Nero Burning Rome - Why Its a Myth

Nero Burning Rome - Why Its a Myth Separated by almost two millennia from a devastating event in the ancient city of Rome, came a software program called Nero Burning Rom that allows you to burn discs. The event in ancient Rome was so significant that we still remember it, albeit, with crucial details confused. Rome burned, true, in A.D. 64. Ten of 14 districts burned. The involuntary demolition paved the way for Neros lavish building project that culminated in his domus aurea or Golden House and colossal self-statue. Nero, however, didnt burn Rome  or at least didnt start the burning. [See: Nero as Incendiary, by Robert K. Bohm; The Classical World, Vol. 79, No. 6 (Jul. - Aug., 1986), pp. 400-401.] Even had Nero been present at the time of the burning, the other tale told in connection with Nero burning Rome is untrue: Nero did not fiddle while Rome burned. At most he played a stringed instrument or sang an epic poem, but there were no violins, so he couldnt have fiddled. Tacitus on Nero Tacitus (Annals XV) writes the following about the possibility of Nero burning Rome. Notice that there are others who were deliberately setting fires and that Nero acted with some compassion towards the suddenly homeless. A disaster followed, whether accidental or treacherously contrived by the emperor, is uncertain, as authors have given both accounts, worse, however, and more dreadful than any which have ever happened to this city by the violence of fire. It had its beginning in that part of the circus which adjoins the Palatine and Caelian hills, where, amid the shops containing inflammable wares, the conflagration both broke out and instantly became so fierce and so rapid from the wind that it seized in its grasp the entire length of the circus. For here there were no houses fenced in by solid masonry, or temples surrounded by walls, or any other obstacle to interpose delay. The blaze in its fury ran first through the level portions of the city, then rising to the hills, while it again devastated every place below them, it outstripped all preventive measures; so rapid was the mischief and so completely at its mercy the city, with those narrow winding passages and irregular streets, which characte rised old Rome. Added to this were the wailings of terror-stricken women, the feebleness of age, the helpless inexperience of childhood, the crowds who sought to save themselves or others, dragging out the infirm or waiting for them, and by their hurry in the one case, by their delay in the other, aggravating the confusion. Often, while they looked behind them, they were intercepted by flames on their side or in their face. Or if they reached a refuge close at hand, when this too was seized by the fire, they found that, even places, which they had imagined to be remote, were involved in the same calamity. At last, doubting what they should avoid or whither betake themselves, they crowded the streets or flung themselves down in the fields, while some who had lost their all, even their very daily bread, and others out of love for their kinsfolk, whom they had been unable to rescue, perished, though escape was open to them. And no one dared to stop the mischief, because of incessant me naces from a number of persons who forbade the extinguishing of the flames, because again others openly hurled brands, and kept shouting that there was one who gave them authority, either seeking to plunder more freely, or obeying orders.Other ancient historians were quicker to put the finger on Nero. Heres what the court gossip Suetonius says:38 1 But he showed no greater mercy to the people or the walls of his capital. When someone in a general conversation said: When I am dead, be earth consumed by fire, he rejoined Nay, rather while I live, and his action was wholly in accord. For under cover of displeasure at the ugliness of the old buildings and the narrow, crooked streets, he set fire to the city so openly that several ex-consuls did not venture to lay hands on his chamberlains although they caught them on their estates with tow and fire-brands, while some granaries near the Golden House, whose room he particularly desired, were demolished by engines of war and then set on fi re, because their walls were of stone. 2 For six days and seven nights destruction raged, while the people were driven for shelter to monuments and tombs.Suetonius Nero Nero at this time was at Antium, and did not return to Rome until the fire approached his house, which he had built to connect the palace with the gardens of Maecenas. It could not, however, be stopped from devouring the palace, the house, and everything around it. However, to relieve the people, driven out homeless as they were, he threw open to them the Campus Martius and the public buildings of Agrippa, and even his own gardens, and raised temporary structures to receive the destitute multitude. Supplies of food were brought up from Ostia and the neighbouring towns, and the price of corn was reduced to three sesterces a peck. These acts, though popular, produced no effect, since a rumour had gone forth everywhere that, at the very time when the city was in flames, the emperor appeared on a private stage and sang of the destruction of Troy, comparing present misfortunes with the calamities of antiquity.At last, after five days, an end was put to the conflagration at the foot of th e Esquiline hill, by the destruction of all buildings on a vast space, so that the violence of the fire was met by clear ground and an open sky. But before people had laid aside their fears, the flames returned, with no less fury this second time, and especially in the spacious districts of the city. Consequently, though there was less loss of life, the temples of the gods, and the porticoes which were devoted to enjoyment, fell in a yet more widespread ruin. And to this conflagration there attached the greater infamy because it broke out on the Aemilian property of Tigellinus, and it seemed that Nero was aiming at the glory of founding a new city and calling it by his name. Rome, indeed, is divided into fourteen districts, four of which remained uninjured, three were levelled to the ground, while in the other seven were left only a few shattered, half-burnt relics of houses.Tacitus AnnalsTranslated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb. Also see: Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned, by Mary Francis Gyles; The Classical Journal Vol. 42, No. 4 (Jan. 1947), 211‑217.

