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Neron. Koniec dynastii
Niniejsze studium w założeniu ma być hybrydą: dziełem biograficznym, gdy koncentruje się na osobowości i problemach cesarza, oraz historycznym, gdy analizuje jego upadek z perspektywy interakcji tej osobowości z systemem politycznym. Panowanie Nerona badane jest tu w dwóch aspektach: po pierwsze, jego własnych skłonności i sposobu, w jaki na ich wyraz wpływały konkretne okoliczności oraz rady innych osób; następnie nacisków „naturalnych” dla pryncypatu – nacisków, które musiały warunkować postępowanie każdego władcy, nawet jeśli nie był on ich stale świadomy. Zgodnie z tym ostatnim punktem, przy badaniu wspaniałego początku jego panowania szuka się oznak presji, jakie pojawiają się w jego relacjach z senatem i w jego postępowaniu z własnymi wyzwolonymi sekretarzami (Rozdział VI), podczas gdy druga katastrofalna faza prowadzi do poszerzonego badania „pośmiertnego” (Rozdziały XI-XV) obejmującego problem sukcesji, finansowe obowiązki cesarza i dwie kwestie wpływające na właściwy wizerunek princepsa: pokusa filhellenizmu i potrzeba chwały wojennej.
350 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 1985
13 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Miriam T. Griffin
13 books12 followersDr Miriam T. Griffin is a classicist at Somerville College, Oxford.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 9, 2017
Imposter syndrome on an Imperial scale.
What do you get when you become an Emperor through no hereditary succession; no divine right to rule; no triumphs to your name? Nero
What do you get when you're insecure; rash; have a company of plebeians; desire to be liked? A poor Roman Emperor.
His love for art, however, should be acknowledged.
"What an artist dies in me"
What do you get when you become an Emperor through no hereditary succession; no divine right to rule; no triumphs to your name? Nero
What do you get when you're insecure; rash; have a company of plebeians; desire to be liked? A poor Roman Emperor.
His love for art, however, should be acknowledged.
"What an artist dies in me"
March 26, 2021
This book, touted online as the definitive biography of the Emperor Nero, leaves a lot to be desired. Many events central to Nero's reign are skimmed over in favor of pedantic examination of the ancient sources. Considering the scholarly nature of this work, it is understandable that the author spent a lot of time scrutinizing the writings of Tacitus, Suetonius and Dio. However, I was really disappointed that certain topics such as the Great Fire, the persecution of Christians and the revolt of Boudicca weren't given that much attention, while 2 redundant chapters were dedicated to art and architecture during Nero's reign, and those followed countless allusions to Nero's artistic temperament in the earlier chapters.
May 10, 2012
First off, I respectfully disagree with the only other existing review at the time of writing. This is actually a very solid, scholarly biography of Nero. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when deciding whether you want to read this. First off, Griffin tries hard to be neutral and middle of the road towards every historical person. She also does not try to turn Nero's biography into a narrative like some historical books. While I appreciate that style of writing, I also really respect her decision to not go in that direction. The book does start off a little slow however. She talks about the convoluted succession from Claudius to Nero in great detail which may put some readers off. She also does not talk about Burrus and Seneca in great or interesting detail, which surprised me a bit considering how important they were. Griffin often examines all of the available ancient sources as she guides the reader through Nero's life. If you have no knowledge of who Suetonius or Tacitus are, these sections will be harder to follow. I really respected how well-researched this book is and liked the way Griffin uses Nero's coins to support her interpretations. While the first half was a little slow, I really enjoyed the book as it went on and would recommend this to anyone looking for a scholarly biography of Nero. It is also an excellent counterpoint to the more recent "Great Fire of Rome," which I enjoyed as well.
December 9, 2017
This is a carefully researched and argued scholarly biography of Nero. I would not recommend it if you are a casual fan of Roman history. It requires a decent amount of foreknowledge about Roman institutions and imperial historiography. You’ll want to have already read the main primary sources on Nero (Suetonius’ Life of Nero and Tacitus’ Annals books 13-16, and the epitomes of Cassius Dio if you can) or at least have them ready for reference as Griffin frequently refers to these texts indirectly and often mediates differences between the narratives. The other major source that she makes use of are coins, which she judiciously uses to support several arguments about the Neronian prinicpate.
