The Partial Historians

We return to the fray with the most excellent Rob and Jaime to tackle Dr Radness' favourite emperor. How will Tiberius fare against the criteria of Totalus Rankium? We're about to find out! How great is Tiberius? Tune in to find out! How are we judgingTiberius?Oooo better not toask me, Dr G, author of this post, because I'm too much of anAugustan fan-girl to answer this question. Okay, okay, here's how itwill work. We'll discuss Tiberius' life and career and at the end ofthe conversation we'll apply the Totalus Rankium system to form aholistic judgement of the imperial man himself.Here are thecategories: Fights Maximus – an emperor's fighting capacity Opprobrium Crazium – their average level of insanity / taking things just too far Succesus Ultimus – how successful were they (all things considered)? Image Facius – were they attractive? Yes, this is the sexy category An Origin StoryLike many people, Tiberius rises from humble beginnings. We'll explore the nature of his childhood and consider how this may have influenced his character and disposition (a very Suetonian approach if we do say so ourselves). We're on the search for clues that may help us better understand the complex influences on his life.Tiberius ImperatorSome argue that Tiberius is the first emperor of Rome because he is the first to ‘inherit' the legal privileges and concessions that secured Augustus' rule. This is important as it reveals the tenuous nature of the imperial project in these early stages. The differences between Augustus and Tiberius are revealed the moment Tiberius becomes emperor. Part of thechallenge when examining his rule is the underlying consideration:what makes a good emperor?We'll consider some of Tiberius' achievements and also some of the more controversial aspects of his rule in this collaborative episode. You just never know what controversy is in the wind when we're talking about Tiberius!Obverse: TI[berivs] CAESAR DIVI AVG[vsti] F[ilivs] AVGVSTS (Caesar Augustus Tiberius, son of the Divine Augustus), laureate head right, parallel ribbons Reverse: PONTIF[ex] MAXIM[us], Livia (as Pax) seated right, feet on footstool, holding sceptre and branch; ornate legs, one line below. Catalogue: RIC I 30; Lyon 154; RSC 16a. Image Source: Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rome emerges from the year of pestilence and moves straight on to divide and conquer. While this seems implausible, we're still navigating the tricky gaps in our annalist historians – uncertainty is the name of the historical game at this stage. Welcome to c. 462 BCE!The pestilence ensured the death of both consuls of c. 463 BCE so it's only after a series of interreges that we stumble into the new consular year. Join as we explore all c. 462 BCE has to offer including: some of the factors to keep in mind when we encounter plague narratives the increasing divergences in the narratives of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus the battle tactics designed to draw armies away from their chosen theatre of war Episode 93 – Divide and ConquerBandits, Aequians, or Volscii?Oneof the big discrepancies weconsider this episode is just who is the enemy? A raiding forcecauses trouble outside Rome, but who are they exactly? Livy andDionysius offer different interpretations of the evidence leaving usa central puzzle to resolve concerning battle tactics andprobabilities.Troublein (Hernican)ParadiseWhile Rome's been down and out, the Aequians and Volscii alliance have taken the opportunity to strike! Hernican territory is a great strategic choice, but they are definitely allies with Rome so … we're here to guide you through all the consequences! The major playersConsuls of c. 462BCELuciusLucretius Tricipitinus (patrician)TitusVeturius Geminus Cicurinus (patrician)Tribune of the plebsSextus TitiusThe Urban PrefectQuintusFabius (Vibulanus) (or Quintus Furius in your Dion. Hal.) consul II(467, 465 BCE)Scholarly materialDr G gets more excited about pestilence than perhaps is appropriate but it did lead to some of the work of Northwood:Northwood, S. J. 2006. ‘Grain Scarcity and Pestilence in the Early Roman Republic: Some Significant Patterns' in Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies 49.81-92Source: Costumes of All Nations 1882 by Albert Kretschmer, painters and costumer to the Royal Court Theatre, Berin, and Dr. Carl Rohrbach. Courtesy of: wikimedia commonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are super excited to announce that we sat down recently with Stephen Guerra, the host of the History of the Papacy Podcast to talk all about the classic 1951 sword-and-sandals film Quo Vadis.This is a three way conversation with a variety of perspectives to enjoy. Stephen offers insights into the representation of Christianity. Dr Rad offers an intimate understanding of Rome in Hollywood cinema. Dr G has an eye for all things Roman politics.Where are you going?Quo Vadis is a Latin phrase which translates as ‘Where are you going?' and connects with the apocryphal story of Peter fleeing crucifixion in Rome. As he is leaving the city, Jesus appears to Peter in a vision. When Peter asks Quo vadis, Jesus confirms he is heading to Rome to be crucified again. The title of film alludes to the connections between ancient Rome and emerging Christian ideas.This film deserves to be described as epic! From the MGM studio and filmed in technicolor, it ambitiously seeks to combine Roman history under the rule of Nero with a narrative of early Christianity. Although famous now for Peter Ustinov's engaging performance as the emperor Nero, he was not the big ticket actor drawing audiences when the film was initially released. Bona fide Hollywood star Robert Taylor plays the lead role as the Roman soldier Marcus Vinicius and Deborah Kerr plays Lygia, the central Christian of this story.Where are we going?Join us as we explore Quo Vadis from a variety of perspectives and consider things like:The origins of the film in Henryk Sienkiewicz's novelThe challenges of bringing this story to the silver screenJust how epic this film was in terms of sets and designRoman history on screen and how it shapes understandingInterpretations of the Christian-Roman conflict and conversion narrativeThe reception of the film through timeWe send a huge thank you to Stephen for having us as guests on his show and for the editing and post-production work on this episode. This is also a first for us in the sense that Dr Rad and Dr G were also in different locations for this recording. This episode is a big moment for us talking together but not in the same room. We're crediting the powers of technology for making this project possible!Special Episode – Quo Vadis with the History of the Papacy PodcastPoster for the 1951 film Quo Vadis / Employee(s) of MGM. Courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're very excited to bring you a special episode where we sit down with Cam from The Life of Caesar podcast! We're talking about Tiberius Caesar Divi Augusti filius Augustus or ‘Tibbo' as he's affectionately known.As you know, Tiberius holds a special place in Dr Rad's heart. The Life of the Caesars duo are in the midst of examining his life and career, so it seemed like a great chance to gather together and thrash out some of the details and perspectives on the man who follows in Augustus' footsteps.The Julio-Claudian emperors tend to garner lots of attention in our historical understanding of ancient Rome and for good reason. First, they break away from the republican traditions that had been at the centre of Roman thinking since the expulsion of the kings. And then Augustus' politics sets the stage for Tiberius' imperial turn. In this broad, expansive, special episode we'll consider some of the challenges Tiberius faces including:the criticalperspective of the historical traditionthe longshadow left by Augustusaaaannndthose stories about what happened on Capri…This is a greatmeeting of Australian podcasters and we're only sorry that Ray wasunable to join us so we could gain the American perspective as well!*Special Episode* – Tiberius with the Life of Caesar PodcastPortrait of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're jumping back into the narrative. The title might be a bit of a giveaway, yes yes, we'll be talking about … pestilence! But before we get there we need to consider the circumstances.Rome has been having lots of problems with their neighbours, particularly the Aequians and we've seen a shift in tactics from Aequians engaging in guerilla style raiding to seeking out the Romans in pitched battle. To say that Rome has been vexed by this is an understatement. Livy has offered some portents for the times ahead which, in a narrative history of Rome, can't be good!OurMain PlayersTheConsuls for c. 463 BCE:LuciusAebutius HelvaPubliusServilius PriscusHARK,PLAGUE!Livy kinds informs us of some dreadful details about a plague that is sweeping through the countryside. We take you through the grisly details from both Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. Whatinitially seems confined beyond the city though soon moves within andthis means problems for urban citizens, visitors, and the bodypolitic (both figuratively and literally).ANOPPORTUNITY?While Romans struggle just to stay alive, the Aequians and the Volscians consolidate their growing friendship of mutual convenience into a straight up alliance. This places Rome in a difficult spot between needing to keep her own allies – the Latins and the Hernicans – appeased as well as the knowledge that their previous irritations have formally combined forces.COMEFOR THE PLAGUE, STAY FOR THE……Otherexcitement afoot!Thingsto look forward to in this episode. We'llconsider:Thefirst actsof the new Aequian-Volscian allianceTheRoman response to their allies' call for supportThedefence systems of the CityThepower of divine interventionSomereasons why Rome doesn't fall in this momentAndquestions and discussion about the role of the interregesEpisode 92 – The Pestilence of 463 BCEThe angel of death striking a door during the plague of Rome. Engraving by Levasseur after J. Delaunay Image credit: Wikimedia Commons and Wellcome ImagesFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In exciting news, we got together recently with the amazing and very hilarious gentleman of Totalus Rankium, Rob and Jaime, to discuss all things Augustus! We love their work on the Roman emperors and thought it would be great fun to see how all our different perspectives on Augustus shaped up in conversation.The results are in!Enjoy a sparring match of words that goes in all directions. Weexplore some of the highlights and low-lights of Augustus' life andcareer. You can hear all the fruits of our conversation as Dr G triesvaliantly to salvage something from the criticism coming from alldirections!Totalus Rankium join The Partial Historians for Augustus!The controversial politics of Augustus is central to the conversation and we'll even take a spin on judging Augustus' career against the categories developed by Totalus Rankium. We really enjoyed this collaboration and stay tuned because we'll be delving into Tiberius next 🙂Augustus, Octavius, Thurinus? Augustus is always abit of a tricky figure, so let's back up the truck for just a moment,here are some of the key details of Augustus' life through hisdifferent names.The first problem isalways Roman naming conventions and even these get a run for theirmoney when we come to Augustus. Here's a brief overview of his namesin a timeline:C. Octavius(Thurinus)63 BCE, 23rd ofSeptemberThe son of Atia and C. Octavius. As is customary, they name their son after his father: C. Octavius. Suetonius Aug. 7 reports he is also known as Thurinus because of an ancestral connection with the Thurii region.Caesar, son ofCaesar44 BCE, post theIdes of MarchHis adoption by Gaius Julius Caesar leads to the assumption of a new name. According to Appian BC 3.11, he begins to refer to himself as Caesar, son of Caesar – this is a different formulation than usual for adopted children. While Romans may have been expecting him to become known as C. Julius Caesar Octavianus, with a nod to his birth family, he instead takes a radical approach of renaming himself as though he were Caesar's legitimate natal son rather than simply his grand-nephew adopted by will. Ancient historians tend to refer to him as Octavian for the period between 44-27 BCE. Octavian is a shortened version of Octavianus and it is a useful distinction to prevent confusion regarding which C. Julius Caesar is under discussion.Gaius Julius CaesarDivi Filius42 BCE onwardsConstruction begins on the temple to the deified Julius Caesar. This allows our main man to add something a little bit fancy to his name: he's not just C. Julius Caesar son of Caesar, he is now C. Julius Caesar son of the God (C. Julius Caesar). It's a bold political move!Imperator CaesarDivi Filius Augustus27 BCE, 16th of JanuaryIn the wake of the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in 30 BCE, and the ostensible restoration of the republic, he accepts the honorific ‘Augustus', proposed to the senate by Munatius Plancus. He'd been using the military title imperator for some time, but his transformation from humble Octavius to Augustus is something of a zenith. He will be known as Augustus for the rest of his life.Giovannu Battista Tiepolo 1743. Maecenas Presenting the Liberal Arts to Emperor AugustusFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back and as the title for this episode notes, you're about to tune into the tale of some furious Romans! It is none other than Dr Rad and Dr G tracing the history of Rome from the founding of the city and ooooh boy are we heading back into that sweet Early Roman Republican narrative.The Big Namesc. 465 BCETitus Quintius Capitolinus (cos. III)Quintus Fabius Vibulanus (cos. II)c. 464 BCEAulus Postumius Albus RegillensisSpurius (Servius) Furius Medullinus FususWe often talk about Broughton and this is a reference to the two volume set The Magistrates of the Roman Republic which is the result of a collaboration between the scholars Broughton and Patterson. Do the Roman HaveTheir Own Gods?It's a good question. A popular sentiment is that the Romans steal gods much like they take the territory of other people. This is not strictly true, but it is often challenging to identify indigenous deities with confidence and the tendency of Rome to adapt others' divinities to their own purposes means that there's potential of amalgamations of gods to take into account as well. As a prelude to the action, Dr G explores some of the details Dionysius of Halicarnassus examines for c. 466 BCE – relating to the dedication of a temple to Dius Fidius on the Quirinal Hill.The AequiansThe Aequians havedeveloped quite a bad reputation from a Roman perspective and we seethis trend continue. Dr Rad considers the Aequians strength as araiding force, and this leads to a consideration of their militaryclashes with Rome.Things to listen outfor:some newmilitary strategiesthe differingfortunes of the consuls Fabius and Quintiusall thedetails of the censusAntium Returns tothe Agendac. 464 BCE is atroubling year for Rome abroad. The tension with the Aequianscontinues, but now there is also trouble from the Volscians toconsider as well. On top of that, Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassusbegin to reveal some substantial narrative differences.These differencesinclude:the focus ofthe narrative, the spacegiven over to the political and diplomatic issues,and thedepiction of the military engagements. How will Rome fare as the year progresses? Listen in to find out!Episode 91 – The Furious RomansThomas Cole 1832 A View Near Tivoli (Morning) / Wikimedia Commons. Although not a historical rendering of the period of Roman history covered in this episode. Cole's painting evokes the landscape beyond the city of Rome to add extra depth to your imagining of the world the Romans inhabited.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We'returning 90 and it's time for a special episode on the reception ofSpartacus! What better way to do this than to examine the history ofSpartacus, the ballet. Dr Rad is our expert on the ground on allthings Spartacus and reception. Dr G brings a wild curiosity and asmall knowledge of ballet.So howdoes a famous freedom fighter like Spartacus end up with his ownballet? We consider the major notes of Spartacus' story that havecome down to us from the ancient material as the first step intracing his reception.The Reception of Spartacus Beyond AmericaTheballet takes us on a journey beyond the reception of Spartacus inAmerica. Kubrick's seminal 1960 filmis based on Howard Fast's 1951 novel – a Hollywood production basedon an American novel sets the scene for a very particular receptionof Spartacus. But the ballet couldn't be more different. The originsof the ballet come from Stalinist Russia.A Little ContextThecommunist and socialist connections to Spartacus resonate with ideassuch as seeking community amongst the oppressed and fighting forfreedom from authoritarian or monarchical rule. Marx, Lenin, and thepolitical movements in Europe in the early twentieth century,position Spartacus as a much relied upon symbol for the freedomspeople sought from current leaders.TheSpartakusbund was a Marxist movementduring the first World War, although its legacy falls foul of Lenin.While the Spartakiade was the name given to the Soviet Union'sversion of the Olympics. Dr Rad explores the dangers of themisinterpreting Spartacus' story in Stalinist Russia and this leadsus squarely to the ballet.Let's Get Our Dancing Shoes OnSpartacus(«Спартак», Spartak),the 1954 ballet is the creation of Aram Khachaturian. He was born inGeorgia, studied at the Conservatorium in Moscow, and went on tocomposer a variety of film scores. In 1948, Khachaturian foundhimself on the wrong side of the regime with his music described as“decadent” and “bourgeois”. Spartacus plays arole in Khachaturian's rehabilitation.Join us as we explore all the details including the recent production by the