Did Nero use human torches? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries. The Roman Emperor Nero, known for his lavish lifestyle and rumored cruelty, has been accused of using human torches in his famous “festival of light” during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. This article delves into the historical evidence and myths surrounding this controversial topic.
The Great Fire of Rome, which raged from July 18 to 19, 64 AD, was a catastrophic event that destroyed a significant portion of the city. Nero, who was already under suspicion for his extravagance and rumored involvement in the fire, was accused of using human torches to light up his gardens during the festival of light that was held to celebrate the fire’s end. According to ancient sources, Nero watched the flames from his palace, while musicians played and guests enjoyed the spectacle.
One of the most famous accounts of Nero using human torches comes from the Roman historian Tacitus. In his “Annals,” Tacitus writes that Nero “dashed out sparks of fire himself” and “set fire to houses.” However, Tacitus also mentions that Nero was not the only one to blame for the fire, suggesting that the fire may have been started accidentally by a street vendor.
Another ancient source, the “Suetonius,” provides a more graphic description of Nero’s alleged use of human torches. According to Suetonius, Nero “commanded that certain slaves should be bound to stakes and set on fire.” This account, however, is considered to be less reliable than Tacitus’s, as Suetonius was writing much later and his work is often seen as more biased.
Despite the claims made by Tacitus and Suetonius, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Nero used human torches. Many historians argue that the use of human torches was a myth created by Nero’s contemporaries to vilify him. The idea of using human torches was considered cruel and inhumane, and Nero’s enemies may have used this myth to tarnish his reputation.
Furthermore, the concept of using human torches was not unique to Nero. In ancient Rome, there were instances of slaves and prisoners being used as torchbearers in various ceremonies and events. However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that Nero specifically ordered the use of human torches during the Great Fire of Rome.
In conclusion, while the claim that Nero used human torches during the Great Fire of Rome is a popular myth, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim. Historians and scholars continue to debate the accuracy of the accounts provided by Tacitus and Suetonius, and the true nature of Nero’s involvement in the fire remains a topic of controversy. Whether or not Nero used human torches, it is clear that his reign was marked by extravagance and controversy, and the Great Fire of Rome remains one of the most infamous events in Roman history.
