Rumours whispered in the forum, graffiti scrawled on walls, and scandalous tales passed between senator and citizen – the Roman emperor was as much a manifestation of gossip as of power. But how far can we trust these tales, and what do they reveal about the imperial system itself?

Joining ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the podcast today is ⁠Caillan Davenport⁠, professor and historian, whose study, ⁠Behind Caesar’s Back⁠, offers a bold, fresh approach to imperial Rome. Moving beyond traditional biographies, his sweeping study reconstructs the “oral world” of the Roman Empire, sharing insight into political talk, public opinion and the delicate relationship between ruler and ruled.

Episode Links

⁠Behind Caesar’s Back: Rumor, Gossip, and the Making of the Roman Emperors⁠

Caillan Davenport Links

Website: https://slll.cass.anu.edu.au/people/associate-professor-caillan-davenport

Zeb Baker-Smith Links:

X/Twitter: https://x.com/aohistoryeditor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zebbakersmith/

Substack: https://substack.com/@zebbakersmith

Aspects of History Links:

Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com

Email: history@aspectsofhistory.com

⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspectsofhistory/