Emma Southon, a historian and expert on Ancient Rome, joins the conversation to unravel the intriguing lives of gladiators. She discusses their paradoxical status as enslaved individuals who could achieve fame and wealth. Southon sheds light on the misconceptions about their existence, training, and societal roles. The podcast highlights the double standard faced by gladiators and sex workers, examining their intertwined fates in a brutal yet fascinating cultural landscape. Prepare for an engaging dive into this complex narrative of strength, scandal, and celebrity.

Historian Emma Southon discusses Julius Caesar's scandalous sex life, his multiple wives, affairs with mistresses and male lovers, and his reputation as a great lover. The podcast delves into Caesar's conquests in the bedroom, his pursuit of power through relationships, and the impact of his romantic affairs on historical events.

Delving into the life of Boudica, the podcast explores her rebellion against the Roman Empire, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and the lasting legacy of her story. Separating facts from myths, the episode sheds light on the complexities of this formidable queen's actions and the varying accounts that have shaped her image through the ages.

Explore the rise of Queen Zenobia in the chaotic 3rd century, her defiance against Rome, and her enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance in Syria. Learn about Zenobia's multifaceted character beyond being a warrior woman, her rise to power in Palmyra after her husband's death, and her capture by Aurelian.

Unraveling the mysterious life of warrior queen Boudica and her defiance against the Roman army. Exploring Roman colonization tactics, brutal warfare tactics, and Boudica's rebellion against Roman rule. Discovering the challenges of accurately portraying her story amidst myths and misconceptions.

Discover how Hispala Faecena exposed the Bacchanalia conspiracy, risking her life to save Rome. Dr.Emma Southon discusses her book on key Roman women while shedding light on the challenges of uncovering female narratives in ancient history. Uncover the mysterious life of Hispala Faecena and the societal norms of late republican Rome.

Emma Southon, author of A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, joins Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling to discuss the gory and inventive ways the Romans killed people. Topics include flesh-eating fish, humiliating deaths inside sacks, deadly re-enactments of the Icarus myth, and gruesome gladiator fights. Check out Emma Southon's new book, A History of Rome in 21 Women.

Historian Dr Emma Southon and comedian Cariad Lloyd join Greg Jenner to discuss the life of Agrippina the Younger, the overbearing mother of Emperor Nero in first-century Rome. They explore Agrippina's survival as a woman in the Roman Empire, her terrifying boat incident, and how she tried to control her legacy despite misogynistic accounts.

Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire Through the Eyes of Its Women, joins Elinor Evans to explore the role of women in the Roman empire. They discuss the challenges of uncovering women's stories, the integral role of women in Roman society, the founding story of Rome involving the abduction of Sabine women, the challenges in studying early Roman history, the complex portrayal of Claudia in Roman politics, and Julia Felix's luxury leisure complex in Pompeii.

Greg Jenner and his guests discuss the important questions surrounding Queen Boudica including: Is she a feminist icon? How do you pronounce her name? And was she really ginger? Get ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Boudica and learn what it was really like when the Romans invaded. Featuring comedian, author and actress Sara Pascoe, known for QI, Have I Got News For You, and W1A among many other shows, and historian Dr Emma Southon, specialist in Roman history and co-host of the History is Sexy podcast.Script and Research: Greg Jenner Producer: Dan MorelleA Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4