'The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome' by Michael Parenti is a challenging and thought-provoking exploration of the Roman republic, shedding light on the brutal living conditions of slaves and plebeians, the disdainful attitude of Roman aristocrats towards the masses, and the true complexities behind Julius Caesar's assassination. Parenti delves into the social history of Rome, exposing the biases and intellectual ossification prevalent in academia that have perpetuated a distorted view of ancient Rome. Through a critical lens, he reevaluates the roles of historical figures, highlighting the struggles between aristocratic reformers and conservatives, and debunking myths perpetuated by classicist historians.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible and engaging, blending critical analysis with a narrative that invites a diverse audience to reconsider established historical views.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot emphasizes the conflict between the common people's struggles and the elite's dominance in ancient Rome, particularly surrounding the events leading to Caesar's assassination.

Setting:

The setting is in ancient Rome during the late Republic, focusing on the socio-political circumstances that influenced class conflicts.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, effectively balancing detailed analysis with narrative flow, allowing readers to engage deeply with the content.

The writing of history has long been a privileged calling undertaken within the church, royal court, landed estate, .M . affluent town house, government agency, university, and corporate-funded founda...

Genres:

historical nonfiction

social critique

Topics:

julius caesar

roman republic

class conflict

socioeconomic inequality

historical figures

political assassination

elitism

class struggle

Notes:

Many historians align themselves with Cicero's views, overlooking the brutal realities of Roman society.

Julius Caesar faced demonization because he threatened the conservative elite's power.

Classicists often paint Caesar as a tyrant to defend their elite perspective.

Postmodern scholarship tends to emphasize elite texts, ignoring the voices of the broader populace.

Caesar made significant reforms to alleviate debt and restrict usury, benefiting the common people.

The assassins of Caesar came from a wealthy creditor class that feared losing their power.

Parenti challenges the myth that the Roman Republic was an ideal society for all citizens.

The aristocracy had little concern for the well-being of common people and slaves.

Claims of slaves being well-treated in Rome are exaggerated; many faced harsh conditions.

Parenti highlights the struggle between aristocratic reformers and conservatives in Roman history.

The book critiques how history is often written from the perspective of the upper class.

From The Publisher:

"A provocative history" of intrigue and class struggle in Ancient Rome-"an important alternative to the usual views of Caesar and the Roman Empire" ( Publishers Weekly ).

Most historians, both ancient and modern, have viewed the Late Republic of Rome through the eyes of its rich nobility-the 1 percent of the population who controlled 99 percent of the empire's wealth. In The Assassination of Julius Caesar , Michael Parenti recounts this period, spanning the years 100 to 33 BC, from the perspective of the Roman people. In doing so, he presents a provocative, trenchantly researched narrative of popular resistance against a powerful elite.

As Parenti carefully weighs the evidence concerning the murder of Caesar, he adds essential context to the crime with fascinating details about Roman society as a whole. In these pages, we find reflections on the democratic struggle waged by Roman commoners, religious augury as an instrument of social control, the patriarchal oppression of women, and the political use of homophobic attacks. The Assassination of Julius Caesar offers a whole new perspective on an era thought to be well-known.

"A highly accessible and entertaining addition to history." - Book Marks

Reader Stats (1):

Read It (1)

What can you read after
The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

The Assassination of Julius Caesar: A People's History of Ancient Rome

Michael Parenti