podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
Assoc. Professor Caillan Davenport
Shows
Experience ANU
Meet the author- Bettany Hughes
Best-selling author and TV historian Bettany Hughes was in conversation with Caillan Davenport on her book The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a revelatory new history of the ancient world told through its seven greatest monuments.
2025-03-14
59 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXXXIV - Dyarchy Plus One (Diocletian II)
Diocletian and Maximian must be doing something right - keeping the borders of Rome safe, and ruling the Empire in harmony. They even have a catch-up in Milan, worthy of a panegyric. Things would be perfect, if it wasn’t for the revolt of Carausius in Gaul and Britain, who doesn’t want to rule Rome, he just wants to be included in the party. Part II of Diocletian Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)
2024-12-06
30 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXXXIII - The Rise of Diocles (Diocletian I)
The man who would be the Emperor Diocletian was of unremarkable origins. Quick to recognise the challenges of Rome, he moved to set it up as a franchise opportunity. This worked when nothing else did, and to many he was the most successful Roman emperor in an age. Just don’t ask the Christians… Part I of Diocletian Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)
2024-11-20
31 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXXXII - Carus and Sons
As the wild and crazy experiment of the 3rd century winds to a conclusion, a man named Carus steps into the purple, with an imperial dynasty ready to go. But Rome has grown unwieldy. Challenged by enemies from beyond and within, it will take quite a leader to hold the empire together. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)
2024-11-08
25 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXXXI - Probus
Probus had a fairly long reign for this time in the history of the Empire. Keeping the barbarians in check is one thing, seeing off usurpers is another, but just don’t ask too much of the military - they don’t like getting their hands dirty. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)
2024-10-23
30 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXXX - Emperor Tacitus
We now return to the late third century, where the Emperor Aurelian has finally reunited the Roman empire and been murdered for the trouble, and the senate in Rome, waning in its influence, makes a final flex of power. Tickets are now on sale for our special 10th anniversary live screening of the movie Gladiator! 19th October at the Thornbury Picture House in Melbourne. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University)
2024-09-25
27 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXV - The Unconquered Sun
Aurelian is known as a conqueror, a general and a restorer, and his reputation is based on those achievements. But in his short rule of five years, he was also an Emperor, and made efforts to leave his mark on Rome. Part IV of 'Aurelian' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-09-27
22 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXIV - Aurelian, Restorer of the Age
Aurelian has seen off vandals, goths, and conquered the forces of Zenobia to reclaim the east. But to the west lies the Gallic Empire, once firm territory of Rome, awaiting his attention. Part III of 'Aurelian' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-08-25
22 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXIII - Zenobia
The weakness of Rome was the strength of Palmyra, and the east came to be be ruled by the Queen Zenobia. Cultured and ambitious, her empire stretched from Egypt to Turkey, which made her a formidable challenge for Aurelian. Part II of 'Aurelian' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-08-04
34 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXII - Aurelian, the Restorer of the World
Aurelian became Emperor of a fractured empire. To the west the Gallic Empire had been established ten years earlier, the eastern provinces were now controlled by Zenobia, and there were threats from the vandals in the North. To unite an empire, this will be his first priority. Part I of ‘Aurelian’ Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-07-14
25 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXI - Claudius Gothicus
The treacherous death of Gallienus saw the rise of a man of war. Claudius Gothicus definitely earned his title, but with a reign of only two years perhaps he made the right kind of impact without the time to leave a bad impression. For an emperor in the third century that was more than enough, and he left an example for all who followed after. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-06-23
31 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCIX - A Diminished Rome
While much of the Roman Empire was lost during the rule of Gallienus, We don't really know how much of that is his fault, or really get a sense of his reign. Was he responsible for the loss of territory, or was he just a victim of the time? Part IV of 'Gallienus' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University). Support production of a new series of the When in Rome podcast on Kickstarter.
