Susanna Elm

In this engaging discussion, Susanna Elm, a historian specializing in late antiquity, shares insights from her book on the intersection of beauty, power, and masculinity in the later Roman Empire. She introduces the concept of 'virness' as a crucial element of imperial representation. Elm explains how the gorgeousness of emperors influenced political dynamics and unity, particularly during crises. She also touches on the role of erotic politics, child emperors, and the unique tensions between imperial authority and perceived imperfections in leadership.