Catherine Steel

Join Kathryn Tempest, a Roman history lecturer, Catherine Steel, a classics professor, and Federico Santangelo, an ancient history expert, as they dive into the tumultuous lives of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus. They discuss Tiberius's radical land reforms and Gaius's initiatives for cheap grain and anti-corruption efforts. The brothers’ tragic fates at the hands of the elite reveal the intense political strife in Rome, leading to questions of power, justice, and the rise of imperial rule from the ashes of a shattered republic.

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.

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.

In a captivating discussion, Professor Catherine Steel from the University of Glasgow delves into Julius Caesar's rise to power. She shares intriguing insights into his early life, highlighting vital relationships that shaped his career. The conversation explores key political struggles, including the impact of Sulla's dictatorship, and contrasts Caesar's bold exploits in the Eastern Mediterranean with the complexities of Roman politics. Key moments in Caesar's journey reveal his mastery of rhetoric and strategy, setting the stage for his legendary status.

In this conversation, Kathryn Tempest, a Roman history lecturer, Catherine Steel, a professor of Classics, and Federico Santangelo, an ancient history expert, delve into the tragic tale of the Gracchi brothers. They discuss Tiberius's land reforms aimed at helping soldiers and Gaius's ambitious proposals for cheap grain and senatorial accountability. The brothers’ populist efforts ignited fierce elite backlash, culminating in their assassinations, which marked a chilling turn towards political violence in Rome and foreshadowed the rise of emperors.