Nero and the Great Earthquake of AD 62

Nero: Mad Tyrant or Misunderstood Emperor? — Fexingo History · Oct 9, 2026 · 9m · transcript

While history often remembers Nero for the Great Fire of Rome, his response to the devastating earthquake of AD 62 reveals a different side of his character. This episode explores how the emperor channeled imperial resources into rapid reconstruction efforts across Campania and the wider Mediterranean. We examine the architectural innovations used in rebuilding Pompeii and Herculaneum, and how Nero’s personal involvement in relief efforts challenged the narrative of the self-indulgent tyrant. By looking at archaeological evidence alongside historical accounts from Tacitus and Suetonius, we…