Books of Literature by Nobel Prize Winning Authors: 2020 Challenge discussion

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Oh, those Romans! I am enthralled already by their drama, passion, intrigues and political shenanigans. I want to read every book written by or about Ancient Rome. Good going, Robert Graves.

In these beginning chapters, Claudius is a child who suffers many ailments. He was born at 7 months and suffers a limp and stammers. Maybe because physical perfection is seen as being a sign of mental perfection also, he is considered an idiot but despite this, there are signs that he is not. He has a tutor, Athenodorus who encourages him and through whom he gains a love of history.

Augustus is his grandfather and is the Emperor but it is really his grandmother, Livia, who is the real ruler as she rules Augustus.

There are a lot of poisonings and familial maneuverings to gain power which seem to basically originate with Livia.

Based on you reading this week what are your thoughts on:

1. Emperor Augustus.
2. His wife Livia and her power.
3. The Senate and their power
4. Claudius.