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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:00,896 --> 00:00:02,379 ♪♪ 2 00:00:02,413 --> 00:00:05,620 Narrator: ancient rome... 3 00:00:05,655 --> 00:00:09,413 Home to a breathtaking Lost palace -- 4 00:00:09,448 --> 00:00:11,310 The domus aurea. 5 00:00:14,862 --> 00:00:19,275 This magnificent building is The vision of a cruel emperor, 6 00:00:19,310 --> 00:00:21,862 Nero. 7 00:00:21,896 --> 00:00:24,275 Does he start The great fire of rome 8 00:00:24,310 --> 00:00:26,103 To build it? 9 00:00:26,137 --> 00:00:29,862 No one had known A fire on this scale before. 10 00:00:29,896 --> 00:00:31,620 Narrator: today, Investigators must solve 11 00:00:31,655 --> 00:00:34,310 The riddle of the fire 12 00:00:34,344 --> 00:00:37,586 To discover the truth Behind the palace 13 00:00:37,620 --> 00:00:39,965 And rome's notorious ruler. 14 00:00:45,275 --> 00:00:47,482 To unearth this mystery, 15 00:00:47,517 --> 00:00:49,931 We'll deconstruct Nero's golden palace 16 00:00:49,965 --> 00:00:52,689 Stone by stone, 17 00:00:52,724 --> 00:00:56,551 Dive beneath Spectacular ancient remains 18 00:00:56,586 --> 00:00:59,000 And reveal what Really burns down 19 00:00:59,034 --> 00:01:02,827 The greatest city Of the ancient world. 20 00:01:02,862 --> 00:01:05,724 --captions by vitac-- Www.Vitac.Com 21 00:01:05,758 --> 00:01:08,620 Captions paid for by Discovery communications 22 00:01:08,655 --> 00:01:12,517 Rome, 64 ad -- 23 00:01:12,551 --> 00:01:14,000 A devastating inferno 24 00:01:14,034 --> 00:01:17,206 Breaks out in the heart Of this ancient city. 25 00:01:17,241 --> 00:01:19,206 It burns for nine days, 26 00:01:19,241 --> 00:01:21,344 Destroying most of the capital. 27 00:01:21,379 --> 00:01:23,206 ♪♪ 28 00:01:23,241 --> 00:01:24,827 A new imperial palace 29 00:01:24,862 --> 00:01:27,448 Rises from the ashes, 30 00:01:27,482 --> 00:01:29,344 Nero's domus aurea, 31 00:01:29,379 --> 00:01:31,724 Or "Golden house." 32 00:01:31,758 --> 00:01:33,000 Archaeologists believe 33 00:01:33,034 --> 00:01:35,724 It once covers A quarter of the city. 34 00:01:43,137 --> 00:01:47,000 Today, little remains Of nero's spectacular home, 35 00:01:47,034 --> 00:01:48,655 But its reputation lives on 36 00:01:48,689 --> 00:01:51,000 In infamy. 37 00:01:51,034 --> 00:01:52,482 New discoveries suggest 38 00:01:52,517 --> 00:01:53,758 That this is a residence 39 00:01:53,793 --> 00:01:55,517 Of unimaginable luxury. 40 00:01:55,551 --> 00:01:58,551 ♪♪ 41 00:01:58,586 --> 00:02:00,862 Hidden beneath modern rome 42 00:02:00,896 --> 00:02:04,724 Lie the traces Of this ancient mega palace. 43 00:02:04,758 --> 00:02:06,448 Roman writers Describe a building 44 00:02:06,482 --> 00:02:08,413 With hundreds of rooms, 45 00:02:08,448 --> 00:02:10,896 Surrounded by lush gardens 46 00:02:10,931 --> 00:02:15,068 And covered with gold, jewels And mother-of-pearl. 47 00:02:15,103 --> 00:02:17,758 Alongside, A private boating lake, 48 00:02:17,793 --> 00:02:20,620 Bigger than 10 olympic swimming pools. 49 00:02:22,689 --> 00:02:25,758 And at the entrance, The crowning glory -- 50 00:02:25,793 --> 00:02:29,724 A giant bronze statue Of the emperor nero himself, 51 00:02:29,758 --> 00:02:33,655 Towering 120 feet tall. 52 00:02:33,689 --> 00:02:35,068 The domus aurea is 53 00:02:35,103 --> 00:02:38,241 One of the largest Palace complexes in the world, 54 00:02:38,275 --> 00:02:40,620 But does it hide a dark secret? 55 00:02:40,655 --> 00:02:44,793 ♪♪ 56 00:02:44,827 --> 00:02:47,896 Nero is rome's fifth emperor. 57 00:02:47,931 --> 00:02:50,206 His reign begins well, 58 00:02:50,241 --> 00:02:51,551 But ancient writers say 59 00:02:51,586 --> 00:02:54,862 It descends into Cruelty and tyranny. 60 00:02:54,896 --> 00:02:57,344 People had a lot of hope In nero, 61 00:02:57,379 --> 00:03:00,793 But they started to change Their opinion of him. 62 00:03:00,827 --> 00:03:02,896 He murdered his mother. 63 00:03:02,931 --> 00:03:04,517 Narrator: nero sends soldiers 64 00:03:04,551 --> 00:03:06,482 To stab his mother to death, 65 00:03:06,517 --> 00:03:09,413 Convinced she is plotting Against him. 66 00:03:09,448 --> 00:03:12,724 She is the first Of many victims. 67 00:03:12,758 --> 00:03:14,413 Higgins: and then He also started 68 00:03:14,448 --> 00:03:16,310 These very self-indulgent 69 00:03:16,344 --> 00:03:19,448 Building projects. 70 00:03:19,482 --> 00:03:21,482 Narrator: ancient writers Accuse the emperor 71 00:03:21,517 --> 00:03:25,655 Of burning down rome To build a gleaming new city. 72 00:03:25,689 --> 00:03:27,517 Are the stories true? 73 00:03:29,517 --> 00:03:31,137 Archaeologist valerie higgins 74 00:03:31,172 --> 00:03:34,620 Investigates how The great fire starts. 75 00:03:34,655 --> 00:03:38,931 She thinks a clue lies Inside this vast structure, 76 00:03:38,965 --> 00:03:41,206 The circus maximus, 77 00:03:41,241 --> 00:03:44,344 Ancient rome's famous Chariot-racing track. 78 00:03:44,379 --> 00:03:47,896 ♪♪ 79 00:03:47,931 --> 00:03:49,172 Down at the far end, 80 00:03:49,206 --> 00:03:51,517 There were the starting gates, 81 00:03:51,551 --> 00:03:55,000 And so the horses Would charge out, 82 00:03:55,034 --> 00:03:57,724 Race up this side of the track. 83 00:03:57,758 --> 00:03:59,758 ♪♪ 84 00:03:59,793 --> 00:04:04,310 Narrator: this mighty stadium is One of nero's favorite haunts. 85 00:04:04,344 --> 00:04:05,896 It also plays a key role 86 00:04:05,931 --> 00:04:09,034 In the fire that gives Birth to his palace. 87 00:04:09,068 --> 00:04:11,689 According to the ancient Historian tacitus, 88 00:04:11,724 --> 00:04:15,379 The fire started in this corner Of the racetrack. 89 00:04:18,206 --> 00:04:23,034 The circus maximus is A magnificent stone structure. 90 00:04:23,068 --> 00:04:28,103 25-foot-tall arches Tower three stories high, 91 00:04:28,137 --> 00:04:30,862 But inside lies a timber frame 92 00:04:30,896 --> 00:04:34,344 That stretches over a mile Around the stadium, 93 00:04:34,379 --> 00:04:38,000 Supporting thousands Of wooden benches, 94 00:04:38,034 --> 00:04:39,517 And, at the base, 95 00:04:39,551 --> 00:04:43,310 Dozens of shops encircle The entire stadium. 96 00:04:43,344 --> 00:04:47,310 In the early hours Of july 19, 64 ad, 97 00:04:47,344 --> 00:04:51,862 One spark starts A chain reaction. 98 00:04:51,896 --> 00:04:53,517 Flames spread rapidly, 99 00:04:53,551 --> 00:04:56,275 Consuming the entire stadium. 100 00:04:56,310 --> 00:04:59,310 Is that initial spark Simply an accident 101 00:04:59,344 --> 00:05:01,689 Or a deliberate act of arson? 