Cicero may have won the battle against Catiline but he wouldn’t win the war. With too many enemies in the senate he makes a tactical retreat, leaving his beloved Rome for the safety of the coast of Greece. Part VI of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).…

In the final episode of Raising Standards we speak to James Purefoy (Mark Antony) and Kevin McKidd (Lucius Vorenus). Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.By Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith

Catiline and Cicero now wage very different wars. Cicero on the floor of the senate, arguing for the protection of the legacy of Rome. Catiline on the battlefield, fighting with a bravery that would make any hero proud. Part V of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).…

Catiline and Cicero draw their lines of battle in the senate, with Catiline claiming to represent the will of the wretched and destitute. But his attacks on Cicero, directly or indirectly, earn him many enemies, and he is forced to flee the city of Rome. Part IV of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Anci…

Catiline attempted to become consul of Rome more than once, and its a position he believes he deserves. When he fails in his efforts and Cicero is elected he attempts to force the issue, conspiring with all those who have a grudge against the state. Part III of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient …

Catiline doesn't have the best reputation in Rome, and in the years after his failed conspiracy he has been implicated in every failed plot of that time. Was he involved in them? Possibly. Part II of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).…

Catiline is a notorious figure of the Roman republic, a longtime rival of Cicero who, after repeated attempts at the consulship decided to push the matter by force. In this episode we look at his character, his role in the social wars of Rome and his early attempts at office. Part I of The Catiline Conspiracy Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Eva…

Antony and Cleopatra are the ultimate livers, Octavian Caesar has his triumph in Rome, and Vorenus and Pullo reunite for the final time. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.By Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith

Hispala Faecena was instrumental in bringing the cult of Bacchus to the attention of Roman authorities, ending a conspiracy that was threatening lives and the rule of law. Guest: Dr Emma Southon (Author of 'A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women') Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).…

Martial was a Roman poet primarily writing during the reign of Domitian, and while primarily known for his commentary on Roman life, his takedowns, his insults and vulgarity, in this episode we look at how he toes the careful line of praising the Emperor. Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).…

In this interview we speak to Bruno Heller, the creator, main writer and show runner of HBO's Rome. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.By Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith

Yes, it’s that festive time of year again, when you gather all ye merry people with sore throats, stand around a statue with its mouth covered, and keep the sacred name of Rome safe. Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).By Assoc Professor Rhiannon Evans

A dire warning from the spirit of Africa! A Haunting in Athens! And someone cuts the hair of Pliny's freedman. Pliny the Younger presents a Roman Haunting in Three Parts. Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).By Assoc Professor Rhiannon Evans

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 Nationa…

In this interview we speak to Alice Henley who portrayed Livia, about stepping in to a well established cast in what was one her first roles on television. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.By Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith

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).…

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…

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 …

Octavian and Antony get in a tussle over the grain supply, Atia and Octavia get the cold shoulder in a hot climate, and Vorenus plays ball, Pullo deals with the people, Posca is the MVP, and there are at least five slaps in the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Em…

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. Gues…

What Latin words and concepts for time are still with us today? Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).By Assoc Professor Rhiannon Evans

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…

Octavian pushes back against promiscuity and the tenuous alliance with Mark Antony finally unravels, over both women and money. Both Vorenus and Pullo lose everything they hold dear, and the stage is finally set for a showdown in Alexandria. With special guests Carl Franklin (Director) and Todd Ellis Kessler (Writer). Raising Standards, an occasion…

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 t…

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' Gue…

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 i…

Servilia takes out a final curse on Atia, Timon struggles between faith and family, and Pullo’s love life becomes significantly more complicated. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.By Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith

Cleopatra Selene was the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and was destined for greatness. Following the death of her parents she became a prisoner of Rome, survived into adulthood, and became a queen of the ancient world. Dr Draycott is the author of ''Cleopatra’s Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen'. Guest: Dr Jane Dra…

Part of the making of Octavian was the victories he had early in his career. He defeated his rivals, conquered territory, and united the senate behind him whether they liked it or not. One of those territories was Illyria, in which he conducted campaigns during the quiet years before his final battles against Egypt and Antony. It’s perhaps in Illyr…

The triumvirate is formed, Vorenus and Pullo get their hands very dirty, Cicero pays the ultimate price for his rhetoric, and Brutus and Cassius make the final stand of the Roman republic with an actual battle scene. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podca…

