The Satyricon — Volume 06: Editor's Notes

This volume offers listeners an unexpurgated rendering of Petronius's infamous Roman satire, preserving even the most ribald passages that later editions often tame. The translator weaves together the original text with the disputed additions of Nodot and Marchena, as well as the later interpolations of De Salas, giving a fuller sense of how the work has been reshaped over centuries. The result is a vibrant, if sometimes chaotic, mosaic that lets the wit and decadence of ancient Rome shine through.

Accompanying the narrative are extensive editorial notes that treat the social backdrop with scholarly generosity. One section delves into the origins of prostitution in Roman culture, linking it to religious festivals, law, and the everyday anxieties of a city built on conquest. Listeners will hear vivid explanations of how public spectacles, sumptuary regulations, and moral debates colored everyday life, providing a richer context for the characters' reckless adventures. The commentary remains grounded in historical sources, inviting curiosity without overwhelming the story.