A great fire erupted in Rome on July 19, 64 that lasted for 5 days. There are different theories on what started the fire, however, many people believe that the emperor of that time, Nero, was behind the creation of the fire. Nero had wanted to rebuild Rome to his liking and the fire was the perfect catalyst to allow for this to happen. After the fire Nero collected large sums of money for the rebuilding efforts and he rebuilt himself a new palace known as the Domus Aureus.

Some historians mention how Christians admitted to starting the fire, but it is also believed that these Christians were forced to admit to it otherwise they would be tortured.