107-213 Imperial Insanity: Mad Emperors of Rome

This subject examines the history and representation of Roman emperors often represented as insane or psychopathically tyrannical. During the first three centuries of the Imperial period, major historical sources, such as Tacitus' Annals and Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars, depict the Roman imperial court as a place of intrigue, scandal and corruption, while the actions of the emperor himself are often represented as arbitrary and incomprehensible. This course investigates the prevailing themes of madness and despotism, and considers the reasons why such hostile sources might be generated. The changing relationship between emperor, court and political elites, as well as the agendas of writers of history and other genres, are central to providing an understanding of these issues. Hostile sources are compared with instances of self-presentation, particularly through material culture and official documents. Chief attention is given to the emperors Caligula, Nero, Domitian, Commodus and Elagabalus, whose reputations for irrationality and psychopathic or savage behaviour are most marked in the historical tradition, both ancient and modern. The continuity and development of these narratives is discernible in historical fiction, cinema and television, and representations such as those found in I, Claudius, Quo Vadis and Gladiator are studied in relation to the reception of Roman imperial culture.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A 500 word tutorial presentation 15% (due during the semester), a 2000 word research essay 50% (due during the semester), and a 1.5 hour exam 35% (during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.

• Suetonius, Lives of the Caesars. Oxford World Classics.
• Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome. Penguin Classics.
• Lives of the Later Caesars. Penguin Classics.