Emperors of Rome
A podcast series exploring the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, hosted by Dr Rhiannon Evans, Dr Caillan Davenport and Matt Smith from La Trobe University. The series delves into the lives, achievements, and failures of emperors from Augustus to the fall of Rome, drawing on historical sources and archaeological evidence.
Episodes
Anthology of Interest IV
Rhiannon Evans, Caillan Davenport, Matt Smith and special guest William Dalrymple share items of Roman interest! You will hear:
- A phoenix in the forum
- The unknown Queens of Rome
- The Roman perception of elephants
- Trade between India and Rome
- The low bar of Roman insults
- The false female centurion
- What Emperors called themselves
- An accurate population of Pompeii
- The false Theodosi
Viriathus
Viriathus was a Lusitanian leader who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Rome’s most formidable enemies. A skilled tactician and master of guerrilla warfare, he led his people in resistance against Roman expansion in Hispania during the second century BCE. Celebrated for his honour and leadership — even by the Romans who fought him — Viriathus’s story is one of resilience, betrayal, and
Paetus, It Does Not Hurt
Arria, and her daughter of the same name, were celebrated in Roman literature for their virtues, piety, and devotion to family. Remembered above all for their willingness to embrace self-sacrifice, their lives and deaths became exemplars of courage and duty, cited by writers like Pliny and Martial as models of Roman virtue.
Episode CCXLVIII (248)
Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic a
Porcia
Being the daughter of Cato and wife of Brutus came with certain expectations from the ancient world. Embody her father’s principles, be a fine, upstanding Roman lady, and put Rome first above all other things. Porcia did this, and was admired for her disposition.
Episode CCXLVII (247)
Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Laudatio Turiae
In times of antiquity, alongside the Via Appia, stood the Laudatio Turiae, a funerary inscription praising the life of an exceptional Roman woman. While we aren’t sure of her actual identity her husband was clearly fond to her, and wanted everyone approaching Rome to know it.
Episode CCXLVI (246)
Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
False Nero
When Nero took his own life in 68CE it was the end of an era for Rome. The Julio-Claudians had ruled for close to 100 years, and with the end of the dynasty there was confusion, civil war, and an outpouring of grief.
Some would exploit this confusion and claim to be the still alive Emperor Nero, with the intention of retaking his empire.
Episode CCXLV (245)
Guest: Assistant Professor Zachary H
The House That Crassus and Pompey Built
After the death of Crassus his powerful name, his fortune, and his family’s honour survived. In this episode we’ll trace the life of the Crassi yet to come, and how the family comes together with an old rival.
Episode CCXLIII (243)
Part V of Crassus
Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Ludi Apollinares
Plague getting your people down? Suffering from a mysterious ailment? Perhaps a festival of Apollo is what you need. A simple festival with games, plays and feastings could be enough to sway Apollo in your favour. Or at least, distract your city for a while.
Episode CCXLIV (244)
Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Episode CLXXVIII - Witches in Roman Literature
Romans had the reality of witches, those who made the brews and prepared the curses, but also the witches of fiction. In their poems and stories, a witch took on a horrific persona, one that skews much more closely to the modern idea of a witch.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Head of Department of Languages and Linguistics, La Trobe University)
Glory and Gold
Crassus had power, he had money, but he still felt something was missing. With an army and a province in the east, he sets off to win the glory he had always been denied Perhaps it lay in Parthia.
Episode CCXLII (242)
Part IV of Crassus
Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Episode CLXXXIII - Philippics
As the power struggle in Rome continued and generals waged their war on the battlefield, Cicero took to the floors of the senate, confronting Antony with the greatest weapon in his arsenal: the spoken word. He called his speeches the Philippics, and they were influential in turning the senate against Antony.
Part II of 'The Liberator's War'
Guest: Dr Kathryn Tempest (Reader in Classics and Ancie
Crassus and the Triumvirate
As Crassus gathered more power and wealth his success was aided by two allies. One, Julius Caesar, had received financial aid from Crassus for many years. The other, Pompeius Magnus, was at the best of times a bitter rival. Together they formed the triumvirate - more powerful together than apart.
Episode CCXLI (241)
Part III of Crassus
Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancien
Episode CXCIV - Sea Monsters in Roman Mythology
Rome has always been a sea-faring power, relying on the Mediterranean for food and trade. But what lies beneath the waves can chill the hearts of mortal men, and tales of aquatic horrors were common in antiquity.
