Barry Strauss

Professor Barry Strauss and Dan talk about Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar and a host of historical luminaries in a tale worthy of Shakespeare as the Roman Republic goes down with the ships at Actium. Show Notes: 1. “The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium” by Barry Strauss 2. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu 3. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History “Death Throes of the Republic”

In a riveting discussion, historian Barry Strauss delves into the lives of legendary leaders like Alexander the Great, Hannibal, and Julius Caesar. He highlights their relentless ambitions amidst socio-political challenges. Strauss explores their perceived divine legacies and tactical genius, shedding light on Hannibal's dilemmas and Caesar's strategic rise in Roman politics. He draws fascinating comparisons between power dynamics in antiquity and modern leadership, reflecting on the timeless intricacies of ambition, conspiracy, and the complexities of human ambition in history.

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.

Spartacus expert Barry Strauss discusses how the slave revolt almost failed, leadership lessons from Spartacus, and his influence on modern leaders.

Prof. Barry Strauss and Prof. Philip Freeman discuss the characters of Brutus, Cassius, and Decimus who orchestrated the assassination of Julius Caesar. They explore the motivations and backgrounds of the key ringleaders, the growing opposition towards Caesar, and incidents leading up to his assassination including his relationship with Cleopatra.