Drunken soldiers storm the palace and threaten Otho, who they suspect is plotting something against the people. After he puts down that rebellion, Otho hears that Valens and Caecina were on the way from Gaul and puts together his army to defend Italy. Unfortunately...
A Sarmatian tribe from Southern Russia attacks some Roman cohorts and we learn about the Russian origins of the King Arthur myth. The governor of Corsica declares his support for Vitellius but it doesn’t end well for him, or for Tigellinus, but Calvia Crispinilla...
Pagans and Christians continued to believe Nero would return, either as the Antichrist or as the precursor to the Antichrist. But is the number of the beast 666 or 616? Just a reminder – this episode, and the rest of our new series, will available exclusively to...
As soon as Nero was declared dead by the Senate, rumours started appearing that he was still alive, just in hiding, waiting for the right time to re-claim the throne. Those stories persisted… for centuries. Just a reminder – this episode, and the rest of our new...
Vitellius starts his march on Rome with seven legions. He’s 54, popular with his men, and a good career behind him. But his troops’ reasons for supporting his bid for emperor may have less to do with him, and more to do with their own interests. On the other hand,...
With Galba dead, Otho is made the new emperor of Rome. Long may he reign. Just a reminder – this episode, and the rest of our new series, will available exclusively to our subscribers. Join now for less than a cup of coffee. If you're seeing this message, it...
At the altar of Apollo, Galba was still praying to the gods to protect him and the empire, when suddenly he got news that a senator of unknown identity was being conducted to the Praetorian barracks with an armed guard. A little while later the man was identified as...
Otho didn’t take the news of Piso being chosen as Galba’s heir very well. He’d already been screwed over by one emperor and he bloody well wasn’t going to let it happen a second time. A plot is formed to usurp the throne. Just a reminder – this episode, and the...
On Jan 1, 69 CE, the beginning of the new Roman year, life looked pretty rosy for Emperor Galba. He had no obvious threats to his power from outside or inside the empire. On Jan 3, the Senate offered vows and sacrifices for his long health and reign. Unbeknownst to...
In our last episode, we finished on June 9, 68. Nero was 30 years and six months old. He had ruled for 13 years and 8 months. On June 10, 68, while he was still in Spain, The Senate declared Galba to be the new Emperor. The first person from outside of the...
News of Galba’s betrayal makes its way to Nero who is shocked into action. He sends troops to stop Galba – but they switch sides and join the conspiracy. Nero goes into hiding with the intent of running away to Alexandria and Greece, but even that plan is...
Nero celebrates two official triumphs. Not for military victories, but for singing. It’s the last straw. A new rebellion is formed, lead by Vindex and Galba. If you're seeing this message, it means you aren't logged in as a subscriber. If want to listen to the premium...
Nero didn’t visit Athens or Sparta while in Greece because he was scared of religious and political retribution. Besides, he was too busy trying to become the periodonikes, the Grand Slam champion of all of the Games. But things weren’t going well back at Rome, so he...
The year is 67 CE. Nero is still on his 14 month tour of Greece. He dropped into the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and tickled the Omphalos. If you're seeing this message, it means you aren't logged in as a subscriber. If want to listen to the premium episodes of...
It’s 67 CE. Before he sets out for his World Tour of Greece, Nero first needs to insult the Senate, then he needs to deal with a new conspiracy, this one involving Corbulo. While Greece, he becomes unhappy with Vespasian who apparently doesn’t clap loudly enough at...
Nero gets, not one, but TWO new wives. One of them is a dude. If you're seeing this message, it means you aren't logged in as a subscriber. If want to listen to the premium episodes of the series - hundreds of episodes on the lives of Julius, Augustus, Tiberius,...
Nero’s first attempt at building a single property that covered his estates on the Palatine Hill and the Esquiline Hill was The Domus Transitoria, the House of Passage. It burned down in the Great Fire. He replaced it with the Domus Aurea (Golden House), designed by...
Nero built his Domus Aurea between 64-68 and, in doing so, revolutionised Roman architecture. He also built a massive statue of himself, because, hey, why not? If you're seeing this message, it means you aren't logged in as a subscriber. If want to listen to the...
Nero was a lover, not a fighter. Not a great leader of armies. He thought of himself as an artist. He wanted to be on stage, not on horseback. He was very proud that he closed his Janus. If you're seeing this message, it means you aren't logged in as a subscriber. If...
If you want to marry a woman, remember to kill her husband first If you're seeing this message, it means you aren't logged in as a subscriber. If want to listen to the premium episodes of the series - hundreds of episodes on the lives of Julius, Augustus, Tiberius,...
