The Partial Historians

In our latest special episode, we were positively tickled to be able to chat to Dr Jane Draycott about her latest historical biography Fulvia: The Woman who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome (published with Atlantic Books).For the uninitiated, Fulvia is one of the more notorious characters from the Late Roman Republic. If you've heard of her, it is probably as the wife of Mark Antony – the one he first cheated on with Cleopatra. What an honour.However, in this episode, you will get to hear why Dr Draycott thinks she is so much more than that. Join us to hear all about Fulvia's other husbands, her many children and the rhetoric that destroyed her reputation.Dr DraycottDr Jane Draycott is a historian and archaeologist and is currently Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Glasgow. Her research interests are extensive and include: displays of extraordinary bodies in the ancient world; the depiction of the ancient world in computer games; and domestic medical practice in ancient Rome. In 2023, Dr Draycott published Prosthetics and Assistive Technology in Ancient Greece and Rome with Cambridge University Press. 2022 was a huge year for Dr Draycott in terms of publications! First, there's the co-edited collection Bodies of Evidence: Ancient Anatomical Votives Past, Present and Future with Routledge; Second, the co-edited the volume Women in Classical Video Games with Bloomsbury; Third(!), the edited volume Women in Historical and Archaeological Video Games for De Gruyter; And fourth (we're already tired thinking about this much writing coming out all at once), the biography Cleopatra's Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Princess, African Queen (Bloomsbury)We know that you will be running out to get yourself a copy of Fulvia once you have heard the fascinating details shared in this episode.And for keen listeners, rest assured that Dr Rad was keeping a tally throughout the interview of all of Augustus' hideous crimes :)Sound CreditsOur music is provided by the wonderful Bettina Joy de Guzman.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 395 BCE and we explore the events that are the result of the epic year of 396 BCE. The Romans ended 396 BCE on a high with their military success against the southern-most city of the Etruscans, Veii. But is all well in the Roman world? That may depend on which god you talk to…An incomplete victory?The defeat of Veii leaves the northern peoples - the Capenates and Faliscans - open to Rome's wrath. Their resistance to Rome means that war is on Rome's agenda. This may also explain why we see military tribunes with consular power.A great time for some Roman colonising?Despite the threats to the north, Rome seems intent on setting up a new colony down south towards Volscian territory. Does Rome really have the resources to spare for such an endeavour after a ten-year siege and problems north of Veii? Well, historians have some questions about that!What's up Apollo?Camillus' glorious leadership in taking Veii seems to be undermined by the his vow to Apollo which he had apparently forgotten. This creates real problems as the 10th portion to be offered to Apollo was not collected when the booty was distributed and now people OWE the gods… Will Camillus' reputation emerge unscathed?Things to listen out forIs Veii more attractive to the plebeians than Rome? Scandal!A proposal to send half of Rome's population, patricians and plebeians to Veii - a classic case of Porque Lo Nos Dos?Some very grumpy patricians playing the ‘Romulus' cardBlaming Titus Sicinius for putting ideas into the plebeians' headsConnections with Greek history…A beautiful golden bowl!Drama in Sicily including an appearance from Magon the CarthaginianOur PlayersMilitary Tribunes with Consular PowerPublius Cornelius P. f. A. n. Cossus (Pat)Publius Cornelius - f. -. N. Scipio (Pat)Kaeso Fabius M. f. Q. n. Ambustus (Pat). Previously Military Tribune with Consular Power in 404, 401.Lucius Furius L. f. Sp. n. Medullinus (Pat). Previously Consul in 413, 409 and previously Military Tribune with Consular Power in 407, 405, 398, 397.Quintus Servilius Q. f. P. n. Fidenas (Pat). Previously Military Tribune with Consular Power in 402, 398.Marcus Valerius M. f. M. n. Lactucinus Maximus (Pat). Previously Military Tribune with Consular Power 398.Tribunes of the PlebsTitus SiciniusQuintus PomponiusAulus VerginiusFor 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.