Australian Ballet that Dr Rad had the great fortune to see!Episode 90 – Spartacus, the BalletSpartacus at the Bolshoi in Moscow, October 2013. Image credit: Bengt Nyman via Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a brand new edition of the Partial Historians covering the Early Roman Republic™! And as the title ‘A Fabian Abroad' hints, the Fabians are back in the political scene! The main playersConsuls for c. 467BCETitus Aemilius Mamercus (cos. II), previously consul in c. 470 BCEQuintus Fabius VibulanusConsuls for c. 466BCESpurius Postumius Albinus RegillensisQuintus Servilius Priscus (Structus) (cos II), previously consul in c. 468 BCETriumvirs for thegranting of land… triumviri agro dando Titus Quintius CapitolinusLucius Furius / Publius Furius Medullinus FususAulus VerginiusThere's nothing we enjoy more than some controversy in the source material and oooo boy does the narrative get hazy with the return of a Fabian back in the scene. We explore some of the challenges with this situation in order to get a better sense of what might be happening in the family history.It's Retro YearThe Fabians are not the only blast from the past worth considering in this year, but land reform is back on the agenda. The patricians have a great new plan for land re-distribution. We'll explore just what the plebeians seem to have thought about this and consider some of the consequences as they play out.Stay tuned for the appearance of the Roman allies,the Latins and Hernicans!What's Going on with Antium?It's a good question and there are some issues with our sources about just how Rome is managing their recent conquest of Antium. Antium is one of theimportant port cities of the Volscii to the south of Rome, so the conquest of this region is bound to have some far reaching implications. If your suspicion is that things are about to get messy, you'd be right. We're on hand to sift through the controversies as Aemilius heads out towards Sabine territory and Fabius heads towards the Aequians…Things to look forward to:The challenges Rome faces with her relationship with neighbouring territories continues apace in the following year.The increasing divergence in our source materialGeneral diplomatic mayhem including the possibility of kidnapping!Hear it all here! Episode 89 – A Fabian AbroadThomas Cole 1836 The Consummation of Empire from The Course of the EmpireImage Source: Wikimedia CommonsIt's getting quite tricky to find period-specific artwork for the early Republic, so instead of another map, we've gone for this gorgeous example of classical reception. For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What kind of drama could follow the career of uber patrician Appius Claudius? As it turns out, those Romans are really all about battle after battle! We've reached a hazy period in our historiography where the narratives of Livy and Dionysius start to diverge on specifics; some events play out over different years depending on the author.The general consensus amongst historians is that these narratives are a reworking backwards from the period in which they were written. The argument follows that they become less and less reliable the farther back they go. Be that as it may, it is clear that Rome and her neighbours are each struggling to expand and hold the territories. Rome's position of superiority in the region by the mid-Republic requires some explanation. And that's where we come in 🙂Look Out for these Characters!Consuls of c. 470 BCELucius Valerius Potitus (cos. II)Tiberius Aemilius MamercusConsuls of c. 469 BCETitus Numicus PriscusAulus Verginius CaelimontanusConsuls of c. 468 BCETitus Quintius Capitolinus Barbatus (cos. II)Quintus Servilius PriscusBattle after Battle, you say. Yes, yes, we do say.We pick up the narrative deep in c. 470 BCE with the military exploits of the consuls Lucius Valerius Potitus and Tiberius Aemilius Mamercus. Both have a mission:Valerius takes on the Aequians;and Aemilius heads toward Sabine territory.The most significant event amongst these campaigns is a great storm, considered an omen by the augurs. This disruption effectively puts an end to the Roman's ambitions against the Aequians for this year.New Year; New Rome?c. 469 BCE is the consulship of Titus Numicus Priscus and Aulus Verginius Caelimontanus. Both are patricians, though the Numicii are later known as a plebeian family. Details about domestic politics are thin on the ground, but what we can be sure about is Rome's continuing tussle with the surrounding peoples. There are Volscii incursions into Roman territory, and the consuls sally forth to meet the threat:Numicius heads south towards Volscian territory;while Verginius heads east for the Aequians.Antium – just a big old town full of Volscii?The shoreline position of Antium means its a strategic city for Volscian operations. So its not surprising to see the Romans move in closer, taking smaller coastal settlements along the way. It's clear the Romans mean to take Antium…but not before the end of the year!Vote? For a consul? Never!c. 468 BCE sees Titus Quintius Capitolinus Barbatus and Quintus Servilius Priscus come into the consulship. Our sources differ on the election of these consuls and the also on the significance of agrarian reform in this year. Did the plebeians turn out for the election of the consuls or not? And if not, why not? Is land reform on the agenda this year or the following year? We consider the details!Foreign threats continue to dominate proceedings:Servilius marches against the Sabines;Quintius takes on the Aequians and the Volscii.There is a growing sense in our sources that the Aequians and the Volsci are banding together to fend off Roman aggression and this requires some special tactics from Quintius.Listen in to find out all the details!Battle After Battlehttps://partialhistorians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Episode-88-Battle-After-Battle-limited.mp3Image from page 510 of “Eastern Nations and Greece” (1898). Source: Internet Archive Book Images.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Appius Who?We are deep in the conflict between between patricians and plebeians. One of the important consequences of the current struggles seems to be an increase in the number of tribunes. Dates for these kinds of things are very hazy indeed and there's good reason to think that our sources, Dionysius and Livy, are both invested in offering a coherent narrative for why things are the way they appear to be by the late Republic.With those sorts of caveats in mind, there appears to be five tribunes according to Livy: Gnaeus Siccius, Lucius Numitorius, Marcus Duellius, Spurius Icilius, and Lucius Mecilius!We jump back into the narrative part way through c. 471 BCE. Our consuls are Titus Quintius Capitolinus Barbartus and Appius Claudius Sabinus and they represent different approaches to political engagement with the plebeians.Ideological Differences?Quintius is moderate in his outlook while Appius Claudius is staunchly in favour of tradition. This has evident implications which we'll explore in detail! Quintius leads forces against the Aequians in the east and Appius leads his forces against the Volscians in the south east. We explore just how differently things go for the two consuls in the field. This discussion includes:the role of antesignani troops who go “before the standard”;the importance of the standards;decimation, its implications and Roman attitudes towards it;booty (treasure) in terms of size.New Consuls, New Problems?c. 470 BCE kicks off with new consuls, Lucius Valerius Potitus (consul for the second time) and Tiberius Aemilius Mamercus consul. Both these consuls come with a bit of history to bring to the table and this makes things much more intriguing.It's at this point that our sources start to reveal something of their agendas. We tousle with the potential holes in Dionysius' account about the rationale for people's actions.It will come as no surprise that agrarian reform is back on the table! The tribunes are interested in seeing the audit of the public land, first proposed in 486 BCE, take place. With new impetus with new consuls, the idea of reform is taken up by the Senate.Speakers in the SenateNotable speakers in the senate on the issue of land reform include:Lucius Aemilius Mamercus, father of the consul possibly still bitter about being denied a triumph in 478 BCEAppius Claudius, everyone's favourite patrician to hate onWe delve into the details of their arguments and explore the most intriguing consequence of them, which is the tribunes levelling a number of charges against Appius Claudius. You'll want to listen closely to learn just how things go from there: The Rise and Rise of Appius Claudiushttps://partialhistorians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Episode-87-The-Rise-and-Rise-of-Appius-Claudius.mp3For this episode, Dr G is reading Dionysius of Halicarnassus Roman Antiquities 9.50-54 and Dr Radness is reading Livy 2.57-61.This map covers Rome through a number of historical periods. In the 5th century BCE, Rome was the dark red area.Map of Rome during Antiquity 1886. Source: G. Droysens Allgemeiner Historischer Handatlas. