Think History Is Set in Stone? These 5 Historical Conspiracy Theories May Surprise You!

5) Fire of Rome

In 64 A.D., a fire swept through Rome and lasted for 6 days, though the estimated damaged has been unclear. The only 2 reports of the time differ wildly in their appraisal of the damage. But, they agree that the fire lasted almost a week. It has been said that the Emperor Nero, who ruled from 54 A.D. to 68 A.D., started the fire himself in order to make way for a personal project close to his heart.

Nero’s rule was fraught with suspicion from from the start. His mother, Agrippina was thought to have murdered Emperor Claudius, Nero’s predecessor, an act which Nero is thought to have followed up with the murder of Claudius’ son, Tiberius.

His rise to power was bloody, by accounts of the time. So, his public image certainly was lacking. Because of this it is possible that tales of his arson were inflated because so many disliked him. Still, the suspected reason why Nero would have torched part of the city seems quite plausible. It was said that the emperor wanted to redesign the city and that the Senate would not agree. But, if there was a fire, then there would be no choice but to rebuild anew, to his design.

The opulent Domus Aurea was Nero’s great villa built on the site of homes destroyed by the fire. Gilt-covered and with jewels set into the walls and frescoed rooms in abundance, this grand landmark certainly lends evidence that the emperor had plans for greater accommodations.

Though Nero was away from Rome at the time of the fire, it is possible that he could have ordered the blaze to be set in his absence. Nero blamed the fire on the Christians, who were then tortured and executed, a move which did not sit well with the Senate, and which began the persecution of Christians in Rome. In light of growing unpopularity due to his tax policies, Nero begged his secretary to kill him in 68 A.D.

Some of these theories may remain mysteries, but others have been proven to be false. It’s interesting to learn, in this age of modern media, the conspiracy theories from before the internet existed. If you liked this, then check out these historical hoaxes!