The Annals, Tacitus’ study of the emperors from Tiberius to Nero, covers some of the most vivid and ruthless episodes in Roman history. A masterclass in political intrigue (and how not to do it), the Annals features mutiny, senatorial backstabbing, wars on the imperial frontiers, political purges and enormous egos. Emily and Tom explore the many ambiguities that make the Annals rewarding, as well as difficult, reading and discuss Tacitus’ knotty style and approach to history.

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Further reading in the LRB:

Mary Beard: Four-Day Caesar

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v26/n02/mary-beard/four-day-caesar

Anthony Grafton: Those Limbs We Admire

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v33/n14/anthony-grafton/those-limbs-we-admire

Shadi Bartsch: Fratricide, Matricide and the Philosopher

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v37/n12/shadi-bartsch/fratricide-matricide-and-the-philosopher

Mark Ford: The Death of Petronius

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v30/n24/mark-ford/the-death-of-petronius

Emily Wilson is Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jones is an editor at the London Review of Books.

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