The Roman Caesars' Guide to Ruling
The Art of Manliness
Deep Dive
Why did Augustus consolidate power by initially cleaning house?
Augustus consolidated power by eliminating his enemies and rivals early on. This approach, also noted by Machiavelli in 'The Prince,' helped him establish dominance and prevent future challenges. After securing his position, he became more generous and gentle to maintain his rule.
Why did Marcus Aurelius struggle as an emperor despite being an insightful philosopher?
Marcus Aurelius struggled as an emperor because he had limited military experience and was unprepared for the external crises and the epidemic that struck during his reign. His ideal of a domestic emperor focused on philosophical governance was disrupted by the need to handle wars and internal rebellions.
What strategies did Vespasian use to gain legitimacy as an outsider?
Vespasian gained legitimacy by first fighting his way to the throne through a bloody civil war and then demonstrating good governance. He built monuments like the Colosseum to rebrand Rome and showed a pragmatic, down-to-earth approach. His two sons also helped ensure a stable succession and boosted his credibility.
Why did Septimius Severus emphasize military control and infrastructure?
Septimius Severus emphasized military control and infrastructure to solidify his rule as an outsider. He used the military to crush opposition and established a legionary garrison near Rome. He and his successors built significant structures, and his policies marked a shift towards a more militaristic and dictatorial form of government.
What was the significance of Constantine's embrace of Christianity for the Roman Empire?
Constantine's embrace of Christianity marked a significant shift in Roman ideology. By promoting Christianity and supporting the church, he aimed to stabilize the empire after years of crisis. This set the stage for the medieval era and created radical changes in Roman society, including the establishment of a new Christian infrastructure and the reassessment of traditional religious practices.
Why did Nero initially face negative rumors during the Great Fire of Rome?
Nero faced negative rumors during the Great Fire of Rome because he was initially slow to return to the city and oversee relief efforts. There were also suspicions that he had set the fire himself to rebuild Rome to his liking. While he did eventually engage in relief efforts and a building boom, these initial rumors damaged his reputation.
Why was Tiberius's leadership style less effective than Augustus's?
Tiberius's leadership style was less effective because he lacked the gentle touch and propaganda skills of Augustus. He tried to be a kinder, gentler emperor but faced resistance from the Senate, leading to the abuse of treason laws and a bitter end to his reign.
Why did Marcus Aurelius's reign mark the beginning of the empire's decline?
Marcus Aurelius's reign marked the beginning of the empire's decline because he handed power to his son Commodus, who was ill-prepared to rule. Commodus's irresponsible and tyrannical leadership led to political instability and further crises, setting the stage for the empire's decline.
Why was Vespasian's tax on public latrines controversial?
Vespasian's tax on public latrines was controversial because it seemed beneath the dignity of a Roman emperor. However, he pragmatically saw it as a necessary measure to raise funds, which reflects his down-to-earth and pragmatic approach to governance.
Shownotes Transcript
The Roman caesars were the rulers of the Roman Empire, beginning in 27 BC with Julius Caesar’s heir Augustus, from whom subsequent caesars took their name, and lasting until around the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. The caesars transitioned the Roman Republic to autocratic rule, consolidating vast territories under centralized authority and shaping Western governance, law, and culture. Their reign marked one of history's most influential periods, laying the groundwork for modern empires and enduring legacies in political and architectural innovation.
They also left behind some instructive leadership lessons, in both what and what not to do.
Here to unpack some of the Roman Empire's most significant caesars as both histories and leadership case studies is Barry Strauss, who is a classicist, professor, military historian, fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, and the author of numerous books, including Ten Caesars). Today on the show, Barry shares how Augustus consolidated power by initially cleaning house, a redeeming quality of the otherwise infamous Nero, the strategies Vespasian and Severus used to gain legitimacy as outsiders, why Marcus Aurelius was an insightful philosopher but struggled as an emperor, the emperor under whose rule the empire began its decline, what Constantine understood about the idea that if you want things to stay the same, everything must change, and much more.
Resources Related to the Podcast
- Barry's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #487 — Leadership Lessons From the 3 Greatest Ancient Commanders)
- Barry's forthcoming book: Jews vs. Rome — Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire)
- AoM Podcast #346: The Fall of the Roman Republic)
- AoM Podcast #969: The Making of a Stoic Emperor)
Connect With Barry Strauss
