The Great Fire of Rome
The Ancients13 Apr 2023

The Great Fire of Rome

In July 64AD, the Great Fire of Rome tore across the city, and ultimately burnt two thirds of Rome to ashes before it could be bought under control. A devastating event that can still be seen in the archaeology today, it ultimately led to the first persecution against the early Roman Christians. With legends of the narcissistic Nero playing the fiddle as his city burnt around him, and conspiracy theories as to who actually started this catastrophic blaze - what actually happened in July 64AD?


In this episode Tristan welcomes Professor Ginna Closs to the podcast to help shine a light on this murky day in Roman history. Looking at the ancient fire brigade that eventually helped to quell the blaze, the legacy that Nero left, and ultimately how the city was rebuilt - it's fair to say the Great Fire of Rome was a defining moment in history. So what really happened, and what can we learn from the new evidence coming to light?


For more Ancients content, subscribe to our Ancients newsletter here. If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(597)

The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations

The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations

Iconic monumental stone heads, the intriguing Lord of Las Limas, the enigmatic 'were-jaguar' figures, so much survives from the ancient Olmec civilisation.Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Jillian Molle...

7 Aug 20251h 8min

Livia: Empress of Rome

Livia: Empress of Rome

Powerful, cunning, uncompromising, even murderous (allegedly)... meet Rome’s first empress and one of ancient history’s ultimate power players.Livia Drusilla has long been cast as the bloodthirsty mat...

3 Aug 20251h

Siberian Ice Mummies

Siberian Ice Mummies

In this special episode of the Ancients, released just hours after the embargo on new research was lifted, Tristan Hughes discusses the fascinating discovery of ancient Siberian ice mummies and their ...

30 Jul 202549min

Fall of Roman London

Fall of Roman London

Why was London transformed from a bustling Roman metropolis into a ghost town by the fifth century?Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Dominic Perring to explore the rich archaeological findings that revea...

27 Jul 202558min

Irish Mythology

Irish Mythology

Epic heroes, sacred rivers & ancient gods – this is Irish mythology as you’ve never heard it. From Newgrange to the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s myths are rooted firmly in its prehistoric past.In today's e...

24 Jul 20251h 6min

Megalodon

Megalodon

As part of our week of Sharks on the Ancients, today we tell the story of Megalodon, the largest living marine animal, ever.Does this colossal prehistoric shark still lurk beneath the waves? Tristan H...

20 Jul 202540min

The First Sharks

The First Sharks

Long before the first dinosaurs, the first trees or even the formation of the rings of Saturn, our planet's oceans were ruled by prehistoric sharks.Across two special episodes of The Ancients this wee...

17 Jul 202551min

The Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba

A figure of wealth, wisdom, and global fascination - how did the Queen of Sheba become one of history’s most enduring royal icons?In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Jillian Stinchcomb to ...

13 Jul 202552min

Populært innen Historie

rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
henrettelsespodden
rss-historiske-romanser
rss-katastrofe
historier-som-endret-norge
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
sektledere
rss-benadet
historier-som-endret-verden
aftenposten-historie
rss-frontkjemperne
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
rss-gamle-greier
med-egne-oyne
vare-historier
sannhet-eller-konspirasjon
historiepodden-ww2
undersattene
rss-alt-var-bedre-for
rss-historiepodden-ww2