Critical Analysis for Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Critical Analysis for Managers - Essay Example In case there are hitches in the systems or the cultural elements are disjointed, the organization ends up performing below its standards. Through a case study, this paper will compare and contrast the systems and cultures and discuss the extent to which each can illuminate and inform the management role. In Disney-Smile Factory case, the employees identify themselves with the organization. The organization has been able to develop a positive culture which ensures that the employees are proud of working in Disneyland. For instance, Disneyland look is often a source of some amusement to the subordinates who feel privileged to be part of the group that puts a smile on the faces of thousands of the customers who visit the park each day. As a result, even during stressing days, employees are able to control their emotions and deal with delays and queries emanating from the customers without feeling aggrieved by the load of the work and responsibilities (Inceoglu 2002). The systems have played a significant role in enabling the employees to feel as a part of the organization. For instance, the organization has ensured that the systems that are in place minimize the contact of the employees with the customers (Murthy 2007). Therefore, when they are needed to intervene, the employees go out of their way in order to initiate contact with Disneyland customers. However, such a hitch does not make the employees feel as if it’s odd. This is because they are satisfied with the working environment in the organization and they are always ready to ensure that they go out of their way in order to ensure that the customers are satisfied with the services being offered (Hiriyappa 2009). This aspect has played a significant role in increasing customer loyalty towards the organization. Furthermore, it has lowered the level of turnover in the organization. The systems especially those

Conflict resolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Conflict resolution - Essay Example The subject of conflict resolution is and will always remain vital despite the organizational philosophy adopted for mediating worker-worker relationship (Daniel, 2001). Furthermore, because of increased global competition and attendant demand to increase profitability by reducing the bottom line; it is a fact worth noting that conflict in the modern workplace is more than ever likely to be attributable to both in-fighting over limited resources bases within and between firm units and lessened opportunities for stable employment(Daniel, 2001). In writing about conflict resolution, Daniel discussed about three conflict resolution theories which include: power contests, rights contest and interest reconciliation. In this paper, the main focus will be on interest reconciliation as a way of resolving conflict. In trying to understand ways for resolving conflict, the paper will use the 1926 United Kingdom general strike as an example. Discussion Interest reconciliation, according to Danie l, is one of the best methods for solving either personally or at organizational level. The interest reconciliation theory involves a crucial step of recognizing potential for conflict of interest. In many instances, effective conflict resolution can make a difference between negative and positive outcomes (Daniel, 2001). The following is some viable steps that arise from interest reconciliation as a way of resolving conflict, as lifted from the works of Daniel (2001). This mostly applies to organization or government institutions as the case of 1926 UK conflict. Develop a clear policy on disclosure, so that all the stakeholders know what outside interest must be divulged. This is necessary because sometimes affected parties might have not recognized the conflict or did not reveal it in good time. Distribute this information or policy to each and every that is affected by the conflict either directly or indirectly. This will make the information available to the world at large. Keep the policy proportionate. For example, it may arise that a person who has a conflicting interest should just dislodge himself from a decision-making process or a particular meeting. The next step is to develop a clear policy that will handle the situation by ensuring that a person does not disclose conflicting interest. The 1926 UK general strike was a general strike that lasted nine days. It was a conflict between general council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the British government. The main area of conflict was the demand by the TUC to force the government to prevent the wage reduction and worsening conditions for 800,000 locked-out coal miners. The workers maintained resistance for a few months before their own economic demands forced them to go back to the mines. On May 1926, the trade union congress announced that the strike was called off after a return to work formula was developed between them and the British government. This was after thorough consultation with the concerned parties and after some interest has been satisfied. As can be noted, the above example is true description of how interest reconciliation can be used to resolve conflicts. Both the TUC and the British government had different interest at first. However, with the emergence of conflict, they were forced to reconcile their

