The Roman Emperor during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD was Nero. The fire devastated much of the city over several days, and while Nero was away in Antium at the time, he returned to the city to oversee relief efforts. Historical accounts suggest that he might have used the fire as an opportunity to rebuild the city according to his own designs, leading to accusations that he had started the fire himself. This event not only heightened public discontent towards Nero but also resulted in increased persecution of Christians, who were scapegoated for the disaster.