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Sign up todayThe Great Fire of Rome
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Learn moreIn 64 AD, on the night of July 19, a fire began beneath the stands of Rome's great stadium, the Circus Maximus. The fire would spread over the coming days to engulf much of the city of Rome. From this calamity, one of the ancient world's most devastating events, legends grew: that Nero had been responsible for the fire, and fiddled while Rome burned, and that Nero blamed the Christians of Rome, burning them alive in punishment, making them the first recorded martyrs to the Christian faith at Rome.
The Great Fire of Romeopens at the beginning of 64 AD and follows the events in and around Rome as they unfold in the seven months leading up to the great fire. As the year progresses we learn that the infamous young emperor Nero, who was twenty-six at the time of the fire, is celebrating a decade in power. Yet the palace is far from complacent, and the streets of Rome are simmering with talk of revolt.
Dando-Collins introduces the fascinating cavalcade of historical characters who were in Rome during the first seven months of 64 AD and played a part in the great drama. Using ancient sources, as well as modern archaeology, Dando-Collins describes the fire itself and its aftermath, as Nero personally directed relief efforts and reconstruction.
The Great Fire of Romeis an unforgettable human drama that brings ancient Rome and the momentous events of 64 AD to scorching life.
Stephen Dando-Collins is the award-winning author of 40 books, including children's novels and biographies. The majority of his works deal with military history ranging from Greek and Roman times to American 19th century history and World War I and World War II. Many of his books have been translated into foreign languages including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Albanian and Korean. Considered an authority on the legions of ancient Rome, his most recent work on the subject, 2012's Legions of Rome, was the culmination of decades of research into the individual legions of Rome. With all his books, Dando-Collins aims to travel roads that others have not, unearthing new facts and opening new perspectives on often forgotten or overlooked people and aspects of history. Australian-born, he has a background in advertising, marketing and market research. His latest book is MR SHOWBIZ, the first ever biography of international music, stage and movie mogul Robert Stigwood, who managed the Bee Gees, Cream, Clapton, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber among many others, and produced Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Saturday Night Fever and Grease.
Patrick Cullen, a native of Massachusetts, is a graduate of the Catholic University of America. He lives in Washington, DC, where he works in theater.
Reviews
“[A] totally interesting book…You will learn the many secrets and the scandals that surround this most mysterious of historical event.”
“Dando-Collins takes readers inside ancient Rome and its political intrigues that unfold alongside a momentous human drama.”
“A fine addition to any history collection focusing on the time of antiquity.”
“Dando-Collins vividly recreates one of history’s most famous events…Drawing heavily upon the conflicting accounts of the fire and Nero’s rise and demise in the works of Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio, historian Dando-Collins energetically recreates the days leading up to the fire, the conflagration itself, and the subsequent decline of Nero’s fortunes.”
“John Lescault’s narration is clear and crisp; he has good pacing and expression, and his voice is likable…This program will interest anyone who wants to know the real story of the sad, deluded, and sometimes vicious last of the Caesars.”
“Surprisingly little nonfiction exists for a general audience about the Great Fire of Rome…Dando-Collins fills this gap with an exciting, novelistic account of the fire that remains solidly grounded in the primary source literature…This book will appeal to general Roman history buffs and students with its fast pacing and dramatic content. Recommended.”
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