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our jaunt through the history of ancient Rome continues apace! In this episode we cover c. 472-1 BCE. Dr Radness is reading Livy and Dr G is reading Dionysius of Halicarnassus and the comparisons of our sources is quite something! The main stars are the tribunes Volero and Laertorius.Our Starring PlayersLucius Pinarius Mamercinus Rufus and Publius Furius Medullinus Fusus, the consuls of c. 472 BCETitus Quintius (Quinctius) Capitolinus Barbatus and Appius Claudius Sabinus, the consuls of c. 471 BCEVolero Publius and Gaius Laertorius, our plebeian heroes.The Vestal Virgin Urbinia, noble or not?Hark, Pestilence!Dr G gets excited about disease running rampant in Rome and connections with the Vestal Virgins, particularly Urbinia. The pestilence seems to be attacking pregnant women leading to widespread fear. This leads to a discussion of the vagaries of pontifical investigations into the Vestal college. But it is significant that Livy doesn't mention it and the pestilence seems to be something of a narrative device for Dionysius…The Tribunes Make Their MoveVolero experiences a political rise in fortune becoming tribune of the plebs. And boy does he go for it! We delve into the differences between the comitia curiata and the comitia tributa because Volero starts to push for changes to the voting system for tribunes. This proposal garners quite a lot of tribunician support. But it will come as no surprise that this move doesn't sit well with the patricians.While the patricians stall proceedings, Volero is chosen tribune for a second time. The upshot of this is that the tribunes need to push for changes to the voting system under the highly traditional patrician Appius Claudius. Fortunately, perhaps for the plebeians, Titus Quinctius, is more amenable to their plight.Politics and ViolenceDr Radness gets political as Gaius Laetorius takes a highly critical stance against Appius Claudius in Livy's account. Unfortunately he also seems to trail off while in the middle of his invective! With threats of violence and death on the table, the scene is set for some great clashes. Appius criticises the plebeians. Laertorius hits back with some great counter-points. It isn't long before the situation descends into public violence.Learn all about how this plays out here: Volero and Laetoriushttps://partialhistorians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Episode-86-Volero-and-Laetorius.mp3Relief of a lictor – Garden of Museo archeologico a Verona © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro, courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we left you at the end of the last episode, there was some major events afoot. There's nothing like a murder in the city. This is especially the case when the person turning up dead is a Roman magistrate! In this episode we consider what happens to Gnaeus Genucius and Volero Publius.Murder Most Foul: Gnaeus GenuciusGnaeus Genucius, tribune of the plebs for the year c. 473 BCE, is in a stoush with the consuls Lucius Aemilius Mamercus and Vopiscus Julius. But the problems don't stop there. The tensions carry over from the previous year. Genucius levels charges against the consuls of c. 474 BCE: Lucius Furius Medullinus Fusus and Aulus Manlius Vulso. He argues that they should be charged because they did not carry out the measures agreed to in c. 486 BCE.But after bringing the consuls to trial … Genucius TURNS UP DEAD!To unravel this mystery we'll consider:the role of the tribune of the plebs;the sacrosanctitas of this magistracy;what our disparate sources (clues!) have to say about the patricians' role in this sordid affair;and some of the key consequences of this significant political moment.Volero, Front and CentreA violent response to the patricians overreach after the death of Genucius is perhaps unsurprising, but it does come from an interesting quarter. We follow the rise to prominence of the centurion Volero Publius (aka Volero Publilius). Things start innocently enough. He turns up to enlist for the military campaigns. But things go awry when he discovers that he's been listed as a common soldier.This is not the story about why Volero appears to have been demoted between one campaigning season and another. Rather, it is the story of how his response reveals the knife's edge of tension between the ruling elite and the general citizen body.The unfolding tension on the streets of Rome provides pivotal space for considering a number of issues:the background of the lictors;the consequences when Roman citizens reject the legitimacy of the violence meted out to Volero on the orders of the consuls;the dangers of street politics for the consuls.Here it all here:Episode 85 – Murder and Volero!“A lictor is sent to arrest Publilius Volero, from: The Comic History of Rome by Gilbert Abbott à Beckett. Bradbury, Evans & Co, London, c. 1850.” – Courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The early Republic of Rome is full of strife and tension. As we inch deeper into the history, there are neighbourly struggles and internal political discord on the rise.Rome is still mourning the loss of the Fabian gens. The Fabians were almost completely destroyed by the forces of Veii and her northern allies, the Tyrrhenians (think, Etruscans!). Just as Rome was devastated by the loss of the Fabians, the Sabines have take solace in Roman defeat. Rome now faces war on ‘two fronts'…The Exploits of Manly Men in c. 475 BCEThe consuls for this year are Publius Valerius Publicola, son of Publius Valerius Publicola (cos, suff. 509, cos. 508, 507, and 504) and Gaius Nautius Rutilus.The Sabines are given short shrift in both our major narrative sources for different reasons which means there's lots to discuss. Important details include: military strategy, camp organisation, and the narrative purpose of these kinds of stories.Our sources take in details relating not only to the Sabines, but also the forces of Veii (their camps are very close!). Some particular highlights include:the possible redemption of Spurius Servilius Structus Ahala (cos. c. 476 BCE), now legate under Valerius;the triumph awarded to Valerius as a result of this campaign;and Nautius' campaign with the Roman allies, the Latins and the Hernucians to help attack the Volscians and Aequians.In the background of all this military activity is the continuing grain crisis…So c. 474 BCE Begins! And Just Like That Its c. 473 BCE (or is it)?A new year means new consuls: Lucius Furius Medullinus Fusus and Aulus (Gnaeus/Gaius?) Manlius Vulso (also the namesake of this episode) are the consuls of c. 474 BCE.Manlius is sent out against Veii because the northern campaign really isn't over. But it doesn't take long for the situation to turn in Rome's favour. Hints of what's to come:a truce;an ovation;and a return to domestic politics!We turn our attention to the Gnaeus Genucius, tribune of the plebs, whose exploits cover both the years of c. 474/3 BCE depending on our source material.We've never ripped through years this quickly, which must be a sign of some kind! The consuls for c. 473 BCE are Lucius Aemlius Mamercus (cos. III) and Vopiscus Julius Iullus (though there are name discrepancies to consider here as well!).Genucius makes some very political moves regarding the agrarian reform that has been playing out in the background since c. 486 BCE! But how do Genucius' moves go down? Listen in to find out:Episode 84 – The Romans are Manly MenWenceslas Hollar, Unknown date (author lived 1607-1677), Roman soldiers – Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library,Wenceslas Hollar Digital Collection. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the tragic demise of the Fabii gens, what happens next? The rivalry between Rome and her northern neighbour Veii continues! ‘If Only I Had Some Grain' captures the spirit of this episode.We cover the years c. 476 BCE and part of c. 475 BCE. Is this a sign that our narrative is quickening up? Quite possibly!In this episode we face two strands of narrative:The developing grain crisis in RomeThe military consequences of the forces of Veii (aka the Tyrrhenians) on the JaniculumOur Consulsc. 