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When in Rome

Matt Smith


Podcast Overview

A regular podcast series about place and space in the ancient Roman Empire.

“I found Rome built of sun-dried bricks; I leave her clothed in marble.” - Augustus.

Podcast Episodes

Episode XXIV - Chariot Racing

While we associate Roman sport with the gladiator match, that was nothing when compared to their love of a good chariot race. The track at the Circus Maximus was where real men were made. Charioteers had low status and low life expectancy, but there could be the chance of immense riches, and they were admired by Roman citizens and Emperors alike. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) Support the crowdfunding for series 3 of When in Rome: Pompeii! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1704191499/pompeii-when-in-rome-podcast-season-3

Episode XXIII - The Circus Maximus

If you asked a Roman, The sport that defined them most wouldn’t be a gladiatorial contest but a chariot race. The Circus Maximus was a mighty racetrack in the valley between two hills of Rome, the Aventine and the Pallentine. It was the first and largest stadium in the Roman Empire. Guest: Dr Gillian Shepherd (Director, Trendall Centre, La Trobe University) Support the crowdfunding for series 3 of When in Rome: Pompeii! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1704191499/pompeii-when-in-rome-podcast-season-3

Episode XXII - Tomb of the Scipios

Every good Roman had heard of the Scipios, and true to their reputation they liked to do things differently. While most Romans were content with cremating their dead, the Scipios entombed theirs, harking back to the days of the Etruscans. Guest: Dr Gillian Shepherd (Director, Trendall Centre, La Trobe University)

Episode XXI - The Column of Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius spent much of his reign on the frontiers of the Roman empire, protecting his people from the barbarian tribes to the north. A triumphal column was erected in the Campus Martius, in honour of his great victories. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Senior Lecturer, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University)

Episode XX - The Column of Antoninus Pius

When Antoninus Pius died in 161CE his successors moved fast to erect a commemorative column in the Campus Martius. While the monument itself was rather plain, it remained standing for many a century, but it was its rediscovery in the 18th century when the story becomes interesting. Guest: Professor Ronald Ridley (Honorary, Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne).

Episode XIX - Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus

If you had to name a god that the Romans worshipped above all others it would have to be Jupiter, and the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline Hill was the most important temple in the empire. While the building is long since destroyed we have a good idea of what it looked like, thanks to the attention of Roman writers. Guest: Dr Lily Withycombe (curator from the National Museum of Australia)

Episode XVIII - Diocletian's Palace

When the Emperor Diocletian retired in 305CE he wanted to be well away from the troubles of co-ruling an empire, and withdrew to a large fortified palace on the shores of Split, Croatia. Guest: Dr Christopher Gribbin (Fellow, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne)

More Podcasts

More Matt Smith Podcasts

More Podcasts

More Matt Smith Podcasts