2023-05-12
24 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCVIII - Odaenathus, King of Kings
As the Roman empire lost the western provinces something very different was happening in the east. Odaenathus remained on the side of Rome, but assumed the title of King, building his influence throughout the region, to the point where it became a problem for Gallienus. Part III of 'Gallienus' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University). Support production of a new series of the When in Rome podcast on Kickstarter.
2023-04-28
30 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCVII - The Gallic Empire
A challenge to the imperial authority was hardly unusual in the third century, but for whatever reason, Postumus decides to do things differently. Rather than marching an army on Rome he shaves off the western provinces, declaring Gaul, Germania, Hispania and Britannia the independent, but still very Roman, Gallic Empire. Part II of 'Gallienus' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-03-29
27 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CCVI - Rome Crumbles
When the Emperor Valerian was captured by the enemy what the empire needed was a trusted, capable, firm set of hands to take on the imperial mantle. In retrospect, that probably wasn’t his son Gallienus. For the next eight years Gallienus would rule as sole emperor and proceed to lose two thirds of the empire, leaving Rome at its weakest position in centuries. Part I of 'Gallienus' Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2023-03-17
33 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXCIII - The Humiliation of Caesar (Valerian III)
With enemies to confront in every direction, Valerian heads back to the east where Shapur and the Parthians are once again threatening the borders of the Roman empire. While Valerian anticipates a victory, what is to come is the greatest defeat of a Roman emperor. Episode III of 'Valerian'. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2022-07-14
23 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXCII - The Persecution of Christians (Valerian II)
Religious persecution wasn’t a new thing for Rome, but under the rule of Valerian they intensified. Christians were now the specified target, but the executions and confiscation of property did little to help the stability of the empire. Episode II of 'Valerian'. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2022-07-01
29 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXCI - Empire Under Siege (Valerian)
When Valerian became emperor in 253CE Rome was fighting on all fronts. With Shapur and the Syrians taking territory in the east, and Germanic tribes to the west and the north, the empire was going to get messy for Valerian and his newly established dynasty. Episode I of 'Valerian'. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Classical Studies at the Australian National University).
2022-06-13
46 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXXXIX - Nero and the Great Fire of Rome (Live in Canberra)
On the night of 18 July, 64 CE, a fire broke out in the Circus Maximus at Rome. It raged for nine days, destroying or damaging ten of the city’s fourteen regions. Was the fire just a terrible accident? Or was it deliberately lit, either by dissident Christians or by the emperor Nero, who allegedly sang while Rome burned? Recorded on 12th April 2022, in front of a live audience at the Australian National University. Now funding on Kickstarter: Agricola (the podcast miniseries). Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Head of the Centre for Cl...
2022-05-20
58 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXIX - Gallus
When Decius died during a battle with the Goths, the Roman army took it upon themselves to appoint his successor - his remaining general Trebonianus Gallus. Gallus was praised for not beginning a civil war - unusual for the time - but would be unable to lead the empire through the turmoil. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-07-23
31 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXVIII - The Battle of Abritus (Decius III)
The Goths are leaving Roman territory, and while they successfully sacked some cities there has been no lasting damage to the provinces - but the same can’t be said for the reputation of the Emperor, Decius. He rides with his troops to confront them in battle, becoming the first Roman emperor to die at the hands of a foreign enemy. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-06-25
24 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXVII - The Gothic Invasion (Decius II)
This is the era of Roman history where the Goths from the north begin to pose a serious threat to the stability of the faltering Roman empire. When they begin to lay siege to Roman cities Decius rides to confront them, not realising the challenging battles that await him. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-06-09
28 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXVI - The Edict of Sacrifice (Decius I)
During the early days of his reign, Emperor Decius issued an edict commanding that all Romans should make a sacrifice for the good of the empire. While some happily went along with it, for others it went against what they believed in, and not everyone living within the borders of Rome were happy with the Emperor's wishes. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-05-28
36 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXV - Phillip
When Phillip became Emperor in 244CE, Rome was cracking at the edges. Enemies were at the border, the economy was straining, and the Emperor was an easy target for a disgruntled military. Who wants to rule Rome at this time? Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-05-14
39 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXIV - Gordian III
When the dust settled on a six month civil war in 238CE, only the 13 year old Gordian III is left standing to take the purple. Once again Rome is left with a teenage emperor. Guest: Associate Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-05-05
32 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLXII - Anthology of Interest III
Rhiannon Evans, Caillan Davenport, Gillian Shepherd and Matt Smith each share three items of Roman interest for three minutes! You will hear: - Silius Italicus and his unbearable bunion - Pomponius Mela and the wonders of the Nile - Snarky soldiers at the Vindolanda fort - Legacy hunters and the jewels of Matidia - Unusual dedications to the gods - Early sources for the great fire of Rome - The effectiveness of Roman concrete - How Rome dealt with mass burial of the poor - Sea monsters ...
