64

Events

July 18 - Great fire of Rome: A fire began to burn in the merchant area of Rome and soon burned completely out of control while Emperor Nero allegedly played his lyre and sang while watching the blaze from a safe distance, although there is no hard evidence to support this claim, and it is worth pointing out that fires were very common in Rome at the time. The fire destroyed close to one-half of the city and it was officially blamed on the Christians; a small but growing religious movement. Nero was accused of being the arsonist by popular rumour.
In Rome, persecution of early Christians begins under Roman Emperor Nero.
Nero proposes a new urban planning program based the creation of buildings decorated with ornate porticos, the widening of the streets and the use of open spaces. This plan will not be applied until after his death.
Lyon sends a large sum of money to Rome to aid in the reconstruction. However, during the winter of 64-65, Lyon suffers a catastrophic fire itself, and Nero reciprocates by sending money to Lyon.
Phoenicia becomes part of Syria.

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