Ologies with Alie Ward Classical Archaeology (ANCIENT ROME) Encore with Darius Arya
Apr 28, 2022
Darius Arya, a notable classical archaeologist and TV host known for his work on PBS's 'Ancient Invisible Cities', shares gripping tales of ancient Rome. He dives into the drama of dead Romans, from political scandals to the realities of lead use in plumbing. Unearthing treasures in Ostia reveals connections to today’s societal issues, while the complexities of Caligula's reign shed light on historical myths. Arya humorously discusses the balance of modern development and heritage, making ancient Rome feel strikingly relevant.
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Monte Testaccio
- Monte Testaccio is a massive hill in Rome made entirely of discarded Roman amphorae.
- The sheer volume of broken pottery demonstrates the scale of olive oil consumption and waste.
Wealth Disparity
- Ancient Roman society mirrored modern wealth disparities, with a small, extremely wealthy elite and a large, struggling lower class.
- This concentration of wealth resembles current economic trends in some societies.
Roman Strategy
- Rome's power stemmed from its unique approach to conquered communities, offering citizenship and integration.
- This differed from the Greek city-states' exclusionary practices, ultimately leading to Rome's greater success.