Guest: Dr Gillian Shepherd (Director, Trendall Centre, La Trobe University)
Crassus vs Spartacus
In the tales of Hollywood Crassus will always be the antagonist to the slave hero Spartacus, but is that how would he see himself? A war against slaves is something that no self respecting Roman would like to be pushed into. And yet here we are.
Episode CCXL (240)
Part II of Crassus
Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Excavating Pompeii
Pompeii has been excavated for hundreds of years, and in that time techniques, practices and philosophies have changed. We’re now finding out a lot more about the city and the people who lived there, and there’s still more to find out.
The When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for an upcoming series 8. Please give your support.
Guest:
Dr Sophie Hay (Archaeologist, Archaeological Park of Pompe
Crassus and the Social Wars
Marcus Licinius Crassus was an influential politician in the late Roman republic, famous for the wealth he accrued and the power that he held. An ally of Caesar and a rival of Pompey, he rose to prominence during the social wars, but would never get the military glory he believed was his owed.
Episode CCXXXIX (239)
Part I of Crassus
Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient
Episode CXCIII - The Humiliation of Caesar (Valerian III)
With enemies to confront in every direction, Valerian heads back to the east where Shapur and the Parthians are once again threatening the borders of the Roman empire. While Valerian anticipates a victory, what is to come is the greatest defeat of a Roman emperor.
Episode III of 'Valerian'.
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian N
Imperial Dining (with Mary Beard)
The simple act of dinner took on a new dimension for the Emperors. In an place where every meal could be a performance, an Emperor used the chance to reward and impress, intimidate and strike fear, and sometimes all at once. Having dinner with the Emperor was always a great honour, but sometimes you were risking your life.
Episode CCXXXVIII (238)
Guest:
Professor Mary Beard (Classics and Ancient
Episode CXCII - The Persecution of Christians (Valerian II)
Religious persecution wasn’t a new thing for Rome, but under the rule of Valerian they intensified. Christians were now the specified target, but the executions and confiscation of property did little to help the stability of the empire.
Episode II of 'Valerian'.
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
Roman Dining
For the Romans the simple act of dinner was so much more than a meal. It was an opportunity to socialise and do business, to see and be seen, and in some cases just to show off. Like everything it is steeped in protocol and tradition, but ultimately it emphasised spending time with others - as every good meal should.
Episode CCXXXVII (237)
Guest:
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and
Episode CXCI - Empire Under Siege (Valerian)
When Valerian became emperor in 253CE Rome was fighting on all fronts. With Shapur and the Syrians taking territory in the east, and Germanic tribes to the west and the north, the empire was going to get messy for Valerian and his newly established dynasty.
Episode I of 'Valerian'.
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National U
Episode CCXXXVI - The Madness of Commodus (Live in Melbourne)
To celebrate the 10th year of the Emperors of Rome podcast, Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith convened a screening of the epic movie Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, preceded by a live podcast recording the history and basis of the character Commodus performed by Joaquin Phoenix.
Recorded on the 19th October 2024 at the Thornbury Picture House, Melbourne.
Episode CXC - I, Augustus (with Brian Blessed)
Brian Blessed is a treasured British actor who for our purposes will fondly be remembered for his iconic role as Emperor Augustus in the 1976 BBC television series I, Claudius. Brian dominated the screen with his performance and we were very lucky to get the chance to speak to him.
Now funding on Kickstarter: Agricola (the podcast miniseries).
Guests:
Brian Blessed
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate
Episode CCXXXV - Faunalia Rustica
The Roman festival of Faunalia Rustica was celebrated in rural areas in honour of the god Faunus, a god who according to epic poetry was the King of the Latins, but to many needed appeasement for country living.
Guest:
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Episode CLXXXIX - Nero and the Great Fire of Rome (Live in Canberra)
On the night of 18 July, 64 CE, a fire broke out in the Circus Maximus at Rome. It raged for nine days, destroying or damaging ten of the city’s fourteen regions.
Was the fire just a terrible accident? Or was it deliberately lit, either by dissident Christians or by the emperor Nero, who allegedly sang while Rome burned?
