Behind Caesar's Back Rumor, Gossip, and the Making of the Roman Emperors

An interesting exploration of how the Romans viewed their emperors, and how rumors and gossip - ranging from new taxes to the rulers' sexuality - shaped leadership. This book, From Behind Caesar's Back (https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300276459/behind-caesars-back/), spanning more than seven hundred years of Roman history, examines how Romans would gossip, spread rumours, tell jokes, and chant in protest against their emperors – an activity that was more than just casual chatter. Cailan Davenport uses ancient evidence, including letters, graffiti and songs, to reveal how Romans engaged in politics outside the Senate or Imperial Council. He argues that the idea of ​​the Roman emperor was shaped not only by the political powers granted to him, but also by debates in the streets, churches, taverns and markets. Davenport reveals how the Romans spoke of the “emperor” as a symbol of stability, as an agent of justice and retribution, or as a fallible human being. Although few people ever saw an emperor, his image (and thus his authority) was everywhere: on coins, banners, flags, and even cakes, as well as statues and paintings. While most Romans did not question the transition of their republic into a monarchy, they were deeply involved in the empire, and were in constant debate about what kind of ruler they had, wanted, and deserved.