Matthew Nicholls, a Senior Tutor at Oxford specializing in Roman history, along with Shushma Malik from Cambridge and Professor Catherine Steel from Glasgow, delve into the complexities of Emperor Tiberius. They explore his unexpected rise to power amidst the chaos of the Roman Republic's transition to empire. Tiberius's strategic manipulation of the Praetorian Guard, the treacherous political landscape marked by paranoia, and his controversial retreat to Capri are discussed. The guests also reflect on Tiberius's legacy and how historical narratives have evolved over time.

Catherine Steel, Professor of Classics at the University of Glasgow, dives into the decline of norms against political violence during the Roman Republic. She discusses how events like the political chaos surrounding the Gracchi brothers shaped Rome’s future. The conversation touches on the roles of key figures like Cicero, the challenges of interpreting ancient sources, and the alarming parallels between Rome's descent into autocracy and today’s political landscape. Insightful reflections on democracy's vulnerabilities and the importance of civil discourse are also highlighted.

In this podcast, Dr Jane Draycott tells the story of Antony and Cleopatra’s war with Octavian, while Professor Philip Freeman, Professor Catherine Steel and Professor Barry Strauss reflect on the legacy of the Ides of March. The podcast explores the love story between Antony and Cleopatra, the rivalry between Octavian and Antony, the rise of Octavian as Rome's first emperor, and the significance of Julius Caesar's death and its impact on history.

Experts Professor Catherine Steel and Professor Philip Freeman discuss the early life and career of Julius Caesar, including his rise in Roman politics, his brutal campaigns in Gaul, his geographical ambitions, and the disintegration of the first triumvirate.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas developed by Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43BC) to support and reinvigorate the Roman Republic when, as it transpired, it was in its final years, threatened by civil wars, the rule of Julius Caesar and the triumvirates that followed. As Consul he had suppressed a revolt by Catiline, putting the conspirators to death summarily as he believed the Republic was in danger and that this danger trumped the right to a fair trial, a decision that rebounded on him. While in exile he began works on duty, laws, the orator and the republic. Although left out of the conspiracy to kill Caesar, he later defended that murder in the interests of the Republic, only to be murdered himself soon after.With Melissa Lane The Class of 1943 Professor of Politics at Princeton University and 2018 Carlyle Lecturer at the University of OxfordCatherine Steel Professor of Classics at the University of GlasgowAndValentina Arena Reader in Roman History at University College LondonProducer: Simon Tillotson.