After the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE, Emperor Nero adopted several policies that were significant in response to the disaster. One of the most notable actions he took was to initiate a large-scale reconstruction of the city. He proposed a new urban plan that included wider streets, the use of fire-resistant materials, and the construction of more public spaces and amenities.
Additionally, Nero controversially acquired large tracts of land for his own use, leading to the establishment of his lavish Golden House (Domus Aurea) on part of the land cleared by the fire. Many contemporaries criticized this move, suggesting that he was more interested in personal gain than in the welfare of the city’s inhabitants.
To deflect blame for the fire, Nero also initiated a persecution of Christians, whom he scapegoated and accused of starting the fire, leading to brutal punishments and executions. This marked one of the earliest instances of organized persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.
Overall, Nero's policies following the fire reflected a mix of urban reform, personal ambition, and political maneuvering.