Nero (r. 54-68 CE) and Emperor Wu of the Han (r. 141-87 BCE) were both known for their extravagance, exhibitionism, and fascination with foreign cultures (Greek, Parthian; Central Asian states), and both were widely criticized in Roman and Han historical sources for these traits. By comparing the two, we gain insights into important similarities and differences between Han and Roman conceptions of the relationship between Self and cultural Others.  Yiqun Zhou is Associate Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, Stanford University. Please view her important talk HERE.