The Representation of Newsreaders in the HBO Series Rome: An Analysis of Historical Accuracy

The 2005 HBO series Rome features a character known as the Newsreader, who uses a unique set of gestures and movements to announce news and events in the storyline. This portrayal is often questioned for its historical accuracy. This article explores whether the character's presentation aligns with real historical practices or if it is a creative dramatic device used to engage viewers.

Historical Context and Reality of News Dissemination in Ancient Rome

In reality, news in ancient Rome was disseminated through a variety of means, including public announcements, written notices called acta diurna (daily acts), and word of mouth. Heralds and public speakers would announce important news, but the stylized and theatrical presentation seen in Rome is more of a dramatic device used to engage viewers rather than a reflection of actual historical practices.

The character Newsreader plays a unique role in the series. He serves as a sort of narrator and commentator, adding a layer of commentary and context to the unfolding events. This approach effectively bridges the gap between the audience and the ancient world, providing a modern perspective on the characters and events of Rome.

The Role of the Praeco and Chironomia in Ancient Rome

In actual Roman society, the character of Newsreader is loosely based on the role of the praeco, a public herald who would read public messages aloud in the forum. The praeco was responsible for mastering the rules of chironomia, which is the Latin term for 'the rules of the hand.' Chironomia involves the use of hand gestures to convey unspoken meaning, understood by the audience.

While there is no contemporary text that explicitly states the praeco used gestures like a Roman orator, it is not unlikely to think they might have used this technique. Historically, similar hand gestures are seen in Christian iconography of saints giving sermons and can also be found in political speeches. For instance, a German politician may have attempted to use mime-like gestures in a locked box, showcasing the versatility of hand gestures in persuasive speech.

Modern Analogues and the Evolution of Morse Code

The use of hand gestures for communication is not confined to ancient times. For example, Donald Trump's use of limited hand gestures during speeches can be seen as a modern interpretation of chironomia. These gestures often indicate what he believes to be power indications, similar to how ancient orators might have used hand gestures to convey authority and confidence.

Interestingly, the history of Morse code offers a contemporary parallel to these ancient practices. Morse code is a method of representing written text as arrhythmical dots and dashes, which can be sounded out or transmitted using any apparatus capable of creating two different signals. This method of communication underscores the versatility of hand and signal gestures in conveying information, albeit in a more modern context.

Conclusion

The character of the Newsreader in Rome serves a creative and narrative purpose rather than a historical one. While it draws inspiration from the role of the praeco and the practice of chironomia, it is primarily a dramatic device used to enhance the storytelling. Viewers interested in the accurate historical representation of news delivery in ancient Rome should be aware that the series takes creative liberties to engage and entertain, rather than provide a literal and precise account.