2021-03-31
1h 03
Emperors of Rome
Episode CLX - Faustina
As the daughter of the previous Emperor, Faustina provided her husband, Marcus Aurelius, with a solid link to the imperial throne. Besides continuity she came to embody motherhood, not just to the next Emperor, but to the empire as a whole. Part IX of 'Empresses of Rome' Guest: Assoc. Professor Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2021-03-11
40 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CL - Q and A VI (Live)
For the sixth time, listeners provide questions and Rhiannon and Matt answer! In this episode: - Which Roman Emperor would our guests like to interview? - Did Romans have pets? - How did Romans organise construction? - How did we decided when the Roman Empire ‘ended’? - Are the ancient sources reliable? - Did women and men in Rome share bath houses? - Favourite Cicero self-aggrandisement? Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Head of School of Languages and Linguistics, La Trobe University) Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman Hist...
2020-10-01
46 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXLIX - Herodian
Herodian was a Roman historian living and writing during the reign of the Severan dynasty. He is a valuable record of events for some of the most turbulent days of Roman history, and while at times lacking details, he knows what he’s doing with an exciting narrative. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-09-17
32 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXLVIII - The Always Unpredictable Outcome of War
During the civil war of 238CE no less than six Emperors were vying for the purple. When the dust finally settled on the child Gordian III remained in power, not because he was the best person for the job, but because he was the most convenient. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-09-04
33 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXLVII - The Vagaries of Chance
Maximinus Thrax was an unorthodox Emperor, a man of lowborn status who kept to the frontlines with the military. It was only a matter of time before the Senate threw in with someone more on their level, but their choice, Gordian, would have the shortest rule of any Emperor. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-08-21
26 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXLVI - The Sun is Getting Real Low (Maximinus)
The Roman Empire was unprepared for the rule of the Emperor Maximinus. Regarded by many as a savage barbarian, he came to the purple by blood, would rule by blood, and would leave it the same way. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-08-07
43 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXL - A Ridiculous Waste of Time (Severus Alexander IV)
Severus Alexander comes from a strong military dynasty with a string of victories against Rome’s enemies, and it’s fair to say the Roman army was less than impressed with his performance against Sassanian and Germanic tribes. The empire needs a leader! Should they turn to a fighter, or to a weakling and his mother? Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-04-22
25 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXXIX - A Fish in a Net (Severus Alexander III)
When Severus Alexander leads the Roman armies east, he meets Artaxerxes and the Sasanians in battle but his tactics are unprepared. Artaxerxes attacked unexpectedly with his entire force and trapped the Romans like fish in a net; firing their arrows from all sides at the encircled soldiers, the Persians massacred the whole army. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-04-08
24 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXXVIII - Rise of the Sasanian Empire (Severus Alexander II)
Severus Alexander was an emperor who spent much of his reign at war, but he was ill-suited to it and would likely have preferred to be elsewhere. His main enemy was the Sasanians, an empire that rose out of the ashes of the Parthians, and would be a leading regional power for the next 400 years. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-03-24
22 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXXVII - Mother Knows Best (Severus Alexander I)
Severus Alexander was a young boy when he came to power in Rome in 222CE, in the wake of the death of his unpopular cousin, Elagabalus. He would reign for 13 years but struggle to assert authority, bringing the once proud Severan dynasty to a chaotic ending. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2020-03-12
38 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXXIII - Anthology of Interest II
Rhiannon Evans, Caillan Davenport and Matt Smith each share three Roman topics of interest for three minutes! You will hear: - Scaurus and the marble columns - The 206 fragments of the Portland Vase - The paranoia of Emperor Claudius - The Roman perception of Ireland (featuring exploding sheep) - The vanity of the Alexander the Sophist - An early example of chemical warfare - Living it rough with Seneca - Goldflake and Innocence - The nazi fascination with Tacitus' Germania Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and...