The book falls essentially into two parts. The first is a hybrid thematic/chronological series of chapters that detail the events of Nero’s life and the major characters around him: Agrippina Minor (AKA mommy), Seneca, Burrus, Poppaea, and Tigellinus. Each of these figures get brief biographical treatments of their own, and there is a pretty thorough review of the Claudian principate that preceeded Nero. As the subtitle of the volume makes clear, Griffin is concerned to explore how Nero fits within the mold of his predecessors to the throne and generally finds him to be in line with their examples. It is not until late in his reign that Nero truly becomes the terrible tyrant we now recognize him as. The hybrid thematic/chronological organization of this section can be dizzying at times but also helps to give multiple contexts for some events which are referred at different points. Again, some familiarity with the history of this period is a big help.
The second part of the book is a retrosepctive on what led to Nero’s fall. Included in this section are interesting studies of imperial sucession (which was never a fait accompli), the Roman economy/imperial finance, and military ventures. These chapters reveal how little Nero’s personality really mattered to the Roman state and the Roman people. Were it not for the great fire of 64, which Griffin declines to blame on Nero as the ancient sources do, he might not have ever lost enough clout to be challenged for the throne.
The book also has 10 pages of glossy black and white photos of statuary, architecture, and coins. The latter are particularly helpful for elucidating her numismatic arguments. I agree with other reviewers that the inclusion of a chronology for Nero's life would be useful, especially given the discontinuity of the narrative.
This even-handed and often apologetic picture of Nero seemed a bit too kind to me at times, but Griffin’s claims are always well-supported by ancient sources. Unfortunately, there is so much that we simply cannot know and must guess about when considering a figure of this magnitude.
So, what do we really need to know about Nero? He was a descendent of a man who made his name in Germany... This grandious, self-obsessed womanizer spent freely from state coffers without concern for his impact on the domestic economy... He did not brook competition or criticism... He was a notable patron of architecture and promoted it extensively including buildings decorated entirely with gold... He persecuted many whom he thought to be conspiring against him, often falsely... He engaged in disreputable social media, such as lyre performances and public song, despite the disapproval of many Romans... He was also kind of goofy looking... Do we not live under Nero today? Hail, Caesar. We all pray for a Galba to liberate us soon...
The book falls essentially into two parts. The first is a hybrid thematic/chronological series of chapters that detail the events of Nero’s life and the major characters around him: Agrippina Minor (AKA mommy), Seneca, Burrus, Poppaea, and Tigellinus. Each of these figures get brief biographical treatments of their own, and there is a pretty thorough review of the Claudian principate that preceeded Nero. As the subtitle of the volume makes clear, Griffin is concerned to explore how Nero fits within the mold of his predecessors to the throne and generally finds him to be in line with their examples. It is not until late in his reign that Nero truly becomes the terrible tyrant we now recognize him as. The hybrid thematic/chronological organization of this section can be dizzying at times but also helps to give multiple contexts for some events which are referred at different points. Again, some familiarity with the history of this period is a big help.
The second part of the book is a retrosepctive on what led to Nero’s fall. Included in this section are interesting studies of imperial sucession (which was never a fait accompli), the Roman economy/imperial finance, and military ventures. These chapters reveal how little Nero’s personality really mattered to the Roman state and the Roman people. Were it not for the great fire of 64, which Griffin declines to blame on Nero as the ancient sources do, he might not have ever lost enough clout to be challenged for the throne.
The book also has 10 pages of glossy black and white photos of statuary, architecture, and coins. The latter are particularly helpful for elucidating her numismatic arguments. I agree with other reviewers that the inclusion of a chronology for Nero's life would be useful, especially given the discontinuity of the narrative.
This even-handed and often apologetic picture of Nero seemed a bit too kind to me at times, but Griffin’s claims are always well-supported by ancient sources. Unfortunately, there is so much that we simply cannot know and must guess about when considering a figure of this magnitude.
So, what do we really need to know about Nero? He was a descendent of a man who made his name in Germany... This grandious, self-obsessed womanizer spent freely from state coffers without concern for his impact on the domestic economy... He did not brook competition or criticism... He was a notable patron of architecture and promoted it extensively including buildings decorated entirely with gold... He persecuted many whom he thought to be conspiring against him, often falsely... He engaged in disreputable social media, such as lyre performances and public song, despite the disapproval of many Romans... He was also kind of goofy looking... Do we not live under Nero today? Hail, Caesar. We all pray for a Galba to liberate us soon...