102 00:05:01,724 --> 00:05:04,896 ♪♪ 103 00:05:04,931 --> 00:05:06,655 Valerie assesses the conditions 104 00:05:06,689 --> 00:05:08,310 Leading up to the fire. 105 00:05:08,344 --> 00:05:10,379 ♪♪ 106 00:05:10,413 --> 00:05:12,034 Higgins: on the night Of the fire, 107 00:05:12,068 --> 00:05:16,413 Conditions here were perfect, Really, for a fire taking hold. 108 00:05:16,448 --> 00:05:17,689 It was summertime. 109 00:05:17,724 --> 00:05:20,344 It was a big race meeting. 110 00:05:20,379 --> 00:05:24,517 All of the vendors would've had Open fires to cook food on. 111 00:05:24,551 --> 00:05:26,655 ♪♪ 112 00:05:26,689 --> 00:05:29,551 Narrator: ancient writers report That the fire spreads quickly 113 00:05:29,586 --> 00:05:31,620 To neighboring apartment blocks. 114 00:05:31,655 --> 00:05:33,655 ♪♪ 115 00:05:33,689 --> 00:05:34,827 Higgins: the tenement blocks, 116 00:05:34,862 --> 00:05:37,724 Which were Outside the circus maximus, 117 00:05:37,758 --> 00:05:40,137 Were areas of dense housing, 118 00:05:40,172 --> 00:05:43,310 Where everybody Was crammed together. 119 00:05:43,344 --> 00:05:46,034 Narrator: valerie thinks these Long-lost apartment blocks 120 00:05:46,068 --> 00:05:51,068 Could help explain the fire's Rapid spread across rome... 121 00:05:51,103 --> 00:05:54,689 So she heads out into the city To search for more clues. 122 00:05:54,724 --> 00:05:57,448 ♪♪ 123 00:05:57,482 --> 00:05:59,862 Just as at the circus maximus, 124 00:05:59,896 --> 00:06:02,379 There were shops On the ground floor, 125 00:06:02,413 --> 00:06:03,655 And then above that, 126 00:06:03,689 --> 00:06:06,655 There's residential Accommodation. 127 00:06:06,689 --> 00:06:09,724 Narrator: built deep Into the capitoline hillside, 128 00:06:09,758 --> 00:06:13,689 This 2nd-century apartment block Rises five stories high. 129 00:06:13,724 --> 00:06:15,068 ♪♪ 130 00:06:15,103 --> 00:06:16,827 Valerie has special permission 131 00:06:16,862 --> 00:06:18,931 To examine these rare remains 132 00:06:18,965 --> 00:06:21,172 That are off-limits To the public. 133 00:06:21,206 --> 00:06:29,379 ♪♪ 134 00:06:29,413 --> 00:06:31,862 Higgins: this is one Of the upper stories... 135 00:06:31,896 --> 00:06:34,413 ♪♪ 136 00:06:34,448 --> 00:06:38,103 ...And these are the walls Demarcating one room. 137 00:06:38,137 --> 00:06:41,620 ♪♪ 138 00:06:41,655 --> 00:06:43,241 This space is so small, 139 00:06:43,275 --> 00:06:45,172 It's really hard to imagine 140 00:06:45,206 --> 00:06:46,862 More than one person in it, 141 00:06:46,896 --> 00:06:49,103 But it is quite probable 142 00:06:49,137 --> 00:06:51,655 That a family would Have lived in here. 143 00:06:51,689 --> 00:06:54,310 ♪♪ 144 00:06:54,344 --> 00:06:55,724 Narrator: the design Of this building 145 00:06:55,758 --> 00:06:59,034 Is almost identical to One from nero's reign, 146 00:06:59,068 --> 00:07:01,793 But there's one Important difference. 147 00:07:01,827 --> 00:07:03,000 In nero's day, 148 00:07:03,034 --> 00:07:05,068 The buildings are Made from wood. 149 00:07:05,103 --> 00:07:07,448 ♪♪ 150 00:07:07,482 --> 00:07:09,827 Higgins: the apartment blocks At the time of nero 151 00:07:09,862 --> 00:07:12,137 Were all destroyed in the fire. 152 00:07:12,172 --> 00:07:14,724 This is a 2nd-century apartment. 153 00:07:14,758 --> 00:07:17,931 It's built of concrete and brick 154 00:07:17,965 --> 00:07:20,206 And fire-resistant stone, 155 00:07:20,241 --> 00:07:22,931 And it's very much more robust. 156 00:07:22,965 --> 00:07:25,793 ♪♪ 157 00:07:25,827 --> 00:07:29,034 Narrator: in 64 ad, Many of the apartment blocks 158 00:07:29,068 --> 00:07:32,137 Are shoddily built from Flimsy timber frames 159 00:07:32,172 --> 00:07:34,172 Filled with mud and bricks, 160 00:07:34,206 --> 00:07:37,448 Reaching up to six stories. 161 00:07:37,482 --> 00:07:39,517 Multiple apartment blocks Crammed together 162 00:07:39,551 --> 00:07:42,655 To form residential islands. 163 00:07:42,689 --> 00:07:45,965 Narrow streets, Sometimes only 6 feet wide, 164 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:49,034 Crisscross around them. 165 00:07:49,068 --> 00:07:51,068 Tens of thousands Of these tenements 166 00:07:51,103 --> 00:07:53,896 Are interspersed Across the entire city. 167 00:07:53,931 --> 00:07:56,275 ♪♪ 168 00:07:56,310 --> 00:07:58,620 These ramshackle Residential buildings 169 00:07:58,655 --> 00:08:00,275 Easily catch fire. 170 00:08:00,310 --> 00:08:02,137 ♪♪ 171 00:08:02,172 --> 00:08:05,103 The blaze rapidly spreads From block to block, 172 00:08:05,137 --> 00:08:07,620 Quickly engulfing Most of the city. 173 00:08:07,655 --> 00:08:11,000 ♪♪ 174 00:08:11,034 --> 00:08:12,379 Two thousand years ago, 175 00:08:12,413 --> 00:08:14,896 Ancient rome is A giant tinderbox 176 00:08:14,931 --> 00:08:17,068 Waiting to go up in flames. 177 00:08:17,103 --> 00:08:20,586 ♪♪ 178 00:08:20,620 --> 00:08:24,655 Higgins: no one had known A fire on this scale before. 179 00:08:24,689 --> 00:08:26,241 The sense of panic 180 00:08:26,275 --> 00:08:29,862 Must have been Absolutely indescribable. 181 00:08:29,896 --> 00:08:32,275 Narrator: But there's a mystery. 182 00:08:32,310 --> 00:08:34,413 Ancient writers say this inferno 183 00:08:34,448 --> 00:08:37,206 Doesn't behave Like a normal fire. 184 00:08:37,241 --> 00:08:38,413 ♪♪ 185 00:08:38,448 --> 00:08:40,310 After six days of chaos, 186 00:08:40,344 --> 00:08:42,551 The blaze dies down, 187 00:08:42,586 --> 00:08:45,137 Only to suddenly Flare up again. 188 00:08:45,172 --> 00:08:47,379 ♪♪ 189 00:08:47,413 --> 00:08:51,172 Higgins: but that this fire Started again 190 00:08:51,206 --> 00:08:53,931 On the property Of an official of nero 191 00:08:53,965 --> 00:08:56,862 Fueled the suspicion That perhaps it was nero 192 00:08:56,896 --> 00:09:00,103 Who was behind this fire. 193 00:09:00,137 --> 00:09:01,827 Is the emperor to blame 194 00:09:01,862 --> 00:09:05,620 For rome's great inferno? 195 00:09:05,655 --> 00:09:07,482 Do the clues lie hidden 196 00:09:07,517 --> 00:09:09,241 In his golden palace? 197 00:09:09,275 --> 00:09:11,482 ♪♪ 198 00:09:18,241 --> 00:09:20,620 ♪♪ 199 00:09:20,655 --> 00:09:22,517 Narrator: Nearly 2,000 years ago, 200 00:09:22,551 --> 00:09:24,344 A terrible fire destroys 201 00:09:24,379 --> 00:09:26,862 The heart of ancient rome. 202 00:09:26,896 --> 00:09:30,655 Contemporary writers Blame the emperor, nero. 203 00:09:30,689 --> 00:09:34,620 They say he starts the inferno To build a new city, 204 00:09:34,655 --> 00:09:37,137 One with an extravagant New palace -- 205 00:09:37,172 --> 00:09:39,586 The domus aurea. 