Kathryn Tempest

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.

Join esteemed guests Paul Cartledge, a leading expert on ancient Greek history, Kathryn Tempest, a scholar in Roman literature and history, and Jon Hesk, a specialist in Greek studies, as they unpack the electrifying speeches of Demosthenes against Philip II of Macedon. They delve into Demosthenes' rise as a master orator, his passionate calls for military action, and the historical context of Athenian democracy. The discussion also touches on his legacy and how his rhetoric has influenced political discourse throughout history.

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.