History Extra Podcast: "Rome's Most Scandalous Emperors" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Rome's Most Scandalous Emperors," Rob Attar, the host of the History Extra Podcast, engages in a compelling conversation with renowned historian and podcaster Tom Holland. The discussion centers around Suetonius's seminal work, Lives of the Twelve Caesars, and Holland's recent translation of this influential text. The episode delves into the portrayals of notorious Roman emperors, the reliability of ancient sources, and the enduring fascination with Imperial Rome.

Suetonius: The Chronicler of Rome's Emperors (02:07 - 05:14)

Tom Holland begins by introducing Suetonius, positioning him as the most famous of all ancient biographers. Suetonius served as the secretary to Emperor Hadrian and worked as an archivist and librarian in the Imperial palace, granting him access to extensive historical documents. His work, Lives of the Twelve Caesars, encompasses biographies of eleven emperors from Augustus to Domitian, as well as the life of Julius Caesar, the adoptive father of Augustus.

Tom Holland (02:12): "Suetonius is probably the most famous of all the ancient biographers... These lives of the 12 Caesars have been massively massively influential in the way that people understand Roman history."

Holland emphasizes the profound cultural impact of Suetonius's biographies, highlighting their inspiration for literary and television portrayals, including Robert Graves's translations, the BBC series I, Claudius, and subsequently, influential shows like Game of Thrones.

Suetonius vs. Modern Historiography (03:43 - 06:59)

When asked whether Suetonius employs a similar craft to modern historians, Holland clarifies that Suetonius was primarily a biographer, not a historian in the vein of Tacitus, his contemporary who aimed to record the broader sweep of Roman history.

Tom Holland (03:53): "Suetonius isn't actually a historian. I mean, he is very clearly a biographer."

Suetonius's biographies offer insights into the personal lives and characters of the emperors, intertwining social anthropology with political history. Holland outlines the tumultuous period covered by Suetonius, from the fall of the Republic to the establishment and evolution of the Imperial autocracy under Augustus and his successors.

Translating Suetonius: Challenges and Insights (06:59 - 10:45)

Holland discusses his approach to translating Lives of the Twelve Caesars, addressing the challenges of modernizing the language while staying true to the original Latin text. He critiques Robert Graves's translation for its archaic choices and aims to present a version that resonates more with contemporary readers.

Tom Holland (07:12): "I'm trying to give as accurate and complete a rendering of Suetonius's language as I can."

One significant stylistic observation Holland shares is Suetonius's tendency to refer to emperors in the third person, creating an omnipresent depiction of their influence.

He also touches upon the ethical dilemma of translating repellent passages, acknowledging their disturbing content yet emphasizing the importance of fidelity to the original text.

Portrayals of Tiberius and Caligula: Fact or Fiction? (11:14 - 15:31)

The discussion shifts to the notorious reputations of emperors like Tiberius and Caligula. Holland examines whether these depictions are accurate or exaggerated, considering the cultural and political contexts of Rome.

Tom Holland (11:27): "The reputation for debauchery that they have reflect very different Roman cultural traditions."

He argues that accounts of Tiberius's and Caligula's sexual depravity may be influenced by Suetonius's biases and the Romans' differing views on what constituted scandalous behavior. For instance, Tiberius's retreat to Capri is portrayed not just as retirement but as symptomatic of alleged perversions, while Caligula's public displays of excess may have been strategic moves to undermine the Senate's authority.

Nero: Misjudged or Justly Condemned? (15:31 - 20:35)

Holland addresses the portrayal of Nero, another emperor often vilified in historical accounts. He contends that Nero's actions, while undeniably scandalous, were perhaps part of a calculated political strategy rather than unbridled tyranny.

Tom Holland (15:48): "Nero is casting himself as literally being Augustus... that's what explains why Nero's reputation is so bad."

Holland suggests that Nero's public performances and notorious acts, such as the murder of his mother, were attempts to align himself with legendary figures and assert his dominance, which ultimately tarnished his legacy.

Corroborating Sources: Tacitus and Beyond (19:18 - 20:35)

The conversation touches on the validity of Suetonius's accounts by comparing them with other contemporary sources like Tacitus. While Suetonius heavily influences our understanding of certain emperors, other sources sometimes offer differing perspectives, especially regarding emperors like Tiberius and Claudius.

Tom Holland (19:27): "Suetonius is a very, very important source. He's not our only source, however, for most of the emperors, but he is for some of them."

The Familiar and the Alien in Roman Emperors (20:35 - 22:54)

Holland explores why Roman emperors remain both familiar and strange to modern audiences. Suetonius's detailed personal accounts make these historical figures vivid and relatable, unlike the often-anonymous rulers of other ancient civilizations.

Tom Holland (20:44): "These emperors seem vivid and alive and familiar to us, I think, in a way that is fairly unique from ancient history."

He likens Ancient Rome's allure to that of science fiction, blending recognizable human traits with alien societal norms, enhancing the fascination with these rulers.

Notable Stories: Supernatural Elements in Suetonius (22:54 - 25:17)

One of the standout aspects of Suetonius's biographies, as highlighted by Holland, is the incorporation of supernatural elements. An example cited is the crossing of the Rubicon by Julius Caesar, where a ghostly figure signals Caesar to proceed, merging fate with historical events.

Tom Holland (23:01): "There is this weird supernatural element... it's an important part of the universe that Suetonius is giving us."

Such narratives underscore the belief in fate and divine intervention prevalent in Roman culture, adding a mystical dimension to historical accounts.

Personal Reflections and Hypothetical Interviews (25:17 - 26:35)

In a lighter segment, Holland muses about inviting one of the twelve Caesars for an interview, expressing a preference for Julius Caesar due to his complex personality and historical significance. He also reflects on living during the later reign of Augustus, a period marked by relative peace and prosperity.

Tom Holland (25:29): "I would choose Augustus... but I'd give it, you know, just for the rest of history, probably Julius Caesar."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rob Attar promoting Holland's new translation of Lives of the Twelve Caesars, available through Penguin Classics, and directing listeners to the written version of the interview in the upcoming issue of BBC History Magazine.

Rob Attar (26:35): "Tom's new translation of the Lives of the Caesars is out now... Thanks for listening."

Key Takeaways

• Suetonius's Influence: His biographies have shaped modern perceptions of Roman emperors, influencing literature and media.

• Translation Challenges: Translating ancient texts requires balancing accuracy with modern readability, especially when handling culturally sensitive or troubling content.

• Historical Biases: Suetonius's accounts may reflect personal or political biases, necessitating cross-referencing with other sources.

• Cultural Context: Understanding Roman societal norms and values is crucial to interpreting the actions and reputations of emperors.

• Enduring Fascination: The detailed and personal portrayals of emperors make Imperial Rome uniquely captivating compared to other ancient civilizations.

Notable Quotes

• Tom Holland (02:12): "Suetonius is probably the most famous of all the ancient biographers... These lives of the 12 Caesars have been massively massively influential in the way that people understand Roman history."

• Tom Holland (11:27): "The reputation for debauchery that they have reflect very different Roman cultural traditions."

• Tom Holland (20:44): "These emperors seem vivid and alive and familiar to us, I think, in a way that is fairly unique from ancient history."

• Tom Holland (25:29): "I would choose Augustus... but I'd give it, you know, just for the rest of history, probably Julius Caesar."

This episode offers a nuanced exploration of ancient Roman leadership, the complexities of historical translation, and the lasting impact of classical sources on our understanding of the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to the subject, Holland's insights provide a captivating glimpse into the lives of Rome's most scandalous emperors.