Colin Elliott

Colin Elliot, a Professor of History at Indiana University and host of the Pax Romana podcast, delves into the life and influence of the often-overlooked Roman historian Cassius Dio. They explore Dio's unique role as a participant-observer in the Roman Senate, his bilingual background, and how his perspective contrasts with other historians like Tacitus. The conversation highlights the challenges of interpreting Dio's work and his lasting impact on Byzantine scholarship, revealing key insights into the complexities of ancient narratives.

Colin Elliott, an Assistant Professor in History at Indiana University and expert on the Roman Empire, shares intriguing insights on societal responses to pandemics. He draws parallels between the Antonine Plague and modern-day COVID-19, critiquing responses and advocating for a science-driven approach. Elliott emphasizes the importance of leadership during crises, reflecting on Marcus Aurelius's Stoic philosophy and its relevance today. The conversation also highlights historical injustices and the need for accountability as we navigate future public health challenges.

Colin Elliott, an author and expert on the Antonine Plague, delves into the chaos that swept through the Roman Empire around AD 165. He discusses the initial prosperity of the empire before the plague struck, revealing how it catalyzed fear, scapegoating, and social unrest. Elliott draws parallels to modern pandemic responses, highlighting the devastation to military and labor, and how emperors' leadership styles influenced public perception. Ultimately, he questions whether the plague was the sole cause of the empire's decline or just a catalyst for existing vulnerabilities.

Colin Elliott, an economic and social historian, discusses the Antonine Plague in Ancient Rome and its impact on society and military capability. They explore Marcus Aurelius' perspective, religious interpretations, and potential parallels to our own pandemic. The conversation covers the limited sources of information, the peculiar snake-like creature known as Sweetie, and the promotion of individuals from lower social classes during the plague.

Colin Elliott, a college professor and author of "Pax Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World," dives deep into the implications of the Antonine Plague. He discusses how this pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of the Roman Empire, detailing the intertwining crises of disease and war. Elliott draws fascinating parallels between past and present pandemics, shedding light on the social chaos that ensued and linking historical events to modern societal challenges. His insights reveal how crises can unmask underlying flaws in civilizations.