Narrative

Originally published on April 29, 2024 (Episode 358)

Introduction

The world is awash in “narratives.” We hear of “establishing the narrative” or how “the narrative has changed.” Narratives, some argue, cause conflict. They enable genocide and war. Others insist they’re embedded in our very biology—hardwired by evolution—so we’ll never escape them.

With me today is historian and novelist Adrian Goldsworthy, who has committed numerous acts of narrative in both history and fiction. This is his fifth appearance on the podcast.

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About the Guest

Adrian Goldsworthy is a historian and author of numerous works of Roman history, including Caesar: Life of a Colossus (Yale, 2008) and Augustus: First Emperor of Rome (Yale, 2015), as well as several historical novels. His most recent work of nonfiction is Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry (Basic Books, 2023).

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For Further Investigation

• Previous conversations with Adrian Goldsworthy:

  • Julius Caesar as Historian

  • Hadrian’s Wall

  • Philip of Macedon and his spoiled-brat son

  • Rome v. Persia

• Related Episodes

  • Jonathan Gottschall on “The Story Paradox”

  • The Historical Thinking Series

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💬 Listen & Discuss

Are narratives our greatest tool for making sense of the world—or our greatest liability? Share your thoughts in the comments, and send this episode to anyone who insists on “controlling the narrative.”

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