TORTURE, TRUTH AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN SENECA'S <i>TROADES</i>

Abstract This article argues that the encounter between Andromache and Ulysses in Seneca's Troades engages with genre of declamation to juxtapose two different discourses surrounding torture: one focussed on torture's connection truth, other its tyranny. It describes how Greek general Ulysses, convinced danger letting Trojan prince Astyanax live, threatens his mother physical torture order ascertain truth Astyanax's whereabouts. However, is countered by Andromache's rhetoric, through which, shows, she depicts herself as archetypal heroic victim a tyrant. discusses innovates an effective psychological response. The sets scenario within broader rhetorical context demonstrates it reflects debate among contemporary elite about necessity of, risks from, rising use Julio-Claudian emperors, which resonates modern era.