Egypt was a valuable province to Rome, with natural wealth and successful agriculture. Thanks to an arid climate there’s also a number of preserved papyri from that era, providing modern scholarship with an invaluable paper-trail on the administration at the time. One papyri has led to the belief that Augustus confiscated lands of the Egyptian temp…

In this interview we speak to Coral Amiga, who portrayed Vorena the Elder, daughter of Vorenus. Across two seasons she gave viewers an excellent insight into the at times brutal life of a plebeian child in Rome. As you'd expect - spoiler warnings for the rest of season two. Enjoy! Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, host…

With Octavian triumphant at the Battle of Actium the scene is finally set for a dramatic showdown in Alexandria. Cleopatra and Antony, a couple famous for their strategy and volatility will pay the ultimate price for resisting Rome, leaving Octavian free to assume a role of undisputed power. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics…

In 31 BCE one of the largest naval battles in the ancient world took place—more than 600 ships, almost 200,000 men, and one woman. The forces of Octavian, Antony and Cleopatra would square off for control of the mediterranean, and ultimately the Roman empire. Guest: Barry Strauss (Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies at Cornell…

Octavian becomes both consul and a problem for the senate, Vorenus settles down to a life of familial bliss, and Antony grows one heck of a beard. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.By Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith

When Cleopatra and Antony stood side by side they were at the pinnacle of power. Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was the queen of an ancient civilisation, and heir to the unmatched cultural achievements of Greece. Marcus Antonius of Rome contended for control of the empire. Together they fought against Octavian and would bring about the end of the re…

Sextus Pompeius was the youngest son of Pompey the Great, and was responsible for leading the last great resistance of the Roman republic against Octavian and Mark Antony. While he made the most of his late father’s reputation, Sextus was a leader in his own right, and to many a forgotten aspect of this period of Roman history. Guest: Dr Kathryn We…

Octavia was, in many ways, the very model of a modern Roman matron. As the older sister to Octavian, later Augustus, and a wife of the powerful figure Antony, she was respected and admired by her contemporaries for her loyalty, nobility and humanity, as well as for maintaining traditional Roman feminine virtues. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate …

With Antony distracted with developments in the east, Fulvia finds herself in the familiar position of advocating for her husband’s interests. This escalated to a war with Octavian, the outcome of which would leave Fulvia isolated. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe University). Content warning…

Fulvia came from a Roman noble family and is strongly associated with a string of influential husbands, most notably Mark Antony. She was influential and powerful in her own way, and would go on to play an important role in the Perusine War against Octavian. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History at La Trobe U…

For the eighth time, listeners provide questions and Rhiannon and Matt answer! In this episode: - Was Antony rehabilitated? - Did Classical Latin have regional dialects? - How did Romans celebrate their birthday? - Who was the first true Roman emperor? - How much of the Roman Empire remains in the modern world? - What were some of the Roman’s most …

Vorenus goes in search of his enslaved children, Timon has a change of heart and character, Octavian levels up, and Atia and Servilia escalate their feud. We are also joined by special guest Todd Ellis Kessler, writer of the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emper…

Rome has always been a sea-faring power, relying on the Mediterranean for food and trade. But what lies beneath the waves can chill the hearts of mortal men, and tales of aquatic horrors were common in antiquity. Guest: Dr Gillian Shepherd (Director, Trendall Centre, La Trobe University)By Dr Gillian Shepherd

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 …

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…

Vorenus begins gang warfare in the Aventine, Servilia steps up her feud with Atia, Cicero makes a stand the only way he knows how, and Antony violates a household plant. We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of t…

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 fo…

Brian Blessed is a treasured British actor who for our purposes will fondly be remembered for his iconic role as Emperor Augustus in the 1976 BBC television series I, Claudius. Brian dominated the screen with his performance and we were very lucky to get the chance to speak to him. Now funding on Kickstarter: Agricola (the podcast miniseries). Gues…

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…

Antony becomes disgruntled with the tedious administrative duties of running an Empire. Cleopatra makes an unexpected appearance, pushing for the legitimacy of her son by Caesar, and Vorenus embarks upon his latest career path as a crime boss of the Aventine. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans a…