Emperors of Rome - La Trobe University

Latest Episodes:

Episode XLVI - Trajan vs Dacia Apr 19, 2016

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An experienced and seasoned military leader, Trajan doesn't wait long to lead the Roman legions into battle, and turns his attention towards Dacia in the north-east. Long since ruled by the Dacian king Decebalus, Dacia could bring much wealth into the Roman Empire, and all that stands between them is the Danube River.

Episode XLV - In Trajan we Trust Apr 05, 2016

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Coerced by the praetorian guard, Nerva names the respected general Trajan to be his successor. Trajan would go on to become one of the most well regarded emperors the empire had ever seen.

Interlude - Valerius Flaccus Mar 30, 2016

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Valerius Flaccus was a poet writing during the reign of Vespasian in the 1st century CE. Much of what he's written has been lost, save for an partially written epic 'The Argonautica', telling the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

Interlude - Q and A II Mar 22, 2016

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In which listeners provide well-composed and thoughtful questions on topics of Rome, Matt Smith butchers all the names he reads out, and Rhiannon Evans provides the answers!

Episode XLIV - Roman Sexuality Mar 08, 2016

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Popular media has given us many misconceptions about sexuality in ancient Rome. While we're all familiar with the sordid details, Romans thought very differently about sex and marriage to the modern day moral code.

Episode XLIII - Virgil Feb 22, 2016

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Virgil was a poet living in the Augustan period, and likely the best regarded writer of the classical period. His work the Aeneid tells the story of Aeneas, refugee from the fall of Troy and mythical founder of Rome. To this day it is the template for epics.

Interlude - Latin Pronunciation Feb 17, 2016

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Last week we told you the meanings and origins of some well-known Latin terms. But how do we know how Latin letters and words were pronounced?

Episode XLII - A Lesson in Latin Feb 09, 2016

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Let's learn some Latin! How did it work? How should we be pronouncing these words? What is the origin of some of the most famous Latin phrases?

Episode XLI - Nerva Jan 25, 2016

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The death of Domitian leaves a Flavian-sized hole in the fabric of Rome. In this past this would be filled with a quick, dramatic round of 'Who's got the biggest army?', but in this case it's different. The senate acts fast, putting one of their own, Nerva, in the seat of power.

Episode XL - What is an Emperor? (redux) Jan 12, 2016

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Think about the time spanning from Julius Caesar becoming a dictator right through to the assassination of Domitian. In that period of time Rome has gone from a Republic to being a Monarchy in everything but name. So what is an Emperor now, how has it changed, and what does it mean to hold that power?