Dio's Roman History: Vol. 9

The ninth of 80 books published over 22 years, this volume of Cassius Dio's Roman History includes the earliest complete account of the Great Fire of Rome occurring on July 19, 64 AD. According to historic accounts like Dio's, the fire spread quickly and burned for six days. Only four of the 14 Roman districts escaped the flames, and three districts were completely destroyed. According to Dio and other historians, Nero, the emperor at the time, sent men out to set fire to the city and sang "The Sack of Troy" while playing his lyre as Rome was consumed in flames.