
Emperors of Rome
“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.
Latest episodes

May 10, 2024 • 36min
Episode CCXXIV - Indomitable Spirit (The Catiline Conspiracy V)
In this engaging discussion, Rhiannon Evans, an Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University, dives into the fierce rivalry between Cicero and Catiline. They explore Cicero's struggle to defend Roman ideals while Catiline showcases his valor on the battlefield. The podcast also touches on the moral dilemmas of loyalty versus authority, the pivotal role of the Gallic tribe Alabroses, and the charged trial of Catiline's conspirators, ultimately revealing the complexities of leadership during a time of crisis.

Apr 26, 2024 • 37min
Episode CCXXIII - The Championship of the Oppressed (The Catiline Conspiracy IV)
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans discusses Catiline's rebellion against Cicero in ancient Rome, highlighting the Senate's response, the intrigue of the conspiracy, and the dynamics between the two figures. They explore the implications of Cicero's actions, the debate surrounding his motives, and Catiline's dramatic departure from Rome, claiming to fight for the oppressed.

4 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 35min
Episode CCXXII - A Stolen Election (The Catiline Conspiracy III)
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans delves into the intense rivalry between Catiline and Cicero during the election for consulship in 63 BCE. The conspiracy against Rome unfolds, involving toxic relationships, political intrigue, and the unraveling of a vast plot to challenge Rome's authority.

8 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 32min
Episode CCXXI - An Entire Farrago (The Catiline Conspiracy II)
Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans discusses Catiline's involvement in multiple failed plots in Rome. The podcast delves into the tumultuous Catiline Conspiracy of 64 BCE, highlighting political intrigue, power struggles, and the complex web of events leading to the pivotal moment in Roman history.

4 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 43min
Episode CCXX - A Disordered Mind (The Catiline Conspiracy I)
Exploring the turbulent relationship between Catiline and Cicero, the multifaceted character of Catiline driven by greed and jealousy, the historical context of the conspiracy and the social wars in Rome, Cataline's rise in the military and Sulla's power dynamics, unraveling the string of scandalous allegations against Cataline including murder, adultery, incest, and political treachery.

Feb 21, 2024 • 29min
Episode CCXIX - Hispala Faecena and the Bacchanalia Conspiracy
Discover how Hispala Faecena exposed the Bacchanalia conspiracy, risking her life to save Rome. Dr.Emma Southon discusses her book on key Roman women while shedding light on the challenges of uncovering female narratives in ancient history. Uncover the mysterious life of Hispala Faecena and the societal norms of late republican Rome.

Feb 8, 2024 • 36min
Episode CCXVIII - Martial on the Emperors
Martial was a Roman poet primarily writing during the reign of Domitian, and while primarily known for his commentary on Roman life, his takedowns, his insults and vulgarity, in this episode we look at how he toes the careful line of praising the Emperor.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).

Dec 15, 2023 • 22min
Episode CCXVII - Angeronalia
Yes, it’s that festive time of year again, when you gather all ye merry people with sore throats, stand around a statue with its mouth covered, and keep the sacred name of Rome safe.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).

Oct 27, 2023 • 28min
Episode CCXVI - A Roman Haunting in Three Parts
A dire warning from the spirit of Africa! A Haunting in Athens! And someone cuts the hair of Pliny's freedman.
Pliny the Younger presents a Roman Haunting in Three Parts.
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).

Sep 27, 2023 • 23min
Episode CCXV - The Unconquered Sun
Associate Professor Caillan Davenport discusses Aurelian's conquest of the Gallic Empire, Tetricus' surrender, reintegration after the reunification, Aurelian's portrayal as a Roman Empire restorer, and the challenges of meeting propaganda and uncertain future achievements.