206 00:09:39,620 --> 00:09:43,862 ♪♪ 207 00:09:43,896 --> 00:09:46,000 Archaeologist antonio ferrandes 208 00:09:46,034 --> 00:09:48,034 Hunts for evidence of the fire. 209 00:09:59,034 --> 00:10:02,827 Narrator: today, central rome Is a maze of ancient ruins. 210 00:10:11,586 --> 00:10:13,137 This is where nero builds 211 00:10:13,172 --> 00:10:17,068 The heart of his new palace. 212 00:10:17,103 --> 00:10:19,655 Beneath these later ruins, 213 00:10:19,689 --> 00:10:23,000 Antonio's team makes An extraordinary discovery. 214 00:10:24,655 --> 00:10:25,896 ♪♪ 215 00:10:25,931 --> 00:10:29,310 16 feet down, They discover the foundations 216 00:10:29,344 --> 00:10:31,862 Of a 1st-century Aristocratic house 217 00:10:31,896 --> 00:10:35,034 That appears to be Burnt to the ground. 218 00:10:35,068 --> 00:10:40,206 Surrounding the stones, A layer of ash and debris. 219 00:10:40,241 --> 00:10:41,965 Buried inside it, 220 00:10:42,000 --> 00:10:45,758 Scorched pottery And mangled copper pots... 221 00:10:45,793 --> 00:10:48,758 ♪♪ 222 00:10:48,793 --> 00:10:51,896 ...Bronze coins melted Like chocolate... 223 00:10:51,931 --> 00:10:53,896 ♪♪ 224 00:10:53,931 --> 00:10:55,931 ...And a twisted piece of iron, 225 00:10:55,965 --> 00:10:57,827 The remains of a grate, 226 00:10:57,862 --> 00:11:01,482 Melted from extreme heat. 227 00:11:01,517 --> 00:11:03,413 Could this incinerated building 228 00:11:03,448 --> 00:11:06,379 Be rare evidence Of the great fire? 229 00:11:06,413 --> 00:11:10,241 ♪♪ 230 00:11:10,275 --> 00:11:13,068 Antonio analyzes The fire-damaged remains 231 00:11:13,103 --> 00:11:16,827 In his laboratory at rome's Sapienza university. 232 00:11:16,862 --> 00:11:21,413 ♪♪ 233 00:11:21,448 --> 00:11:23,655 He wants to find out If this really is 234 00:11:23,689 --> 00:11:26,655 Proof of the great fire. 235 00:11:26,689 --> 00:11:28,413 His first step is to measure 236 00:11:28,448 --> 00:11:31,344 The intensity of the damage. 237 00:11:51,379 --> 00:11:55,172 Narrator: the fire burns some Metallic objects from the house 238 00:11:55,206 --> 00:11:57,896 Beyond recognition. 239 00:11:57,931 --> 00:12:00,965 It's so hot, It fuses them together. 240 00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:03,344 ♪♪ 241 00:12:20,275 --> 00:12:21,827 ♪♪ 242 00:12:21,862 --> 00:12:23,620 Narrator: The mangled remains reveal 243 00:12:23,655 --> 00:12:25,413 That the fire inside the house 244 00:12:25,448 --> 00:12:28,379 Tops 1,100 degrees fahrenheit, 245 00:12:28,413 --> 00:12:31,172 ♪♪ 246 00:12:31,206 --> 00:12:33,206 But are these remarkable objects 247 00:12:33,241 --> 00:12:36,655 From the time of the great fire? 248 00:12:36,689 --> 00:12:41,172 Antonio believes the answer May lie with a fragile oil lamp. 249 00:12:45,862 --> 00:12:48,620 He dates the lamp To nero's reign. 250 00:12:48,655 --> 00:12:50,172 ♪♪ 251 00:13:04,379 --> 00:13:05,827 Narrator: antonio's discovery 252 00:13:05,862 --> 00:13:08,931 Proves a raging inferno Sweeps through rome 253 00:13:08,965 --> 00:13:12,413 2,000 years ago, At the end of nero's rule. 254 00:13:12,448 --> 00:13:14,413 ♪♪ 255 00:13:14,448 --> 00:13:16,655 It's not just The intensity of the fire 256 00:13:16,689 --> 00:13:19,724 Which is remarkable. 257 00:13:19,758 --> 00:13:21,724 The extent of the devastation 258 00:13:21,758 --> 00:13:24,448 Is huge and curious. 259 00:13:27,758 --> 00:13:31,275 Antonio heads up Rome's ancient palatine hill. 260 00:13:31,310 --> 00:13:33,275 He uses modern satellite imagery 261 00:13:33,310 --> 00:13:36,482 To reconstruct rome Just before the fire. 262 00:14:00,275 --> 00:14:01,827 Ancient writers claim 263 00:14:01,862 --> 00:14:05,172 That nero wants all Of this prime real estate. 264 00:14:11,034 --> 00:14:13,482 Intriguingly, The footprint of the palace 265 00:14:13,517 --> 00:14:16,793 Matches vast swaths Of the destroyed areas. 266 00:14:16,827 --> 00:14:20,103 ♪♪ 267 00:14:20,137 --> 00:14:21,862 In 64 ad, 268 00:14:21,896 --> 00:14:24,482 The fire starts At the circus maximus. 269 00:14:24,517 --> 00:14:26,206 It rages for nine days 270 00:14:26,241 --> 00:14:29,275 And destroys Over 60% of the city. 271 00:14:29,310 --> 00:14:30,793 It leaves a blank canvas 272 00:14:30,827 --> 00:14:33,517 For nero's audacious rebuild. 273 00:14:33,551 --> 00:14:36,931 On the charred hill where The roman elite once lived, 274 00:14:36,965 --> 00:14:39,275 Nero builds the domus aurea 275 00:14:39,310 --> 00:14:42,758 With hundreds of rooms For entertaining... 276 00:14:42,793 --> 00:14:47,413 And in the valley where once lay Houses for the lower classes, 277 00:14:47,448 --> 00:14:50,000 He erects a network Of opulent palaces 278 00:14:50,034 --> 00:14:53,034 And fills the gardens With wild animals. 279 00:14:53,068 --> 00:14:54,793 ♪♪ 280 00:14:54,827 --> 00:14:57,862 Nero turns A bustling city center 281 00:14:57,896 --> 00:15:01,206 Into a 200-acre Luxury country retreat 282 00:15:01,241 --> 00:15:03,275 Right in the heart of rome. 283 00:15:03,310 --> 00:15:05,862 ♪♪ 284 00:15:15,655 --> 00:15:17,758 The evidence is circumstantial 285 00:15:17,793 --> 00:15:20,448 But highly suspicious. 286 00:15:20,482 --> 00:15:23,275 So, could the ancient authors Be right? 287 00:15:23,310 --> 00:15:27,000 Is the emperor capable Of committing such a deadly act? 288 00:15:32,724 --> 00:15:34,344 ♪♪ 289 00:15:34,379 --> 00:15:37,931 Nero's grand vision Is magnificent, 290 00:15:37,965 --> 00:15:41,551 But is it worth sacrificing An entire city for? 291 00:15:41,586 --> 00:15:44,137 ♪♪ 292 00:15:44,172 --> 00:15:46,896 The answer could lie With an astonishing discovery 293 00:15:46,931 --> 00:15:50,068 Buried deep in This roman hillside. 294 00:15:50,103 --> 00:15:52,103 ♪♪ 295 00:16:00,206 --> 00:16:04,344 Narrator: in 64 ad, A catastrophic fire devastates 296 00:16:04,379 --> 00:16:07,137 The ancient city of rome. 297 00:16:07,172 --> 00:16:10,068 Contemporary writers Claim that nero sings 298 00:16:10,103 --> 00:16:12,206 While watching The metropolis burn... 299 00:16:12,241 --> 00:16:14,758 ♪♪ 300 00:16:14,793 --> 00:16:17,172 ...But does nero Really torch his capital 301 00:16:17,206 --> 00:16:20,344 To build a new city With an extravagant residence, 302 00:16:20,379 --> 00:16:22,172 The domus aurea? 303 00:16:22,206 --> 00:16:25,344 Is all this worth Destroying old rome? 304 00:16:25,379 --> 00:16:27,344 ♪♪ 305 00:16:27,379 --> 00:16:30,241 500 feet from the colosseum 306 00:16:30,275 --> 00:16:33,448 Lies the only surviving Section of palace. 