Overall, up to the time of Nero, Rome's attitude toward Christians had been a mixture of tolerance, occasional suspicion, and limited persecution.
In the early years of Christianity in Rome, the attitude towards Christians was generally mixed, and it evolved over time. During the time of Nero (54–68 AD), there was a significant shift in the Roman attitude towards Christians, marked by increased persecution.
Initially, Christians were not widely distinguished from Jews in the eyes of Roman authorities, as Christianity emerged from Judaism. The Roman Empire was generally tolerant of various religious practices, and Christians were not specifically targeted during the early decades.
However, during the reign of Nero, Christians faced persecution, particularly in the aftermath of the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. Nero blamed the Christians for the fire and initiated a harsh crackdown, leading to the execution and persecution of many Christians. This persecution under Nero is one of the earliest recorded instances of state-sponsored persecution of Christians in Rome.
Overall, up to the time of Nero, the attitude towards Christians might have been characterized by a degree of tolerance mixed with occasional suspicion, but it turned hostile during Nero's reign. The relationship between the Roman state and Christians continued to fluctuate in the following centuries.