Nero Key Quotes Flashcards
“Nero watched the fire of Rome from the Tower of Maecenas, enraptured by what he called ‘the beauty of the flames,’ and sang of the destruction of Troy, dressed in his stage costume.”
Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars (Nero, 38)
Suetonius accuses Nero of callously enjoying the Great Fire of Rome (64 CE) while likening the city’s destruction to the fall of Troy. Although historically debated, this anecdote cemented Nero’s reputation for cruelty and detachment from his people’s suffering.
“Hence, to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with guilt and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities.”
Tacitus, Annals (15.44)
Tacitus condemns Nero for using Christians as scapegoats to deflect blame for the fire of Rome. This quote is one of the earliest accounts of Christian persecution in Rome, illustrating Nero’s ruthlessness and willingness to scapegoat minorities for political purposes.
“Nero showed neither discrimination nor moderation in his acts, but resorted to murder, banishment, and confiscation of property to make himself master of everything.”
Cassius Dio, Roman History (63.29)
Cassius Dio highlights Nero’s use of extreme measures-murder, exile, and theft-to secure power and wealth. This quote emphasizes Nero’s oppressive and tyrannical nature, reflecting how he systematically eliminated rivals and enriched himself at the expense of others.