476 BCE:Servius Servilius Structus Ahala (also known as Spurius or Servius Servilius)Aulus Verginius Tricostus Rutilus.c. 475 BCE:Publius Valerius PublicolaGaius Nautius RutilusComparing Military NarrativesDr Radness delves into the details from Livy. The people of Veii have been holding the Janiculum, which overlooks Rome from across the Tiber. Meanwhile the Romans hatch a plan to lure them away from their defensive stronghold. There is a devious ploy involving cows. And Servilius faces an attack…Dr G follows Dionysius' account. He begins with the grain and the forces of Veii falling back north to their own City. Together we consider some questionable military tactics and the potential troubles with moving troops at night.If Only I Had Some Grain, Grain, Glorious Grain!As the situation with Veii settles down, the Roman gaze turns inward to contemplate recent disasters. But the accelerating grain crisis cannot be ignored. While Livy's narrative picked up on this developing issue in c. 477 BCE, now our sources converge on the issue.According to Dionysius, the patrician approach to solving this problem is twofold. First: purchase grain from neighbouring areas. Second: distribute the grain at reasonable prices to the citizens in the City. Livy gets more specific by noting that Rome buys grain from Campania.We discuss the viability of this narrative given that it sounds suspiciously like a much later Roman policy…Patrician and Plebeian StoushAs soon as military threats are off the table, Rome quickly turns back to domestic issues. This means that public land (ager publicus) is back on the agenda! As soon as you can say Quintus Considius and Titus Genucius we're deep among some tribunes of the plebs. And boy are they fighting for the rights of the common folk.The tribunes blame Titus Menenius Lanatus (consul of c. 477 BCE) for the destruction of the Fabii and the loss of the fortress at Cremara. The way this situation plays out is particularly intriguing!As the year ticks over into c. 475 BCE, the new tribunes Lucius Caedicius and Titus Statius pick up the fight. They bring Servilius to trial on the charge of gross military negligence. It turns out that pursuing the enemy up a hill can have more than just military consequences!Find out all the details by listening in here:Episode 83 – If Only I Had Some GrainAn ancient Roman aqueduct in a grain field near Rome, Italy. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Francesco ZSourcesLooking to follow along with the source material for this episode? Check out:Livy Ab Urba Condita Libri 2.51-2 (Books from the Foundation of the City)Dionysius of Halicarnassus Roman Antiquities 9.25-33We also make liberal reliance on Broughton:Broughton, T. R. S. with Patterson, M. 1951. The Magistrates of the Roman Republic: Volume I 509 B.C. – 100 B.C. (The American Philological Association)For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to the history of Rome from the founding of the City and that can only mean one thing – the Fabian family are back front and centre. And, yes, that episode title is a bit of a spoiler! We're talking about the Fabian demise.So where were we in the history?We step back into the narrative with a little bit of orientation. Who does Rome really know about in the region and just how much have they learnt about the people to the north? Veii seems to have been a revelation for Rome. It turns out Veii have the support of peoples further north (watch out, these are our Etruscans!).We launch into the year c. 477 BCE with the consuls Gaius Horatius Pulvillus and Titus Menenius Lanatus. Getting back into the groove, Dr R and G compare the narratives of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus.The truce between Rome and Veii established at the end of c. 478 BCE starts to crumble just at the same time as the Volscii to the south east begin to stir. It isn't long before Rome realises they need to fight a war on two fronts. This means two things:discussions over public land get pushed off the table;the scene is set for the Fabian tragedy to come.The Fabian FrontierThe Fabians are stationed at the fortress at Cremera, just outside the territory of Veii. They are waiting for support from Rome while they hold the defences. We won't spoil all the details in this write up, but let's say things don't go well.There are a variety of issues flagged in our sources. Dionysius offers an account that factors in divine displeasure, only to dismiss the intensity of this reading as mostly implausible. Dr R explores the possibilities for narrative embellishment from the early Roman historiographer Quintus Fabius Pictor (f. 200 BCE). The dominant narrative that comes through to us positions the Tyrrhenians (the peoples of Veii and further north) as cleverly luring the Fabian forces out from the fortress. The Romans become trapped in unfavourable locations that allow for long-range attacks.We dive into the battles that dominate this year, the strategies deployed by the different forces, and the ultimate consequences for the consuls. We talk lots of military strategy and a good deal about religion!Listening is Easy!You can find this episode on the platform that best suits you! We're on iTunes, Google Play Music , and Stitcher. If you love our work, we'd love you help spread the word by leaving a review on whichever platform you listen to us through 🙂Here for your listening pleasure: Episode 82 – Fabian DemiseThe Chimera of Arezzo, c. 400 BCE. Found in Arezzo, an ancient Etruscan and Roman city in Tuscany. This piece is now held at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Florence. Image credit to Carole Raddato / WIkimedia CommonsAdditional sound credit offered to SoundBible and PsychoBird for our screaming eagle in this episode.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would any Ancient Roman podcast hosted by two women be complete without a very special episode on one of the most famous women in the City's history, Livia Drusilla? Obviously not and here we are 🙂We're taking a detour from our usual primary source focus to start with the depiction of Livia in the seminal I, Claudius BBC series (1976). As we get further into the topic we move backwards through the material. Finally we'll hit at the ancient sources.I, Claudius: Livia Just Another an Evil Woman?Doctors R and G jump in with the depiction of Livia by Siân Phillips. Her performance really sets the tone for budding historians growing up in the later twentieth century (Who us? *Never*). But the script for I, Claudius didn't come from nowhere. This sends us on the trail of Robert Graves' novels I, Claudius (1934) and Claudius the God (1935). Where did Graves get the inspiration for these novels? We've got your back.The connection to Claudius is apparent in the title of the series and this colours the representation of Livia. Find out about the challenges Claudius faced with his family and how this sets the tone the for the ‘evil woman' trope.The Ancient Material: How does Livia stack up?Well, it really depends on the source you read. Dr R notes the problematic account of Dio Cassius, where Livia does not fare so well. Dr G takes a turn through Tacitus' Annals (and, yes, Dr R is right about Agrippa!). While Livia is up for criticism, she also seems to garner some back-handed praise from Tacitus …We dig into the prosopography of Livia, her family connections and her important first marriage in which she bears her two children. Livia's liaison with Octavian begins controversially at a dinner party when Livia is six months pregnant with her second child. Suetonius (hilariously) claims to have access to some of the personal correspondence between Mark Antony and Octavian from this period. Antony lambastes Octavian for his moral scruples in this moment. But what can we learn about Livia amidst this kind of source material that tend towards political invective?Reading Livia Between the GapsWe peer between the pieces of evidence to see what else can emerge. The longevity of the marriage between Octavian (aka Augustus) and Livia speaks to the connection they shared. Livia's public role in Augustus' moral reform program and her legacy speaks to her significant position and her influence, which while not measured in magistracies leaves its mark in the developing principate.Ultimately we're left with a complex woman living in the public gaze in complex times. The enduring Livia continues to fascinate us even today.Find out all the details here: Episode 81 – Livia DrusillaEmpress Livia Drusilla, AD 14-19, from Paestum, National Archaeological Museum of Spain, Madrid. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Carole RaddatoFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rome and VeiiRome and Veii are central to the politics and military activity of c. 478 BCE.Rome and the Fabians have developed a whole new military tactic by building a fortress near Veii. This is momentous! It allows Rome to station soldiers outside the City in preparation for battle. This force though is made up largely of Fabians and their supporters which will have implications.Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus continue to offer competing narratives for this very early period. Both are quite concerned with what is happening in the north including both the immediate threat, the people of Veii and their even further northern allies, the Tyrrhenians. The Romans now realise there are more hostile people behind Veii than previously suspected.The Distribution of Roman ForcesThe traditional levy of troops continues this year but without the usual report of Plebeian discontent. Lucius Aemilius Mamercus (cos II) takes his troops north to join the Fabians while his co-consul Gaius Servilius Structus Ahala heads south to deal with the Volscii. An additional army is sent out against the Aequians in the north east led by one Servius Furius. The extent of the armies raised and the fact they they are sent out in all directions suggests that Rome sees itself as at the centre of threat in the region.The major conflict (no surprise here!) is between Rome and Veii. For some reason Veii has set up a camp for their troops outside their city, which Aemilius attacks continuously…When Rome finally breaks through to take the camp they are in for some surprises!Rome's Place in the RegionThe Romans' challenges in this year are bound up in the divisions of the forces. The Fabians in their Cremera fortress are acting as a single gens force largely beyond senatorial control.The Roman forces sent north in support are led by Mamercus who previously held the consulship with Caeso Fabius in 484 BCE, so there is a block of pro-Fabian forces near Veii.This feeds into the complexities of the situation when Veii sues for peace. Without telling you how it ends, let's just say that things start to get weird when Aemilius makes a very favourable deal with Veii…Hear all the details:Episode 80 – The Year 478 BCE Etruscan male torso from Veii, probably Hercules, c 550 BCE / Image courtesy of Rjdeadly / Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The history of Rome from the founding of the City continues and, if the title is a hint, the fabulous Fabians are at the forefront of the narrative!In the wake of the horrific Battle of Veii in 480 BCE we head into c. 479 BCE. While we follow Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus predominantly at this time, we also see a little of the Fasti Capitolini creep in.After a little bit of faffing about the consuls Caeso Fabius (cos. III) and Titus Verginius Tricostus Rutilus emerge – were these two just as in favour with the plebeians and the patricians? Livy has some details to offer on this front!We also see a disruption to the argarian situation led by Caeso Fabius – how will that turn out? Dr Radness has the answer.Relations with VeiiRome continues to conduct expansionist activity into the territory around the City. Fabius is sent out against the Aequians while Verginius heads towards the Veientes. The situation with Veii becomes increasing complicated as Rome learns more about Veii's friends in the north.As the drama unfolds, we take you through some curious moments where the troops are released from the standards, Veii and her allies move south as far as mount Janiculum(!), and the Romans begin to develop a new policy to deal with the increasing challenges with Veii.It's at the point that this episode gains its name as the power of the Fabian family is confirmed when the Fabii raise their own forces to serve as a border garrison. This is an innovation in Rome's way of thinking about the edges of their territory. Hear all the details here!Episode 79: Fabian Domination Errata: in our excitement we talked about Titus Siccius as though he were the ‘hot centurian'. This is definitely our mistake and we apologise. The ‘hot centurian' Marcus Flavoleius has no part in the narrative of c. 479 BCE. Titus Siccius was a legate with imperium in the battle of Veii in 480 BCE cf. Dion. Hal. Rom. Ant. 9.12.5 and he continues to lead troops and saves Verginius from a spot of military bother.Les Falisques au milieu du Ve siècle avant JC. Image Credit to ColdEel & Ahenobarbus and Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nascent Roman Republic is well under the influence of the Fabii. Marcus Fabius holds the consulship for the second time. He shares the illustrious role with Gnaeus Manlius. The real trouble lies in Roman domestic diplomacy. Herein the Battle of Veii 480 BCE.The politics starts with some agitation from Titus Pontificus (aka Tiberius Pontificius) the tribune of the plebs who seeks some movement on the stalled agrarian reform, but you may already be able to guess how that turns out! We delve into the perspective offered by the sources and discuss what that may mean in terms of the events narrated, but also how we go about reading and interpreting the sources.Central to the year is Rome's conflict with her neighbours and particularly Veii. Without giving too much of the detail away (since we wouldn't want to ruin the episode for you!), it is fair to say that this battle is devastating for all concerned.So let us take you on a journey through the signs from the gods read by the Roman augurs and the Tyrrhenian* augurs, the escalating to-and-fro between the forces of Rome and Veii, the moment plebeian farmer Marcus Flavoleius finds fame, and the point when the tide turns on the plan of legate Titus Siccius (aka Titus Sicinius).It's all here: glorious details of battle, politics on the edge of sword, and speeches with more rhetorical flourish than you can find in a seasoned orator!The Battle Against Veii 480 BCEEpisode 78: The Battle of Veii 480 BCE*'Tyrrhenian' ~ this term pops up in Dionysius of Halicarnassus and tends to refers broadly to the people of Veii and to the north of Veii. These peoples are also known as the Etruscans.Cavalier d'Arpino and workshop, between 1598 and 1601, Battle against the inhabitants of Veii and Fidenae. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Google Art ProjectFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dive back into the history of Rome from the founding of the city and end up right in the challenges of 481 BCE. This means that we're in the hazy early period of the Republic where the conflict between the patricians and plebeians dominates the narratives offered by Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus.How consulships are chosen seems to be getting a little more complicated. There are tussles over how elections should proceed. The use of the interrex to manage the electoral process comes into play suggesting the increasing political complexity in the system. Speaking about complexity, we discuss just how likely a struggle of the orders really is in this period of the republic by considering the names of consuls.The Fabii continue to flourish!482 BCE marks the consulships of Quintus Fabius (cos II) and Gaius Julius Iulus, but, as the title of the episode gives away, the events of 481 BCE, and the consulships of Caeso Fabius (cos II) and Spurius Furius take centre stage.As domestic politics becomes more strained, Rome continues to (wait for it) have trouble with her neighbours…The real trouble of 481 BCEThe tribune of the plebs Spurius Licinius draws attention to the failure of the movement on the agrarian policy to measure up the ager publicus (public land) and redistribute it to the citizens. The dramas of this continuing situation sets the scene for Rome's problems with the people of Veii, the Aequians, the Tyrrhenians, and their own soldiers…Episode 77: The Troubles of 481 BCEJean Germain Drouais 1785 ‘Dying Athlete or Wounded Roman Soldier'. Image courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue recording in the library, so advance apologies for potential moments of poor editing!Episode 76 – Plebeian Struggles and the Vestal OppiaWe return to the podcast fray launching into the elections of c. 483 BCE. The conflict between patrician and plebeian sets the tone. And it turns out that our sources don't agree right from the start! One of the consuls this year is definitely Marcus Fabius Vibulanus and the identity of the other is a little more of a mysterious Lucius (Valerius? Verus? Publicola? Potitus?)By this stage the struggles between the patricians and plebeians is in full flight. The plebeian demand for the redistribution of public land (ager publicus) is taking off and there is only one tribune of the plebs, Gaius Maenius, who is willing to support the people's perspective on this issue.Threats of violence and coercion ensue. Dr Radness goes so far to liken the extent of conflict in Rome at this point as tantamount to civil war. We are in the midst of a Rome in crisis internally while still trying to face down threats in broader Italy. Follow us into the dangers as the plebeians continue to fight for their share of public land even from the battlefield.As Rome's strife continues, they turn their gaze inwards and the pontifical college offers the knowledge that there may be an issue with one of the Vestal Virgins, Oppia. What an action-packed episode!An imagined vision of the Vestal Virgins (note there should only be six!) – from“Woman Triumphant; the story of her struggles for freedom, education, and political rights. Dedicated to all noble-minded women by an appreciative member of the other sex” by Rudolf Cronau. (1919). Courtesy of wikimedia commonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Doctors return with a brand new episode! We are tracing the history of Rome from the founding of the city! At this stage of the narrative, the plebeians and the patricians continue to tussle. And trouble in Rome wouldn't be much without trouble with her neighbours. Tension is also rising between Rome and the Volscii.Laying the scene with the VolsciiQuintus Fabius Vibulanus and Servius Cornelius