Emperors of Rome podcast

Emperors of Rome

“Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith.

“Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith.

 

#248

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) ... Read more

17 Dec 2024

18 MINS

18:48

17 Dec 2024


#247

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 Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University) ... Read more

06 Dec 2024

30 MINS

30:31

06 Dec 2024


#246

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 Studies at the Australian National University) ... Read more

20 Nov 2024

31 MINS

31:52

20 Nov 2024


#245

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 National University) ... Read more

08 Nov 2024

25 MINS

25:53

08 Nov 2024


#244

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) ... Read more

23 Oct 2024

30 MINS

30:19

23 Oct 2024


#243

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] (https://thornburypicturehouse.com.au/film/st00002628/) for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University) ... Read more

25 Sep 2024

27 MINS

27:49

25 Sep 2024


#242

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] (https://thornburypicturehouse.com.au/film/st00002628/) for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne. Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University) ... Read more

11 Sep 2024

27 MINS

27:59

11 Sep 2024


#241

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 History, La Trobe University) ... Read more

16 Aug 2024

35 MINS

35:15

16 Aug 2024


#240

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 Sciences, La Trobe University) ... Read more

31 Jul 2024

46 MINS

46:03

31 Jul 2024


#239

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). ... Read more

06 Jul 2024

39 MINS

39:58

06 Jul 2024


#238

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). ... Read more

06 Jun 2024

36 MINS

36:15

06 Jun 2024


#237

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). ... Read more

10 May 2024

35 MINS

35:50

10 May 2024


#236

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). ... Read more

26 Apr 2024

36 MINS

36:43

26 Apr 2024


#235

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). ... Read more

11 Apr 2024

34 MINS

34:31

11 Apr 2024


#234

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). ... Read more

28 Mar 2024

32 MINS

32:28

28 Mar 2024


#233

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 University). ... Read more

15 Mar 2024

42 MINS

42:55

15 Mar 2024


#232

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). ... Read more

21 Feb 2024

28 MINS

28:36

21 Feb 2024


#231

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). ... Read more

08 Feb 2024

35 MINS

35:52

08 Feb 2024


#230

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). ... Read more

15 Dec 2023

22 MINS

22:04

15 Dec 2023


#229

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). ... Read more

27 Oct 2023

27 MINS

27:48

27 Oct 2023


#228

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). ... Read more

27 Sep 2023

22 MINS

22:57

27 Sep 2023


#227

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). ... Read more

25 Aug 2023

22 MINS

22:59

25 Aug 2023


#226

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). ... Read more

04 Aug 2023

34 MINS

34:50

04 Aug 2023


#225

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 Australian National University). ... Read more

14 Jul 2023

25 MINS

25:50

14 Jul 2023


#224

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 the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University). ... Read more

23 Jun 2023

31 MINS

31:58

23 Jun 2023


#223

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). ... Read more

08 Jun 2023

30 MINS

30:00

08 Jun 2023


#222

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). [Support production of a new series of the When in Rome podcast on Kickstarter.] (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nightlight/when-in-rome-podcast-series-7) ... Read more

12 May 2023

24 MINS

24:07

12 May 2023


#221

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 Australian National University). [Support production of a new series of the When in Rome podcast on Kickstarter.] (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nightlight/when-in-rome-podcast-series-7) ... Read more

28 Apr 2023

30 MINS

30:56

28 Apr 2023