A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum cover art

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Murder in Ancient Rome

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A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

By: Emma Southon
Narrated by: Sophie Ward
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About this listen

In Ancient Rome all the best stories have one thing in common: murder.

Romulus killed Remus to found the city, Caesar was assassinated to save the Republic. Caligula was butchered in the theatre, Claudius was poisoned at dinner and Galba was beheaded in the forum. In one 50-year period, 26 emperors were murdered. But what did killing mean in a city where gladiators fought to the death to sate a crowd?

Emma Southon examines real-life homicides from Roman history to explore how perpetrator, victim and the act itself were regarded by ordinary people. Inside Ancient Rome's unique culture of crime and punishment, we see how the Romans viewed life, death and what it means to be human.

©2020 Emma Southon (P)2020 W. F. Howes Ltd Ancient Crime Ancient Rome Funny Witty Ancient History

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I love ancient history, but most history books take the subject very seriously. This book was so refreshing in it's irreverent delivery of horrific history that it made me laugh and gasp in equal measure. The narrator also needs an award for how she delivered this book. Perfect!

Beautifully irreverent

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A witty & honest look at ancient murder with links to modern social norms. Really enjoyable read

Great read

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Really nice. I will
definitely return to it for another listen. Quite enjoyable narration and full of interesting information

Concise and fun to listen

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the subject matter is very interesting but have to say swearing feels OTT at points

very interesting but occasionally unnecessary

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Emma Southon has played a blinder here. A serious exploration of Roman attitudes to the killing of individuals which is explained in colloquial and conversational ways. Some will say that swearing undermines an argument but they’re being silly. And this brings me to my one disappointment. The narrator reads this book like Alexa would. How someone could fail to give life to the language here is beyond me but she gave me the impression she was too lofty to be saying things like “chinny reckon”. It just needed and deserved more life.

Popular history at its best.

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Also at one point she references the Renford Rejects... This was written specifically for a British middle age history buff.

Loved it. Especially the completely apt swearing.

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Absolutely incredible deep dive into murder and all forms of homicide in ancient Rome. Informative without being condescending or boring, Southon does a great job of even making the political nuances of ancient crime entertaining and interesting. An absolute must read for ancient history fans and everyday readers alike, I cannot recommend this book enough!

Dark, Entertaining, and Informative

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If you’d have told me last year that my favourite book would be one about murder in Ancient Rome, I’d have called you mad. But it’s true, Southon’s writing is just unbelievably good. Nuanced, funny, heartbreaking, I cannot stop returning to A Fatal Thing. Prepare to laugh and cry and then laugh some more…and possible want to commit your own murder.

Amazing book (as a physical copy or on audio!)

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I wasn't sure of the narration at first, but soon grew to enjoy the deadpan delivery.
I knew a lot of the history before but it was eye opening and you start to rethink your understanding. Really very very good.

Bloody excellent.

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I absolutely love Emma Southon’s work on the Romans — informative and incisive but also she has a wicked sense of humour that had me snorting with laughter. If you like this definitely read Aggrippina too!

Brilliant, clever and funny!

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