Tides of History The Forgotten Power-Broker of the Roman Republic: Interview with Professor Douglas Boin
Aug 7, 2025
Douglas Boin, a Professor of History at St. Louis University and author of 'Clodia of Rome', uncovers the significant yet overlooked figure of Clodia amidst the political tumult of the late Roman Republic. They discuss her role as a principled reformer in a male-dominated society, challenging Cicero's misogynistic portrayals. Boin highlights Clodia's influence in political networks and her advocacy for economic equality, offering fresh insights into the complexities of women's agency during this transformative era.
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Douglas Boin's Journey to Clodia
- Douglas Boin first encountered Clodia's story as a Latin student reading Cicero's highly misogynistic Pro Caelio speech.
- Decades later, he sought to restore Clodia's voice and rewrite her overshadowed history.
Clodia as a Vivid Historical Lens
- Clodia exists as a mostly silent figure known only through others' writings, but she was central in a layered, complex Rome.
- Douglas Boin painted a broad, vivid backdrop of Roman political and social life to bring her story to life.
Clodia's Radical Family Background
- Clodia grew up in a politically complex family with a motto: "everyone crafts their own future."
- She defied expectations, adopting radical values and refusing to be a docile wife or spouse.
