Quillette Podcast
In Defence of Julia the Elder
Dec 13, 2024
Joan Smith, an English journalist and author with a keen focus on ancient Roman history, dives deep into the lives of women from Rome’s Julio-Claudian dynasty. She addresses the enduring propaganda against figures like Julia, challenging the misogynistic narratives that have distorted their legacies. Smith draws compelling parallels between ancient stories and contemporary gender issues, revealing how women's roles were shaped by political ambition and societal control. Her insights invite listeners to rethink history’s treatment of women.
20:15
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Quick takeaways
- Joan Smith's exploration of Julia the Elder illustrates how historical narratives shape contemporary gender discussions and reflect enduring misogyny.
- The treatment of Julio-Claudian women reveals the intersection of political power and gender, highlighting women's exploitation in male-dominated structures.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Gender and Ancient History
The conversation highlights the connection between contemporary gender discussions and historical narratives, specifically focusing on the treatment of women in ancient Rome. Joan Smith, with her background in both modern gender issues and ancient history, explores how women's lives were often defined by the male power structures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Women like Julia, daughter of Augustus, were pawns in political games, often subjected to severe consequences when their existence posed a threat to male power. This intersection illustrates how historical misogyny is not just a relic of the past but a recurring theme that influences present-day discourse.
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