Did you know that July 19th is the day that Rome began to burn (After the Emporer Nero set if on fire) ... Was you story a coincedence or a deliberate commentary on Nero....
As for Dave's question, concerning the date of the start of the Fire of Rome, which I've always considered to be 18th July, his presumption is correct.
I've had 'Nero' in my 'back pocket' for a while but did not wish to launch it until I could devote time to its furtherance. The finishing of other stories has now given me the opportunity & I thought, as a private joke, a start around the 18th July would be the most appropriate time.
Unfortunately, I could not post on the 18th itself because I knew that I'd be away for a few days & I didn't want to risk the 17th because I was due to depart then (although, in the event, I managed another quick chapter of 'Tamerlane's Boys'). I therefore submitted the tale on the 16th.
I chose this particular period in Ancient Rome because castrations & eunuchs, some very important, were common, as were all sorts of sexual perversions & orgies & murderous intrigues. In other words, ideal material, as a true historical background, for my sort of sagas!
