as there was no backing evidence to show he started it, but we can see from the quotes of primary sources which reflect that he was unpopular. He showed his pragmatic and caring side in the short term when he took control and ordered the emergency measures to be put into place to help the Roman citizens who had been affected by the fire. He had even opened up his own palace as a shelter for the displaced and constructed new building codes to be put into place. He displayed his selfish personality when he built his new palace, the Domus Aureas, as he used land that did not belong to him as well as depleting money which caused him to steal from churches. As mounting suspicions arose about the fire with some suggesting Nero had started it, Nero had decided to use the Christians as scapegoats in order to save his own reputation. Nero had also showcased his creativity and ‘megalomaniacal’ personality when he commissioned his lavish Domus Aureas to be adorned with gold and jewels. This event of the Great Fire in 64 AD revealed these aspects in the life of the classical historical figure of