307 00:16:33,482 --> 00:16:37,862 ♪♪ 308 00:16:37,896 --> 00:16:40,517 Archaeologist Alessandro d'alessio 309 00:16:40,551 --> 00:16:43,517 Investigates this Astonishing structure. 310 00:16:43,551 --> 00:16:46,896 ♪♪ 311 00:16:52,310 --> 00:16:54,862 Alessandro believes This section of palace 312 00:16:54,896 --> 00:16:57,724 Built on top of Incinerated roman homes 313 00:16:57,758 --> 00:17:00,068 Is used to entertain guests. 314 00:17:00,103 --> 00:17:03,482 ♪♪ 315 00:17:03,517 --> 00:17:07,344 There are more than 150 rooms inside. 316 00:17:07,379 --> 00:17:09,241 Faded mosaics and frescoes 317 00:17:09,275 --> 00:17:11,793 Cover almost every surface. 318 00:17:20,344 --> 00:17:22,793 ♪♪ 319 00:17:22,827 --> 00:17:24,827 Legend says The heart of the palace 320 00:17:24,862 --> 00:17:27,482 Hides an astonishing wonder... 321 00:17:27,517 --> 00:17:29,482 ♪♪ 322 00:17:29,517 --> 00:17:31,034 ...A banquet room 323 00:17:31,068 --> 00:17:34,344 That supposedly Rotates day and night. 324 00:17:34,379 --> 00:17:37,275 ♪♪ 325 00:17:48,241 --> 00:17:52,172 For years, archaeologists think That this octagonal chamber 326 00:17:52,206 --> 00:17:55,448 Is the rotating room of legend. 327 00:17:55,482 --> 00:17:57,172 Hidden windows Give the impression 328 00:17:57,206 --> 00:17:59,655 Of the sun moving around it. 329 00:17:59,689 --> 00:18:01,862 ♪♪ 330 00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:16,586 ♪♪ 331 00:18:16,620 --> 00:18:18,586 At first, historians believe 332 00:18:18,620 --> 00:18:22,068 An actual revolving room Is just a myth... 333 00:18:22,103 --> 00:18:23,758 ♪♪ 334 00:18:23,793 --> 00:18:26,896 But a new discovery in This section of nero's palace 335 00:18:26,931 --> 00:18:28,413 On the palatine hill 336 00:18:28,448 --> 00:18:32,896 Reveals that truth Is stranger than fiction. 337 00:18:32,931 --> 00:18:34,862 Buried beneath this canopy 338 00:18:34,896 --> 00:18:38,965 Are the ruins Of an incredible mechanism. 339 00:18:39,000 --> 00:18:42,206 Two crumbling arches Are all that remain 340 00:18:42,241 --> 00:18:44,206 Of a grand branching structure 341 00:18:44,241 --> 00:18:47,206 Over 65 feet tall. 342 00:18:47,241 --> 00:18:49,586 On the top, Archaeologists discover 343 00:18:49,620 --> 00:18:52,379 Strange holes Arranged in a ring. 344 00:18:52,413 --> 00:18:53,724 ♪♪ 345 00:18:53,758 --> 00:18:55,896 Inside them is a soft clay, 346 00:18:55,931 --> 00:18:57,965 Possibly a lubricant, 347 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:03,206 A clue that they could've once Held bronze ball bearings... 348 00:19:03,241 --> 00:19:05,896 20 of them spinning in unison, 349 00:19:05,931 --> 00:19:09,517 Revolving the floor Of the legendary dining hall. 350 00:19:09,551 --> 00:19:13,551 ♪♪ 351 00:19:13,586 --> 00:19:17,379 The ambition behind Nero's palace is clear, 352 00:19:17,413 --> 00:19:18,862 But what does it take to build 353 00:19:18,896 --> 00:19:21,034 Such a magnificent structure? 354 00:19:21,068 --> 00:19:25,724 ♪♪ 355 00:19:25,758 --> 00:19:30,241 Today, the remains are buried Deep behind these walls. 356 00:19:41,068 --> 00:19:43,344 Archaeologist Francoise villedieu 357 00:19:43,379 --> 00:19:45,724 Tries to work out what The dining room itself 358 00:19:45,758 --> 00:19:47,103 Looks like. 359 00:19:49,241 --> 00:19:51,206 She heads down to The base of the walls 360 00:19:51,241 --> 00:19:52,413 To investigate. 361 00:20:03,172 --> 00:20:05,275 The upper floor of The revolving room 362 00:20:05,310 --> 00:20:06,758 Is missing. 363 00:20:06,793 --> 00:20:10,241 Francoise thinks that a coin Minted during nero's reign 364 00:20:10,275 --> 00:20:12,275 Could reveal What it looks like. 365 00:20:27,655 --> 00:20:31,000 Around the edge of the image, The letters "Mac aug." 366 00:20:31,034 --> 00:20:33,758 They could also mean Machina auguste, 367 00:20:33,793 --> 00:20:35,896 Or machine of the emperor. 368 00:20:48,241 --> 00:20:50,689 Nero is a ruler Who will stop at nothing 369 00:20:50,724 --> 00:20:53,137 To get whatever he desires. 370 00:20:53,172 --> 00:20:55,827 This room is one of the most Sophisticated machines 371 00:20:55,862 --> 00:20:57,896 In the ancient world, 372 00:20:57,931 --> 00:21:00,275 But how do his engineers Power it? 373 00:21:00,310 --> 00:21:02,689 ♪♪ 374 00:21:02,724 --> 00:21:05,482 This nearby aqueduct Could be a clue. 375 00:21:05,517 --> 00:21:09,758 ♪♪ 376 00:21:09,793 --> 00:21:11,344 The remains of the aqueduct 377 00:21:11,379 --> 00:21:15,137 Lie close to nero's palace. 378 00:21:15,172 --> 00:21:17,137 Nero can divert its water 379 00:21:17,172 --> 00:21:21,000 To the base of his Rotating dining room. 380 00:21:21,034 --> 00:21:23,241 The water feeds A huge waterwheel 381 00:21:23,275 --> 00:21:24,965 Two stories high. 382 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:26,586 It turns night and day 383 00:21:26,620 --> 00:21:28,689 With the constant flow. 384 00:21:28,724 --> 00:21:30,310 Connected to the wheel are 385 00:21:30,344 --> 00:21:33,793 A series of cogs and gears. 386 00:21:33,827 --> 00:21:36,172 These transmit the force Of the water up, 387 00:21:36,206 --> 00:21:38,206 Towards the rotating floor. 388 00:21:38,241 --> 00:21:41,344 ♪♪ 389 00:21:41,379 --> 00:21:44,137 The dining room Perpetually rotates, 390 00:21:44,172 --> 00:21:47,379 Allowing banqueters Panoramic views of the city 391 00:21:47,413 --> 00:21:49,448 Both day and night. 392 00:21:49,482 --> 00:21:53,172 ♪♪ 393 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:07,793 This revolving masterpiece 394 00:22:07,827 --> 00:22:09,241 Is every bit as lavish 395 00:22:09,275 --> 00:22:13,586 As the contemporary Writers describe. 396 00:22:13,620 --> 00:22:15,551 So, are they also Telling the truth 397 00:22:15,586 --> 00:22:18,793 When they blame the emperor For the great fire? 398 00:22:18,827 --> 00:22:23,206 ♪♪ 399 00:22:23,241 --> 00:22:27,206 Nero is one of rome's Cruelest emperors. 400 00:22:27,241 --> 00:22:28,758 He murders his two wives 401 00:22:28,793 --> 00:22:32,344 And numerous friends And advisors. 402 00:22:32,379 --> 00:22:34,827 Does his desire for Beautiful architecture 403 00:22:34,862 --> 00:22:38,448 Push him over the edge Into arson and mass murder? 404 00:22:38,482 --> 00:22:39,482 ♪♪ 405 00:22:46,172 --> 00:22:48,310 ♪♪ 406 00:22:48,344 --> 00:22:50,931 Narrator: The great fire of 64 ad 407 00:22:50,965 --> 00:22:55,310 Spells disaster For the ancient city of rome. 408 00:22:55,344 --> 00:22:56,862 Ancient writers describe 409 00:22:56,896 --> 00:22:58,275 How shadowy figures 410 00:22:58,310 --> 00:23:00,413 Throw burning torches 411 00:23:00,448 --> 00:23:03,482 Into undamaged buildings. 