Maluginensis are the consuls of c. 483 BCE. In the wake of Spurius Cassius' demise, Rome's attention turns inwards. The plebeians and the patrician conflict continues to escalate and the some of the consequences begin to play out with Rome's foreign policy.How do you get soldiers to enlist when everyone is hungry?How do you maintain yourself in the field when morale is low?How do you defeat your foes when your forces do not want to fight?How does the voting system of the comitia centuriata work?We tackle them all in this episode!Trouble in Rome, Trouble with the VolsciiEpisode 75: Trouble in Rome, Trouble with the VolsciiAncient Latium. Courtesy of wikimedia commons For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 74: Gla!In this very GLAmorous episode, Drs R and G return with a special treat for you, our listeners. Step away from Rome with us for a brief time as we travel further back than we've ever gone before!Gla is a huge Mycenaean fortress in Boeotia, Greece. There's no mention of the place in Homer's Iliad and it's more than ten times larger than Athens during the Bronze Age…So what is Gla exactly and what do we really know about this structure?Let's dive in! For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to the fray to consider the late career of Spurius Cassius! The conflict between the the patricians and plebeians continue and Cassius appears to be running a populist campaign…In this episode we'll consider how the political machinations between these groups play out under a new year and new consuls.Episode 73: The End of Spurius CassiusThe Tarpeian Rock. Photo by Lalupa courtesy of wikimedia commons For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our narrative returns to the fray of Spurius Cassius' political machinations while consul!Can he find a way to distribute Rome's bounty three ways with the inclusion of the Latins and Hernicians? Find out as Drs R and G compare the narrative sources!Episode 72: Spurius Cassius and c. 486 BCEFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A birth of a republic seems midwived by a lot of local conflict.In this episode, the Doctors return to explore Rome's continued struggles with her most estimable neighbours, the Volscians, the Hernicans, and the Aequians. The intricacies really start to come to the surface in the consulship of Proculus Verginius and Spurius Cassius.Hear it all here!Episode 71: Proculus Verginius and Spurius CassiusArtwork Credit: Francesco Salviati c. 1543-5. The Rout of the Volscii with thanks to the Google Art ProjectFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Doctors are back! And celebrating reaching our seventieth episode no less! We dive right back into the narrative of Rome's history from the founding of the City with an examination of the years just following the death of Coriolanus.Rome, perhaps unsurprisingly, doesn't really know how to get along with her neighbours…Episode 70: The Volscians, The Aequians and the HerniciansArtwork: A compilation of Drs R and G hanging about being excellent podcast co-hosts in the real world 😉For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time for a special episode!After such a tumultuous life, it comes as no surprise that Coriolanus goes on to have a legacy that spreads after his literal death. So Coriolanus dies, but he lives!In this episode, the Doctors turn their roving eye on how the story of Coriolanus has been transformed by his reappearance into the cultural mind of the West through Shakespeare's play and the centuries that follow.Find out all the details below: Episode 69 – The Reception of CoriolanusArtwork: Act V Scene 3 of Shakespeare's Coriolanus by Gavin Hamilton 1803. Attribution is also given to Adam Cuerden as per Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After much ado, many conflicts, we're finally here! It is the end of Coriolanus. How does his grisly end unfold? Who will be pivotal to the end of his career?In this episode, Drs R and G push through all the barriers to make sure this part of Roman history comes to a close! Check out the link below to tune in:Episode 68 – Coriolanus, the Final ChapterArtwork: Franz Anton Maulpertsch, c. 1795. Coriolanus at the gates of RomeFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a new year and a new breath of fresh on the Partial Historian breeze! Oh wait, what's that? Could it be … Coriolanus? Indeed it is!The complexities of Coriolanus' narrative continue to build and things are about to get a little bit hairy for our man of the moment. Join Drs R and G for the ride ahead:Episode 67 – Coriolanus – Exiled! Artwork: Wilhelm Wandschneider's 1903 sculpture of Coriolanus in Plau am See (Germany). Photograph courtesy of Ruchhöft-Plau from wikimedia commons.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holiday season is nearly upon us, dear Listeners, and what better way to celebrate than to take a little trip to Italy.In this short and sweet episode, Dr Radness asks Dr G the big question of the year – how was *that* trip to Italy? Part tavelogue, part history, all Partial Historian 🙂Episode 66 – Dr G does Italy Artwork: Dr G (left) and Dr R (right) getting into the spirit of the season!For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doctors G and R return with a brand new episode from the realms of the ancient past! As the suspense develops in Coriolanus' career, how are the relationships between the patricians and plebeians working out? With the new force of the tribune of the plebs to reckon with, Coriolanus is not a happy patrician.Let's take a look at the different narrative on offer from the primary sources – Livy, Plutarch, and Dionysius of Halicarnassus: Episode 65 – Coriolanus: Trial Imminent!Artwork: In an attempt to save depictions of Coriolanus and his relations for where they fit in the historical narrative, we offer a snippet from the First Folio of Shakespeare here (did anyone just say reception studies?)For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr G has returned from Italy and to Dr R and that means, dear Listeners, that the history of Rome from the founding of the city is back on! When we last conversed, Coriolanus loomed large on the agenda, and here he takes centre stage again (as he very well may for a few more episodes!).Ever wondered what a real patrician's patrician looked like? Wait no more! Listen below to catch all the scintillating details:Episode 64 – Coriolanus, Ultimate Patrician Artwork: A little of Coriolanus as imagined by Shakespeare. Here Coriolanus questions his mother's motives. Image Source: http://quotesgram.com/coriolanus-shakespeare-quotes/ For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Doctors pursue the different elements coming to the fore in the 490s BCE by looking at a little more detail at the development of the position of aedile, and the significance of the fetiale priests in matters relating to war, peace, and oaths.And no episode looking at this period would be complete without more on the developing career of Coriolanus!Hear it all here: Episode 63 – Aediles, Fetiales, and CoriolanusThomas Lawrence 1798 ‘John Philip Kemble as Coriolanus in “Coriolanus” by William ShakespeareFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a brief sojourn into Rome on film, the Doctors return to the narrative of Rome's history from the founding of the city!In this episode, the Doctors examine the continuing Struggle of the Orders, some of the consequences of the strife between the Plebeians and Patricians, and *drum roll please* … we catch our first glimpse of the man who will become Coriolanus. Join us as we explore the depths of the Early Republic! Episode 62 – Roman Struggles, Introducing CoriolanusAlma Tadema 1907 ‘Interior of Caius Martius' House'Tadema was commissioned to design sets for a production of Shakespeare's ‘Coriolanus' – without giving the man away – this is an imagined view of his patrician residence.