After the death of Jesus but before St. Paul came to Rome, there were Christians in Rome and eventually, they began to have open conflicts with the Jews that were also there. 

Tired of these disputes the Roman Emperor, Claudius, threw the Christians out but, after his death, many returned. 

By then, Nero was Emperor. 

In the year 64, there was a large fire in Rome. Initially, Nero, who was expanding his palace, was blamed for the fire but he shifted the blame to the Christians. 

As a punishment, the Christians were rounded up and murdered in extremely cruel and public ways. Many were burned alive, some in the garden of Nero’s own palace so he could watch them as they suffered and died. 

Sts. Peter and Paul were among these first Christian martyrs. 

As for Nero, just four years after the fire his army was in revolt and he was condemned to death by the Roman Senate but, before his execution could be carried out, he took his own life at the age of 31. 

All you Holy Martyrs, please pray for us.