Rome Is Burning

“Intriguing… . A lucid analysis of Nero and the Great Fire, enhanced by Barrett’s clear, engaging style, his obvious love of his subject, and an extensive selection of maps, schematics and photographs. Historically minded visitors to Rome as well as Roman-history enthusiasts will appreciate the erudition and context with which he illuminates one of the great stories—and personalities—of the ancient world.”—Diana Preston, Washington Post“Barrett’s central and most timely theme is the role of rumour and conspiracy theory in accelerating political change… . What matters for Barrett isn’t so much whether Nero started the fire as what it meant to Rome to believe that he had.”—James Romm, London Review of Books“A thorough, high-quality work on Emperor Nero and the fire that destroyed Rome in 64 CE… . Sure to be the most enduring treatment of this major historical event for some time.” * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *“Anthony Barrett has produced arguably the most comprehensive and detailed treatment of the fiery disaster… .Barrett’s work exemplifies the latest, most detailed and generously illustrated narrative about the Great Fire to date, and would be an asset on the shelf of anyone, scholar or enthusiast, interested in the archaeology and history of Rome.” * Popular Archaeology *”[Rome Is Burning brings] together wide-ranging and up to date evidence to present the state-of-the-art view of the fire of 64, and its reception down the millennia in film and ballet etc., that will satisfy both scholar and interested layman.”—Adrian Spooner, Classics for All“Rome Is Burning is a lucid analysis of Nero and the Great Fire, enhanced by Barrett’s clear, engaging style, his obvious love of his subject, and an extensive selection of maps, schematics and photographs. Any person with even a passing interest in the history of Rome will find this book interesting and illuminating.”—Dr. LF Ivings, Journal of Classics Teaching

Anthony A. Barrett is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia and visiting professor at the University of Heidelberg. His many books include Caligula: The Abuse of Power and Livia: First Lady of Imperial Rome. He is also the coeditor of The Emperor Nero: A Guide to the Ancient Sources.