Podbit · Fin vs History
Claudius was a drooling, stammering, limping man hidden behind a curtain when Caligula was assassinated — and the Praetorian Guard dragged him out and made him emperor. This is the story of history's most underestimated man, sandwiched between two of Rome's most notorious madmen.
Where this was said
At 0:40 · chapter starts 0:00
The episode opens mid-ad break before Fin Taylor and Horatio Gould materialise in what they describe as matching corduroy curtain-coloured suits, sparking an extended riff about gunt, sofa cushion camouflage, and dressing like hitmen trying to hide in the furniture. Once the self-deprecation settles, the hosts pivot to the matter at hand: Claudius, the Roman Emperor sandwiched between Caligula and Nero — or, as Horatio frames it with admirable economy, betwixt the mad cunts. Fin declares this their finest territory: the Roman Emperors are the 'lily pads' where he feels safe in the ancient world. Horatio argues that Claudius is his favourite emperor they've covered yet, because unlike the other Chads or lunatics, Claudius has real light and shade. The episode is framed as a sequel to their Caligula episode, and new listeners are gently told to go back and listen to that one first.
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