Nero Didn't Fiddle While Rome Burned

During a speech at the recent National Democratic Convention, Sanders compared President Trump with the ancient Roman Emperor, Nero.

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (50-54 CE), was one of the most infamous emperors in the history of Rome. He was well-known for his cruelty, instability, and extravagant flamboyance. In opposition to the traditional expectations of a ruler to act with the utmost dignity, Nero was prone to scandalous public performances.

Since he took office in 2016, President Trump has been both praised and scorned for his colorful public statements and frequent declaratory speeches. Like Nero, he is also prone to subverting the traditional expectations of his office.

After assessing the facts, we at Misbar have found that Senator Sanders was quite mistaken; despite the popularity of the phrase, Nero never actually fiddled while Rome burned.

The fiddle was not invented until the 11th century.

Additionally, Nero wasn’t even in Rome at the time of the fire. However, accusations of his incompetence and even compliance sprang up once Nero proposed that the burnt parts of the city be converted into a palace for him. The phrase "Nero fiddling while Rome burned" is less historical fact and more of a mythological metaphor for a ruler who disregards the good of the public so that they can indulge in themselves.

According to a website dedicated to keeping track of Trump’s golf outings during his presidency (at least 135 times total), he has golfed at least twenty times since mid-February.