412 00:23:03,517 --> 00:23:05,965 Are these nero's men, 413 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:08,241 Or is this ancient propaganda 414 00:23:08,275 --> 00:23:10,620 Designed to discredit The emperor? 415 00:23:10,655 --> 00:23:14,137 ♪♪ 416 00:23:14,172 --> 00:23:16,241 Archaeologist antonio ferrandes 417 00:23:16,275 --> 00:23:18,620 Is on a mission to investigate. 418 00:23:32,241 --> 00:23:35,068 These luxurious Hilltop houses are built 419 00:23:35,103 --> 00:23:36,758 From much stronger materials 420 00:23:36,793 --> 00:23:39,620 Than the flammable timber homes Of the poor. 421 00:23:46,379 --> 00:23:48,655 After the fire, It's here that nero 422 00:23:48,689 --> 00:23:51,517 Builds one section Of his palace. 423 00:23:51,551 --> 00:23:54,241 It contains the incredible Rotating dining room 424 00:23:54,275 --> 00:23:58,000 With views overlooking His private lake. 425 00:23:58,034 --> 00:24:01,103 Is the destruction here A coincidence, 426 00:24:01,137 --> 00:24:03,068 Or a deliberate act of arson? 427 00:24:03,103 --> 00:24:04,620 ♪♪ 428 00:24:12,586 --> 00:24:15,206 On this site in 64 ad 429 00:24:15,241 --> 00:24:18,827 Stand upper-class homes Built to last. 430 00:24:18,862 --> 00:24:22,482 Travertine stone blocks Form the doorway, 431 00:24:22,517 --> 00:24:23,655 And the concrete walls 432 00:24:23,689 --> 00:24:27,206 Are reinforced with bricks. 433 00:24:27,241 --> 00:24:30,172 Marble slabs and mosaic tiles 434 00:24:30,206 --> 00:24:32,655 Make up the floor, 435 00:24:32,689 --> 00:24:34,448 And tucked at the back, 436 00:24:34,482 --> 00:24:37,793 Stone pillars surround A cloistered garden. 437 00:24:37,827 --> 00:24:40,448 ♪♪ 438 00:24:40,482 --> 00:24:45,344 Above them, heavy tiles Form a solid roof. 439 00:24:45,379 --> 00:24:49,310 But these solid houses also Burned down in the great fire. 440 00:24:49,344 --> 00:24:50,827 ♪♪ 441 00:24:50,862 --> 00:24:53,000 Is this evidence of arson? 442 00:24:53,034 --> 00:24:58,000 ♪♪ 443 00:24:58,034 --> 00:25:00,586 In scotland's Edinburgh university, 444 00:25:00,620 --> 00:25:02,965 Luke bisby Is a structural engineer 445 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:06,482 And fire-investigation Specialist. 446 00:25:06,517 --> 00:25:08,896 He's going to examine If arson is to blame 447 00:25:08,931 --> 00:25:11,620 For the destruction Of these homes. 448 00:25:11,655 --> 00:25:13,206 In an urban fire, Different materials 449 00:25:13,241 --> 00:25:15,034 Are going to respond In different ways, 450 00:25:15,068 --> 00:25:16,310 Mostly depending On whether or not 451 00:25:16,344 --> 00:25:18,206 They're combustible, 452 00:25:18,241 --> 00:25:20,655 And this depends fundamentally On their chemistry. 453 00:25:20,689 --> 00:25:23,034 ♪♪ 454 00:25:23,068 --> 00:25:25,379 Narrator: luke will use This high-tech heat machine 455 00:25:25,413 --> 00:25:27,034 To test the materials found 456 00:25:27,068 --> 00:25:29,448 In ancient roman buildings. 457 00:25:29,482 --> 00:25:33,517 He wants to figure out How intense heat affects them. 458 00:25:33,551 --> 00:25:36,344 He starts with a piece of timber Used in the construction 459 00:25:36,379 --> 00:25:39,344 Of the homes in The poorer districts. 460 00:25:39,379 --> 00:25:41,551 So what we're doing here is, We're simulating the conditions 461 00:25:41,586 --> 00:25:44,344 That we would expect as a fire Approaches a building. 462 00:25:44,379 --> 00:25:48,172 ♪♪ 463 00:25:48,206 --> 00:25:51,448 Okay, nicolai. Fire it up. 464 00:25:51,482 --> 00:25:55,172 Narrator: this custom-built rig Acts like a giant heat lamp. 465 00:25:55,206 --> 00:25:57,000 It uses special heating panels 466 00:25:57,034 --> 00:25:59,758 To warm up the surface Of the timber sample. 467 00:25:59,793 --> 00:26:01,137 Bisby: we're not Going to see flames 468 00:26:01,172 --> 00:26:02,379 Shooting from the machine. 469 00:26:02,413 --> 00:26:04,034 We're just gonna see radiation 470 00:26:04,068 --> 00:26:07,793 Impacting on the sample To heat its surface. 471 00:26:07,827 --> 00:26:10,586 Narrator: it's estimated that A large nearby building fire 472 00:26:10,620 --> 00:26:12,000 Could radiate temperatures 473 00:26:12,034 --> 00:26:16,827 Of over 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. 474 00:26:16,862 --> 00:26:20,517 Let's go to 20 kilowatts Per meter squared. 475 00:26:20,551 --> 00:26:22,275 Luke inches the machine forward 476 00:26:22,310 --> 00:26:24,344 To increase the level Of heat radiation 477 00:26:24,379 --> 00:26:25,862 Affecting the sample. 478 00:26:25,896 --> 00:26:30,827 ♪♪ 479 00:26:30,862 --> 00:26:33,413 We're starting to see some Surface charring of the timber. 480 00:26:33,448 --> 00:26:36,379 It's starting to smoke. 481 00:26:36,413 --> 00:26:38,413 Narrator: at this distance, The surface of the timber 482 00:26:38,448 --> 00:26:41,241 Is around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. 483 00:26:41,275 --> 00:26:43,620 ♪♪ 484 00:26:43,655 --> 00:26:45,103 Okay, nicolai. Let's go to 40. 485 00:26:45,137 --> 00:26:50,310 ♪♪ 486 00:26:50,344 --> 00:26:51,862 Suddenly... 487 00:26:51,896 --> 00:26:54,448 The timber bursts into flames. 488 00:26:54,482 --> 00:26:57,344 ♪♪ 489 00:26:57,379 --> 00:26:59,379 So, what this test has shown Is that you don't actually 490 00:26:59,413 --> 00:27:02,137 Need a naked flame in order For the timber to ignite, 491 00:27:02,172 --> 00:27:05,724 Provided that the severity Of heating is high enough. 492 00:27:05,758 --> 00:27:08,413 Narrator: the test proves That rome's wooden buildings 493 00:27:08,448 --> 00:27:12,620 Can ignite when subjected To around 1,200 degrees of heat. 494 00:27:12,655 --> 00:27:13,965 ♪♪ 495 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:16,137 So how much hotter Does a fire have to be 496 00:27:16,172 --> 00:27:20,034 To destroy the stone villas In the wealthier districts? 497 00:27:20,068 --> 00:27:21,793 Bisby: so in these more Affluent buildings, 498 00:27:21,827 --> 00:27:24,000 Many elements will have been Made from roman concrete 499 00:27:24,034 --> 00:27:25,482 Or other types of stone. 500 00:27:25,517 --> 00:27:26,862 The stronger Structural elements, 501 00:27:26,896 --> 00:27:29,000 Things like columns And lintel elements, 502 00:27:29,034 --> 00:27:32,275 Will have been made From travertine. 503 00:27:32,310 --> 00:27:35,655 Narrator: travertine rock Is extremely strong. 