27 Quotes by Lindsey Davis

The host with the most horrible manners. If he invites you, send a sick note. If he insists, take to your bed and die.

They were not beggars; well, not in the usual sense. They were Christians, who wanted not just my nephew’s money but their souls.

Even the impetuous Helena Justina was an advocate of traditional family councils. However, every Roman matron knows that domestic councils were devised by our foremothers purely so the views of the matron of a household may prevail.

But, remember, a tyrant hates to admit he is one,’ Faustus said quietly. ‘The worse he is, the more he claims – and even believes – that traditional religion and democracy matter to him deeply and determine all his actions.

Some men are born lucky. Others are born Marcus Didius Falco.

Once you permit individuals to maneuver in secret, unasked, and for their own purposes, there is chaos.

Dictators love to talk. It is remarkable how men who wield excessive sole power will be consistent in this: Given a captive audience, they all drone on for hours. And hours. The human brain can only concentrate for twenty minutes, ask any teacher. Dictators have rarely been despatched on a training course to learn that simple fact. Many dictators are completely untrained; tyranny comes to them naturally.

Free time, time to do whatever you liked, or to do absolutely nothing, alone or in company you valued: of all the luxuries in the Empire, perhaps this was the greatest.

All bankers assume your money is theirs to play with.