Emperors of Rome - La Trobe University

Latest Episodes:

Episode CIII - Old Age in the Roman World Sep 18, 2018

Show notes

Classical authors such as Cicero and Plutarch would have us believe that the elderly were revered, active citizens of ancient Rome. But on closer inspection that may not be the case, and older people mightn’t have the power and respect in society that we first supposed.

Guest: Professor Tim Parkin (Elizabeth and James Tatoulis Chair of Classics, University of Melbourne)

Episode CII - Clodia Sep 04, 2018

Show notes

The women of Rome are largely missing from the written records, and often come up only tangently in works by and or about the men in their lives. They’re often painted as villains, temptresses, and poisoners – Clodia is no exception.

Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Episode CI - The Last Will and Testament of Caesar Aug 21, 2018

Show notes

A silence settled over the Theatre of Pompey, and Rome moved quickly. Will Brutus and Cassius be hailed as liberators and restorers of the Roman republic, or will Rome lament the demise of its leader? Much of it comes down to the actions of Antony, and the legacy left in the will of Caesar.

‘Caesar’s Gallic War’ podcast is now crowdfunding on kickstarter.

Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Episode C - The Death of Caesar (Live in Melbourne) Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

Julius Caesar was popular with the people, but that didn't extend as far as the senate. Wary of the risk of a new monarchy and eager to restore the proud Roman republic, Brutus, Cassius and Decimus decide to do away with their dictator.

Recorded live at the Wheeler Centre, Melbourne, on 8th August 2018.

‘Caesar’s Gallic War’ podcast is now crowdfunding on kickstarter.

Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Episode XCIX - Q and A IV Jul 25, 2018

Show notes

For the fourth time, listeners provide questions and Rhiannon and Matt answer!
In this episode:
- Was Livia the scheming sociopath that Robert Graves portrayed?
- What is the difference between Caesar and Augustus? Are the titles the same?
- What did the Romans write their manuscripts on?
- How did the Romans picture the shape of their empire?
- Could a senator quit the senate?
- What were the limitations of Roman naming conventions?
- Would Donald Trump make a good Roman Emperor?
- What happened between Caesar and Titus Labienus?
- What are some of the lesser known Roman gods?
- Did Caesar actually say 'I came, I saw, I conquered'?

‘Caesar’s Gallic War’ podcast is now crowdfunding on kickstarter.

Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Episode XCVIII - Caesar's Gallic War Jul 16, 2018

Show notes

After his year as consul, Caesar heads north to govern the province of Cisalpine Gaul. He will spend years fighting against Gaul, extending the empire, and establishing his reputation as a mighty leader. We now give an introductory episode to his text.

This is the first episode of a new premium podcast series, ‘Caesar’s Gallic War’, now crowdfunding on kickstarter and available to supporters only.