Bookclub Tom Holland
8 snips
Jul 6, 2025 
Tom Holland, an award-winning historian and author of 'Rubicon,' explores the dramatic tale of the Roman Republic's decline. He discusses how the Republic's ideals of liberty and citizenship resonate today. Holland highlights Caesar's pivotal decision at the Rubicon, the complexities of power, and the compelling perspectives of Cicero. He also reflects on the impact of 9/11 on his writing and contrasts the fall of Rome with the reunification of China. Holland's insights uncover the timeless lessons embedded in ancient history.
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Liberty Was Rome’s Founding Myth
- The Roman Republic prized liberty as its founding ideal after expelling the monarchy.
- That liberty coexisted with deep inequalities and slavery which shaped Roman identity.
The Rubicon Was A Legal Frontier
- Crossing the Rubicon meant breaking Roman law and becoming an outlaw to protect personal dignitas.
- Caesar chose personal and political survival over constitutional restraint, triggering civil war.
Mourning Cicero’s Silenced Voice
- Tom Holland expresses personal affection for Cicero as an incomparable chronicler of the Republic.
- He mourned Cicero's violent silencing which felt like losing a live radio voice while writing the book.
