Barry Strauss, Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University, discusses ten key Roman emperors including Augustus and Constantine. Topics explored include the relationships between emperors and the Senate, the influence of Canis on Vespasian, the death of an emperor and its financial consequences, Hadrian's constructions and succession, and the radical changes implemented by Augustus and Constantine.
Augustus establishes himself as a political insider, adapting to change and initiating significant reforms.
Marcus Aurelius displays resilience and admirable qualities in responding to military conflicts and epidemic crises.
Septimius Severus signifies the Romans' acceptance of new leaders from diverse backgrounds, implementing military and political reforms.
Diocletian's reign introduces significant administrative and political reforms, centralizing power and exacerbating the crisis of legitimacy.
Deep dives
The Significant Roman Emperors
This podcast episode explores the top 10 most significant Roman emperors from antiquity. The host, Tristan Hughes, is joined by Barry Strauss from Cornell University, who has written extensively about Roman emperors. The selection of emperors focuses on key figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the empire and dealing with societal changes. The discussion begins with Augustus, who marks the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire. It then moves to Tiberius, who inherits the empire and faces challenges in governing. Nero, a divisive figure known for his tumultuous reign, is also discussed. Vespasian, the first non-Roman noble to become emperor, is acknowledged for his significant political and military achievements. The conversation then delves into Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher emperor who faced military and epidemic crises. Septimius Severus, the first African emperor, is mentioned for his willingness to bring diversity into the empire. Finally, Diocletian's reign, marked by significant administrative and political reforms, is explored.
The Strategy of Augustus and his Legacy
Augustus, the first Roman emperor, is highlighted for his remarkable strategic capabilities. He copes with societal changes and successfully consolidates his control over the empire. Augustus establishes himself as a political insider, using propaganda and new titles to solidify his power. He also expands his power base by marrying into the old Roman elite and recognizing the value of including provincials in his administration. Augustus is praised for his ability to adapt to change and his long-term perspective, which allows him to establish stability and initiate significant reforms.
The Complex Reign of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius is regarded as a noble and philosophical emperor who wanted to do right by Rome and its people. However, his reign is marked by challenges, including military conflicts and the outbreak of the Antonine Plague. Marcus Aurelius displays resilience and admirable qualities in responding to these crises, albeit with mixed results. Despite his personal virtues, he faces difficulties in managing military campaigns and struggles with succession planning.
The Unpredictable Reign of Septimius Severus
Septimius Severus, the first African emperor, is portrayed as a significant figure in Roman history. His reign signifies the Romans' acceptance of new leaders from diverse backgrounds. Severus implements military and political reforms, militarizing the empire and expanding its realms. While his reign brings new stability, it also contributes to a crisis of legitimacy as military leaders vie for power, leading to subsequent instability in the empire.
Diocletian's Reform and Legacy
Diocletian, the last emperor discussed in the podcast, introduces significant administrative and political reforms. His reign brings change, but not all of it is positive. Diocletian's reforms centralize power and increase the role of the military in governing, which exacerbates the crisis of legitimacy and contributes to the instability faced by the empire in the third century. The discussion acknowledges the complexities of Diocletian's reign, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of his rule.
The rise of Vespasian and the rebuilding of Rome
Vespasian, a non-Roman noble, becomes emperor and must establish his legitimacy. He achieves this by rebuilding Rome, most notably through the construction of the Colosseum. This sets a precedent for future emperors to legitimize themselves through large-scale building projects.
Trajan's military conquests and reign
Trajan, a non-Italian emperor born in Spain, becomes emperor through the military's support. He expands the Roman Empire through conquests, notably in Dacia (modern-day Romania) and attempts in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Despite financial gains from these campaigns, his military exploits are not sustained in the long term.
Love them or loathe them, the Roman emperors were some of the most influential figures in history. In this episode Barry Strauss, Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University, talks through ten of the most important - starting with Augustus and ending at Constantine. Barry’s book, Ten Caesars, is out now. He is also the host of the podcast ANTIQUITAS: https://barrystrauss.com/podcast/
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