Rome Is Burning: Nero and the Fire That Ended a Dynasty

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Rome Is Burning, by distinguished Roman historian Anthony Barrett, provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of the Great Fire of Rome, its immediate aftermath, and its damaging long-term consequences for the Roman world. Drawing on new archaeological discoveries and sifting through all the literary evidence, he argues that the disaster was a turning point in Roman history, leading to the fall of Nero and the end of the dynasty that began with Julius Caesar. The book describes how the fire destroyed much of the city, threw the population into panic, destroyed Neros golden image, provoked a financial crisis, and caused currency devaluation. It also surveys recent archaeological evidence that shows visible traces of the fires destruction. Finally, the book describes the fires continuing afterlife in literature, opera, ballet, and film.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Rome Is Burning: A Comprehensive History of the Great Fire of Rome and its Damaging Long-Term Consequences for the Roman Empire

According to legend, the Roman emperor Nero set fire to his majestic imperial capital on the night of July 19, AD 64, and fiddled while the city burned. This captivating story has been retold for over two millennia, but it is highly unlikely that any part of it is true. In his groundbreaking book, Rome Is Burning, distinguished Roman historian Anthony Barrett sets the record straight, offering a comprehensive and authoritative account of the Great Fire of Rome, its immediate aftermath, and its devastating long-term consequences for the Roman world.

Drawing on remarkable new archaeological discoveries and meticulously sifting through all available literary evidence, Barrett provides a detailed account of what is known about the events of that fateful night. He challenges the prevailing myths and misconceptions, revealing the truth behind the disaster. Rome Is Burning argues that the Great Fire of Rome was a turning point in Roman history, ultimately leading to the fall of Nero and the end of the dynasty that began with Julius Caesar.

The book delves into the devastating impact of the fire, which destroyed much of the city and threw the population into panic. It describes how the fire also tarnished Nero's golden image and triggered a financial crisis and currency devaluation that had lasting effects on the Roman economy. Moreover, Rome Is Burning presents a wealth of recent archaeological evidence that vividly showcases the destruction caused by the fire. Through numerous photographs, the book provides a visual glimpse into the aftermath of this catastrophic event.

In addition to its historical significance, the book explores the enduring legacy of the Great Fire of Rome in literature, opera, ballet, and film. It examines how the fire has been depicted and interpreted over the centuries, shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of the Roman world. Rome Is Burning promises to become the definitive account of the Great Fire of Rome for our time, offering a rich and detailed narrative that sheds new light on this pivotal moment in Roman history.

Dimension: 203 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691233949