Steve’s review of The Lives of the Caesars > Likes and Comments

There is a part in Grave's 'I, Claudius' wherein the young Claudius is torn between two history teachers; one asserts history as the march of kingdoms; the other teacher affirms that history is properly told as the events of important personages.
Both have recognized that the oft-mocked Claudius is actually gifted; and he is asked which path is right?
My opinion: the first is truer history; the second is more interesting.

Interesting. You’d think I might have a particularly penetrating opinion because I’m ancient, smart - and drool like Claudius (sometimes).
I don’t though.
For what it’s worth I see personages as the important marker to track but only in how they reflect a power base they depend upon to keep them there. Could be the military, or a powerful oligarchy, or even voters (who can be manipulated, so that becomes a bit circular).