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History Extra podcast
Rome's most scandalous emperors
Feb 14, 2025
Tom Holland, a popular historian and co-host of The Rest is History, dives into the grim legacies of infamous Roman emperors like Caligula, Tiberius, and Nero. He discusses the lasting influence of Suetonius's 'Lives of the Caesars' and its role in shaping the narrative of these rulers. Holland explores Tiberius's secluded debauchery, Caligula's manipulative antics against the Senate, and Nero's complex political strategies. The conversation also imagines interviews with historical figures like Julius Caesar, revealing the allure of their times.
32:39
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Quick takeaways
- Tom Holland's translation of Suetonius aims to preserve the cultural significance and stylistic nuances of ancient Roman accounts for modern readers.
- The podcast explores how Suetonius's portrayals of infamous emperors like Caligula and Tiberius reflect broader themes of power, reputation, and governance in Rome.
Deep dives
The Influence of Suetonius on Historical Narratives
Suetonius, as a prominent biographer from ancient Rome, significantly shaped our understanding of Roman emperors through his work, 'Lives of the Caesars.' His writing not only provides intimate details about the twelve rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian but also served as a foundational text that inspired numerous modern narratives, including literary works and television dramas. Historian Tom Holland highlights the cultural legacy of Suetonius, arguing that the vivid portrayals of these emperors have influenced how audiences interpret themes of power and ambition in storytelling. Suetonius's bios exemplify the intersection of historical fact with dramatic representation, allowing modern historians and creators to explore themes of authority and betrayal that resonate through time and across genres.
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