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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

As the wild and crazy experiment of the 3rd century winds to a conclusion, a man named Carus steps into the purple, with an imperial dynasty ready to go. But Rome has grown unwieldy. Challenged by enemies from beyond and within, it will take quite a leader to hold the empire together.

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

Probus had a fairly long reign for this time in the history of the Empire. Keeping the barbarians in check is one thing, seeing off usurpers is another, but just don’t ask too much of the military - they don’t like getting their hands dirty.

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

We now return to the late third century, where the Emperor Aurelian has finally reunited the Roman empire and been murdered for the trouble, and the senate in Rome, waning in its influence, makes a final flex of power.

Tickets are now on sale for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne.

Guest:

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