In what year did the Great Fire of Rome occur?

• A. 60 CE
• B. 64 CE
• C. 70 CE
• D. 80 CE

Answer: (B)

This item tests your knowledge of when the Great Fire of Rome happened. The event is dated to 64 CE, during Nero’s reign. Historical sources indicate the fire broke out in July and burned for about a week, devastating large parts of the city. In the aftermath, Nero initiated rebuilding efforts and, controversially, blamed Christians, which later fed into persecutions. Because the fire is consistently placed in 64 CE by ancient historians, that year is the best answer. The other years correspond to different moments in Roman history and don’t match the fire’s established date.