After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Goriest Murders in Ancient Rome
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Oct 16, 2023 Emma Southon, author of A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, joins Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling to discuss the gory and inventive ways the Romans killed people. Topics include flesh-eating fish, humiliating deaths inside sacks, deadly re-enactments of the Icarus myth, and gruesome gladiator fights. Check out Emma Southon's new book, A History of Rome in 21 Women.
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Roman Murder Laws and Slavery
- Romans treated murder laws as civil matters, not criminal offenses for much of their history.
- Killing slaves was common and regulated differently from killing free citizens, reflecting societal hierarchies.
Mass Slave Crucifixion After Murder
- After a slave murdered his wealthy master, the Senate approved crucifying 400 slaves from that household to deter rebellion.
- This mass execution reflected the fear and importance of maintaining the slave system in Rome.
Punishment by Flesh-Eating Fish
- A Roman, Guy Cunvedius Polio, punished slaves by throwing them into a pit with flesh-eating sea lampreys.
- This grotesque punishment was showcased in front of Emperor Augustus as a display of power.