Rounding out our trilogy of special episodes on Ridley Scott's Gladiator II, we are joined by gladiator expert, Alexandra Sills.Alexandra holds a BA in Classical Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London and a MA in The Classical Mediterranean from the University of Leicester. Alexandra's MA dissertation was awarded the Mark Pluciennik prize in Archaeology & Ancient History. Alexandra has published outreach articles for Bad Ancient and Working Classicists and recently published an academic article entitled ‘The Tropification of Hollywood Heroes Thrown Into the Arena' for Melita Classica in 2023. Alexandra's current research focuses on gladiators in the ancient world and their reception on film and television. We're thrilled to have her on the show to discuss all things gladiators.We start with a history of the development of the gladiator in the Roman world including:The Etruscan evolutionThe Julius Caesar effect and the subsequent influence of AugustusThe osteo-archaeological evidence for gladiatorsAre there things that Gladiator II gets right from the perspective of the ancient evidence? We discuss the possibilities with Alexandra.Things to listen out for:The nobility of the screen gladiator versus the infamia of gladiators historicallyThe contrast between the crowd of spectators in the ancient world and in cinematic representationsThe dehumanisation involved in the arenaThe role of the love interestThe gladiator connection of Katniss EverdeenThe trope of the woman in the refrigeratorHow to make sure gladiators are dead in the arena and on filmThe complexities of katabasis (journeys to the Underworld) in the context of films and sequelsThe challenges of setting a film in Ancient Rome but changing key elements of history through the storytellingThe deep specialisation of the different gladiatorial fighting stylesWhere are the shields? Where are the nipples?Sexuality in the Roman imperial era versus the representation on screenFor 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 for the final instalment on the fall of Veii in 396 BCE.In our previous episode, we witnessed the actual conquest of the great Etruscan city.Now it's Camillus' time to bask in the glory!He's a Real TripCamillus has managed to secure victory for Rome, and one of the advantages now that it's all over is that sweet, sweet booty. Everyone knew that Veii was wealthy, but Camillus is staggered (pun intended) by the number of captured spoils. As he offered detailed thanks to the gods, he stumbled. The Romans were a superstitious bunch, so although Camillus tried to gloss over this trip, it was seen as an omen. Camillus, and perhaps Rome herself, were destined to take a mighty tumble. Foreshadowing!But that all lay in the future. Camillus had to decide how to divvy up the booty. He tried to take the sensible path and consult with the Senate, but he failed to please most of the populace with his choices. Ingrates!This Lady IS for Turning!The fate of Veii's tutelary deity, Juno Regina, was an even more delicate matter. The Romans hoped they could persuade her to switch her allegiance and residence to Rome. Juno agrees to make the move and was initially established in a new temple on the Aventine. That little minx!This is the first example of the ritual of evocatio, which we sometimes see pop up when Rome conquers Etruscan cities. This may have something to do with the fact that the rite probably originated in Etruria. We wish we knew more about this fascinating practice, but as usual, we have more questions than answers. The religious calendars of Rome indicate that the cult of Juno Regina did begin at around this time, so this may lend some support to our historical narrative. Either way, Veii has now not only been conquered, but stripped of divine protection. OUCH.Celebrate Good Times, Come On!Back in the city, the Romans are thrilled with this military victory. Camillus was mobbed by crowds upon his return. No one will be surprised to hear that Camillus was awarded a triumph. EVERYTHING about it was OTT. Not everyone thought this triumph was in good taste. After such an important victory, Camillus was eroding those warm fuzzies in record time. That is, of course, if we can believe the details. It's hard to know what the norm was for a triumph in the early 4th century BCE.Camillus ignored the haters, and busied himself with all the vows and promises he had made to various deities. There were temples to build for Juno and Mater Matuta, and then there was also the matter of gifts to Apollo. Camillus had pledged one tenth of the booty seized. The pontiffs decided that this needed to come from the people, who were less than impressed with a request to return some of their share of the spoils.The Year That Had EverythingThe year wrapped up with peace being secured on multiple fronts. Perhaps after seeing Veii's defeat, the Volscians and Aequians decided to sue for peace themselves.396 BCE truly was an epic year. We think you'll agree once you've listened to all parts of our trilogy that it deserves to be known as ‘The Year That Had Everything'. 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.

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers!We are back to discuss Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott's smash hit Gladiator (2000). Gladiator II is set in the joint reign of Caracalla and Geta. These emperors were brothers in real life, but not the creepy twins shown in the movie. However, let's not get caught up in historical detail! After all, Lucilla should have been executed by Commodus in the first film if we were sticking to the facts.In Gladiator II, we learn that Lucilla's precious son, Lucius Verus, was hidden away in the provinces after Commodus' death and became alienated from the imperial family. He clearly inherited the military skills of his real father (Maximus or Russell Crowe), as Lucius is something of a local hero in his new home.But no one can resist the power of Rome forever. After a military defeat, Lucius ends up in the arena and spends the film wrestling with his past, his trauma and the corruption of Rome. Just like his dad!Whilst Lucius Verus is the hero of this film, as is so often the case in movies about Ancient Rome, the villain steals the show. Macrinus (Denzel Washington) is a master manipulator, skilfully playing a dangerous political game. Will the ghost of Maximus past allow Lucius to finally set Rome on a virtuous path? Or is Rome doomed to be dominated by corrupt politicians? And boy, do we have a treat in store for you all! We were privileged to talk to a giant in the field of classical reception, a man who has spent many decades studying Roman history on film.Martin M. Winkler is Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Classics at George Mason University in Northern Virginia. His research interests include classical mythology, Roman history, classical literature, the classical tradition, and classical literature, history and myth on film. Professor Winkler's list of publications is long indeed, but we will cite a few of our favourites. The Roman Salute: Cinema, History and Ideology (2009), Ovid on Screen: A Montage of Attractions (2020) and most recently, Classical Antiquity and the Cinematic Imagination (2024). Professor Winkler has edited and contributed to volumes on the films Troy (from 2004), Kubrick's 1960 Spartacus, and importantly for today, Ridley Scott's original 2000 Gladiator.We hope that you enjoy our conversation with Professor Winkler in which we discuss:The characters of Maximus and Lucius VerusThe aesthetic of Gladiator IIThe representation of the army and praetorian guard in the sequelThe Roman Senate of Gladiator IIHistorical accuracy in Gladiator IIFor our full show notes and transcript, head over to our website: https://partialhistorians.com/2025/04/03/special-episode-gladiator-ii-with-professor-martin-m-winkler/ 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 continue our coverage of 396 BCE, the year in which Camillus became dictator of Rome and conquered the Etruscan city of Veii. Score! The conquest of Veii was a huge accomplishment for the Romans. and doubled the size of their territory.

Owen Rees takes us through some of the amazing tales from his book 'The Far Edges of the Known World: A New History of the Ancient Past'.

The sun dawns on 396 BCE and Rome's siege of Veii continues into its tenth year (apparently). Will this be the year the siege breaks?

Dr Lindsay Steenberg joins us to discuss the conventions of gladiator movies with a particular focus on Gladiator II (2024).

We interview Jenny Williamson, the fabulous co-host of Ancient History Fangirl, about her new historical romantasy, Enemy of my Dreams.

What if stories have a life of their own? What happens when we think of narratives as external agents? And why is Homer good to think with?

In 397 BCE. the Romans were stuck in multiple stalemates and it seems like they need some divine intervention, perhaps from Delphi! Will they manage to fix their relationship with the gods and secure success against their enemies?

We interview Dr Emma Southon, co-author of the new children's book, Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy!

As the siege at Veii drags on, some worrying portents appear. One of the enemy will find himself kidnapped as the Romans search for answers.

We compare stories from Greece and Rome about affairs between gods and mortals with fellow podcaster, Liv Albert.

Our book is here! We sit down with our publisher to talk about the process of bringing 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire' to life.

A preview from the new book Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire which tells the story of the siege of Masada.

The siege with Veii drags on and the gods seem dissatisfied with Rome. Will introducing a new ritual help? Let's try our first lectisternium!

A preview from our upcoming book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire, on the rebellious Queen Zenobia of Palmyra.

The fifth century BCE saw the idea of the Roman republic flourish and falter only to flourish again. We review the major developments in Rome across the century taking a bird's eye look at the big issues now that we've completed our deep dive!

We review the way that Ancient Rome and life in the provinces were portrayed in Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979).

