

Trajan VS Hadrian: Fate of an Empire | Guest: Alex Petkas | 2/19/25
Feb 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, history professor Alex Petkas, host of the 'Cost of Glory' podcast, unpacks the contrasting leadership styles of Roman Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Trajan, known for his aggressive expansion, pushed Rome's borders to their peak, while Hadrian wisely focused on fortifying the empire's limits. The conversation draws fascinating parallels to modern American political discourse, exploring lessons in governance, power dynamics, and cultural integration that today's leaders can learn from these ancient figures.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Empire Reflections: Lessons from Roman Emperors for Modern America
01:37 • 3min
Trajan: The Optimus Princeps
04:45 • 20min
Trajan: Conquest and Culture
24:29 • 11min
Persecution and Loyalty: Pliny's Approach to Christianity
35:35 • 4min
Contrasting Empires: Trajan and Hadrian
39:34 • 25min
Reflecting on Roman Leadership in Modern Times
01:04:12 • 2min