# Great Fire of Rome and Nero's persecution (64)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/64-great-fire-of-rome-and-nero-s-persecution
Location: Rome
Themes: Persecution

After fire devastates Rome, Emperor Nero blames the Christians, many of whom are executed in the first state persecution. At this point in the timeline (19 July 64), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Linus (c. 64 – c. 76). Dates for the earliest bishops of Rome are traditional and uncertain.

## Why it matters
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's persecution mattered because it shows how Christians and others suffered for faith and how violence shaped the church's memory and identity.

Pope at the time: [Pope Linus](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-linus)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Great Fire of Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_Rome)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Great Fire of Rome and Nero's persecution](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Great+Fire+of+Rome+and+Nero%27s+persecution)
- [Wikipedia — Apostolic Age (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Age)