Episode #99: Quick Roman Questions
History Is Sexy
Deep Dive
Was Sulla gay, and how did his sexuality impact his career and legacy?
Sulla was not exclusively gay; he had long-term relationships with both men and women. His relationships with men, such as the actor Metrobius, lasted decades, which was unusual for the time. His bisexuality or pansexuality was seen as a lack of self-control by contemporaries, which affected how he was perceived. Modern interpretations also struggle with his reputation due to 19th-century biases against homosexuality.
What is the significance of the scrolls from Herculaneum, and what recent discoveries have been made?
The scrolls from Herculaneum, found in the Villa of the Papyri, are carbonized and preserved in charcoal form. Recent advancements in 3D scanning and AI have allowed researchers to extract texts, mostly by the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus. While the majority of the texts are his works, some other significant finds include a lost history of Seneca the Elder and a poem about the Battle of Actium.
Why is Augustus considered a 'little terrorist scamp'?
Augustus gained power through terrifying acts of political manipulation and military aggression. At 19, he raised an army, stole state funds, and bribed legions to join him. By 20, he had eight legions and marched on Rome, forcing the Senate to make him consul. His rise was marked by intimidation and betrayal, reshaping the Roman political landscape through fear and coercion.
When and why did the BCE (Before Common Era) dating system start?
The BCE system began in the 17th century, replacing the earlier 'AC' (Ante Christum) notation. It was part of the broader adoption of the Anno Domini (AD) system, which started in the 6th century. The AD system was formalized by Dionysius Exiguus, counting years from the birth of Christ. The BCE system was adopted later in English-speaking contexts to avoid religious connotations.
Why do the Greeks and Romans have similar gods and statues?
The Romans adopted many Greek gods during their early history, as Greek colonies in Italy influenced Roman culture. However, Roman religion was more focused on ritual and practicality, unlike the storytelling-rich Greek religion. Roman statues often copied Greek art but were made in stone, leading to less detailed and more practical designs. The similarities stem from cultural absorption and artistic admiration.
Who was the one-eyed Sudanese queen who faced the Romans, and what was the outcome of her conflict?
The one-eyed queen was Amanitore of Kush, who led an offensive against the Romans in Upper Egypt, destroying statues of Augustus. Although she was initially successful, the Romans responded with two legions, forcing her back. A peace agreement was reached, allowing Kush to retain its independence and avoid tribute payments to Rome for centuries.
Why was Minerva revered for her brains while real women were ignored in Roman society?
Minerva, as a goddess, existed outside the natural laws governing humans. She could embody traits like wisdom and strength, which were denied to mortal women in Roman society. Roman patriarchy used goddesses like Minerva to set unattainable standards for women, reinforcing their subjugation. The divine nature of gods allowed them to transcend societal gender norms.
What are some notable examples of funny graffiti in ancient Rome?
Ancient Roman graffiti includes humorous and crude messages, such as a donkey-headed man on a crucifix with the caption 'Alexamenos worships his god.' Other examples include complaints about watered-down wine at bars and personal anecdotes. Graffiti often reflected everyday life, humor, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into Roman culture.
- Sulla had a long-term relationship with an actor named Metrobius.
- He also had multiple wives and other relationships with both men and women.
- His sexuality was seen as a lack of self-control by some Romans.
- Modern interpretations of Sulla's sexuality are influenced by historical biases.
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