Laughter in Ancient Rome: On Joking, Tickling, and Cracking Up

Laughter in Ancient Rome by Mary Beard explores the giggles, smirks, and guffaws of the ancient Romans, drawing on a wide range of Roman writing to track down the humor from the hilarious to the momentous to the surprising. She also reflects on bigger historical questions about the history of laughter and the ability to "get" the Romans' jokes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: University of California Press

Laughter in Ancient Rome is a captivating exploration of one of history's most intriguing yet complex subjects. Drawing on a diverse range of Roman writings, including essays on rhetoric and a surviving Roman joke book, Mary Beard delves into the giggles, smirks, and guffaws of the ancient Romans themselves. Spanning from ancient "monkey business" to the role of laughter in a culture of tyranny, Beard offers a comprehensive examination of Roman humor, encompassing both hilarious and momentous moments. However, she also raises profound historical questions. How can we possibly craft a history of laughter? Can we ever truly understand the Roman jokes?

Through her meticulous research, Beard sheds light on the diverse expressions of laughter in ancient Rome. She reveals that laughter was not just a source of entertainment but also played a significant role in the world of law courts, the imperial palace, and the arenas. Laughter was used as a tool to manipulate, control, and subvert power structures, as well as to bond and connect individuals. Beard's analysis highlights the nuanced and complex nature of Roman humor, which often incorporated wit, irony, and a deep understanding of human nature.

One of the key themes in Laughter in Ancient Rome is the relationship between laughter and power. Beard argues that laughter was often used by those in power to assert their dominance and control over others. For example, the Roman emperor Vespasian used laughter to disarm his opponents and to demonstrate his wit and charm. In contrast, laughter was also used by those who were marginalized or oppressed to challenge and subvert the dominant narrative. For instance, the satirist Juvenal used laughter to criticize the corruption and excess of the Roman elite.

Another fascinating aspect of Beard's book is her exploration of the role of laughter in the Roman legal system. She argues that laughter was used as a tool to facilitate justice and to ensure that the law was applied fairly. Laughter was seen as a way to lighten the mood and to create a sense of camaraderie among the judges and the witnesses. In addition, laughter was used to dispel tension and to prevent the legal proceedings from becoming too serious or confrontational.

Beard also delves into the cultural significance of laughter in ancient Rome. She argues that laughter was not just a form of entertainment but also played a crucial role in shaping Roman identity and culture. Laughter was used to celebrate and commemorate important events, such as weddings and festivals, as well as to express joy and happiness. In addition, laughter was used to bond and connect individuals, particularly in social settings such as dinner parties and public gatherings.

However, Beard also acknowledges that the study of laughter in ancient Rome is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of surviving Roman laughter. Unlike modern societies, where laughter is often captured through social media and other forms of media, there is very little evidence of laughter in ancient Rome. This lack of evidence makes it difficult to fully understand the role of laughter in ancient Roman society and to determine how it was expressed and perceived by the Romans themselves.

Despite these challenges, Laughter in Ancient Rome is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on one of history's most intriguing subjects. Beard's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book accessible to a wide range of readers, from history enthusiasts to casual readers interested in ancient culture. Through her exploration of the laughter of the ancient Romans, Beard sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of human emotion and the power of laughter to shape history and society.

In conclusion, Laughter in Ancient Rome is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, or human emotion. Mary Beard's meticulous research and engaging writing style offer a fresh and insightful perspective on one of history's most intriguing subjects. Through her exploration of the laughter of the ancient Romans, Beard sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of human emotion and the power of laughter to shape history and society. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual reader, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520401495