Rome Burning

"Nero became Emperor in A.D 54. On the evening of July 18, 64 A. D., it seems that a lamp was left unextinguished in a stall still heaped with piles of combustible material. Whether this was accidental or deliberate we cannot now determine, and normally it would not have led to anything that would have attracted even local attention. But there was a gusty wind that night, and the flickering flame was fanned onto the flammable wares. The ensuing fire quickly spread. Before the onlookers could absorb what was happening one of the most catastrophic disasters ever to be endured by Rome was already underway. It was a disaster that brought death and misery to thousands. In Nero and the Great Fire of Rome, Anthony Barrett draws on new textual interpretations and the latest archaeological evidence, to tell the story of this pivotal moment in Rome's history and its lasting significance. Barrett argues that the Great Fire, which destroyed much of the city, changed the course of Roman History. The fire led to the collapse of Nero's regime, and his disorderly exit brought an end to Rome's first imperial dynasty, transforming from thereto, the way that emperors were selected. It also led to the first systematic persecution of the Christians, who were blamed for the blaze. Barrett provides the first comprehensive study of this dramatic event, which remains a fascination of the public imagination, and continues to be a persistent theme in the art and literature of popular culture today"--

A lively and accessible guide to the rich literary, philosophical and artistic achievements of the notorious age of Nero.

In a parallel modern world, Rome and Japan stand on the brink of world war. When the Emperor falls ill, his young nephew Marcus Novius Caesar finds himself taking command of the greatest power on Earth. But behind the clash of empires, hidden forces are at work. For Marcus and his allies the price of peace will be higher than they dreamed. "A thoroughly good read...vividly imagined...elegant, lively writing" - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

In a parallel modern world, Rome and Japan stand on the brink of world war. When the Emperor falls ill, his young nephew Marcus Novius Caesar finds himself taking command of the greatest power on Earth. But behind the clash of empires, hidden forces are at work. For Marcus and his allies the price of peace will be higher than they dreamed. "A thoroughly good read...vividly imagined...elegant, lively writing" - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

"The Burning of Rome" by Alfred J. Church tells about the relations between the first Christians and the Roman government during the times of Nero. This book is being praised for being objective and free from cultural bias, which was inherent to some other books from the same period.