504 00:27:35,689 --> 00:27:39,620 Roman builders use it As a load-bearing material, 505 00:27:39,655 --> 00:27:42,068 But it's also very expensive, 506 00:27:42,103 --> 00:27:44,896 So luke uses a block Of ordinary limestone, 507 00:27:44,931 --> 00:27:46,931 Which has similar properties. 508 00:27:46,965 --> 00:27:49,758 Alright. So let's start The test, nicolai. 509 00:27:49,793 --> 00:27:51,862 Narrator: first, He raises the temperature 510 00:27:51,896 --> 00:27:54,931 To around 1,200 degrees, 511 00:27:54,965 --> 00:27:59,137 The same temperature range That sets light to the timber. 512 00:27:59,172 --> 00:28:01,344 This test is a first for luke. 513 00:28:01,379 --> 00:28:03,793 He wants to examine What effect the heat will have 514 00:28:03,827 --> 00:28:05,103 On the limestone. 515 00:28:05,137 --> 00:28:06,655 Bisby: and we can see that The limestone block 516 00:28:06,689 --> 00:28:09,137 Is just sitting there Blinking at us. 517 00:28:09,172 --> 00:28:12,275 Narrator: the stone Easily resists the heat, 518 00:28:12,310 --> 00:28:14,655 So luke moves the panels closer. 519 00:28:14,689 --> 00:28:16,448 ♪♪ 520 00:28:16,482 --> 00:28:20,551 He increases the temperature to Over 1,400 degrees fahrenheit. 521 00:28:20,586 --> 00:28:23,241 ♪♪ 522 00:28:23,275 --> 00:28:24,413 Bisby: this is more Representative 523 00:28:24,448 --> 00:28:26,724 Of the conditions That you would have next to, 524 00:28:26,758 --> 00:28:30,379 Really, a very large, Raging inferno. 525 00:28:30,413 --> 00:28:32,379 Narrator: As the machine edges closer, 526 00:28:32,413 --> 00:28:35,241 A crack on the surface Begins to appear. 527 00:28:35,275 --> 00:28:37,344 ♪♪ 528 00:28:37,379 --> 00:28:38,758 Bisby: just having a look, And I start to see maybe 529 00:28:38,793 --> 00:28:40,068 A bit of surface disintegration, 530 00:28:40,103 --> 00:28:41,965 And there's definitely A large crack 531 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:46,103 That's growing on the surface Of this block. 532 00:28:46,137 --> 00:28:47,689 Here we are now, Testing at 1,500 533 00:28:47,724 --> 00:28:50,310 To 1,800 degrees fahrenheit, And this is certainly 534 00:28:50,344 --> 00:28:52,000 Representative Of the extreme temperatures 535 00:28:52,034 --> 00:28:55,965 That we would expect In the great fire of rome. 536 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:58,448 It just popped way out. 537 00:28:58,482 --> 00:28:59,758 Narrator: With the crack expanding 538 00:28:59,793 --> 00:29:01,896 And fears the stone Could shatter, 539 00:29:01,931 --> 00:29:03,551 They stop the test. 540 00:29:03,586 --> 00:29:08,896 ♪♪ 541 00:29:08,931 --> 00:29:10,482 Once cool, 542 00:29:10,517 --> 00:29:12,758 Luke examines the damage. 543 00:29:12,793 --> 00:29:14,206 ♪♪ 544 00:29:14,241 --> 00:29:15,586 Yeah. 545 00:29:15,620 --> 00:29:18,137 You can see that It's completely disintegrated 546 00:29:18,172 --> 00:29:19,448 To some depth. 547 00:29:19,482 --> 00:29:21,344 ♪♪ 548 00:29:21,379 --> 00:29:23,413 On this basis, We can see pretty clearly 549 00:29:23,448 --> 00:29:25,586 That this block is no longer Structurally sound 550 00:29:25,620 --> 00:29:29,793 And would have a very hard time Holding up a building. 551 00:29:29,827 --> 00:29:32,620 Narrator: luke's test proves That it doesn't require arson 552 00:29:32,655 --> 00:29:34,586 To destroy these buildings. 553 00:29:34,620 --> 00:29:37,000 ♪♪ 554 00:29:37,034 --> 00:29:39,275 The intense heat From the giant inferno 555 00:29:39,310 --> 00:29:42,724 Raging all around is enough To bring them down. 556 00:29:42,758 --> 00:29:44,655 ♪♪ 557 00:29:44,689 --> 00:29:46,344 Bisby: we would see This process repeated 558 00:29:46,379 --> 00:29:48,931 One building after another As the fire progresses, 559 00:29:48,965 --> 00:29:51,551 Eventually to destroy The entire city. 560 00:29:51,586 --> 00:29:53,482 ♪♪ 561 00:29:53,517 --> 00:29:54,931 In 64 ad, 562 00:29:54,965 --> 00:29:58,689 Rome is unprepared for A fire of this magnitude. 563 00:29:58,724 --> 00:30:01,448 ♪♪ 564 00:30:01,482 --> 00:30:04,379 The city has an army Of 7,000 firefighters, 565 00:30:04,413 --> 00:30:06,551 Called vigiles, 566 00:30:06,586 --> 00:30:09,413 But they're only used To tackling small fires. 567 00:30:09,448 --> 00:30:11,448 ♪♪ 568 00:30:11,482 --> 00:30:16,000 At first, They create firebreaks. 569 00:30:16,034 --> 00:30:18,724 They use ropes to pull down Burning apartment blocks 570 00:30:18,758 --> 00:30:20,931 To save public buildings. 571 00:30:20,965 --> 00:30:23,344 ♪♪ 572 00:30:23,379 --> 00:30:26,172 They carry water from The city's public fountains 573 00:30:26,206 --> 00:30:28,000 And feed it to a hydraulic pump 574 00:30:28,034 --> 00:30:31,482 That shoots the water in the air To douse the flames... 575 00:30:31,517 --> 00:30:33,000 ♪♪ 576 00:30:33,034 --> 00:30:35,482 ...But in the hot summer Of 64 ad, 577 00:30:35,517 --> 00:30:38,103 The cisterns run dry. 578 00:30:38,137 --> 00:30:40,137 With no water to fight the fire, 579 00:30:40,172 --> 00:30:43,793 The vigiles can only watch While rome burns. 580 00:30:43,827 --> 00:30:46,103 ♪♪ 581 00:30:46,137 --> 00:30:48,344 Bisby: I would think that An ancient team of firefighters 582 00:30:48,379 --> 00:30:49,586 Would have had A very difficult time 583 00:30:49,620 --> 00:30:50,862 Fighting one of these fires. 584 00:30:50,896 --> 00:30:52,241 It would be almost impossible 585 00:30:52,275 --> 00:30:56,068 To have any hope of even slowing A fire of this magnitude. 586 00:30:56,103 --> 00:30:58,482 ♪♪ 587 00:30:58,517 --> 00:31:00,793 Confusion and fear could explain 588 00:31:00,827 --> 00:31:02,620 The stories of shadowy figures 589 00:31:02,655 --> 00:31:06,275 Setting fire To undamaged houses. 590 00:31:06,310 --> 00:31:10,379 But there are still many Unanswered questions. 591 00:31:10,413 --> 00:31:12,137 Why do new fires spring up 592 00:31:12,172 --> 00:31:14,137 In different places Across the city 593 00:31:14,172 --> 00:31:17,172 In an unnatural pattern? 594 00:31:17,206 --> 00:31:20,068 Could the answer Finally exonerate nero 595 00:31:20,103 --> 00:31:22,000 Or prove his guilt? 596 00:31:22,034 --> 00:31:24,551 ♪♪ 597 00:31:31,137 --> 00:31:33,137 ♪♪ 598 00:31:33,172 --> 00:31:35,034 Narrator: investigators Hunt for the truth 599 00:31:35,068 --> 00:31:38,758 Behind the great fire of rome. 600 00:31:38,793 --> 00:31:40,965 Roman writers claim The emperor nero 601 00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:43,068 Orders the inferno To clear space 602 00:31:43,103 --> 00:31:45,310 For a new more beautiful Capital. 603 00:31:45,344 --> 00:31:48,068 ♪♪ 604 00:31:48,103 --> 00:31:51,862 Nero is certainly capable Of unspeakable cruelty, 605 00:31:51,896 --> 00:31:54,103 But archaeologist Antonio ferrandes 606 00:31:54,137 --> 00:31:57,137 Believes he also wants To improve his city. 607 00:32:08,655 --> 00:32:10,586 In the years before the fire, 608 00:32:10,620 --> 00:32:14,344 Nero longs to rebuild And beautify rome. 609 00:32:14,379 --> 00:32:17,172 He even has a new name For his new city -- 610 00:32:17,206 --> 00:32:18,896 Neropolis. 611 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:27,655 ♪♪ 612 00:32:27,689 --> 00:32:30,931 During the inferno, Other fires ignite at random 613 00:32:30,965 --> 00:32:34,965 In different parts of the city Away from the main blaze. 614 00:32:35,000 --> 00:32:36,655 Is this unnatural spread 615 00:32:36,689 --> 00:32:39,896 Finally proof that arson, Not accident, 616 00:32:39,931 --> 00:32:41,793 Is behind the destruction? 617 00:32:41,827 --> 00:32:44,758 ♪♪ 618 00:32:44,793 --> 00:32:48,241 In scotland, Fire investigator rory hadden 619 00:32:48,275 --> 00:32:51,931 Is going to examine if arson Is the only explanation 620 00:32:51,965 --> 00:32:55,517 For this seemingly unnatural Spread of fire. 621 00:32:55,551 --> 00:32:57,896 Just so that When we slide it under here 622 00:32:57,931 --> 00:33:00,000 To put the fire out... 623 00:33:00,034 --> 00:33:03,000 Rory believes flaming embers Play a key role 624 00:33:03,034 --> 00:33:06,103 In the fire's Pattern of behavior. 625 00:33:06,137 --> 00:33:08,827 I just want to examine The effect that wind has 626 00:33:08,862 --> 00:33:10,586 On ember dispersal. 627 00:33:10,620 --> 00:33:11,896 So we have a fan here 628 00:33:11,931 --> 00:33:14,655 That's going to generate Some wind for us. 629 00:33:14,689 --> 00:33:16,241 Then in front, We've positioned 630 00:33:16,275 --> 00:33:19,310 Some materials that will Generate some firebrands, 631 00:33:19,344 --> 00:33:23,689 And down here, The straw is a combustible base. 632 00:33:23,724 --> 00:33:25,344 If you want to go ahead And light the fire? 633 00:33:25,379 --> 00:33:32,000 ♪♪ 634 00:33:32,034 --> 00:33:34,793 Narrator: as the wood ignites And begins to char, 635 00:33:34,827 --> 00:33:38,068 It will produce a small number Of fiery embers. 636 00:33:38,103 --> 00:33:40,655 ♪♪ 637 00:33:40,689 --> 00:33:42,172 I'm going to turn On the wind now 638 00:33:42,206 --> 00:33:44,931 And see what happens With these embers. 639 00:33:44,965 --> 00:33:48,965 ♪♪ 640 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:51,344 The fan blows On the burning wood. 641 00:33:51,379 --> 00:33:54,620 Small embers peel off And float through the air. 642 00:33:54,655 --> 00:33:57,586 ♪♪ 643 00:33:57,620 --> 00:33:59,620 As soon as the embers Hit the straw, 644 00:33:59,655 --> 00:34:02,172 It begins to smolder. 645 00:34:02,206 --> 00:34:06,758 Small fires spring up Wherever one lands. 646 00:34:06,793 --> 00:34:09,896 Hadden: the firebrands generated From the pieces of wood 647 00:34:09,931 --> 00:34:14,241 Were randomly dispersed On the combustible material, 648 00:34:14,275 --> 00:34:16,482 And now, we have A flaming fire. 649 00:34:16,517 --> 00:34:19,896 ♪♪ 650 00:34:19,931 --> 00:34:21,965 Narrator: this random Dispersal of embers 651 00:34:22,000 --> 00:34:25,068 Reveals how new fires Can sporadically start, 652 00:34:25,103 --> 00:34:26,965 Seemingly out of nowhere. 653 00:34:29,034 --> 00:34:32,241 What we saw here was the result Of two small pieces of wood. 654 00:34:32,275 --> 00:34:35,172 If you imagine scaling that Up to a citywide fire, 655 00:34:35,206 --> 00:34:37,448 We'd be generating Millions of embers, 656 00:34:37,482 --> 00:34:39,206 And it'd be being transported By the wind 657 00:34:39,241 --> 00:34:41,931 And landing all over the place. 658 00:34:41,965 --> 00:34:43,344 To the everyday ancient roman, 659 00:34:43,379 --> 00:34:45,862 This would very much Have the appearance 660 00:34:45,896 --> 00:34:48,931 Of random fires starting All across the city. 661 00:34:48,965 --> 00:34:51,172 ♪♪ 662 00:34:51,206 --> 00:34:52,862 Narrator: Rory's experiment reveals 663 00:34:52,896 --> 00:34:54,758 How wind plays a key role 664 00:34:54,793 --> 00:34:56,965 In the strange Spread of the fire. 665 00:34:57,000 --> 00:35:00,137 ♪♪ 666 00:35:00,172 --> 00:35:01,758 At the height of the inferno, 667 00:35:01,793 --> 00:35:05,482 A strong wind sweeps Through the city. 668 00:35:05,517 --> 00:35:08,172 It pushes the blaze up The palatine hill 669 00:35:08,206 --> 00:35:11,448 Like wildfire... 670 00:35:11,482 --> 00:35:13,448 But the fire also moves south, 671 00:35:13,482 --> 00:35:15,896 Against the wind. 672 00:35:15,931 --> 00:35:18,620 Some believe that The inferno becomes so big 673 00:35:18,655 --> 00:35:22,620 It takes on a life of its own. 674 00:35:22,655 --> 00:35:25,655 Hadden: with our current Understanding of large fires, 675 00:35:25,689 --> 00:35:28,827 We know that big fires Will generate their own wind, 676 00:35:28,862 --> 00:35:30,827 So the wind generated By the fire is 677 00:35:30,862 --> 00:35:34,068 Potentially large enough To overcome the natural wind 678 00:35:34,103 --> 00:35:37,068 And therefore distribute embers Throughout the city. 679 00:35:37,103 --> 00:35:39,206 ♪♪ 680 00:35:39,241 --> 00:35:41,655 The fire's behavior Is disturbing 681 00:35:41,689 --> 00:35:45,482 But perfectly natural To an investigator like rory, 682 00:35:45,517 --> 00:35:47,448 But it can easily Look like arson 683 00:35:47,482 --> 00:35:49,758 To an ancient roman. 684 00:35:49,793 --> 00:35:52,103 Hadden: so, whilst we can't Definitively rule out arson, 685 00:35:52,137 --> 00:35:54,758 What we've seen today is a Much more plausible explanation 686 00:35:54,793 --> 00:35:56,551 For why the fire would've Appeared to spread 687 00:35:56,586 --> 00:36:00,551 Randomly and widely Across the city. 688 00:36:00,586 --> 00:36:03,379 Narrator: these modern tests Are powerful new evidence 689 00:36:03,413 --> 00:36:06,137 For nero's innocence. 690 00:36:06,172 --> 00:36:08,379 After the fire, The emperor even rushes 691 00:36:08,413 --> 00:36:10,551 To the aid of his people. 692 00:36:10,586 --> 00:36:13,310 He throws open his private Grounds for shelter 693 00:36:13,344 --> 00:36:17,310 And lowers the price of corn, But, despite this, 694 00:36:17,344 --> 00:36:19,517 Why do his own citizens insist 695 00:36:19,551 --> 00:36:22,689 He is to blame for the fire? 696 00:36:22,724 --> 00:36:23,896 Could the answer lie 697 00:36:23,931 --> 00:36:26,655 With the destruction Of his golden palace? 698 00:36:26,689 --> 00:36:30,517 ♪♪ 699 00:36:37,206 --> 00:36:39,448 ♪♪ 700 00:36:39,482 --> 00:36:42,000 Narrator: after the great Fire of rome burns out, 701 00:36:42,034 --> 00:36:46,034 Nero quickly begins building The domus aurea. 702 00:36:46,068 --> 00:36:48,517 He seizes vast swaths Of the gutted city 703 00:36:48,551 --> 00:36:50,586 To build his dream project -- 704 00:36:50,620 --> 00:36:52,482 Neropolis. 705 00:37:02,068 --> 00:37:06,827 The emperor embarks On a colossal building spree. 706 00:37:06,862 --> 00:37:09,586 Nero sources white marble From the north 707 00:37:09,620 --> 00:37:14,068 And volcanic sand for concrete From the south 708 00:37:14,103 --> 00:37:18,758 And gold and rare gems From every corner of his realm. 709 00:37:18,793 --> 00:37:20,413 Slaves and free workers 710 00:37:20,448 --> 00:37:23,586 Construct the palace Over four years, 711 00:37:23,620 --> 00:37:26,551 Building cutting-edge Concrete domes 712 00:37:26,586 --> 00:37:30,448 And miles of marble pillars. 713 00:37:30,482 --> 00:37:32,758 The emperor also begins An ambitious plan 714 00:37:32,793 --> 00:37:36,620 To transform The rest of the city. 715 00:37:36,655 --> 00:37:38,379 Archaeologist valerie higgins 716 00:37:38,413 --> 00:37:40,310 Believes that The scale of the fire 717 00:37:40,344 --> 00:37:43,137 Genuinely shocks nero. 718 00:37:43,172 --> 00:37:45,000 Afterwards, The emperor introduces 719 00:37:45,034 --> 00:37:48,275 Some of the world's first Building regulations. 720 00:37:48,310 --> 00:37:53,586 Higgins: perhaps ironically, The fire of nero actually 721 00:37:53,620 --> 00:37:56,517 Improved the safety features 722 00:37:56,551 --> 00:37:58,344 Of future buildings in rome. 723 00:38:00,827 --> 00:38:03,275 Narrator: he orders that New buildings across the city 724 00:38:03,310 --> 00:38:06,827 Are built to withstand fires. 725 00:38:06,862 --> 00:38:10,241 Most significantly, The roads were made wider 726 00:38:10,275 --> 00:38:13,103 So that the fire could Not jump so easily 727 00:38:13,137 --> 00:38:16,206 From building to building. 728 00:38:16,241 --> 00:38:20,172 It also was required To have balconies, 729 00:38:20,206 --> 00:38:23,965 Which made it easier To fight fires on upper stories 730 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:25,862 So that people who lived 731 00:38:25,896 --> 00:38:27,827 In tenement blocks, Such as this, 732 00:38:27,862 --> 00:38:30,758 Would have a better Chance of escape. 733 00:38:30,793 --> 00:38:32,586 Narrator: these actions Are not the mark 734 00:38:32,620 --> 00:38:35,413 Of a cold-blooded arsonist, 735 00:38:35,448 --> 00:38:37,758 But if nero cares so much About his city, 736 00:38:37,793 --> 00:38:40,103 Why do generations Of romans insist 737 00:38:40,137 --> 00:38:43,206 He is to blame for the fire? 738 00:38:43,241 --> 00:38:45,620 A clue could lie In the eventual fate 739 00:38:45,655 --> 00:38:47,517 Of the domus aurea. 740 00:38:47,551 --> 00:38:50,482 ♪♪ 741 00:38:50,517 --> 00:38:52,827 Nero's palace is A mighty statement 742 00:38:52,862 --> 00:38:55,344 Of wealth and excess. 743 00:38:55,379 --> 00:38:58,827 The buildings shine with Gold and mother-of-pearl... 744 00:38:58,862 --> 00:39:01,413 ♪♪ 745 00:39:01,448 --> 00:39:04,413 ...And his statue Towers over the city. 746 00:39:04,448 --> 00:39:07,275 ♪♪ 747 00:39:07,310 --> 00:39:10,482 But after four years Of construction, 748 00:39:10,517 --> 00:39:13,310 Romans ransack the palace, 749 00:39:13,344 --> 00:39:16,655 Stripping off the precious Jewels and gold leaf. 750 00:39:16,689 --> 00:39:18,379 They drain the lake 751 00:39:18,413 --> 00:39:21,241 And bury the palace. 752 00:39:21,275 --> 00:39:25,241 On top, they build An enormous structure -- 753 00:39:25,275 --> 00:39:26,931 The colosseum, 754 00:39:26,965 --> 00:39:31,275 A symbol of a city to be Shared by all romans. 755 00:39:33,310 --> 00:39:35,172 ♪♪ 756 00:39:35,206 --> 00:39:37,241 Archaeologist Alessandro d'alessio 757 00:39:37,275 --> 00:39:39,586 Believes the sheer scale Of the palace 758 00:39:39,620 --> 00:39:42,448 Is the reason For nero's unpopularity. 759 00:39:50,965 --> 00:39:54,482 But, instead, The people send him a message. 760 00:39:54,517 --> 00:39:56,275 After four years Of construction, 761 00:39:56,310 --> 00:39:58,724 Nero is overthrown, 762 00:39:58,758 --> 00:40:02,758 And rome's hated emperor Commits suicide. 763 00:40:02,793 --> 00:40:05,068 His ultimate successor, Vespasian, 764 00:40:05,103 --> 00:40:07,862 Knocks down the domus aurea 765 00:40:07,896 --> 00:40:09,586 And builds the colosseum 766 00:40:09,620 --> 00:40:12,344 As a huge theater Of gladiatorial spectacle 767 00:40:12,379 --> 00:40:14,103 And entertainment, 768 00:40:14,137 --> 00:40:15,413 Open to the people, 769 00:40:15,448 --> 00:40:17,241 Not just for one emperor. 770 00:40:17,275 --> 00:40:18,655 ♪♪ 771 00:40:28,655 --> 00:40:33,172 Nero commits many Unspeakable atrocities, 772 00:40:33,206 --> 00:40:34,862 But new investigations reveal 773 00:40:34,896 --> 00:40:36,344 He is likely innocent 774 00:40:36,379 --> 00:40:38,379 Of his greatest crime. 775 00:40:47,551 --> 00:40:48,862 ♪♪ 776 00:40:48,896 --> 00:40:51,344 Nero's obsession With the domus aurea 777 00:40:51,379 --> 00:40:53,517 Seals his reputation. 778 00:40:53,551 --> 00:40:57,965 I don't think nero Started the fire of rome, 779 00:40:58,000 --> 00:41:01,448 But what is significant Is that the people of rome 780 00:41:01,482 --> 00:41:06,137 Actually thought He might be capable of it. 781 00:41:06,172 --> 00:41:08,931 Narrator: archaeologists Continue to unearth fragments 782 00:41:08,965 --> 00:41:11,724 Of nero's selfish palace. 783 00:41:11,758 --> 00:41:13,620 They're uncovering The true scale 784 00:41:13,655 --> 00:41:15,862 Of this astonishing building 785 00:41:15,896 --> 00:41:19,000 And new insights Into the tyrannical nero. 786 00:41:19,034 --> 00:41:20,827 ♪♪ 787 00:41:20,862 --> 00:41:23,000 The great fire of 64 ad 788 00:41:23,034 --> 00:41:25,724 Remains one of the most Devastating catastrophes 789 00:41:25,758 --> 00:41:27,931 Of the ancient world -- 790 00:41:27,965 --> 00:41:32,310 A disaster forever connected To rome's notorious ruler. 791 00:41:32,344 --> 00:41:40,103 ♪♪ 792 00:41:40,137 --> 00:41:47,896 ♪♪ 793 00:41:47,931 --> 00:41:55,655 ♪♪ 794 00:41:55,689 --> 00:42:03,482 ♪♪ 56692

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