Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

The Controversial History of Marcus Aurelius

14 snips
Sep 25, 2025
Matthew and Matteo Storm, a father-son duo passionate about Roman history, dive into the captivating life of Marcus Aurelius. They explore how the Meditations resonate with modern readers and debate whether Marcus wrote them as a private journal. The conversation also touches on his complex relationships, including the enigmatic Faustina, and the controversies surrounding his successor, Commodus. Additionally, they discuss Marcus's views on mortality, revenge, and the nature of true fortune, providing a thought-provoking look at Stoic philosophy.
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ANECDOTE

Podcast Began As Family Conversation

  • Matthew and Matteo Storm began the Lost Roman Heroes podcast from years of father-son conversations and shared travel to Roman sites.
  • They surprised family by prioritizing Carnuntum on a Vienna trip and relish visiting reconstructed legionary homes.
ANECDOTE

Carnuntum Travel Experience

  • The Storms visited Carnuntum in winter and admired its quadraphonic arch and reconstructed legionary homes with authentic food displays.
  • They recommend Carnuntum for Marcus Aurelius connections and Roman living-history experiences.
ANECDOTE

Travels To Roman Sites

  • The hosts travelled widely: Thessalonica with Galerius's monuments, Londinium's Roman wall and London's Mithras temple, and Corinth with restricted archive access.
  • They love ancient coin collections and onsite Roman traces that bring history to life.
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