Emperors of Rome - La Trobe University

Latest Episodes:

Crassus and the Triumvirate May 22, 2025

Show notes

As Crassus gathered more power and wealth his success was aided by two allies. One, Julius Caesar, had received financial aid from Crassus for many years. The other, Pompeius Magnus, was at the best of times a bitter rival. Together they formed the triumvirate - more powerful together than apart.

Episode CCXLI (241)

Part III of Crassus

Guest:

Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Crassus vs Spartacus Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In the tales of Hollywood Crassus will always be the antagonist to the slave hero Spartacus, but is that how would he see himself? A war against slaves is something that no self respecting Roman would like to be pushed into. And yet here we are.

Episode CCXL (240)

Part II of Crassus

Guest:
Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Crassus and the Social Wars Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

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)

Excavating Pompeii Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Pompeii has been excavated for hundreds of years, and in that time techniques, practices and philosophies have changed. We’re now finding out a lot more about the city and the people who lived there, and there’s still more to find out.

The When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for an upcoming series 8. Please give your support.

Guest:

Dr Sophie Hay (Archaeologist, Archaeological Park of Pompeii)
Professor Steven Ellis (Classics, University of Cincinnati)

Imperial Dining (with Mary Beard) Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

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)

Roman Dining Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

For the Romans the simple act of dinner was so much more than a meal. It was an opportunity to socialise and do business, to see and be seen, and in some cases just to show off. Like everything it is steeped in protocol and tradition, but ultimately it emphasised spending time with others - as every good meal should.

Episode CCXXXVII (237)

Guest:

Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Episode CCXXXVI - The Madness of Commodus (Live in Melbourne) Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

Episode CCXXXV - Faunalia Rustica Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

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)

Episode CCXXXIV - Dyarchy Plus One (Diocletian II) Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Diocletian and Maximian must be doing something right - keeping the borders of Rome safe, and ruling the Empire in harmony. They even have a catch-up in Milan, worthy of a panegyric. Things would be perfect, if it wasn’t for the revolt of Carausius in Gaul and Britain, who doesn’t want to rule Rome, he just wants to be included in the party.

Part II of Diocletian

Guest:

Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)

Episode CCXXXIII - The Rise of Diocles (Diocletian I) Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

The man who would be the Emperor Diocletian was of unremarkable origins. Quick to recognise the challenges of Rome, he moved to set it up as a franchise opportunity. This worked when nothing else did, and to many he was the most successful Roman emperor in an age. Just don’t ask the Christians…

Part I of Diocletian

Guest:

Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)

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