Robert Harris On Returning To Ancient Rome For His Latest Novel
Summary
Historical novelist Robert Harris discusses his new novel, *Agrippa*, which imagines the life of Augustus’s powerful co-ruler through a fictionalized memoir. The episode explores how Agrippa’s military prowess and blunt honesty contrasted with Augustus’s frailty, effectively enabling the end of the Roman Republic. Harris draws parallels between ancient Roman politics and modern authoritarianism, referencing figures like Putin and Trump, while analyzing the brutal violence of the era. He also reflects on the challenges of crafting an authentic voice for a non-intellectual protagonist and the…
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor segment
Welcome to Robert Harris and discussion of Agrippa
Why Agrippa is a compelling subject for fiction
The contrasting personalities of Agrippa and Augustus
Rise to power and the end of Roman democracy
Violence, battle scenes, and Roman cruelty
The Bononia conference and the proscriptions
Parallels between Roman politics and modern leaders
Roman legacy in modern American politics
Challenges of writing an imagined memoir
Developing Agrippa's voice and perspective
The dynamic between Agrippa and Augustus
The Battle of Munda and the thrill of combat
Comparing Roman emperors to Donald Trump
Strong female characters: Fulvia and Livia
Livia's political influence and longevity
Author's personal connection to the character
Writing for audiobooks and print formats
Closing remarks and sponsor segment
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