

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

Feb 17, 2016 • 10min
Interlude - Latin Pronunciation
Last week we told you the meanings and origins of some well-known Latin terms. But how do we know how Latin letters and words were pronounced?

Feb 9, 2016 • 26min
Episode XLII - A Lesson in Latin
Let's learn some Latin! How did it work? How should we be pronouncing these words? What is the origin of some of the most famous Latin phrases?

Jan 25, 2016 • 21min
Episode XLI - Nerva
The death of Domitian leaves a Flavian-sized hole in the fabric of Rome. In this past this would be filled with a quick, dramatic round of 'Who's got the biggest army?', but in this case it's different. The senate acts fast, putting one of their own, Nerva, in the seat of power.

Jan 12, 2016 • 30min
Episode XL - What is an Emperor? (redux)
Think about the time spanning from Julius Caesar becoming a dictator right through to the assassination of Domitian. In that period of time Rome has gone from a Republic to being a Monarchy in everything but name. So what is an Emperor now, how has it changed, and what does it mean to hold that power?

Dec 15, 2015 • 17min
Episode XXXIX - Asterix and the Missing Scroll
Asterix and the Missing Scroll is one of the highest selling graphic novels of the year, but how does it stack up when you hand it to a dubious Roman classicist?

Nov 30, 2015 • 27min
Episode XXXVIII - Domitian Must Die
Life under Domitian hasn't been easy for the Roman empire. After 15 years of cruelty and paranoia, those close to him decide to bring the Flavian dynasty to a messy ending.

Nov 16, 2015 • 31min
Episode XXXVII - Domitian Dominates
Domitian becomes emperor, and goes from being ignored and having little to Caesar of the greatest empire in the western world. but with great power comes great responsibility…

Nov 3, 2015 • 21min
Episode XXXVI - The Debut of Domitian
Titus dies without an heir, leaving his brother Domitian to take his place as Emperor. Before we get to that point, who exactly is Domitian, and what happens in his youth to shape him as a ruler?

Oct 28, 2015 • 3min
Interlude - Titus' Birthday
Clearing up a discrepancy - in what year was Titus born?

Oct 19, 2015 • 25min
Episode XXXV - A Pleasant Surprise From the Emperor Titus
Making the most of his father's power, Titus sets the standard for all playboy princes yet to come. When Vespasian dies and Titus becomes Emperor, Rome was probably bracing themselves for the worst. Fortunately, he steps up to the challenge.