March 31, 2018
This scholarly biography presupposes considerable familiarity with the early Principate and late Republic, the author substantially concerning herself with academic debates concerning the period, particularly with those pertaining to the end of the Julian dynasty. This is not, in other words, so much a narrative biography of Nero, chronologically organized, as a treatment of his place in the Roman polity and how it may have come to pass that he failed in office.
Most confusing to me were the all-important interrelationships between patrician and equestrian families in the Roman power structure. It was common for a single person to have several spouses and multiple stepsiblings. Also, Roman adoption practices were very loose. These adoptions were often for political or economic advantage and played a large part in determining eligibility for office. Finally, and again often for social advantage, what we might consider incestuous marriages were relatively common. Keeping track of all of this required repeated reference to the sadly inadequate genealogical chart in prefaced to the text.
Most confusing to me were the all-important interrelationships between patrician and equestrian families in the Roman power structure. It was common for a single person to have several spouses and multiple stepsiblings. Also, Roman adoption practices were very loose. These adoptions were often for political or economic advantage and played a large part in determining eligibility for office. Finally, and again often for social advantage, what we might consider incestuous marriages were relatively common. Keeping track of all of this required repeated reference to the sadly inadequate genealogical chart in prefaced to the text.
September 25, 2019
Un trabajo muy completo sobre el último emperador de la dinastía Julio-Claudia.
El estilo es el que corresponde a un trabajo académico, sin concesiones literarias, pero tampoco lo calificaría como árido, el inglés se presta bien a este tipo de ensayos.
Griffin relata temas como la importancia de su madre en su elección como emperador, los primeros años bajo la tutela de Burro y Séneca y el descenso a la tiranía. Muy bien tratado el tema del arte. Me ha llamado la atención lo bien que se refleja inseguridad y el miedo que Nerón sentía. Su tratamiento (o descuido) de las finanzas, la política exterior y las legiones. También se toca con acierto su gusto por el helenismo.
En resumen, creo que es la obra de referencia para entender a Nerón.
Mi nota: 8,2/10.
El estilo es el que corresponde a un trabajo académico, sin concesiones literarias, pero tampoco lo calificaría como árido, el inglés se presta bien a este tipo de ensayos.
Griffin relata temas como la importancia de su madre en su elección como emperador, los primeros años bajo la tutela de Burro y Séneca y el descenso a la tiranía. Muy bien tratado el tema del arte. Me ha llamado la atención lo bien que se refleja inseguridad y el miedo que Nerón sentía. Su tratamiento (o descuido) de las finanzas, la política exterior y las legiones. También se toca con acierto su gusto por el helenismo.
En resumen, creo que es la obra de referencia para entender a Nerón.
Mi nota: 8,2/10.
October 19, 2023
This book is so poorly organized its astounding. Quotations are simply thrown at you and some of the more outrageous claims have no sources or backing at all. The pacing is strange and there are numerous unqualified tangents. Tacitus' Annals were far more readable if you just wanted a chronological timeline of events. Somehow manages to make Nero's reign boring.
August 2, 2019
Badly Organized. The book could use fewer tangents and information that hardly relate to Nero or his life.
November 21, 2015
This is a research book (not a popular biography), classified under "text books" at B&N. I found it appropriate for my needs--accessible, well researched and footnoted. The author followed a thematic organization, rather than a chronological organization, and I would have appreciated a timeline or "highlights of" table. However she does provide an extensive genealogy tree, supplemental bibliography, and a discussion of the primary sources.
May 23, 2016
Due to my interest and curiosity to what Nero's actions were in detail, I was compelled to try out this book. The book is purely nonfiction, a scholar type book. I'm not sure if this book did its best to explain to its fullest ability to what extent Nero's madness reached. As expected from a simple biography, the book did not appeal emotionally to me and sort of became boring after a while. Those interested in a book filled with facts completely about Nero should read this.
January 17, 2009
I'm embarassed to say didn't actually finish this book. I consider myself a classicist, but this book was so boring I just couldn't continue. Basing an entire history off of coins may make for a good thesis, but it makes for a terribly laborious book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews