Emperors of Rome

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.

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).

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).

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).

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.

Aurelian has seen off vandals, goths, and conquered the forces of Zenobia to reclaim the east. But to the west lies the Gallic Empire, once firm territory of Rome, awaiting his attention. Part III of 'Aurelian' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).

Associate Professor Caillan Davenport discusses the rise of Zenobia, the Queen of Palmyra, and her challenge to the Roman Emperor Aurelian. Topics include Zenobia's territorial expansion, her adoption of Roman titles, Aurelian's capture of Zenobia, and the significance of her name. Zenobia's mythical persona and comparison to historical figures like Boudicca and Cleopatra are also examined.

Associate Professor Caillan Davenport discusses Aurelian's rise to power in a divided Roman Empire, his military strategy, successful negotiation with the Vandals, construction of new walls in Rome, and the construction and abandonment of Dacia.

The treacherous death of Gallienus saw the rise of a man of war. Claudius Gothicus definitely earned his title, but with a reign of only two years perhaps he made the right kind of impact without the time to leave a bad impression. For an emperor in the third century that was more than enough, and he left an example for all who followed after. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).

Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans discusses the Latin language's influence on contemporary society. They explore Latin terms for message, portable message, and the concept of time with a focus on 'Tempers Fugit'. The podcast delves into the Romans' measurement of time, the origins and meanings of 'am' and 'pm', time-related words derived from Latin, and the etymology of 'Hibernia' and 'Anno Domini'. They also explore how the Romans counted years and touch on the genre of history called the analyst.