After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Episode Summary: "The Dark Side of Ancient Rome" Release Date: May 5, 2025

Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Guest: Historian Emma Southern

Introduction

In the "The Dark Side of Ancient Rome," Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the murky and often gruesome aspects of Roman society, particularly focusing on murder and its various manifestations in one of history's most influential civilizations. Joined by esteemed historian Emma Southern, the episode unravels the complexities surrounding violence, legal structures, and societal norms in ancient Rome.

Roman Perspectives on Murder

Legal Framework:
Emma Southern elucidates that, contrary to modern perceptions, murder in ancient Rome was not strictly illegal for a significant portion of its history. Early Roman law, particularly the Twelve Tables, lacked comprehensive statutes against murder, rendering it more of a civil matter rather than a criminal offense. This meant that personal vendettas often played out in courts rather than through a centralized legal system.

Civil Repercussions:
"If you killed me, then my husband could take you to court and be like, 'Maddy totally did this murder.'" ([05:25] Maddy Pelling) — Maddy Pelling

In this framework, murder was adjudicated through civil lawsuits, where victims' families could seek recompense rather than punishment for the perpetrator. This system inadvertently normalized violence, especially among the elite who possessed the means to engage in such legal battles.

Gruesome Methods of Execution

Sack Punishments:
One of the most horrifying punishments was the "sack," wherein a convicted individual was sewn into a sack with live animals—typically a dog, a snake, a monkey, and a chicken—and then thrown into a body of water to drown. Emma describes this as a deeply humiliating and terrifying way to die, ensuring that the victim was isolated and tormented by the presence of unpredictable animals.

"You're sewn inside a sack with a dog, a chicken, a monkey, and a snake... and thrown into a body of water and then you are left to drown while also fighting for very frightened animals." ([18:30] Emma Southern)

Flesh-Eating Fish:
Emma recounts the chilling tale of Vedius Pollock, a wealthy Roman who owned a pit of sea lampreys—flesh-eating fish used to punish enslaved individuals. When a servant broke a crystal bowl during a dinner with Emperor Augustus, Pollock executed the slave by throwing him into the lamprey pit. The lampreys would rasp at the victim's flesh, causing a slow and agonizing death.

"...letting their lampreys latch onto them and rasp them to death essentially." ([14:21] Maddy Pelling)

Spectacles of Mass Executions

The Spartacus Uprising:
Following the notorious slave rebellion led by Spartacus, the Roman response was brutal and public. Emma narrates how 6,000 defeated slaves were crucified along the Via Appia, Rome's main road, serving as a grim reminder of Rome's dominance and the futility of resistance.

"...when they eventually finish him off, everybody who is with him, they crucify them all along the Via Appia... So all along the road there's 6,000." ([11:26] Emma Southern)

This mass execution was not only a method of punishment but also a form of public spectacle designed to instill fear and reinforce the absolute power of the Roman state.

Gladiatorial Combat: Blood Sport and Spectacle

Structure and Spectacle:
Gladiatorial games were a cornerstone of Roman entertainment, blending martial skill with theatrical performance. Emma explains that while gladiators were highly trained fighters, the outcomes were often influenced by the "editor" (the person overseeing the games). The decision to spare or kill a gladiator could be arbitrary, adding an element of unpredictability to the spectacle.

"It is deliberate homicide, which is murder by definition." ([23:02] Emma Southern)

Choreographed Fights:
Gladiator matches were meticulously choreographed, ensuring balanced and entertaining bouts. Different classes of gladiators, each with unique weapons and fighting styles, were paired to create engaging and competitive matches.

"They are paired in specific combinations... you get two big guys with swords fighting each other." ([27:08] Emma Southern)

Spectacular Deaths:
When a gladiator was to be killed, it was a clean and dramatic affair, often involving a direct strike to a vital area, such as the jugular. Emma describes the visual impact of these executions, emphasizing the theatrical release of blood.

"...a 4 to 6 foot spurt of blood. It really would make people..." ([26:23] Emma Southern)

Magical Killings and Beliefs in Witchcraft

Belief in Magic:
Romans held a profound belief in magic and its potential to cause real harm. This belief permeated society, with many attributing unexplained deaths and illnesses to witchcraft or curses. Tomb inscriptions often cited magical causes for deaths, reflecting the pervasive fear of unseen malevolent forces.

"...Romans really, really strongly believe in magic. Like, they really think it's a thing that is dangerous and that could come and get you at any moment." ([35:02] Emma Southern)

Notable Cases:
Emma discusses the case of Germanicus, a beloved Roman prince who died under mysterious circumstances. Many believed he was cursed by Piso, a figure accused of using magic to eliminate rivals. This case highlights how political intrigue and personal vendettas were often cloaked in accusations of magical wrongdoing.

"...the person who allegedly kills him is magical." ([37:33] Emma Southern)

Moral Objections and Societal Views

Christian and Philosophical Critiques:
While the majority of Roman society appeared to accept and even relish violent spectacles, certain groups, notably early Christians and Stoic philosophers, voiced moral objections. Christians condemned the brutality of public executions, while Stoics criticized the lack of control and excessive crowd involvement in such events.

"They have quite a lot of moral objections. And you get kind of like stoic philosophers will sometimes talk about how they don't like the lack of control, basically." ([32:17] Emma Southern)

However, these dissenting voices were often marginalized or silenced, ensuring that the dominant culture continued unabated.

Concluding Highlights

Favorite Murder Case:
Emma Southern shares her admiration for a rare instance of domestic murder in Rome, where a high-ranking individual murdered his wife and failed to cover up the crime, believing in the infallibility of his social status and connections. Emperor Tiberius's direct intervention and the subsequent legal repercussions underscore the fragile nature of justice in the Roman elite.

"...he throws her out of the window and then just kind of tried to style it out essentially... Tiberius sees what's described as evidence of force employed." ([39:18] Emma Southern)

Final Thoughts:
The episode concludes with hosts expressing their fascination and horror at the depths of Roman brutality. Emma's insights provide a chilling glimpse into a society where murder was often personal, performative, and intricately tied to power dynamics and societal norms.

Notable Quotes

• Maddy Pelling: "We're shining a light on murder in ancient Rome... it gets very dark." ([03:02])

• Emma Southern: "If you're going to be killing somebody... make the death a little bit more chaotic and a little bit more intense." ([03:16])

• Anthony Delaney: "You're gonna laugh at death, guys." ([04:19])

• Emma Southern: "Attempting to make these murders performative shows how deeply ingrained violence was in Roman culture." ([Undocumented Timestamp])

Further Resources

For listeners intrigued by Emma Southern's exploration of Roman history, more information can be found at emmasouthen.com or through her latest publication, A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women.

If you enjoyed this detailed dive into ancient Rome's dark alleys, please subscribe to "After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal" on your preferred podcast platform and leave us a review!