Recorded on 12th April 2022, in front of a live audience at the Australian
Episode CCXXXIV - Dyarchy Plus One (Diocletian II)
Diocletian and Maximian must be doing something right - keeping the borders of Rome safe, and ruling the Empire in harmony. They even have a catch-up in Milan, worthy of a panegyric. Things would be perfect, if it wasn’t for the revolt of Carausius in Gaul and Britain, who doesn’t want to rule Rome, he just wants to be included in the party.
Part II of Diocletian
Guest:
Associate Professor Cai
Episode CLXXXVIII - How to Win a Consular Election
Every year Rome held an election in which two senators were chosen for the role of consul. Being elected consul was a great honour, and the position was hotly contested, and a successful campaign depended upon the candidate’s military achievements, rhetorical skills and their willingness to be corrupt.
Now funding on Kickstarter: Agricola (the podcast miniseries).
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Assoc
Episode CCXXXIII - The Rise of Diocles (Diocletian I)
The man who would be the Emperor Diocletian was of unremarkable origins. Quick to recognise the challenges of Rome, he moved to set it up as a franchise opportunity. This worked when nothing else did, and to many he was the most successful Roman emperor in an age. Just don’t ask the Christians…
Part I of Diocletian
Guest:
Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical
Episode CLXXXVII - The Battle of Philippi
More than two years have passed since the death of Caesar, and we now find our story at the final battle of the Liberator’s war. Octavian and Mark Antony lead their forces west to confront Cassius and Brutus, who have amassed quite the army in the meantime.
Part VI of 'The Liberator's War'
Guest: Assistant Professor Steele Brand (History, The King’s College, New York City).
Episode CCXXXII - Carus and Sons
As the wild and crazy experiment of the 3rd century winds to a conclusion, a man named Carus steps into the purple, with an imperial dynasty ready to go. But Rome has grown unwieldy. Challenged by enemies from beyond and within, it will take quite a leader to hold the empire together.
Guest:
Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian Nationa
Episode CLXXXVI - Proscriptions
Octavian, Mark Antony and Lepidus have secured their alliance against Caesar's assassins, and since they have control of Rome, it's time for them to get rid of any competition. Proscribing an enemy means they will likely be executed, and their personal fortunes can be confiscated and put towards paying soldiers - and the second triumvirate make full use of this.
Part V of 'The Liberator's War'
G
Episode CCXXXI - Probus
Probus had a fairly long reign for this time in the history of the Empire. Keeping the barbarians in check is one thing, seeing off usurpers is another, but just don’t ask too much of the military - they don’t like getting their hands dirty.
Guest:
Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)
Episode CLXXXV - The Second Triumvirate
After his victory in at Mutina, Octavian desired honours that the senate declined to award him. This led him to re-evaluate who his enemy truly was, and make an alliance with the recently defeated Mark Antony.
Part IV of 'The Liberator's War'
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXX - Emperor Tacitus
We now return to the late third century, where the Emperor Aurelian has finally reunited the Roman empire and been murdered for the trouble, and the senate in Rome, waning in its influence, makes a final flex of power.
Tickets are now on sale for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne.
Guest:
Associate Profes
Episode CLXXXIV - The Siege of Mutina
As Antony heads north he finds the city of Mutina defended by Decimus Brutus. Antony lays siege, but he doesn't count on a young Octavian leading the army to confront him.
Part III of 'The Liberator's War'
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXIX - Clodius Pulcher and the Bona Dea
The Bona Dea was a goddess of Rome, whose celebrations were the secret domain of elite women. To our male Roman sources they were mysterious and magical, that is until Clodius Pulcher decided he would gate crash.
Tickets are now on sale for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne.
Guest:
Associate Professor Rh
Episode CLXXXII - The Empty Throne
Caesar’s death created a power vacuum in the city of Rome. While Antony struggled against the senate to make a deal and assert his dominance, Octavian’s imminent arrival presented a rival he couldn’t anticipate.
Part I of 'The Liberator's War'
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXVIII - Caesar vs Vercingetorix (Live in Albury)
Caesar was a man who was careful of his image, and in his accounts of the Gallic Wars he records his skill and competence on the battle field. He also made a point of giving himself a credible nemesis, with the barbarian Vercingetorix taking the centre stage.
Recorded live in Albury at the Albury LibraryMuseum on 24th June, 2024.
Guests:
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient
Episode CLXXXI - Crucifixion
Crucifixion was a Roman practise or torture and execution that proved a popular punishment for slaves and enemies of Rome When crucified an individual was nailed to a cross or a piece of wood and left in the elements to asphyxiate.
