Roman Candles

In the summer of 64 Rome suffered a terrible fire that burned for six days and seven nights consuming almost three quarters of the city. The emporer Nero who many believe was responsible for the fire blamed the christians of Rome and used it to justify their persecution. As many christians that could be found were rounded up and put to death in the most horrific manner for the amusement of the citizens of Rome. In their very deaths they were made the subjects of sport: He had some sewed up in the skins of wild beasts, and then turned savage dogs loose on them until they were chewed to pieces. Other Christians were dressed in shirts dipped in wax, tied to poles, and set on fire in Nero’s garden.