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
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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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They created chaos in Rome, and forced many Romans to leave their homes. Romulus Augustulus, who many historians consider to be the last Roman Emperor, was deposed in 476 AD. Many historians believe that there were multiple events that led to the fall of Rome, and the deposition of Romulus Augustus is considered one of the key events that contributed
Childhood While Nero was still a young child, his father died. The Emperor Caligula had Nero's mother exiled from Rome and sent Nero to be raised by his aunt. Caligula also stole Nero's inheritance. A few years later, however, Caligula was killed and Claudius became emperor. Claudius was fond of Agrippina and allowed her to return to Rome.
A. He is secondly most known for his countless murders even if there was no reason at all. His mother went to the extent of “insulting her own son and attempting to seduce him” for four years until he devised a plan to murder her in 59 AD (“Nero” 2-3). As Claudius’ natural son Britannicus should have been first up to become emperor, Nero saw him as a threat so he “was poisoned February 11, 55” as Nero claimed he was “having an epileptic seizure” (Scarre 51).
In this essay, I'll delve into the life and reign of Emperor
Near the end of Rome’s death, there was a massive earthquake, which also caused a flood. The damage of these two combined was immense, resulting in 50,000 deaths in the city of Alexandria alone. Edward Gibbon, author of Document F’s first source, wrote about how the two natural disasters shocked the Roman citizens. They began to doubt the empire, believing it was the beginning to the end.
With his distaste for dealing with the senate and extreme paranoia. It was here Tacitus references Tiberius mental state “Though three years had lapsed since the destruction of Sejanus, neither time, in treaties, nor sated gratification which have a soothing affect on others softened Tiberius or kept him from punishing doubtful or forgotten offenses as most flagrant and recent crimes”. Tacitus attributes Sejanus’ actions as part of the emperor’s mental state, but he seems to believe that Tiberius himself has caused this condition when he states “Although I have followed most historians in attributing the cause of his retirement to the arts of Sejanus, still, as he passed six consecutive years in the same solitude after that minister’s destruction, I am often in doubt whether it is not to be more truly ascribed to himself, and his wish to hide by the place of his retreat the cruelty and licentiousness which he betrayed by his actions. Some thought that in his old age he was ashamed of his personal appearance. He had indeed a tall, singularly slender and stooping figure, a bald head, a face full of eruptions, and covered here and there with
Nero was a horrible leader. He was considered a tyrant, which is a cruel oppressive ruler. In 64 CE, there was a fire in Rome. While he tried to blame it on the Christians, he was accused of setting the fire. It got to his head and sooner or later, he was forced to commit suicide.
He implemented measures such as strengthening the praetorian guard, suppressing opposition, and fostering a personality cult centered around the emperor. These decisions facilitated the further concentration of power and laid the groundwork for future emperors, including Caligula, to expand their authority (Suetonius, "Tiberius," sections on his reforms and policies). While Caligula's reign undoubtedly introduced elements of change and challenged traditional Roman norms, it is essential to contextualize his actions within the broader historical developments initiated by Augustus and Tiberius. Caligula continued the trend of consolidating power within the imperial office, which had been established by Augustus and further developed by Tiberius.
He was very social with the emperors of surrounding lands and would often give them gifts. But all of these good deeds did not make up for the atrocities he committed beforehand. Nero’s family was known for being very harsh and he carried on this trait. He created brutal games for public amusement, often involving senators and high ranking officials competing in fights against animals. Nero loved money and he would create new laws that give him more money, and would often put Rome in debt.
HISTORY-Nero Emperor Nero Arguably the Worst Emperors of Rome Nero’s life was not the best but he also was not the best person. He also dealt with fires and multiple disasters. He made people listen to him sing, made them suffer being burned at the stake, and more. He is also arguably one of the world’s worst Roman emperors in the entire history of Rome. I say arguably because he also did many things in the beginning of his rein of power like lowering the taxes, plays, and games.
While writing from a senatorial perspective, he likely borrowed information from other historians and relied on public records. In Cassius Dio’s Roman History, he reports that Nero had secretly sent out men to set the fire in the city to accomplish his desire of making “an end of the whole city and realm during his lifetime.” After describing the devastation of the fire, Cassius Dio mentions nothing of relief from Nero, but only that he sang and played the lyre from the roof of the palace to obtain the best view of the burning
“The imperial system of the Roman Empire depended heavily on the personality and standing of the emperor himself.” (Introduction to Ancient Rome, 2017) The evidence supports the claim that the assassination of Julius Caesar and the shift in power to an unpopular emperor led to the decline and collapse of the imperial system. The emperor held the highest authority in the empire, and their role and personality played an essential role in maintaining stability and ensuring the success of the empire. Weaker or less significant emperors often resulted in economic crises, barbarian invasions, and overall chaos.
Why did you pick this topic? I selected this topic based upon my deep interest in Roman history and the controversial topic of religion. 2. 2.
He set Rome ablaze and used the Christians as scapegoats. He accused them of arson and persecuted many by burning them alive or allowing dogs to tear them to pieces (Lunn-Rockliffe). Emperor Diocletian (284-305) was also notorious for the persecution of Christians. A fire broke out in his palace which caused him great anger. Like the Romans did to the Christians when Nero was in rule, they blamed them for the fire.