The annals of ancient Rome’s first emperors have been recounted countless times. However, in his new book, Palatine: An Alternative History of the Caesars, former editor of The Times Peter Stothard presents a fresh perspective. Stothard shifts the focus to the individuals who orbited around figures such as Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius – the courtiers, flatterers, slaves, former slaves, gluttons and party animals who formed their entourage. He joins our host, fellow classicist Daisy Dunn, to share his insights.

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