LOST ROMAN HEROES Matthew & Matteo Storm
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- History
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Exploring the lives and times of lost Roman heroes, from Aeneas to Constantine the XI, the Marble Emperor, and ranking them for their cool hero-ness….
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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 39: Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, the gentle philosopher who lived through the inconceivable, heart-wrenching loss of ten children. Heir to Antoninus Pius against his will, he became emperor of 1/3 of the known world just as the Pax Romana began to fracture. True to his stoic core, Marcus set aside personal wants and rose to the occasion, transforming himself from the first philosopher-emperor into the first warrior-emperor who spend his final 10 years camped on the Danube, fighting the barbarian wave that would eventually overwhelm the West.
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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 38: Hadrian
Hadrian the Builder! Third of the Five Good Emperors, and as unknowable as the sphinx. He took over control of the Roman Empire from Trajan at its greatest territorial extent, inheriting a crazy Frankenstein of a territory that no one since Augustus had really focused on managing well, his predecessors had wanted to milk it or expand it, but Hadrian wanted to optimize it. A remarkable ambition, a mysterious man, and a legacy worthy of remembrance, and debate. But does he qualify as a Roman hero?
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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 37: Trajan
Trajan. Why do we feel so conflicted when we think about you? Well, Trajan was one of the Five Good Emperors, rising to power at a moment when Rome was the bully in the schoolyard and he knew how to wield that power brilliantly, Octavian-like, in a manner that did not threaten the Senate. Golden boy, Pompey-ish. Forever more, new emperors would be blessed in his name upon their ascension. The Roman Empire would reach its greatest territorial extent thanks to his efforts. But is he a hero??? Can we say no???
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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 36: Agricola
Agricola was a child of Rome's provinces whose father was murdered by Caligula shortly after his birth. Raised by a remarkable mom, he entered the Roman army and distinguished himself in every way possible, eventually winning the confidence of the Emperor Vespasian who sent him to Britannia to accomplish the impossible - subdue the island. Agricola reminded us of Agrippa in so many ways, and we had the benefit of hearing about his exploits from his son in law, the famous Roman historian, Tacitus. This is a story that you cannot miss!
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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 35: Pliny the Elder
Equal parts cerebral and brawny, here comes Pliny, the original disaster flick action hero! Join one of the most fascinating guys you've never heard of outside dusty academic circles. Pliny did it all, fought in Germania, was best buds with multiple emperors, and rode directly into the heart of darkness on August 24th of 29CE to save innocent lives as Vesuvius erupted, killing all in its wake.
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Lost Roman Heroes - Episode 34: Germanicus
Germanicus, son of Drusus, the golden boy! As remarkable as his father in so many ways, he made his name campaigning across the Rhine just like dad, and managed to recover lost Eagles, to give a proper burial to the Roman dead at Teutoburg, and to teach Arminimus a lesson. Perhaps he did too much in fact, inspiring jealousy in his adopted father, the Emperor Tiberius, and a suspicion that would bring about his early, tragic demise.
Customer Reviews
Instructive and entertaining
Great podcast about Roman history and its major protagonists, delivered in a lively and somewhat humorous style. Episodes on Julius Cesar and Octavian were outstanding. Looking forward to episode on Agricola. You have not focused on women, but maybe an episode about Livia would be of interest.
Nice format, entertaining. Explores interesting corners of Roman History.
Wonderful enlightening podcast bringing out figures of Roman history that are often overlooked. They bring out many little-known facts even about the names that do make it to the history courses. It is presented in a relaxed conversational manner between father and son so that the listener is not bored by a constant feeling of being lectured to. We think it would appeal very much to younger listeners, but we, as senior citizens, find it quite enjoyable as well.
Diamond in the Rough
My uncle recently shared a cool Instagram post with me about Agrippa. I tapped on the link and was introduced to a charming podcast on important Roman figures. The father-son combo brings a unique twist to the historical podcast platform. After finishing the Agrippa episode, I went back to the first episode. I am thoroughly enjoying their story telling and analysis of some of Ancient Rome’s most influential humans (or demigods depending on the episode). Lost Roman Heroes rivals Mike Duncan’s History of Rome for my favorite podcast on Ancient Roman history.