Emperors of Rome - La Trobe University

Latest Episodes:

Episode CCXXII - A Stolen Election (The Catiline Conspiracy III) Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

Catiline attempted to become consul of Rome more than once, and its a position he believes he deserves. When he fails in his efforts and Cicero is elected he attempts to force the issue, conspiring with all those who have a grudge against the state.

Part III of The Catiline Conspiracy

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

Episode CCXXI - An Entire Farrago (The Catiline Conspiracy II) Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Catiline doesn't have the best reputation in Rome, and in the years after his failed conspiracy he has been implicated in every failed plot of that time. Was he involved in them? Possibly.

Part II of The Catiline Conspiracy

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

Episode CCXX - A Disordered Mind (The Catiline Conspiracy I) Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

Catiline is a notorious figure of the Roman republic, a longtime rival of Cicero who, after repeated attempts at the consulship decided to push the matter by force. In this episode we look at his character, his role in the social wars of Rome and his early attempts at office.

Part I of The Catiline Conspiracy

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

Episode CCXIX - Hispala Faecena and the Bacchanalia Conspiracy Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Hispala Faecena was instrumental in bringing the cult of Bacchus to the attention of Roman authorities, ending a conspiracy that was threatening lives and the rule of law.

Guest:

Dr Emma Southon (Author of 'A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women')

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

Episode CCXVIII - Martial on the Emperors Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Martial was a Roman poet primarily writing during the reign of Domitian, and while primarily known for his commentary on Roman life, his takedowns, his insults and vulgarity, in this episode we look at how he toes the careful line of praising the Emperor.

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

Episode CCXVII - Angeronalia Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

Yes, it’s that festive time of year again, when you gather all ye merry people with sore throats, stand around a statue with its mouth covered, and keep the sacred name of Rome safe.

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

Episode CCXVI - A Roman Haunting in Three Parts Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

A dire warning from the spirit of Africa! A Haunting in Athens! And someone cuts the hair of Pliny's freedman.

Pliny the Younger presents a Roman Haunting in Three Parts.

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

Episode CCXV - The Unconquered Sun Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

Aurelian is known as a conqueror, a general and a restorer, and his reputation is based on those achievements. But in his short rule of five years, he was also an Emperor, and made efforts to leave his mark on Rome.

Part IV of 'Aurelian'

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

Episode CCXIV - Aurelian, Restorer of the Age Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Aurelian has seen off vandals, goths, and conquered the forces of Zenobia to reclaim the east. But to the west lies the Gallic Empire, once firm territory of Rome, awaiting his attention.

Part III of 'Aurelian'

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

Episode CCXIII - Zenobia Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

The weakness of Rome was the strength of Palmyra, and the east came to be be ruled by the Queen Zenobia. Cultured and ambitious, her empire stretched from Egypt to Turkey, which made her a formidable challenge for Aurelian.

Part II of 'Aurelian'

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