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The intrepid Doctors return with an all new, all fabulous episode! The episode in which Drs R and G explore the Coen Brothers take on the Golden Age of Hollywood with Hail, Caesar!We may have been enticed by the prospect of George Clooney as a Roman general, but we stayed for the tribute to the big studio days of American cinema.Take a sojourn with your ears and see how the film stacks up according to your resident expert on Rome on film – Dr Radford, with curious questions and comments from Dr Greenfield! Episode 61 – Hail, Caesar! (2016)With kind thanks to: Rayukk via wikimedia commonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Partial Historians have hit the big 6-0! And what better way for the Doctors to celebrate with you than with an episode packed with all manner of interesting things. As you know, Dr R specialises in Rome on film. In this episode, let us take on a journey through the film Trumbo (2015), which is a bio-pic of the life of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.Trumbo broke the blacklist when he was given screen-credit for Spartacus (1960). Herein an examination of the politics of Hollywood post Second World War, the film Trumbo, and liberal sprinklings of Rome. Episode 60 – Trumbo (2015)Dalton and Cleo Trumbo (1947 HUAC hearings)For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doctors R and G continue their exploration of the history of Rome from the founding of the city. From the epic Struggle of the Orders, the Tribune of the Plebs emerges!In this episode, it turns out the First Succession is only the start of Rome's troubles. The ongoing struggle is manifest in the Tribune of the Plebs.Hear all the details here:Episode 59: Introducing the Tribune of the PlebsArtwork: The Succession of the Plebs leading to the Formation of the Plebeian TribunateSource: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Secessio_plebis.JPGFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drs R and G return and the Struggle of the Orders continues.In this episode, the struggle heats up in earnest and we follow the growing antagonism between the patricians and the plebeians.Hear it all here!Episode 58: The Struggle of the Orders – Part the SecondNineteenth century engraving of the plebeian revolt.Source: http://i.istockimg.com/For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Doctors sweep into the turn of the new fasti with a bold return to their narrative history of Rome from the founding of the city. In this episode, Drs R. and G. consider the events of 494/3 BCE and the contextual factors that culminated in the Conflict of the Orders between the patricians and the plebeians.This struggle is characterised by internal crisis and stands as an early example of class warfare.Click on the link below download or simply stream it 🙂Episode 57: The Struggle of the Orders – Part the First Nineteenth century engraving of the plebeian revolt.Source: http://i.istockimg.com/For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode marks a significant moment for the Doctors. Drs R. and G. return to the topic of Vesuvius and the fateful eruption in 79 CE.In light of additional research, we'll examine details of the volcanic eruption, consider the rhetoric at play in Pliny the Younger's letter 6.16 to Tacitus, as well as modern findings from recent work at the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.Click to listen or download:Episode 56: Return to VesuviusCurious about the Doctors' first foray on the topic of Vesuvius? Check out Episode 27Artwork: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons: Crop of the Pompeii area from the Tabula Peutingeriana, 1-4th century CE. Facsimile edition by Conradi Millieri, 1887/1888.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Titus Livius, better known to the English-speaking world as Livy, is the figure for consideration in this episode.The Doctors take a brief detour from their exploration of the History of Rome from the Founding of the City to consider one of our chief historical narrative sources for the Regal period and the Early Republic. Livy's life, his work, and questions of historiographical interest are all up for the discussion.The Doctors are back! Join us, by clicking on the link or streaming away:Episode 55: LivyA depiction (perhaps) of Titus Livius courtesy of Wikimedia CommonsFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Doctors return, dear listeners, with a special episode on the historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus!We've been considering the history of Rome from the founding of the city and after some epic conflicts and battles around Rome, it seems time to consider in more detail our sources. Dr Greenfield has been reading the Antiquitates Romanae ‘The Roman History' of Dionysius of Halicarnassus. In this episode, Doctors G and R consider our source material in a little more detail.Click below for your listening pleasure!Episode 54: Dionysius of HalicarnassusIncisione raffigurante Dionigi di Alicarnasso ricavata dal Codice Ambrosiano. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.orgIn this episode Dr G name drops a couple of sources. If you're interested in following these babies up, these are the details you'll need:Fox, M. 1993. ‘History and Rhetoric in Dionysius of Halicarnassus' Journal of Roman Studies 83: 31-47Gabba, E. 1991. Dionysius and The History of Archaic Rome. University of California Press: Berkeley and Los AngelesSchwartz, E. Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft V.1.934For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear Listeners, in this episode the Doctors wade deeper into the murky waters of the Late Republic. As the narratives of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus continue to diverge, there is word of a truce between Rome and the Latins, yet another dictator, and the infamous battle of Lake Regillus with some surprising divine sightings.Join the Doctors for all the thrills, click below to listen or download!Episode 53: The Battle of Lake Regillus Statuettes of Castor and Pollux photographed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York by Ad MeskensFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The early Roman republic hits its first major snag. As Rome finds itself friendless after continual aggression throughout Italy, the citizens begin to consider how they can guide the city with decisiveness and clarity. Enter, stage left: the dictator.Join Doctors R and G as they explore the creation of the Roman dictator and some of the surprising details surrounding the formation of a position that seems to have quite a good deal in common with a rex.Click the link below to download or stream straight away:Episode 52: The Roman DictatorArtwork: Rome and Latium, including Fidenae given that the poor city comes up a lot in these early narratives! With thanks to wikimedia.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, dear listeners, Publicola has died and Rome has mourned … but wait, is that the Latins seeking an opportunity to kick Rome while she's down? Quite, quite possibly. In this episode Doctors R and G explore the increasing tension between Rome and her Latin neighbours.Hear all the details in our latest episode, click to listen or download!Episode 51: Latin MachinationsThe featured map in all its glory:With gracious thanks to: http://etc.usf.edu/For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your fearless Doctors take a moment to celebrate reaching lofty heights – our fiftieth episode! In this special episode, the Doctors embark upon a retrospective of one of the outstanding figures in the establishment of the Roman Republic: Publius Valerius Publicola.Publicola has quite a significant role to play, holding a number of consulships (according to the extant accounts), and he stars in one of Plutarch’s lives. Let the doctors take you through the highs and lows from a biographical perspective.Click the link below to listen or download:Episode 50: Publius Valerius PublicolaAn annotated page from Dr Peta's copy of Plutarch's Life of Publicola, with gracious thanks to the Loeb Classical Library. For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello hello, most excellent and patient listeners! The Doctors return with a brand new, particularly fine, episode delving further into the hostilities between Rome and the Sabine peoples in the early period of the Republic.Following the action of c. 504 BCE, this episode covers the consulship of Publius Valerius Publicola (cos IV) and Titus Lucretius (cos II) as they battle for the city of Fidenae, the Sabine attack upon Rome, and the crucial differences between an ovation and a triumph.Click on the link below to listen or download:Episode 49 – Sabine Conflict in Even More Detail! Charles Christian Nahl 1871 The Rape of the Sabines: The InvasionNot historically aligned with the content of this episode, this painting refers to the violent beginnings of the Rome. The lack of matching artwork is a hint at the duration of Roman-Sabine conflict.For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The journey through Rome's early history is potted with conflict, and you'll no doubt be little surprised to hear, dear listener, that the Romans continue to jostle with the Sabines for control in wider Italy (and even closer to the City).Allow the Doctors to take you a winding scrawl of battles, conflicts, and rising personalities, focusing on the years c. 506-5 BCE. We discuss the challenges with the historical narratives of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus, the possibility that Rome may have been taken by Porsenna, and the lingering spectre of the Tarquinii.Click on the link below to download and listen! Episode 48 – Sabine Conflict!Jacques-Louis David 1799. L'intervention des SabinesSince this painting refers to the first conflict recorded between the Sabines and the Romans, it is not strictly aligned with the chronology of the episode, but there are definitely Sabines and Romans at war, which nicely sums up what is happening in this period! For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.