*** *** *** We honor the unnamed First Martyrs in Rome who endured much suffering under the reign of Nero.

— In AD 64, a great fire destroyed large sections of Rome and many believed Nero was to blame for matters of his own interest. To deflect suspicion from himself, Nero accused the Christians of the arson and increased his efforts to persecute them. Christians were seen as an unpopular and expanding group “given to a new and mischievous superstition,” and would serve as suitable scapegoats.
— Whether these early Christians were executed solely for their Faith, or under the guise of being ‘the alleged perpetrators’ of the Great Fire of Rome, the early Christians endured immense torture under Nero. Some were torn to death by animals, some crucified, and others were used as human torches.