Join John Haldon, a Byzantine history expert, Rebecca Flemming, a classics scholar, and Greg Woolf, a Roman history specialist, as they delve into the Plague of Justinian, which devastated Constantinople in 541 AD. They explore the chilling accounts from Procopius, revealing the unprecedented fear and death toll. The discussion uncovers new insights into disease transmission and the societal impacts of the plague, alongside an examination of the medical limitations of the era and how they influenced future practices.

In this discussion, Greg Woolf, a Ronald J. Law Professor of Ancient History at UCLA, dives deep into the tumultuous reign of Emperor Nero. He explores how Nero, despite his controversial legacy, emerged from a backdrop of political intrigue and familial ambition. Listeners discover the complexities of his relationship with his mother, Agrippina, and the dramatic events surrounding his rise to power. The conversation also touches on his extravagant lifestyle, the devastating Great Fire of Rome, and the true nature of his notorious reputation.