We are in shock that it has taken us this long to cover the cult classic that is Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979). We have Rslaugesen over on Patreon to thank for pointing out this glaring oversight.Once we got started, it was hard for us to stop talking about the Life of Brian. British comedy was a staple of our childhoods and Monty Python was one of our favourites. It was a treat to follow the development of this movie from Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory to a Sliding Doors-style story of Brian Cohen, born in the manger over from Christ. Whilst Monty Python were probably trying to make a parody of 1970s Britain rather than a historically accurate portrait of first century CE Judea, we still found this film intriguing. From wolf's nipples to imperialism, we take you through all the best Roman scenes… and perhaps a few non-Roman scenes as well. Who can resist talking about the Virgin Mandy?Part of the appeal of Life of Brian is the fact that it is not afraid to make fun of the Romans (or anyone) and shows a much less glamorous side of the empire. Quite the contrast to the epics of the 1950s and 1960s.Things to Look Out ForFar too many ‘reenactments' of our favourite momentsThe Biggus Dickus sceneWhat Have the Romans Ever Done For Us? Not as much as this scene claims!The People's Front of Judea in action!The famous BBC2 interview with John Cleese and Michael PalinThe hilarious parody of the BBC2 interview on Not the Nine O'Clock NewsDr G's excitement upon spotting the frescoes from the Villa of the MysteriesComedies don't always stand the test of time. We can spot some awkward moments in the film, but overall, we think Life of Brian stands the test of time. Forty-five years after it's release, we would love to know whether you agree!For full shownotes and transcript, head on over to our website: https://partialhistorians.com/2024/09/19/special-episode-monty-pythons-life-of-brian-1979/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.

Join the Partial Historians for a handy summary of what the ancient sources have recorded about events in Rome in the 400s BCE.

Get a cheeky preview of 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire' with our bonus chapter on the rebellious gladiator, Spartacus.

We jump into the year 400 BCE. This is the year we've been waiting for. Drum roll, it's time for a plebeian break-through into power!

We discuss the terrible men who ruled the Roman Empire as we interview the author LJ Trafford about her latest history, Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors.

Rome is beset with difficulties, including wars, trials, and scandals. But by the end of the year, the plebeians will score an impressive victory in the Struggle of the Orders.

Let's take a tour of some of Rome's most early structures, including the Tullianum, the Cloaca Maxima, the Circus Maximus, and Ostia!

It's 402 BCE and Rome and Veii are tooth and nail in siege mode. Rome seems to be on the front foot, but can they stay there?

We interview Professor Stephanie McCarter, the author of a ground-breaking new translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses.

Representing the patricians, Appius Claudius fights with the tribunes of the plebs over the terms of military service in Rome's war with Veii. Get ready for some rhetorical fireworks!

The topography of regal Rome was very different to today. We sit down with Neil, the Ancient Blogger, to explore the details.

Rome contends with the Etruscan city of Veii and the Volscian city of Artena. Will they win the day with the support of Servius Romanus?

In this episode, we talked about the style and function of Augustus' mausoleum and how it was repurposed over time with Dr Victoria Austen. This unique monument has as much to tell us about later periods as it does about Augustus himself.

406 BCE stands out for the assertion that this year is the first time the Roman soldiers receive pay for their service. Show me the money!

Dr Bret Devereaux joins us to discuss all things military and the development of the army in the early years of Ancient Rome. How did Rome go from raids to world domination?

It's 407 BCE and the Romans face a significant military setback at Verrugo. Is Roman dominance at risk? Their enemies may have the upper hand!

The Romans have to battle a coalition from Antium, the Volscii and the Aequii. To win, they elect a dictator, but not everyone is pleased.

We delve into the world of Roman names. How do we understand who's who? We're consider the complexities of ancient Roman naming conventions!

In 409 BCE, there is drama in Rome when the plebeians set their sights on electing one of their own to the quaestorship.

The Partial Historians recap what the ancient sources have recorded for the 410s BCE in Ancient Rome.

The citadel of Carventum enters Roman history when the Volsicans and Aequians squeeze Rome's allies the Hernicians… how will Rome respond?

We sit down with Dr Emma Southon to discuss her brand new book. We delve into the real and very fascinating lives of Rome's women.