Simmons Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Simmons Case Study - Essay Example Other than one of it's plants, they were all run military style, turnover was high and it appeared to no one was very happy to be coming to work and even more important the managers had no sense of responsibility for their staff other then to drive them in their jobs. The economy had turned sour after 911 and their competitors were beginning to do somewhat better. To top it all, they had lost good contact with customers and with suppliers and had just instituted a bad set of foam that made their mattresses smell bad. In this atmosphere, their CEO wanted to institute a training program that was very expensive and very innovative. When money is tight, it is most difficult to think about pushing forward into something new, especially if you are at the helm, the CEO. On the average, during a recession the employees are at their lowest moral and the worth of an excellent leader becomes more important than ever. According to Leb (2009), there are many things that the leader must be able to do and certainly the ability to do and one of those is to inspire those who are employed by him. In support of innovation during hard times is a survey done by Bloomberg Business Week (2009), in which they surveyed CEO's that had put in place new and innovative programs during hard times in the economy and in their companies. ... It is easy for the leadership of an organization to throw up their hands, similar to the employees, and say "there is just nothing we can do right now" and ride it out. The biggest problem with that kind of attitude is the fact that someone will pull out of head while you are waiting. In evaluating whether this should happen, a couple of things came to mind. Simmons believes in CHOICES which is the caring, history, opportunity, innovation, customers, empowerment, and support. The culture of the company does not provide for this belief. Only one plant in the several has managed to accomplish this kind of atmosphere, therefore, they need to change their values and cultural beliefs or the way they do things. The other is ethical beliefs of fairness, respect, integrity, and fostering growth and development in others. Under the present organizations culture, none of these things are happening at the level of the employees as the present managerial group continues to run the company like a dictatorship and employees are generally very unhappy (Casciaro & Edmondson, 2007). The main objectives of GGOL were to help people understand what their full potential at work might be. Their philosophy was that "profitable organizational growth is a result of satisfied and loyal customers; a committed, cooperative, and creative organizational culture; and a leadership team that empowers and serves the workforce." After seeing the video, it became obvious that this is built from the individual up, not the other way. Employees must understand where they fit in and how to interact without fear and with trust, in order to improve the processes that would lead to

HR management , managing people for competitive advantage Essay

HR management , managing people for competitive advantage - Essay Example About competitive advantage, Olsen states, â€Å"It is what you do best that draws customers to buy your product/service instead of your competitor's†. Competitive advantage provides many considerable benefits to the companies, such as, increase in the levels of productivity, increase in the profits, and creation of a loyal client base. Some of the factors, which contribute towards achievement of competitive advantage in the market, include good public relations strategy, effective business management strategy, provision of premium quality products to the consumers, and a talented and efficient workforce. Effective marketing strategies also play a great role in making a company achieve and maintain competitive advantage. About the importance of marketing strategies in this regard, Tatum states, â€Å"Aggressive and appealing marketing campaigns can help to establish a company and its product line as being highly desirable†. Implementation of generic business strategies and presence of an efficient workforce are two of the most important factors behind achievement of competitive advantage in the market. In this paper, we will discuss what recruitment is and how human resource department of a company can manage the workforce for achieving competitive advantage. ... Employees work for the production of high quality products, which is one of the main factors for the achievement of competitive advantage. Along with the process of recruitment, effective management of the workforce is also very important in order to achieve competitive advantage. HR department is mainly responsible for the management of all issues related to employees. If employees are satisfied with a company, they work with more commitment and dedication, which brings more benefits to the company in the form of increased productivity and profitability. Therefore, managers need to take care of all needs of the employees in order to make them competitive and productive for the company. Recruitment is a very sensitive process because success of a company primarily depends on the number of proficient and skilled employees working for the company. Some companies make use of recruitment agencies for the selection of right candidates. About recruitment agencies, Worth states, â€Å"Such agencies are experts in evaluating a hiring company's needs against the skills and experience of job seekers†. The HR management of the company contacts recruitment agencies whenever the company needs new employees. Recruitment agencies advertise jobs through different media, collect resumes of the candidates, interview potential candidates, match employee skills with hiring company’s requirements, and maintain a proper database of all candidates. The management staff of the company provides all details to the agencies, which helps the agencies recruit best employees for the company. Such details include job description, job responsibilities, list of required and preferred education, required skills and experience, and the pay scale. Based on

Major fire or explosion at an industrial production, transportation, Research Paper

Major fire or explosion at an industrial production, transportation, or storage facility. I have picked the phillips disaster of 1989 - Research Paper Example The explosive force is said to be 2.4 tons of TNT triggered by unidentified source of ignition. The ignition sources could be catalyst activator, forklift, welding or cutting-torch equipments or the electrical gear in the control rooms or in the finishing building. The debris spewed to a distance as far as six miles and seismographic data revealed the explosion at 3 to 4 on the Richter scale. The main explosion was followed by another explosion within 15 minutes when two huge isobutene storage tanks exploded. In all, there were six more explosions at the site (Bethea, Robert). The initial explosion caused the death of 23 persons which included 21 employees from the Phillips and two were from contractors maintenance team. All fatalities occurred within 250 ft of the initial gas point of release (Bethea, Robert). 2. Phillipss operating procedure mentioned that the pipes that supply air to the valve actuator should not be connected during the time of maintenance; however, that was not the case as it could be connected during maintenance. 3. The air supply valves were in the open position to allow the air flow making the actuator to rotate the Demco valve as soon as the hoses were connected. The valve lockout system was not such that it could prevent someone from opening the Demco valve during maintenance of the plant. (Bethea, Robert) b) The lockout device was taken out from the Demco with the air supply reconnected and the block valve was in open state with the leg closed which was subsequently opened to the atmosphere without Demco valve relocked (Bethea, Robert). The site had no fixed gas detection system though it held huge quantity of inflammable material under high pressure. This prevented early warning signals of gas leak or release (Health and Safety Executive). In an attempt to douse the fire, firewater was taken from the

