In the 2001 Polish film Quo Vadis, Nero’s minions secretly set fire to Rome to give Nero inspiration for his lousy poetry.
When the Roman citizens, who have lost everything, riot, Petronius, the Roman writer and wit, and also Nero’s courtier, delivers a little speech to the crowd:
“Citizens, the city shall be rebuilt. The gardens or Lucullis, Maecenas, Caesar and Agrippina will be opened.Tomorrow, we shall start distributing wheat, wine, and olives so that each of you fills his belly
(Applause)
Later, Caesar will organize the greatest of all games. Feasts and gifts will follow! The fire will make you wealthier!!”
(Enthusiastic applause and cheers.)
