Podcasts about Germanicus

The Friends of History Debating Society: Setting, Immediate Events, and Media Critique The Friends of History Debating Society convenes with Gaius (also known as John Batchelor) hosting from Londinium, specifically a wine bar he favors. Michael Vlahos participates from the "Edge of the Empire." In his persona as Germanicus, Michael Vlahos is on a mission in Dalmatia, a "slightly untamed" region that serves as "connecting tissue" between the Roman Empire's eastern and western halves, visiting fortified places like Ragusa and planning a trip to Spalato. As Dramaticus, Michael Vlahos is "traveling on the road" and is reminded by Gaius to "walk with Centurions" for protection from potentially "obsequious and violent" locals. The society's purpose is to review weekly events through a "Roman eye," with participants seeing themselves as "Roman citizens" attempting to understand and potentially "help" the 21st century, while also observing. Gaius reports on a recent visit by Michael Vlahos (in his Dramaticus persona) to the "Imperial Court," or President Trump's White House, during the sad news of Mr. Kirk'sdeath. Despite this somber event, the overall atmosphere in the Oval Office was described as "busy, positive, energetic, attractive, and working perfectly," reminiscent of Augustus's imperial court. Gaius notes that the mainstream media, committed to "hurting Trump," unanimously portrays him as a "demon," "evil force," or "another Hitler," with his followers characterized as "Nazis" or "white supremacists." This rhetoric, according to Michael Vlahos, contributed to events like Mr. Kirk's assassination. Both Gaius and Michael Vlahos find this equating of speech with violence "immature and ignorant," revealing a lack of historical understanding among those in the "blue" faction.             

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the question: Do empires need allies? Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos. Headline: Ancient Rome's Imperial Dilemma: Alliance Strategy in 90 AD In 90 AD Londinium, two Roman figures engage in a critical debate about imperial strategy. Gaius and Germanicusexamine whether the Roman Empire requires alliances to maintain its vast territories and growing influence. Michael Vlahos of the Friends of History Debating Society moderates this historical discussion, exploring how Rome'sapproach to partnerships with client states, tribal confederations, and regional powers shaped its longevity. The debate addresses fundamental questions about imperial overextension, the costs of military occupation versus diplomatic cooperation, and whether sustainable empire-building requires collaborative governance structures. This ancient discussion resonates with modern debates about great power competition, alliance systems, and the balance between unilateral strength and multilateral cooperation in maintaining global influence and regional stability. 1712 CAESAR

#LONDINIUM90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the cycle of Optimates and Populares. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos Headline: Roman Political Factions: The Eternal Cycle of Elite vs. Popular Power In 90 AD Londinium, Gaius and Germanicus examine the recurring political struggle between the Optimates(aristocratic party) and Populares (popular party) that defined late Republican Rome. Michael Vlahos of the Friends of History Debating Society moderates this discussion of Rome's fundamental political divide. The Optimates, representing senatorial privilege and traditional governance, consistently clashed with the Populares, who appealed directly to citizens and plebeian assemblies. This cycle saw figures like Sulla and Cato defending aristocratic interests against populist leaders like Marius, Pompey, and Caesar. The debate explores how this factional warfare ultimately destroyed the Roman Republic, leading to imperial autocracy. The discussion examines whether such political polarization represents an inevitable cycle in republican governments, questioning if elite-populist tensions doom democratic institutions to cyclical breakdown and authoritarian resolution. 1783 ABDICATION OF SULLA

#Londinium90AD: Gaius and Germanicus debate why the Optimates assert that "our democracy" is at risk? Gaius asks, what do they mean by "our democracy?" Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos. Headline: Roman Elite's Democracy Claims: Defining "Our Democracy" in Imperial Context In 90 AD Londinium, Gaius and Germanicus examine the Optimates' claims about democratic threats. Gaiuschallenges the aristocratic party's definition of "our democracy," questioning whether they truly defend popular governance or merely their own privileged position within the Roman Republic's institutions. Michael Vlahos of the Friends of History Debating Society moderates this discussion about how political elites historically invoke democratic rhetoric to legitimize their power. The Optimates traditionally controlled the Senate and claimed to protect Romantraditions against populist demagogues, yet their "democracy" often excluded common citizens from meaningful participation. This debate explores the tension between elite-controlled republican institutions and genuine popular sovereignty, examining whether appeals to "save democracy" represent authentic concern for citizen governance or strategic rhetoric deployed by threatened establishment powers seeking to maintain their influence against rising populist challenges. 1593 ROMAN WOMEN