In this episode we tackle the years 413 and 412 BCE. These years come hard on the back of the murder of the patrician Postumius. Rome is facing challenges that seem to be bound up in the spolia in times of war and the broader annalist focus on the idea of the Struggle of the Orders which has been the defining feature of the early republic in Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. To catch up on the unfortunate fate of Postumius, check out Episode 142 - A Wrongheaded Man. Episode 143 - Special Victims Unit Onwards and Upwards? Murder is not something to be overlooked lightly, especially when the victim is a Roman patrician. It might be time for an investigation! And not just any investigation, but a special taskforce is assembled to consider all the evidence and follow the clues wherever they lead. Livy mentions this group as a quaestio perpetua, but there's good reason to be suspicious of this classification for the investigators. Strong evidence for the quaestio perpetua doesn't emerge until the second century BCE over 250 years on from 413 BCE! Agrarian Reform Will Rome find a way to reform its practices around conquered land? This topic comes back to the fore as we have the name for a of the tribunes of plebs. Roman conquest of new lands also brings this thorny subject back into the public discourse. How historical could the issue be at this point in the early republic? And will the patricians finally offer the plebeians something on this matter? Time will tell! Issues with the Volscians Rome's perennial tousle with their neighbours, the Volscii, continues in 413 BCE. The Hernicians seek Rome's aid against the Volscian forces and Rome is happy to oblige. The city of Ferentinum comes to our attention through this situation. We learn about the location of Ferentinum as likely corresponding with modern Ferentino, which is to the southeast of Rome, and likely part of the territory of the Hernicians at this time. What happens next to the city of Ferentinum? Tune in to find out! Is that Ferentinum way down to the southeast of Rome in the territory of the Hernicii? It surely is! Source: https://www.heritage-history.com/ The Return of the Icilii Perhaps Rome's most famous plebeians gens at this point in early republican history is the Icilii. And in 412 BCE, we see another member of the Icilii gens come into the role of tribune of the plebs. Famously, the Icilii are connected with the Lex Icilia de Aventino Publicando which our annalist tradition places as early as 456 BCE. Looking to brush up on this? Check out our Episode 104 - Aventine, Aventine. Another Icilius is also connected with the second decemvirate on account of being engaged to Verginia. To revisit Verginia's tale, see Episode 114 - The Tale of Verginia. Things to Listen Out For Ancient sources? What sources? Leniency for those found guilty Land redistribution in Bolae? Does Rome even have ager publicus to redistribute??? Volero returns!? The introduction of later sources Florus and Zonaras The Latin League Is Rome entering an expansionist phase? A history of the Icilius gens Pestilence! The Hernician Federation Our Players 413 BCE Consuls Aulus (or Marcus) Cornelius - f. - n. Cossus (Pat.) Lucius Furius (L. f. Sp. n.?) Medullinus (Pat.) Interrex Quintus Fabius Vibulanus (Pat.) Our Players 412 BCE Consuls Quintus Fabius - f. - n. Ambustus Vibulanus (Pat.) Gaius Furius - f. - n. Pacilus (Pat.) Tribune of the Plebs Lucius Icilius Our Sources Dr Rad reads Livy 4.51.1-4.52.1 Dr G reads Diodorus 13.43.1, 14.54.1; Florus 1.17.1-2; Zonarus 7.20 Broughton, T. R. S., Patterson, M. L. 1951. The Magistrates of the Roman Republic Volume 1: 509 B.C. – 100 B.C. (The American Philological Association) Cornell, T. J. 1995. The Beginnings of Rome: Italy and Rome from the Bronze Age to the Punic Wars (c. 1000-264 BC) (Taylor & Francis) Ogilvie,

We delve into more ancient Roman conflict which revolves around the patrician Postumius, described by historians as a wrongheaded man.

This episode features Professor Alastair Blanshard in a conversation about the representation of classical myths in Disney's Hercules (1997).

This episode delves into more conflict between the Romans and the Aequians, as well as some more classic Conflict of the Orders.

We sit down with Yentl Love to take a deep dive in the layered symbolism of the classical allusions in Lil Nas X's music video for 'Call Me By Your Name'.

We consider the drama of 419 and 418 BCE. These years are packed with exciting moments as we get to learn about an uprising from below...!

We sit down to chat with Genn and Jenny, the fabulous cohosts of the Ancient History Fan Girl podcast about their book Women of Myth!

The Partial Historians recap the major events in Ancient Rome during the 420s BCE.