Obvious content warning!
Guest: Dr Gillian Shepherd (Director, Trendall Centre, La Trobe University)
Episode CCXXVII - The Catiline Comparison (The Catiline Conspiracy VIII)
Throughout our examination of the Catiline conspiracy we have avoided the urge to make comparisons between the events in Ancient Rome and modern day politics. In this episode we resist no more.
Part VIII of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guests:
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)
Professor Nick Bisley (Dean of the School of Humanities and Social
Episode CLXXX - The Fort
The Roman fort functioned as a base of operations for the army, a defensive and functional structure that could protect both the frontier of the Roman Empire and the supply lines.
Guest: Dr Adrian Goldsworthy (historian and author, whose most recent work of fiction is titled 'The Fort').
Episode CCXXVI - The Reputation of Catiline (The Catiline Conspiracy VII)
Catiline’s name is often used as a byword for villainy, and over the years has been told and retold by different authors with different agendas. To some he is a villain, a traitor to the state. To others he’s a hero, standing up for the little guy.
Part VII of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCX - A Lesson in Latin III
What Latin words and concepts for time are still with us today?
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXV - The Exile of Cicero (The Catiline Conspiracy VI)
Cicero may have won the battle against Catiline but he wouldn’t win the war. With too many enemies in the senate he makes a tactical retreat, leaving his beloved Rome for the safety of the coast of Greece.
Part VI of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXIV - Aurelian, Restorer of the Age
Aurelian has seen off vandals, goths, and conquered the forces of Zenobia to reclaim the east. But to the west lies the Gallic Empire, once firm territory of Rome, awaiting his attention.
Part III of 'Aurelian'
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
Episode CCXXIV - Indomitable Spirit (The Catiline Conspiracy V)
Catiline and Cicero now wage very different wars. Cicero on the floor of the senate, arguing for the protection of the legacy of Rome. Catiline on the battlefield, fighting with a bravery that would make any hero proud.
Part V of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXIII - The Championship of the Oppressed (The Catiline Conspiracy IV)
Catiline and Cicero draw their lines of battle in the senate, with Catiline claiming to represent the will of the wretched and destitute. But his attacks on Cicero, directly or indirectly, earn him many enemies, and he is forced to flee the city of Rome.
Part IV of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXII - A Stolen Election (The Catiline Conspiracy III)
Catiline attempted to become consul of Rome more than once, and its a position he believes he deserves. When he fails in his efforts and Cicero is elected he attempts to force the issue, conspiring with all those who have a grudge against the state.
Part III of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXXI - An Entire Farrago (The Catiline Conspiracy II)
Catiline doesn't have the best reputation in Rome, and in the years after his failed conspiracy he has been implicated in every failed plot of that time. Was he involved in them? Possibly.
Part II of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXX - A Disordered Mind (The Catiline Conspiracy I)
Catiline is a notorious figure of the Roman republic, a longtime rival of Cicero who, after repeated attempts at the consulship decided to push the matter by force. In this episode we look at his character, his role in the social wars of Rome and his early attempts at office.
Part I of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe Univ
Episode CCXIX - Hispala Faecena and the Bacchanalia Conspiracy
Hispala Faecena was instrumental in bringing the cult of Bacchus to the attention of Roman authorities, ending a conspiracy that was threatening lives and the rule of law.
Guest:
Dr Emma Southon (Author of 'A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women')
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXVIII - Martial on the Emperors
Martial was a Roman poet primarily writing during the reign of Domitian, and while primarily known for his commentary on Roman life, his takedowns, his insults and vulgarity, in this episode we look at how he toes the careful line of praising the Emperor.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXVII - Angeronalia
Yes, it’s that festive time of year again, when you gather all ye merry people with sore throats, stand around a statue with its mouth covered, and keep the sacred name of Rome safe.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXVI - A Roman Haunting in Three Parts
A dire warning from the spirit of Africa! A Haunting in Athens! And someone cuts the hair of Pliny's freedman.
Pliny the Younger presents a Roman Haunting in Three Parts.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
Episode CCXV - The Unconquered Sun
Aurelian is known as a conqueror, a general and a restorer, and his reputation is based on those achievements. But in his short rule of five years, he was also an Emperor, and made efforts to leave his mark on Rome.
