

Emperors of Rome
La Trobe University
“Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2018 • 32min
Episode CII - Clodia
The women of Rome are largely missing from the written records, and often come up only tangently in works by and or about the men in their lives. They’re often painted as villains, temptresses, and poisoners – Clodia is no exception.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Aug 21, 2018 • 30min
Episode CI - The Last Will and Testament of Caesar
A silence settled over the Theatre of Pompey, and Rome moved quickly. Will Brutus and Cassius be hailed as liberators and restorers of the Roman republic, or will Rome lament the demise of its leader? Much of it comes down to the actions of Antony, and the legacy left in the will of Caesar.
‘Caesar’s Gallic War’ podcast is now crowdfunding on kickstarter.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Aug 6, 2018 • 42min
Episode C - The Death of Caesar (Live in Melbourne)
Julius Caesar was popular with the people, but that didn't extend as far as the senate. Wary of the risk of a new monarchy and eager to restore the proud Roman republic, Brutus, Cassius and Decimus decide to do away with their dictator.
Recorded live at the Wheeler Centre, Melbourne, on 8th August 2018.
‘Caesar’s Gallic War’ podcast is now crowdfunding on kickstarter.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Jul 25, 2018 • 43min
Episode XCIX - Q and A IV
For the fourth time, listeners provide questions and Rhiannon and Matt answer!
In this episode:
- Was Livia the scheming sociopath that Robert Graves portrayed?
- What is the difference between Caesar and Augustus? Are the titles the same?
- What did the Romans write their manuscripts on?
- How did the Romans picture the shape of their empire?
- Could a senator quit the senate?
- What were the limitations of Roman naming conventions?
- Would Donald Trump make a good Roman Emperor?
- What happened between Caesar and Titus Labienus?
- What are some of the lesser known Roman gods?
- Did Caesar actually say 'I came, I saw, I conquered'?
‘Caesar’s Gallic War’ podcast is now crowdfunding on kickstarter.
Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Jul 16, 2018 • 34min
Episode XCVIII - Caesar's Gallic War
After his year as consul, Caesar heads north to govern the province of Cisalpine Gaul. He will spend years fighting against Gaul, extending the empire, and establishing his reputation as a mighty leader. We now give an introductory episode to his text.
This is the first episode of a new premium podcast series, ‘Caesar’s Gallic War’, now crowdfunding on kickstarter and available to supporters only.
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Jun 28, 2018 • 35min
Episode XCVII - Sallust
Sallust was a Roman politician and historian writing during the time of the fall of the Roman republic. The two main surviving examples of his work are The Cataline Conspiracy and The Jugurthine War and they give an informative and partisan view of the Roman events.
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Jun 11, 2018 • 27min
Episode XCVI - Dictator of Rome
The first triumvirate is over, but for Julius Caesar he got the desired outcome – he’s now poised with an army to march into Rome. Over the next few years he will exert his influence over the empire, and his legacy will bring and end to the Roman republic.
Part VI of The Fall of the Roman Republic.
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

May 29, 2018 • 29min
Episode XCV - The First Triumvirate
The Roman republic is now at a point where it can be manipulated, particularly if powerful people decide to work together to further their interests, which is exactly what Caesar, Pompey and Crassus have in mind.
Part V of The Fall of the Roman Republic.
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Apr 18, 2018 • 26min
Episode XCIV - A Republic Worth Fighting For
Rome is now past the years of Sulla as dictator, but the rich and powerful are only encouraged, finding new ways to attain power. Both Crassus and Pompey use the might of the sword to force their agenda, while Cataline prefers the old fashioned method of a dagger to the back.
Part IV of The Fall of the Roman Republic.
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Apr 5, 2018 • 32min
Episode XCIII - Powerful Personalities
As the senate clawed more power from the people, it was inevitable that a few would rise above others, and take over command and influence with an army. Marius, Sulla, and the civil war that followed would just be another log on the funeral pyre of the Roman republic.
Part III of The Fall of the Roman Republic.
Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)