2020-01-14
34 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXV - Call Me Not a Lord, for I Am a Lady (Elagabalus III)
Elagabalus has long been remembered as deviant and sexually depraved. His behaviour was shocking for a Roman citizen, let alone the leader of the empire, and Rome was relieved to see the end of him. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2019-08-28
35 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXIV – The Lowest Depths of Foulness (Elagabalus II)
When Elagabalus finally reached Rome, the city seemed to hold its breath. The young Emperor embraced both the roles of ruler and high priest of a foreign religion, and there were many that questioned where his priorities lie. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2019-08-12
31 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXIII - Here Comes the Sun (Elagabalus I)
Macrinus has made a treaty with the Parthians and at long last, the two mighty empires are at peace. It likely won’t last, but at this point it matters little: now he can finally get down to the business of ruling the empire. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University/Humboldt Research Fellow, Goethe University, Frankfurt)
2019-08-01
29 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXXII - Purple by Merit
With the murder of Caracalla one of the most unlikely men steps into power. Macrinus is unassuming, of the wrong position, and the wrong class. He’d argue he’s the best man for the job, but very few in Rome would agree with him. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-07-09
38 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXVII – Disgraced Human Nature (Caracalla V)
The historian Edward Gibbon perhaps summed up Caracalla quite succinctly, when he used this phrase to describe his demise while answering a call of nature on the side of the road: "Such was the end of a monster whose life disgraced human nature, and whose reign accused the patience of the Romans." Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-04-16
25 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXVI - Red Wedding (Caracalla IV)
The Roman Empire had engaged in Parthian wars for generations, stretching back, off and on, to the days of Pompey the Great. Caracalla makes his foray into this arena, but as always, he’s going to do things a little differently. He shall have a wedding. Or a hanging. Either way he’s going to have a lot of fun. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-04-01
22 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXV - Ausonian Beast (Caracalla III)
After unleashing his unique brand of rule on the people of Rome, Caracalla becomes the problem of the provinces. After 212 he’ll spend the rest of his reign either at war or on tour, making the beast of Italy a problem for all Romans to deal with. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-03-18
29 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXIV - Mutilating Rome (Caracalla II)
Now that Caracalla is the sole emperor of the Roman empire he’s able to act as he wishes. While he does little to please anyone outside the military, it’s his economic and social reforms that will affect the empire for years to come. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-03-05
24 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXIII - Fratricidal Discord (Caracalla I)
The death of Septimius Severus left a strong line of succession with two sons ready to take control of the empire. There was no love lost between Caracalla and Geta, and it would be the Roman empire that bore the scars of their relationship. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-02-19
35 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CXI - The Equestrian Order
The equites belonged to a class of Roman citizen dating back to the kingdom of Rome. Ranked below the senatorial class, they grew in power and influence, occupying key positions in the government and military. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Senior Lecturer, Roman History, Macquarie University)
2019-01-22
33 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode CX - Anthology of Interest
The ultimate triumvirate! Three people present three Roman history topics each for three minutes. In this episode you will hear: - The unfortunate demise of Cinna the poet - Cicero's reluctance to send panthers to those in need - The sensitive subject of baldness - PTSD bought on by the Carthaginian War - Women donning a toga - Claudius' edicts and defending 'stupidity' - The last of the Ptolemys - The hazard of regifting the world's largest apple Guests: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History...
