The Pax Romana Podcast

Professor Colin Elliott
  • 4.8 (21)
  • 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. 3 HR. AGO

    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

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. OCT 23

    Christianity in the Pax Romana, Part I (Life in the early Church) - The Pax Romana Podcast 061

    Christianity adapted, spread, and solidified its identity in the second century AD. What was everyday life like for those who called themselves Christians in this pivotal ancient age? How strict was membership in the early church? To what extent were soldiers permitted? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    20 min

  6. OCT 16

    The Emperor Septimius Severus - The Pax Romana Podcast 060

    Septimius Severus entered Rome in AD 197 as undisputed emperor, following several years of bloody civil war. He stationed a full legion near Rome to ensure that no one could do what he had done: conquer his own empire. Septimius was a friend to his soldiers, debasing his own currency to increase soldier soldiers pay. He then turned back to what he knew best: conquest--launching a campaign against the Parthian Empire in Persia. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    14 min

  7. OCT 10

    The Year of the Five Emperors - The Pax Romana Podcast 059

    In the Year of the Five Emperors, Septimius Severus, a governor from Pannonia, maneuvered to become unquestioned emperor amidst several capable rivals. He first allied with Clodius Albinus in the west, naming him Caesar and heir, while eliminating a second rival, Pescennius Niger, in the east. Albinus would subsequently invade Gaul--bringing his forces into a massive battle at Lugdunum. Were these men really emperors, or just warlords? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    16 min

  8. OCT 2

    Empire for Sale - The Pax Romana Podcast 058

    After the assassination of Commodus, Pertinax, an experienced governor and military officer, steped up to take the purple. He was a fiscal conservative and a disciplinarian. But the Roman Empire had fundamentally changed, and his own praetorian guard soon removed him from office. he empire bizarrely veered towards an auction-like scenario, where two men vie for power through financial promises to the praetorians. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paxromanapodcast/support

    16 min
See All (65)

4.8
out of 5
21 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
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Professor Colin Elliott
  • Show Website
    The Pax Romana Podcast

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