We struggle to comprehend the power emperors held over their subjects because our modern world is built on principles of equality, freedom of speech, and fundamental human rights. While these rights are valued differently across states, and dictatorships still persist in some regions, the empires of the past were absolute monarchies combined with a theocratic worldview. In these systems, the emperor was seen as a divinely ordained ruler, and in more ancient empires like Egypt, as a god incarnate.
These behemoths of political and military power continue to captivate us millennia later, their pomp and grandeur beguiling the mind. Yet we often overlook that behind the aura of unmitigated power, the emperor was just another human (mostly men, with some notable exceptions) with all the physical and emotional needs that entails. However, few faced the extraordinary pressures that emperors endured to keep their empires intact and their positions in the power hierarchy secure.
Dominic Lieven's audiobook "In the Shadow of the Gods: The Emperor in World History" thoroughly examines how the nature and role of emperorship evolved throughout human history and how various emperors faced these enormous challenges. A passage from the book offers insight into his approach to these profound questions: "Sometimes when dining at Trinity College, Cambridge, I was asked about my research by other Fellows who were natural scientists. I tried to argue that their research and mine were similar. Often they were experimenting with how materials behaved at extreme temperatures and I was doing the same to human beings. Being an emperor often strained an individual beyond what the human frame was designed to tolerate. The results could be spectacular."
The book presents a collective biography showcasing many empires and emperors, starting from Sargon of Akkad in the ancient Near East and extending to the mid-twentieth century when empires ceased to be viable as a political system. Lieven examines the structures of hereditary imperial monarchies and how such polities functioned to remain in power.
Moving chronologically from ancient Mesopotamia to the present, Lieven, a former professor of Russian studies at the London School of Economics and winner of the Wolfson History Prize, focuses on memorable monarchs as they evolved in their roles. Dynasties such as the Chinese, Mughal, and Ottoman were never fully efficient or meritocratic, yet despite the "self-evidently flawed system" of hereditary monarchy, it managed to survive as "by far the most prevalent type of polity in history."
The author delineates how the "sacred monarchies" of the Near East, exemplified by ancient Egypt, were most closely aligned with divinity. In contrast, subsequent empires like Persia and Rome required rulers to demonstrate exemplary military and political skills, as seen with Alexander and Hadrian. The enduring blueprint of dynastic style, as Lieven notes, dictated that the ruler was backed by an inner circle of sycophantic functionaries dependent on his largesse—and willing to tell him what he wanted to hear.
Particularly compelling are the author's significant discussions of Chinese emperors, who were endowed with the so-called "Mandate of Heaven." These rulers relied heavily on both secrecy and ritual, the latter manifested especially through the three primary schools of thought—Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism—that influenced Chinese leaders across centuries. In contrast, the monarchies of modern Europe were fashioned for public display and lavish ceremony. Regardless of ruling style, the right type of emperor could be hugely influential, especially regarding religion. Examples include Ashoka's influence on Buddhism, Constantine's on Christianity, and the Safavid shahs' impact on Shi'i Islam.
The audiobook is narrated by John Lee, whose clear and calm manner of narration enhances the depth and profundity of Lieven's writing. Lee's voice lends an authoritative yet engaging tone to the historical narrative, making complex concepts and vast historical sweeps more accessible to the listener.
Lieven's comprehensive exploration of emperorship, combined with Lee's skillful narration, creates an immersive audio experience. The narrator's pacing and intonation help to emphasize key points and maintain listener engagement throughout the extensive historical journey.
This audiobook version of "In the Shadow of the Gods: The Emperor in World History" offers a unique way to absorb Lieven's insights. It allows listeners to engage with this rich historical content while commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts and casual learners alike.