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Were Roman women done dirty by modern translations?

Joan Smith unpicks the reputations of the women in ancient Rome's Julio-Claudian dynasty, considering why so many of them have been branded villains, nags and nymphomaniacs

• Elinor Evans

Published: May 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM

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The stories of ancient Rome are littered with despicable women, and those of the Julio-Claudian dynasty are especially infamous. But where do these stories come from? And why have they endured for centuries? Speaking to Elinor Evans, Joan Smith explores how Roman misogyny, mistranslations, and modern historians have shaped a distorted narrative – casting influential historical women as villains, nags and nymphomaniacs.

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Joan Smith is the author of Unfortunately, She was a Nymphomaniac: A New History of Rome's Imperial Women (William Collins, 2024).

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Authors

Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)

Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)

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