1. The Founding Mothers and Augustan Propaganda(1) Guest author Emma Southon notes that historians like Livy wrote during the reign of Augustus to reshape early Roman history to justify the return to monarchy. These writers aimed to portray Rome as the mo
Season 8 Episode 581 · Mar 15, 01:44 AM
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1. The Founding Mothers and Augustan Propaganda(1)
Guest author Emma Southon notes that historians like Livy wrote during the reign of Augustus to reshape early Roman history to justify the return to monarchy. These writers aimed to portray Rome as the most virtuous and god-beloved nation. A primary narrative involves the Sabine women, who were kidnapped to populate the new city. Led by Hersilia, these women eventually intervened in a battle, acting as the "glue" that turned a war between enemies into a family conflict. Southon contrasts the virtuous Hersilia with Tarpeia, a "bad" woman who betrayed Rome for luxury. (2)
Guest author Emma Southon notes that historians like Livy wrote during the reign of Augustus to reshape early Roman history to justify the return to monarchy. These writers aimed to portray Rome as the most virtuous and god-beloved nation. A primary narrative involves the Sabine women, who were kidnapped to populate the new city. Led by Hersilia, these women eventually intervened in a battle, acting as the "glue" that turned a war between enemies into a family conflict. Southon contrasts the virtuous Hersilia with Tarpeia, a "bad" woman who betrayed Rome for luxury. (2)