The Origin and Etymology of “Roman Candles”

Roman candle fireworks did not originate in Ancient Rome or the city of Rome, Italy for that matter. Roman candle fireworks originated in China and became popular during the Italian Renaissance, which is why they acquired the name “Roman Candle”

The Ancient Roman Torture Method of the Roman Candle

The term “Roman Candle”, most commonly used within the fireworks industry, is in reference to a horrible execution method used most commonly by the Roman Emperor Nero. Nero would instruct his soldiers to forcibly coat the bodies of enemies and victims within pitch, oil, wax, and other flammable materials before lighting the feet of these victims to be used as human candles during formal parties, purposeful in its design to create the most prolonged and agonizing torture possible