Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the great Roman military disaster of 9 AD when Germanic tribes under Arminius ambushed and destroyed three legions under Varus. According to Suetonius, emperor Augustus hit his head against the wall when he heard the news, calling on Varus to give him back his legions. The defeat ended Roman expansion east of the Rhine. Victory changed the development of the Germanic peoples, both in the centuries that followed and in the nineteenth century when Arminius, by then known as Herman, became a rallying point for German nationalism.With Peter Heather Professor of Medieval History at King’s College LondonEllen O'Gorman Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of BristolAndMatthew Nicholls Fellow and Senior Tutor at St John’s College, OxfordProducer: Simon Tillotson

Matthew Nicholls, a Senior Tutor at Oxford specializing in Roman history, along with Shushma Malik from Cambridge and Professor Catherine Steel from Glasgow, delve into the complexities of Emperor Tiberius. They explore his unexpected rise to power amidst the chaos of the Roman Republic's transition to empire. Tiberius's strategic manipulation of the Praetorian Guard, the treacherous political landscape marked by paranoia, and his controversial retreat to Capri are discussed. The guests also reflect on Tiberius's legacy and how historical narratives have evolved over time.

In this discussion, guests Maria Wyke, a Professor of Latin, Matthew Nicholls, an Oxford Fellow, and Shushma Malik, a Classics Lecturer, delve into the life of Emperor Nero, who ascended the throne at just 16. They explore his notorious reputation, from early popularity to allegations of tyranny and his extravagant lifestyle. The podcast discusses the Great Fire of Rome and the conspiracy that led to his downfall. Additionally, they examine Nero's fraught relationship with his mother and the lasting impact of his reign on Christian narratives and Roman history.