Part IV of 'Aurelian'
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
Episode CCXIII - Zenobia
The weakness of Rome was the strength of Palmyra, and the east came to be be ruled by the Queen Zenobia. Cultured and ambitious, her empire stretched from Egypt to Turkey, which made her a formidable challenge for Aurelian.
Part II of 'Aurelian'
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
Episode CCXII - Aurelian, the Restorer of the World
Aurelian became Emperor of a fractured empire. To the west the Gallic Empire had been established ten years earlier, the eastern provinces were now controlled by Zenobia, and there were threats from the vandals in the North. To unite an empire, this will be his first priority.
Part I of ‘Aurelian’
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Austr
Episode CCXI - Claudius Gothicus
The treacherous death of Gallienus saw the rise of a man of war. Claudius Gothicus definitely earned his title, but with a reign of only two years perhaps he made the right kind of impact without the time to leave a bad impression. For an emperor in the third century that was more than enough, and he left an example for all who followed after.
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of
Episode CCIX - A Diminished Rome
While much of the Roman Empire was lost during the rule of Gallienus, We don't really know how much of that is his fault, or really get a sense of his reign. Was he responsible for the loss of territory, or was he just a victim of the time?
Part IV of 'Gallienus'
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
Suppor
Episode CCVIII - Odaenathus, King of Kings
As the Roman empire lost the western provinces something very different was happening in the east. Odaenathus remained on the side of Rome, but assumed the title of King, building his influence throughout the region, to the point where it became a problem for Gallienus.
Part III of 'Gallienus'
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australi
Episode CCVII - The Gallic Empire
A challenge to the imperial authority was hardly unusual in the third century, but for whatever reason, Postumus decides to do things differently.
Rather than marching an army on Rome he shaves off the western provinces, declaring Gaul, Germania, Hispania and Britannia the independent, but still very Roman, Gallic Empire.
Part II of 'Gallienus'
Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Hea
Episode CCVI - Rome Crumbles
When the Emperor Valerian was captured by the enemy what the empire needed was a trusted, capable, firm set of hands to take on the imperial mantle. In retrospect, that probably wasn’t his son Gallienus.
For the next eight years Gallienus would rule as sole emperor and proceed to lose two thirds of the empire, leaving Rome at its weakest position in centuries.
Part I of 'Gallienus'
Guest: Asso
Episode CCV - Cleopatra Selene
Cleopatra Selene was the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and was destined for greatness. Following the death of her parents she became a prisoner of Rome, survived into adulthood, and became a queen of the ancient world.
Dr Draycott is the author of ''Cleopatra’s Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen'.
Guest: Dr Jane Draycott (Classics, University of Glascow)
Episode CCIV - Octavian's Illyrian War
Part of the making of Octavian was the victories he had early in his career. He defeated his rivals, conquered territory, and united the senate behind him whether they liked it or not.
One of those territories was Illyria, in which he conducted campaigns during the quiet years before his final battles against Egypt and Antony. It’s perhaps in Illyria that we see Octavian display his greatest acts
Episode CCIII - Augustan Egypt
Egypt was a valuable province to Rome, with natural wealth and successful agriculture. Thanks to an arid climate there’s also a number of preserved papyri from that era, providing modern scholarship with an invaluable paper-trail on the administration at the time.
One papyri has led to the belief that Augustus confiscated lands of the Egyptian temples, and ultimately the decline of Egypt’s religi
Episode CCII - The Death of Cleopatra and Antony
With Octavian triumphant at the Battle of Actium the scene is finally set for a dramatic showdown in Alexandria. Cleopatra and Antony, a couple famous for their strategy and volatility will pay the ultimate price for resisting Rome, leaving Octavian free to assume a role of undisputed power.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University).
Episode CCI - Actium
In 31 BCE one of the largest naval battles in the ancient world took place—more than 600 ships, almost 200,000 men, and one woman. The forces of Octavian, Antony and Cleopatra would square off for control of the mediterranean, and ultimately the Roman empire.
Guest: Barry Strauss (Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies at Cornell University, author of The War That Made the Roma
Episode CC - Cleopatra and Antony (Live in Melbourne)
When Cleopatra and Antony stood side by side they were at the pinnacle of power. Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was the queen of an ancient civilisation, and heir to the unmatched cultural achievements of Greece. Marcus Antonius of Rome contended for control of the empire.
