Listen to Mary Beard, popular historian, author, and broadcaster, discuss the intriguing lives of Roman emperors. From their extravagant antics and legends to the challenges of governing the Roman Empire, Beard explores the perception of power and the rise of influential emperors like Julius Caesar and Octavian. She also reflects on the power dynamics of Roman society and the misconceptions surrounding the assassination and reputation of emperors. Delve into the fascinating world of Roman emperors with Beard's insights.
The podcast explores the extravagant stories surrounding Roman Emperors, providing insight into Roman fears and perceptions of imperial power.
The episode discusses the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, highlighting the challenges of governing a vast land-based empire and the emergence of one-man rule.
Deep dives
The Extravagant Stories of Roman Emperors
The podcast episode examines the extravagant stories surrounding Roman Emperors, focusing on the lesser-known Emperor Eligabolas. These stories, although likely invented after his reign, provide insight into Roman fears and perceptions of imperial power, highlighting themes of deceit and subversion of nature.
The Transition from Republic to Empire
The episode discusses the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, highlighting the acquisition of a vast land-based empire and the challenges of governing it on the traditional system. This led to the emergence of one-man rule and the establishment of the first emperor, Augustus.
The Role and Legacy of Augustus
The podcast explores the significance of Augustus as the first emperor of Rome and his lasting impact on imperial rule. It delves into Augustus' policies, such as nationalizing the army, showcasing generosity, reconstructing Rome's ceremonial center, and promoting his image through sculptures and coins.
Succession and Diversity in the Roman Empire
The episode touches on the challenges of succession planning in the Roman Empire, with emperors often relying on adoptions and kinship ties. As the empire expanded, diversity increased among emperors, incorporating people from different regions into positions of power.
What did Roman emperors actually do all day? Were they really as bloodthirsty as legend would suggest? And why was food so important? Speaking to Matt Elton, popular historian, author and broadcaster Mary Beard tackles some of the big questions about life as a Roman emperor, profiling some extraordinary figures along the way.
(Ad) Mary Beard is the author of Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World (Profile Books, 2023). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emperor-Professor-Mary-Beard/dp/1846683785/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and BBC History Revealed.