2019-01-08
29 min
Confidences particulières
« Cultiver des fleurs, c’est magique, c’est un rêve de petite fille. »
Le Clos de Caillan ressemble à ces noms de village que l’on peut lire dans des contes. Peut-être il y a-t-il eu un brin de providence lors de la promenade d’Armelle Janody dans son nouveau lieu de vie. Quel hasard a fait d’elle la cultivatrice de plantes à parfums de la Maison Parfums Christian Dior ?
2018-10-08
00 min
Confidences particulières
“Cultivating flowers is magic – it’s a little girl’s dream come true”
The Clos de Caillan sounds like the kind of name for a village that you’d find in a fairy tale. Maybe there was a hint of providence intervening when Armelle Janody went for a walk around her new home. How did chance lead her to become the grower of perfumery plants for Parfums Christian Dior.
2018-10-08
00 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXIX - A Man the World Could Not Hold
Determined to end his time as Emperor on a high note, Septimius Severus sets his sights on what is one of the few places in the empire having trouble with the locals – Brittania, an island that has never been entirely under Roman rule. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Roman History, Macquarie University).
2018-02-06
33 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXVIII – Severan Stories II
Three completely different events in the reign of Septimius Severus. Act I – If you build it they will come Septimius Severus was establishing a dynasty, and one of the best ways to do that is through building. Not only did you get to beautify the empire, but it gives the opportunity to list your names and accomplishments for all to see Act II - The superfluous senators of Septimius Severus Many Roman emperors were harsh towards the senators, and Septimius Severus in particular was adept at thinning the ranks and getting ri...
2018-01-30
19 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXVII – Severan Stories I
Three different events in the reign of Septimius Severus. Act I - A hair of the beard Gaius Fulvius Plautianus was a trusted relative of Septimius who became pretorian prefect and remained a close advisor. There was no love lost with the rest of the emperor’s family, which led to a swift demise. Act II - Princes who adore you Septimius’ sons Antoninus and Geta were constant rivals, and the Emperor worried about their behaviour and indulgences during the idle days in Rome. Act III - Cordially detested
2018-01-23
22 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXVI – Ascent to Greatness, However Steep and Dangerous
Septimius Severus is now ruler or Rome without opposition, had been all things, and all was of little value. He is now distracted with the care, not of acquiring, but of preserving an empire. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Roman History, Macquarie University).
2017-12-12
28 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXV - Black and White
Septimius Severus is proclaimed the new Emperor of Rome, but doesn’t have time to rest on his laurels. With rivals to the east and west, not to mention the problematic Parthians, he has an empire to consolidate. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Roman History, Macquarie University).
2017-11-27
33 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXIV – The African Emperor
The Roman Empire shudders in the wake of Commodus’ death, which if you recall, was a matter of months but a whole two emperors ago. Striding into Rome at the head of an army is Septimius Severus, ready to set the right path and found a new, powerful dynasty. Year of the five emperors, take three. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Roman History, Macquarie University).
2017-11-13
25 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXIII – Didius Julianus
Enraged at the lack of a decent bonus, the Praetorian Guard cut down the newly installed Emperor Pertinax and resolve to sell the throne to the highest bidder. Stepping forward with a sufficient bank balance is Didius Julianus, a man with a proven track record in both the military and the senate. What could go wrong? Year of the five emperors, take two. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Roman History, Macquarie University).
2017-10-30
24 min
Emperors of Rome
Episode LXXXII - Pertinax
Many saw Pertinax as a safe pair of hands to hold the empire - an old general and close advisor of Antoninus Pius, he represented a regime change from the days of lavish excess of Commodus. But was it too much too soon? Well they don't call 193CE the year of the five emperors for nothing. Guest: Dr Caillan Davenport (Roman History, Macquarie University).
2017-10-17
30 min