Dr. Van der Blom joins to explore Cicero's rise to power, his influential speeches, relationships with Julius Caesar, and exposure of the Catiline Conspiracy. They discuss his education, flexibility in supporting different ideals, and defense of supporters in court.

Explore Crassus' famous campaign against the Parthians and what motivated it. Learn about the Battle of Carrhae, how the Parthians overwhelmed the Roman lines, and the tragic climax involving Marcus Licinius Crassus. Delve into his family life, connections with influential figures, and the secretive meetings in Luca. Discover Crassus' decision for a great Parthian war, the challenges faced by him and his soldiers, and the implications of winning a victory over the Parthians.

Julius Caesar returns to Rome with a determination to make his name known and proves his prowess as an orator with the help of Marcus Tullius Cicero. The podcast explores the significance of luck in Roman warfare, the risky career of a prominent figure who took out enormous loans for campaigns, the repercussions of debt in ancient Rome, and the attachment that Roman generals feel to Rome despite their time fighting abroad. The chapter on Cicero introduces the great orator and discusses his goals and ambitions compared to Caesar.