Emperors of Rome

Mar 16 2025 252 ep. 29 mins 9k

Emperors of Rome Podcast artwork

“Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans, Dr Caillan Davenport and Matt Smith.

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Episode CLXXVIII - Witches in Roman Literature

Dec 06 2021 43 mins

Romans had the reality of witches, those who made the brews and prepared the curses, but also the witches of fiction. In their poems and stories, a witch took on a horrific persona, one that skews much more closely to the modern idea of a witch. Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Head of Department of Languages and Linguistics, La Trobe University)

Episode CLXXXIII - Philippics

Feb 26 2022 42 mins

As the power struggle in Rome continued and generals waged their war on the battlefield, Cicero took to the floors of the senate, confronting Antony with the greatest weapon in his arsenal: the spoken word. He called his speeches the Philippics, and they were influential in turning the senate against Antony. Part II of ‘The Liberator’s War’ Guest: Dr Kathryn Tempest (Reader

Episode CXCIV - Sea Monsters in Roman Mythology

Jul 26 2022 31 mins

Rome has always been a sea-faring power, relying on the Mediterranean for food and trade. But what lies beneath the waves can chill the hearts of mortal men, and tales of aquatic horrors were common in antiquity. Guest: Dr Gillian Shepherd (Director, Trendall Centre, La Trobe University)

Episode CXCIII - The Humiliation of Caesar (Valerian III)

Jul 14 2022 23 mins

With enemies to confront in every direction, Valerian heads back to the east where Shapur and the Parthians are once again threatening the borders of the Roman empire. While Valerian anticipates a victory, what is to come is the greatest defeat of a Roman emperor. Episode III of ‘Valerian’. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies

Excavating Pompeii

Mar 16 2025 39 mins

Pompeii has been excavated for hundreds of years, and in that time techniques, practices and philosophies have changed. We’re now finding out a lot more about the city and the people who lived there, and there’s still more to find out. The When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for an upcoming series 8. Please give your support. Guest: Dr Sophie Hay (Archaeologist, Archaeolo

Imperial Dining (with Mary Beard)

Feb 24 2025 40 mins

The simple act of dinner took on a new dimension for the Emperors. In an place where every meal could be a performance, an Emperor used the chance to reward and impress, intimidate and strike fear, and sometimes all at once. Having dinner with the Emperor was always a great honour, but sometimes you were risking your life. Episode CCXXXVIII (238) Guest: Professor Mary Beard (Clas

Episode CXCII - The Persecution of Christians (Valerian II)

Jun 30 2022 29 mins

Religious persecution wasn’t a new thing for Rome, but under the rule of Valerian they intensified. Christians were now the specified target, but the executions and confiscation of property did little to help the stability of the empire. Episode II of ‘Valerian’. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian Nationa

Roman Dining

Feb 17 2025 25 mins

For the Romans the simple act of dinner was so much more than a meal. It was an opportunity to socialise and do business, to see and be seen, and in some cases just to show off. Like everything it is steeped in protocol and tradition, but ultimately it emphasised spending time with others - as every good meal should. Episode CCXXXVII (237) Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evan

Episode CXCI - Empire Under Siege (Valerian)

Jun 12 2022 46 mins

When Valerian became emperor in 253CE Rome was fighting on all fronts. With Shapur and the Syrians taking territory in the east, and Germanic tribes to the west and the north, the empire was going to get messy for Valerian and his newly established dynasty. Episode I of ‘Valerian’. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the A

Episode CCXXXVI - The Madness of Commodus (Live in Melbourne)

Jan 09 2025 27 mins

To celebrate the 10th year of the Emperors of Rome podcast, Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith convened a screening of the epic movie Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, preceded by a live podcast recording the history and basis of the character Commodus performed by Joaquin Phoenix. Recorded on the 19th October 2024 at the Thornbury Picture House, Melbourne.