Together they fought against Octavian and would bring about the end of the republic, and the start of a new age for Rome.
Rec
Episode CXCIX - Sextus Pompeius
Sextus Pompeius was the youngest son of Pompey the Great, and was responsible for leading the last great resistance of the Roman republic against Octavian and Mark Antony. While he made the most of his late father’s reputation, Sextus was a leader in his own right, and to many a forgotten aspect of this period of Roman history.
Guest: Dr Kathryn Welch (Honorary Associate Professor, Department of
Episode CXCVIII - Octavia
Octavia was, in many ways, the very model of a modern Roman matron. As the older sister to Octavian, later Augustus, and a wife of the powerful figure Antony, she was respected and admired by her contemporaries for her loyalty, nobility and humanity, as well as for maintaining traditional Roman feminine virtues.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La
Episode CXCVII - The Perusine War
With Antony distracted with developments in the east, Fulvia finds herself in the familiar position of advocating for her husband’s interests. This escalated to a war with Octavian, the outcome of which would leave Fulvia isolated.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University).
Content warning: There is rude Augustan poetry in this episode,
Episode CXCVI - Fulvia
Fulvia came from a Roman noble family and is strongly associated with a string of influential husbands, most notably Mark Antony. She was influential and powerful in her own way, and would go on to play an important role in the Perusine War against Octavian.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University).
Episode CXCV - Q and A VIII
For the eighth time, listeners provide questions and Rhiannon and Matt answer! In this episode:
- Was Antony rehabilitated?
- Did Classical Latin have regional dialects?
- How did Romans celebrate their birthday?
- Who was the first true Roman emperor?
- How much of the Roman Empire remains in the modern world?
- What were some of the Roman’s most notable superstitions?
- Did a Roman soldi
Episode CLXXIX - Q and A VII
For the seventh time, listeners provide questions and Rhiannon and Matt answer! In this episode: - What happened to the original sources - Did the Romans have dogs, and how did they use them? - What types of jobs did the Romans have that don’t exist today? - Did far-flung provinces retain their own languages? - What kind of libraries did the Romans have? - Did Emperors support the arts? - Have we
Episode CLXXVII - Witches in the Roman World
A witch occupied a strange niche in the Roman world. Distrusted but respected, persecuted but employed by the most elite, a witch in Rome existed on the sidelines and spoken of in hushed terms, and to many of the powerful, a weapon that could be employed.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Head of Department of Languages and Linguistics, La Trobe University)
Episode CLXXVI – The Apology of Apuleius
When Apuleius married his friend’s mother, little did he realise that it would lead to a charge of sorcery, with a raft of seemingly innocent actions from buying a mirror to writing bad poetry bought up in front of the courts to prove his wicked intentions.
Unfortunately for his accusers, Apuleius was a skilled orator, educated in the art of philosophy and highly skilled at slandering his enemie
Episode CLXXV - The Murder of Pedanius Secundus
When Pedanius Secunus was murdered by his slave the law was precise - every slave in his household, every man, woman and child, would be crucified as punishment.
The law that allowed this was the Senatus Consultum Silanianum, It existed to ease the minds of the wealthy slave owners of Rome, allowing them to live in power amongst slaves who knew that their actions would mean that all are punished
Episode CLXXIV - Boudicca
In 60CE Rome came close to losing the province of Britannia in an uprising led by the warrior queen Boudicca, who united the tribes in the area, destroyed several Roman settlements and defeated part of a Roman legion.
She has become an icon of British resistance, highlighting the difficulty Rome had in controlling the distant provinces.
Part III of ‘Enemies of Rome’
Guest: Associate Professor R
Episode CLXXIII - Arminius
There were few enemies of the Romans who had as much success as Arminius. One of the Germani who fought at their side, he was able to unite the disparate tribes, lure three Roman legions into a trap, and defeat them at the battle of Teutoburg Forest. His success and later resistance would leave the area largely free of Roman influence.
Part II of ‘Enemies of Rome’
Guest: Dr Emma Southon (Histor
Episode CLXXII - Vercingetorix
Vercingetorix was a Gallic leader who managed to unite the local tribes and mount a credible defence against Caesar during his campaign in Gaul. While his resistance was ultimately futile, he has become a symbol of French nationalism and a much needed foe to Caesar’s Gallic war commentaries.
Part I of ‘Enemies of Rome’
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Head of Department of Languages a
