Emperors of Rome

La Trobe University

4.8 (1.5K)
HISTORY
UPDATED BIMONTHLY

“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.

DEC 9

Anthology of Interest IV

Rhiannon Evans, Caillan Davenport, Matt Smith and special guest William Dalrymple share items of Roman interest! You will hear: - A phoenix in the forum - The unknown Queens of Rome - The Roman perception of elephants - Trade between India and Rome - The low bar of Roman insults - The false female centurion - What Emperors called themselves - An accurate population of Pompeii - The false Theodosius - Sallust and ethnic etymology in North Africa Episode CCL (250) Guests: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University) Professor Caillan Davenport (Centre for Classical Studies, Australian National University)) William Dalrymple (Esteemed author and host of Empire podcast)

52 min
OCT 29

Viriathus

Viriathus was a Lusitanian leader who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Rome’s most formidable enemies. A skilled tactician and master of guerrilla warfare, he led his people in resistance against Roman expansion in Hispania during the second century BCE. Celebrated for his honour and leadership — even by the Romans who fought him — Viriathus’s story is one of resilience, betrayal, and the enduring struggle for freedom against empire. Episode CCXLIX (249) Guest: Dr Christopher Gribbin (Adjunct Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

36 min
SEP 19

Paetus, It Does Not Hurt

Arria, and her daughter of the same name, were celebrated in Roman literature for their virtues, piety, and devotion to family. Remembered above all for their willingness to embrace self-sacrifice, their lives and deaths became exemplars of courage and duty, cited by writers like Pliny and Martial as models of Roman virtue. Episode CCXLVIII (248) Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

45 min
AUG 30

Porcia

Being the daughter of Cato and wife of Brutus came with certain expectations from the ancient world. Embody her father’s principles, be a fine, upstanding Roman lady, and put Rome first above all other things. Porcia did this, and was admired for her disposition. Episode CCXLVII (247) Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

40 min
AUG 22

Laudatio Turiae

In times of antiquity, alongside the Via Appia, stood the Laudatio Turiae, a funerary inscription praising the life of an exceptional Roman woman. While we aren’t sure of her actual identity her husband was clearly fond to her, and wanted everyone approaching Rome to know it. Episode CCXLVI (246) Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

41 min
JUL 31

False Nero

When Nero took his own life in 68CE it was the end of an era for Rome. The Julio-Claudians had ruled for close to 100 years, and with the end of the dynasty there was confusion, civil war, and an outpouring of grief. Some would exploit this confusion and claim to be the still alive Emperor Nero, with the intention of retaking his empire. Episode CCXLV (245) Guest: Assistant Professor Zachary Herz (Legal Historian, Department of Classics, University of Colorado Boulder).

25 min
JUL 14

Ludi Apollinares

Plague getting your people down? Suffering from a mysterious ailment? Perhaps a festival of Apollo is what you need. A simple festival with games, plays and feastings could be enough to sway Apollo in your favour. Or at least, distract your city for a while. Episode CCXLIV (244) Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

23 min
JUN 26

The House That Crassus and Pompey Built

After the death of Crassus his powerful name, his fortune, and his family’s honour survived. In this episode we’ll trace the life of the Crassi yet to come, and how the family comes together with an old rival. Episode CCXLIII (243) Part V of Crassus Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

30 min

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Matt Smith

Host
Rhiannon Evans

Host

4.8

out of 5

1,527 Ratings

Deep dive into sources!

Jul 30

8990jc

Hosts always dive into the sources and provides view points that are not always elaborated on. If you want an accurate overview of ancient Roman history and alternative understanding of history this is a great podcast. I love this podcast and listen every time I see a new episode.
Just stick to actual history, please

Sep 21

Kjolnir

The actual history part of this podcast is great. I only gave four starts instead of five because of the woketard land acknowledgments at the end of every episode and the one super-cringe episode on the Cataline Conspiracy where they try to draw a comparison to American politics. That episode was trash, and the numerous basic factual errors on American politics and political events should embarrass everyone involved.
So Much More Than Just the Emperors

Jul 3

Seriocom

Love this podcast, as well as “Raising Standards.” I’m just getting started on “When in Rome,” but I’m sure I’ll like that too! Rhiannon and Matt have a great rapport, and I learn a lot, in a very accessible way. I really enjoy the conversational nature of the episodes. A listener will learn about the Latin language and general Mediterranean History as well, provided by Dr. Evans and additionally encouraged and prompted by Matt Smith’s great questions and observations. A blend of History and humor and humanity - it cannot be beat. This show is about Emperors, but so much more. A perfect blend of culture and politics, figures and events of the time. Not just Augustus, but Ovid too! Suetonius, Cassius Dio (or is it Dio Cassius?), Agrippina, Pliny (Younger and Elder) etc. etc. I learned a lot and it keeps giving with each episode! Great work.
Just What the Galen Ordered

May 29

Patriautism

This is my favorite podcast on the topic. Professor Evans is a wonderful storyteller and couldn’t be more charming. And the chemistry between the co-hosts couldn’t be better. Love it.

“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.