What were the Roman emperors really like? Transporting us to the corridors of power, Mary Beard will separate fact from fiction and introduce us to the realities of Roman rule.

Spend a fascinating evening with renowned classicist and historian, Mary Beard. She will shine the spotlight on the emperors who ruled the Roman empire, from the well known Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) to the almost unknown Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE).

Taking the audience beyond the hype of politics, power and succession and into the heart of the palace corridors, these exclusive events promise a revolutionary approach to an apparently familiar subject. Mary will uncover the facts and fiction of these rulers, asking what they did and why, and how we have got such a lurid view of them. Through the thrilling themes of autocracy, corruption, and conspiracy – and also the day-to-day practicalities of the emperors’ lives (who did the cooking, or took the dictation?) – she will explore how they managed a huge empire and how they faced their subjects (and vice versa).

With the chance to ask Mary your own questions, don’t miss the opportunity to join the world-famous scholar as she asks what it felt like – what it meant — to be an emperor.

Praise for the works of Mary Beard:

“An accomplished scholar and lively debunker…Beard informs and entertains without ever patronising her readers. What she touches turns to light” Independent

“If they’d had Mary Beard on their side back then, the Romans would still have their empire” Daily Mail

Tickets to this event include a copy of Mary’s new book Emperor of Rome, available for collection on the evening of the event. This event is presented in partnership with Fane.