Nero's Fire Annotation Worksheet
The Big Fire
Ancient Rome History
Name:
Date:
POV
Audience
Did Nero Do It?
Long ago, there was a leader named Nero. He was the emperor1 of a big place called Rome2. One night, a giant fire started in the city. The fire burned for many days.
People were very scared. Some people said Nero did not help. They said he played his fiddle3 while the city burned!
Why would a king let his city burn? Some think Nero wanted the land. He wanted to build a huge house called a palace4. Nero told everyone he did not start the fire. But many people in Rome did not believe him.
Context
Purpose
1 Emperor: Ruler / King
2 Rome: Famous old city
3 Fiddle: Like a violin
4 Palace: Large, fancy house
Check Your Facts
Circle the best answer for each question
1. What city caught on fire in this story?
A. Rome
B. London
C. Paris
2. What was Nero doing while the city was burning?
A. Sleeping in his bed
B. Playing a musical instrument
C. Helping people put out the fire
3. How did the people of Rome feel about Nero?
A. They loved him and trusted him.
B. They were angry and did not believe him.
C. They were happy the fire happened.
4. Which sentence shows that Nero might have wanted the land?
A. "The fire burned for many days."
B. "He wanted to build a huge house called a palace."
C. "People were very scared."
5. Why do some people think Nero let the fire burn?
A. To make more room for a palace.
B. Because he lost his keys.
C. To keep the city warm at night.
Nero's Fire Answer Key
Answer Key
Teacher's Reference Guide
Material: Nero's Fire
Grade Level: 2
Expected Annotation Responses
POV
3rd person (narrator). Neutral but skeptical of Nero.
Context
Ancient Rome, 64 AD. The city is on fire.
Audience
Students/Children learning about Roman history.
Author's Purpose
Informative: To explain the fire and the mystery of Nero.
Multiple Choice Answers
1
C. Rome
Literal
2
B. Playing music
Literal
3
B. They were angry and did not believe him.
Inference
4
B. "He wanted to build a huge house called a palace."
Evidence
5
A. To make more room for a palace.
Inference
Historical Context for Teachers:
Nero was often blamed for the fire by later historians, but he actually provided food and shelter for the homeless afterward. The story of him "fiddling" is a famous myth used to show his perceived lack of care. Use this to discuss how different people tell different versions of history.
