ANCIENT HISTORY

Rome’s Darkest Hour: Tacitus Chronicles the Unforgettable Horror of the Great Fire

“Terrified, shrieking women, helpless old and young, people intent on their safety, people unselfishly supporting invalids or waiting for them, fugitives and lingerers alike – all heightened the confusion. When people looked back, menacing flames sprang up before them or outflanked them. When they escaped to a neighboring quarter, the fire followed – even districts believed remote proved to be involved. Finally, with no idea where or what to flee, they crowded onto the country roads or lay in the fields. Some who had lost everything – even their food for the day – could have escaped, but preferred to…