Emperors of Rome

The Bona Dea was a goddess of Rome, whose celebrations were the secret domain of elite women. To our male Roman sources they were mysterious and magical, that is until Clodius Pulcher decided he would gate crash. Tickets are now on sale for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne. Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Caesar was a man who was careful of his image, and in his accounts of the Gallic Wars he records his skill and competence on the battle field. He also made a point of giving himself a credible nemesis, with the barbarian Vercingetorix taking the centre stage. Recorded live in Albury at the Albury LibraryMuseum on 24th June, 2024. Guests: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Rhiannon Evans, an Associate Professor specializing in Classics and Ancient History, joins Nick Bisley, a Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. They delve into the Catiline Conspiracy's relevance to modern politics, drawing parallels with figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. The discussion highlights themes of populism, gender roles, and political narratives from ancient Rome to today. They caution against overinterpretation while emphasizing how historical power struggles resonate in current American democracy.

Catiline’s name is often used as a byword for villainy, and over the years has been told and retold by different authors with different agendas. To some he is a villain, a traitor to the state. To others he’s a hero, standing up for the little guy. Part VII of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).

Rhiannon Evans, an expert in Roman history and Cicero, dives into the tumultuous aftermath of Cicero’s battle with Catiline. She explores the duality of Cicero's heroism against the backdrop of his political challenges and the fallout from his controversial executions. The discussion unveils Cicero's aspirations to shape his legacy through writing, even amidst growing detachment from the Senate's turmoil. Evans highlights the emotional toll of Cicero's exile and the shifting political landscape that ultimately jeopardized his future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.