Emperors of Rome - La Trobe University

Latest Episodes:

Episode XXI - The Great Fire of Rome in 64CE Mar 16, 2015

Show notes

Nero’s biggest test as an Emperor came when a great fire tore through Rome in 64AD. What caused this fire and how Nero acted and reacted is a debate that academics continue to this day.

Interlude - Q and A Mar 12, 2015

Show notes

We put out a call to the audience for questions and you responded! Here are our answers.

Episode XX - Agrippina the Younger Mar 09, 2015

Show notes

Agrippina the Younger was well connected in Rome - the sister of emperor Caligula, the wife of Claudius and the mother of Nero, she was at the centre of power for many years - and some say she held it herself.

Episode XIX - Nero the Youngest Emperor Mar 02, 2015

Show notes

At the age of 17, Nero is the youngest Emperor yet. Through influence and guidance he takes Rome through what is called ‘five good years’, but it isn’t going to last.

Episode XVIII - The Life of Claudius Feb 16, 2015

Show notes

Claudius brings his own style to the emperor which makes him enemies in both his family and the senate.

Episode XVII - Claudius Conquers Britannia Feb 09, 2015

Show notes

The new emperor Claudius has a strong grounding as a scholar, but little experience as a soldier. He turns his attention to a land that has remained virtually untouched since Caesar's time: Britannia.

Episode XVI - Claudius the Unlikely Emperor Feb 02, 2015

Show notes

With Caligula's brief rule leaving the Julio-Claudians in a sorry state, there isn't much of the imperial family left to become emperor. The title goes to his uncle Claudius mostly be default.

Interlude - Reading List I Jan 27, 2015

Show notes

We’ve had requests for books to compliment this podcast series, so here’s a few suggestions. There’ll be a complete reading list available on our Facebook page.

Episode XV - The Assassination of Caligula Jan 19, 2015

Show notes

Caligula's erratic rule has led to a fast erosion in popularity and support, and rumours of assassination come to head just four short years after he becomes emperor.

Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at downfall of this hated ruler of Rome.

Episode XIV - The Madness of Caligula Jan 12, 2015

Show notes

Caligula is best known for his erratic and tyrannical behaviour, but were his reactions a result of deviance or madness?

Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the literary sources on Caligula and the wrongs that they accuse him of.