When in Rome Matt Smith

Melite was an ancient Roman settlement on the site of M’Dina in modern Malta. A small island in the middle of the mediterranean, Malta was in the path of wars and trade routes throughout the classical period, and we’re only just beginning to learn what it mean to live in Roman Malta.

Guest: Robert Brown (PHD candidate in archaeology, Australian National University, and managing director of the Melite Civitas Romana Project).

Palmyra is an ancient ruined city in modern Syria, long known for its place in the Roman empire and strongly influenced by Persian and Hellenistic cultures.

In modern times it has been associated with the major destruction by the Islamic State, and there are currently hopes for its restoration.

Guest: Dr Peter Edwell (Senior Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology at Macquarie University).

Augustus of Prima Porta is a colossal statue of Augustus, and shows the Emperor dressed in military garb and addressing his troops. It was found in the Villa of Livia, and is one of the most impressive imperial statues you can see today.

Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).

Livia had a Villa in Prima Porta, and the high vantage point provided her with a sweeping view of the city of Rome. It is known for a famous statue of Augustus and a luxurious garden dining room.

Dr Victoria Austen (Lecturer in Classics, University of Winnipeg).

Londinium was a significant city in the Roman empire, as it was the hub of activity and the capital of the province of Britannia. It was built on the bank of the River Thames and became the largest city in Roman Britain.

Guest: Dr Dominic Perring (Director of the Centre for Applied Archaeology at University College London).

The LEGO Colosseum is one of the largest LEGO sets available, containing more that 9000 pieces. It has been designed on such a scale to convey the monumental nature of the Colosseum in Rome, and contains many design elements that reflect those of the building.

Guest: Rok Zgalin Kobe (Senior Designer, LEGO Group)