Emperors of Rome

With Caligula's brief rule leaving the Julio-Claudians in a sorry state, there isn't much of the imperial family left to become emperor. The title goes to his uncle Claudius mostly be default.

We’ve had requests for books to compliment this podcast series, so here’s a few suggestions. There’ll be a complete reading list available on our Facebook page.

Caligula's erratic rule has led to a fast erosion in popularity and support, and rumours of assassination come to head just four short years after he becomes emperor. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at downfall of this hated ruler of Rome.

Caligula is best known for his erratic and tyrannical behaviour, but were his reactions a result of deviance or madness? Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the literary sources on Caligula and the wrongs that they accuse him of.

When Caligula became emperor there was a lot of expectations after the disappointing neglect of Tiberius. But for an emperor with such a short time in power he had a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith discuss the promising beginning of the reign of Caligula.

Tiberius has withdrawn to a life of seclusion on the island of Capri, and while he’s there he loses control of both Rome and his reputation. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the downfall of Tiberius, his trashed reputation, and the scheme of Sejanus.

Tiberius the Reluctant Emperor: A discussion on Tiberius' rise to power, his reluctance to become emperor, the challenges he faced, including a mutiny among the German legions, and the potential successors to the throne in the Julian-Claudian family.

After a lengthy reign of 41 years the Emperor Augustus needs to designate his successor, and after a number of candidates die young he is left with limited options. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Augustus' succession problem and how he secures his legacy.

Discover the concept of Pax Romana and how Augustus used it to bring relative peace to the Roman Empire. Learn how Augustus promoted himself and his reign through periods of peace, from closing the Temple of Janus to establishing a peace cult.

During Augustus’ time as emperor he had a lasting impact on Rome, during which culture thrived and there was extensive building projects. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Augustan Rome’s good and bad - from culture to censorship.