Emperors of Rome

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 History, La Trobe University)

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 History, La Trobe University)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).