History Extra Podcast: "Were Roman Women Done Dirty by Modern Translations?"

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Eleanor Evans
Guest: Joan Smith, Journalist and Author

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the History Extra podcast, host Eleanor Evans engages in an enlightening conversation with Joan Smith, a journalist and author who has recently published a book challenging the longstanding negative portrayals of elite women in ancient Rome. The episode delves deep into the Latin sources that have shaped our understanding of these women and examines how modern translations may have perpetuated damaging stereotypes.

Challenging Traditional Narratives

Joan Smith begins by recounting a pivotal moment during her research in Rome. While examining frescoes at the Palazzo Massimo, she confronts an Italian guide who inaccurately describes Julia, Augustus's daughter, as a "nymphomaniac." Disputing this characterization, Smith highlights the discrepancies between the guide's account and historical records.

"When I challenged the guide's assertion that Julia was a nymphomaniac, I was met with staunch disagreement. He insisted it was in the sources, but I knew the sources differently." [00:01:19]

This encounter underscores the pervasive issue of mistranslation and misinterpretation of ancient texts, particularly those by historians like Seneca, Suetonius, and Tacitus, whose works have been foundational yet biased.

The Impact of Translation Bias

Smith emphasizes the significant role translators play in shaping historical narratives. She critiques Robert Graves's translations and adaptations of Roman histories, noting how his sensationalist approach has cemented harmful stereotypes about Roman women.

"Graves not only translated the '12 Caesars' but also wrote novels like 'I, Claudius,' which painted Livia as an arch-villain accused of multiple murders—most of which have no historical evidence." [06:28]

Smith argues that such portrayals have overshadowed the true complexities of these women's lives, reducing them to one-dimensional characters driven by uncontrollable desires.

Reappraising Historical Sources

With a background in Latin, Smith undertakes a meticulous examination of original texts to uncover the biases embedded within them. She reveals how ancient historians often portrayed women in a negative light, reflecting the misogyny of their times.

"Going back to the original Latin texts, I found that the negative descriptions were often exaggerated or misrepresented in translations, particularly by translators like Robert Graves who added their own biases." [05:06]

Smith's approach involves reinterpreting these sources to present a more balanced and accurate portrayal of the Julio-Claudian women, challenging centuries-old misconceptions.

Life of Elite Roman Women

The discussion transitions to the societal structures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, highlighting the precarious position of elite women who, despite their visibility in public life, wielded little actual power.

"Women in the Julio-Claudian period were highly visible—appearing on coins, statues, and in public processions—but they had almost no power compared to their male counterparts." [08:13]

Smith explains that these women were often used as pawns in political alliances, married off at young ages, and subjected to high mortality rates due to early childbirth.

Case Studies: Julia, Scribonia, and Agrippina

Smith provides detailed case studies of prominent women to illustrate the harsh realities they faced:

• Julia: Augustus's daughter, married multiple times at a young age, faced exile, and suffered personal tragedies, including the loss of her children.

  "Julia was exiled to a tiny island where she was separated from her children and subjected to harsh conditions. This personal tragedy is often overshadowed by unfounded accusations of her being a nymphomaniac." [04:44]

• Scribonia: Augustus's second wife, mischaracterized as a "nagging" spouse due to mistranslations.

  "In reality, Scribonia was a heroic figure who supported her daughter Julia during her exile, contrasting sharply with the modern portrayals that diminish her role." [19:13]

• Agrippina: Faced murder and betrayal, illustrating the extreme dangers these women navigated.

  "Agrippina's nine pregnancies and her ultimate murder by her son Nero highlight the brutal lengths to which these women were subjected." [18:43]

Modern Implications and Conclusions

Smith draws parallels between the historical treatment of Roman women and contemporary issues of gender-based violence and misogyny. She emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating historical sources and translations to understand the true experiences of these women.

"The horrors faced by these women in ancient Rome are not just historical footnotes; they reflect ongoing patterns of violence and control that persist today." [22:08]

Smith advocates for a more skeptical and informed approach to historical narratives, encouraging listeners to question and reexamine established accounts.

"I want people to be more ready to ask questions and understand that these women were real individuals who faced immense suffering, not just characters in a sensational story." [31:06]

Key Takeaways

• Reinterpretation of Sources: Original Latin texts offer a more nuanced understanding of Roman women, free from the biases introduced by later translations.

• Misogyny in Historical Accounts: Ancient historians often depicted elite women negatively, a trend that has been perpetuated by modern translators and authors.

• Agency and Autonomy: Despite their visibility, Julio-Claudian women had minimal agency, serving as political tools rather than independent actors.

• Modern Reflections: Understanding the historical mistreatment of women provides insights into contemporary gender issues and the importance of challenging biased narratives.

Conclusion

Joan Smith's in-depth analysis and reexamination of historical sources shed light on the true lives of elite women in ancient Rome, debunking long-held myths and challenging the negative stereotypes perpetuated by modern translations. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of critically engaging with historical narratives to uncover and honor the authentic experiences of those who have been marginalized by time and bias.

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the critical discussions between Eleanor Evans and Joan Smith while excluding all advertisement segments and non-content sections.