Roman Art Essay Example for Free

Roman Art Essay The ancient Greeks and Romans left such artistic treasures in art and architecture that the world is still using them as models. Their sense of style and symmetry was such that everything seemed to fit together perfectly. There was an emphasis on the capture of beauty and perfection so that what is left will always be classic art. The Statue of Meleager and A Grave Marker are perfect examples of how statues from two different empires represent the societies and the artistic periods of their day. Two unknown sculptures produces both The Statue of Meleager and A Grave Marker. Lack of records is a sad fact of much of the artistic works of the ancient periods. Many could not read or write even if they were accomplished artist. The records that were kept have had to constantly battle the test of times. Much of the materials used for writings simply could not stand up to the elements of time. Then of course, many important documents were destroyed each time a different empire would overtake the one before it. So the world is left with incredible pieces of art work yet it will never know whose hands crafted it with such talent. These two statues are no different. It is evident by the craftsmanship that whoever carved them, were not armatures, but talented sculptures. Their works have remained, but the names and lives are lost forever. Since the sculptures’ identities are lost forever, there is no way of knowing who the patrons of these great works of art were. However, there surely would have been a patron of each of the works. The sculpture of a youth from A Grave Marker has been recognized as being from circa three hundred and eighty B. C. Since it is a grave marker, there surely would have been a patron. It would have been commissioned after the death of this young man since the death of one so young would not have been expected. The patron would have been wealthy since many of the graves in ancient Greece were not marked at all. This one proclaims wealth and importance. Even though the Greeks tried hard to not have a social hierarchy, There was a notable social mobility for certain groups, and exception not permitted in ancient Greece. (D’Ambre) The fact that the subject is a youth points toward some kind of family importance because he would not have lived long enough to have established his own life and accomplishments. This grieving patron would have hired the best that Greece offered at the time. The sculpture would have to have known the subject to have created such a life like image. There were no photographs at the time so the work would have had to be done from memory. Therefore the sculpture would have also been in a state of mourning when the work was done. The Stature of Meleager would also most likely been commissioned by a patron. The time and materials that it took to produce a work like this would not have been something that a sculpture would not have had the money to produce. It would have taken a great deal of time to sculpt and the artist would have needed money to live. This could have only been possible if he was paid for his services. This statue was produced during the Hellenistic Period which was a time that Greece was under Roman rule. Since the subject is of a god, there is a possibility that the patron could have even been the government. The subjects and uses of A Grave Marker and the Statue of Meleager were quite different. A Grave Marker had a youth who was robbed of his life while young as the subject. He was obviously a real person, while Meleager was a mythological god. The young man, as stated earlier, would have been from a prominent family and possibly even a family that was involved in a high ranking political official. The purpose of the statue was to mark the grave of this young man. The family would have wanted this statue so that they would not forget him and that family throughout the ages would get to see the magnificence of this young man who died too soon. Not only would family be reminded of him, but the rest of the world as well would know that he existed. It would have also had the purpose to help relieve the grief that this family obviously suffered. There would be an image on which they could focus. This image would have captured this young man when he was at his best and so could the family focus on the best time of the subject’s life. The Statue of Meleager would have had the purpose of illuminating the greatness of the Greek god, son of Althaea and Oeneus. He was married to Cleopatra and produced two children, Parthenopeus and Polydora. However, he was in love with Atalanta, a huntress. It was because of her that he had to kill her two brothers, and this led to his death. The purpose of this statue in society was to keep alive the memory of the gods of Greece. When viewed by a person of that culture, he/she would be reminded of the story of this god. Both statues would have been for public display. A Grave Marker would have been outwardly displayed on the grave and the Statue of Meleager would have been prominently displayed in a public place or the garden or courtyard of a wealthy person to be seen at lavish parties and get togethers. Both statues are made of marble so that they would last for many years. Therefore, they would have been made for display instead of decoration. Most sculptures would have been painted, but the painted exterior of has worn away with time. Romans were nearly exclusive in the mixtures of supplies used both for painting and sculptures because of the cost. A Grave Marker is the oldest of the two sculptures. The sad countenance of the young man whose likeness is portrayed allows the viewer to experience the tragic sadness of a life that has been lost too soon. The lines are delicate and flowing while they create a feel of movement. While the hair seems tight and a little unrealistic, it could symbolize the harsh stiffness that is present in death. The statue only consist of the torso and head of the subject perhaps suggesting that he was cut down in life as he is in the statue. The Statue of Meleager is missing its head. However, the grace that the body can only allow the viewer to imagine the delicacy of what the head would have looked like. Meleager is standing, but instead of seeming harsh and erect, he is leaning slightly onto a stump for support, while a wrap is draped fluidly around his neck and shoulders. There are no harsh lines in this stature, only curves, that while delicate, they do not take away from the masculinity of the subject. Works Cited D’Ambre, Eve. Roman Art. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1998. Ramage, Nancy. Ramage, Andrew. Roman Art. New York: 2008.