Tom Holland has just finished a third book in the series of books that he's written on Roman history. His new book Pax is about the heyday of the Roman Empire, so it runs from the death of Nero up to the time of Hadrian. It covers the year of the four emperors, the sack of Jerusalem, Pompeii, the Colosseum and Hadrian's War. And that is out in America in October.
Historian Tom Holland joined Tyler to discuss in what ways his Christianity is influenced by Lord Byron, how the Book of Revelation precipitated a revolutionary tradition, which book of the Bible is most foundational for Western liberalism, the political differences between Paul and Jesus, why America is more pro-technology than Europe, why Herodotus is his favorite writer, why the Greeks and Persians didn’t industrialize despite having advanced technology, how he feels about devolution in the United Kingdom and the potential of Irish unification, what existential problem the Church of England faces, how the music of Ennio Morricone helps him write for a popular audience, why Jurassic Park is his favorite movie, and more.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.
Recorded February 1st, 2023
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Photo credit: Sadie Holland