The Pax Romana Podcast

Professor Colin Elliott
  • 4.8 (23)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
The Pax Romana Podcast

The assassination of Julius Caesar unleashed an epic era of emperors, conspiracies, scandals, decadence and religious persecution in ancient Rome. Each week historian Colin Elliott brings to life stories of the age known as the Pax Romana. Was this really antiquity's golden age? Follow the entire history from episode 1 onwards, or browse through the catalogue and hit the highlights: the Age of Augustus, the Great Fire under Nero, the rise of Christianity, the last years of Marcus Aurelius and the civil wars of the third century AD. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Gladiator II Review - The Pax Romana Podcast

    GLADIATOR II promises to recapture the magic but stumbles with plot holes, CGI overload, and historical blunders! I dissect the narrative fumbles, the unearned character arcs, and the jarring anachronisms that leave you more disappointed than entertained. From battle scenes that feel like a video game to the nostalgia that can't save this sequel, discover why Gladiator II might just be one of the most disappointing films of the year. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    52 min

  2. DEC 11

    Rome's Not-So-Great Alexander - The Pax Romana Podcast 067

    Caracalla thought himself a reincarnated Alexander the Great. In reality, he was a tyrant and a mass murderer. After some actors in Alexandria mocked Caracalla's rumored role in his brother's death, Caracalla butchered thousands of people in the city. The emperor then launched a failed campaign against Parthia. The only reason government continued to function was due to Caracalla's dutiful and wise mother, Julia Domna. By AD 217, her son Caracalla would be killed under the orders of his own Praetorian Prefect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    15 min

  3. DEC 6

    Caracalla Transforms the Roman Empire - The Pax Romana Podcast 066

    Caracalla rewarded his soldiers, and scored all other men--as his father Septimius Severus advised him. He stole property, murdered elites, put in new inheritance taxes and debased the Roman coinage. The temporary windfall allowed him to pass out a huge salary increase to his soldiers, but the long term effects of these policies would be greater economic pain in the future. Caracalla then stunned the Empire by unilaterally declaring universal citizenship to all free inhabitants of the Roman provinces. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    19 min

  4. NOV 28

    The Death of Septimius Severus - The Pax Romana Podcast 065

    Septimius Severus, aiming for stability, made his sons Caracalla and Geta (of Gladiator II fame) co-emperors, which only fueled their rivalry. His last years were then spent campaigning in Britain, where harsh conditions and guerrilla warfare halted Roman advances. Then in AD 211, in the city of Eboracum (modern York, England), Septimius died. With his father out of the way, Septimius' older son Caracalla murdered his younger brother Geta, initiating a purge and condemning Geta's memory--setting a violet precedent for the years that followed. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    18 min

  5. NOV 20

    Christianity in the Pax Romana, Part V (Perpetua the Martyr) - The Pax Romana Podcast 064

    Perpetua, a Christian martyr in the early 3rd century AD Roman Empire, left behind a rare firsthand account that provides profound insights into the personal experiences of early Christian martyrdom. Her diary, which details her imprisonment and thoughts up to her execution, offers a unique perspective on the spiritual strength, societal defiance, and the internal conflict faced by individuals living under Roman rule. Her story highlights the dynamics of religion, gender, and power, showcasing the depth of commitment required by early Christians facing persecution. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    20 min

  6. NOV 13

    Christianity in the Pax Romana, Part IV (Defending Christianity) - The Pax Romana Podcast 064

    How did early Christian apologists defend their faith against Roman skepticism and hostility? These were no ordinary defenders; they included philosophers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian, who used Roman law and logic to argue for Christianity's legitimacy. From debunking the worship of Roman gods as illogical and immoral, to explaining Christian rituals like baptism and the Lord's Supper, these educated Christians presented compelling arguments to emperors and magistrates. They tackled accusations of atheism, sedition, and immorality, proving that Christianity was not a novel superstition but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, deeply rooted in what was then known as Hebrew scriptures. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    22 min

  7. NOV 6

    Christianity in the Pax Romana, Part III (Roman Religion and Concerns with Christianity) - The Pax Romana Podcast 063

    On this episode, we examine the religious logic prevalent in the Roman Empire. It may be surprising to learn that belief was far less important to Romans than practice. Christianity turned the order of Roman religion on its head. As a result, Christians were accused of atheism, sedition, immorality, superstition and religious novelty. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    19 min

  8. NOV 1

    Christianity in the Pax Romana, Part II (Ancient Cultural Christianity) - The Pax Romana Podcast 062

    How did early Christians negotiate their identity in a polytheistic society? Cultural norms around pluralism, sex and military service presented serious challenges to Christians. Many self-identified Christians sough to merge mainstream culture with their faith. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    15 min
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4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The assassination of Julius Caesar unleashed an epic era of emperors, conspiracies, scandals, decadence and religious persecution in ancient Rome. Each week historian Colin Elliott brings to life stories of the age known as the Pax Romana. Was this really antiquity's golden age? Follow the entire history from episode 1 onwards, or browse through the catalogue and hit the highlights: the Age of Augustus, the Great Fire under Nero, the rise of Christianity, the last years of Marcus Aurelius and the civil wars of the third century AD. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

Information

  • Creator
    Professor Colin Elliott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Professor Colin Elliott
  • Show Website
    The Pax Romana Podcast

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