Emperors of Rome - La Trobe University

Latest Episodes:

Episode LVI - May His Bones Rot Sep 20, 2016

Show notes

Jerusalem rebels against conditions imposed upon it by Roman rule, and Hadrian responds with such force that his name and acts are never forgotten.

Episode LV - What Hadrian Loves Best Sep 06, 2016

Show notes

With Hadrian safely back from his travels we take a moment to have a look at what could debatably be the loves of Hadrian's life - his building projects, his wife Vabia Sabina, and a certain young man named Antinous.

Episode LIV - There and Back Again (An Emperor's Tale) Aug 23, 2016

Show notes

With his position as Emperor secure Hadrian sets about doing what he's always wanted to do: touring the provinces and taking a ridiculously long gap year. For the next four years Hadrian will be living his life on the road, and he leaves his name on every part of the Empire he visits.

Episode LIII - Rome Welcomes Hadrian Aug 09, 2016

Show notes

Hadrian is now the emperor of Rome, and he makes some quick changes with large-reaching consequences - he pulls troops back from Parthia and in the eyes of Rome gives up the territory, and he has four influential Romans 'murdered' before they cause him any problems.

Episode LII - Hadrian the Little Greek Jul 26, 2016

Show notes

Trajan was a capable and admired emperor, and his death leaves Rome with uncertainty as to what the future ruler will bring. Into these times step Hadrian, but the transition to power never goes without incident.

Episode LI - Frontinus Jul 12, 2016

Show notes

Frontinus was a Roman senator who rose to prominence during the time of Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan. While a respected military man, he is best known as an author of technical treatises, especially De Aquaeductu, the authority on the aqueducts of Rome.

Guest: Dr Alice König (Lecturer in Latin & Classical Studies, University of St Andrews, Scotland)

Episode L - Historia Augusta Jun 14, 2016

Show notes

The Historia Augusta is one of the few historical sources we have for learning about the later emperors of the Roman empire - it's just a shame it's so untrustworthy.

Episode XLIX - Suetonius May 31, 2016

Show notes

When learning about the lives of the early Roman emperors, one of the most valuable resources we have is the work of Suetonius. He was an early writer who rose to prominence during the time of Hadrian, where he made excellent use of his access to imperial records.

Episode XLVIII - Trajan: Optimus Princeps May 17, 2016

Show notes

Trajan wasn't just a respected military leader or a man of the sword - he won over both the people of Rome and the senate. He not only cemented an impressive reputation, he set the benchmark against which all future emperors would be measured.

Episode XLVII - Pliny the Younger May 03, 2016

Show notes

The letters of Pliny the Younger are a great source of information for life in 2nd C. CE Rome - they tell us about administrative issues, villas, the eruption of Pompeii, and give us an invaluable record of correspondence with the Emperor himself, Trajan.