1.  #LONDINIUM90AD LIVE AT 6 PM ET SUNDAY: 8/31:  GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE:  The Tiberius Model: Aged Leadership and Succession in the American Empire.  Gaius and Germanicus, speaking as 1st-century Romans from Londinium, discuss the "Tiberius model" to analyze challenges in 21st-century American leadership, particularly concerning the age of leaders and succession. They note that empires, much like history, often repeat themes or "rhyme". Tiberius, despite being Augustus's successful stepson and a capable general, showed little interest in being emperor after 14 AD, eventually assigning duties to Sejanus (head of the Praetorian Guard) and retiring to an island. His later years were chaotic, and his reign was followed by disruption. Germanicus describes Tiberius as "careless and irresponsible" and narcissistic, which "played havoc with the stability of Rome". The speakers draw direct parallels to recent and current American presidents, including Joe Biden and Mr. Trump, highlighting the inherent risks of age in leadership. Historically, Romans preferred a a "young and vigorous" emperor, with older rulers like Andronicus II often leading to disaster, though Nerva served as a transitional exception. In America, they recall FDR's fourth election in 1944 as retrospectively "not responsible" due to an unfixed succession plan, leading to "great turmoil" in 1945. In contrast, successful succession planning is exemplified by Eisenhower choosing a young Richard Nixon (39 years old at the time) as his running mate, providing a vital "plan B". Gaius notes that Joe Biden's presidency represented a "Tiberius moment" not only because of his age but also due to the "aged" leadership within the Democratic Party, making Kamala Harris "as infirm a choice as was Caligula" for succession. Mr. Trump is commended for being candid about his legacy and preparing for succession, which Gaius considers "sensible and grown up". The conversation emphasizes that the U.S. has effectively become an "emperor system," where the "health of the emperor is also so directly connected to the health of the nation". This makes the age issue one of "transcendent importance," teasing out the transition to this emperor system for all to see. They also acknowledge that younger generations (Gen X, millennials, Gen Z, and the alpha generation) need to understand these critical discussions about leadership and aging.  1872 EXCAVATING ROMAN FORUM. #LONDINIUM90AD LIVE AT 6 PM ET EVERY SUNDAY: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS. PRODUCED BY CHRIS NOEL.

2.  #LONDINIUM90AD LIVE AT 6 PM ET SUNDAY: 8/31:  GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE: The Federal Reserve: America's Vestal Virgins and the Emperor's Reach.    Gaius and Germanicus use the Roman Vestal Virgins as a metaphor for the American Federal Reserve, focusing on themes of trust, independence, and accountability to the "emperor" (the President). In Rome, Vestal Virgins were "contract keepers," embodying "trust" and "nonpartisanship," essential for the "Roman worthiness" of the state. They safeguarded the "eternal flame of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth," which symbolized the protection of Rome's identity and integrity. Initially, Vestal Virgins were independent of the Senate, with the Pontifex Maximus holding ultimate authority over them; upon becoming emperor, Augustus assumed this role, blurring the lines between religion and politics. The speakers portray the Federal Reserve as America's "Vestal Virgins," with the "almighty dollar" and the monetary system serving as the nation's "hearth". Gaius explains that the Federal Reserve was established in 1907 to address market failures, such as the one bailed out by JP Morgan. It only gained its "so-called independent" status through legislation in 1951, having been seen as a clear "function of the government" before then. Despite this perceived independence, they argue that the Federal Reserve is "not outside of the emperor and the emperor's reach". A recent "melodrama" involving a Federal Reserve board member (Cook) accused of misleading on mortgage applications, and the President's swift public response ("you're fired"), underscores the tension between the Fed's asserted independence and presidential authority. Germanicus clarifies that while the Fed's "independence" implies its decisions shouldn't be controlled "capriciously by the emperor," it remains "part of the state" and "under the purview of the emperor". Like the six Vestal Virgins, there are seven governors on the Federal Reserve, nominated for terms. The legitimacy and authority of such institutions, much like the Vestal Virgins, require a "superordinate authority" to ensure accountability. Germanicus critically views Jerome Powell's (the Federal Reserve chairman) consistent defiance of the President's desire for lower interest rates as "unwise" and possibly "personal," which he believes eroding public trust. He questions why Powell has not publicly addressed concerns about his leadership or a board member's alleged misconduct. The Federal Reserve Board, they point out, is not part of the "original constitutional system" laid out in America's founding documents, meaning its "independence" granted by 1951 legislation is not constitutionally embedded. The Federal Reserve, therefore, like the Vestal Virgins, remains "under the purview of the emperor". 1712 CAESAR #LONDINIUM90AD LIVE AT 6 PM ET EVERY SUNDAY: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS. PRODUCED BY CHRIS NOEL.

3.  #LONDINIUM90AD LIVE AT 6 PM ET SUNDAY: 8/31:  GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE:  Women with Money, Billionaire Politicians, and the New Roman Republic.  This segment explores the historical and contemporary intertwining of money, power, and politics, comparing wealthy individuals in ancient Rome with those in 21st-century America. Gaius introduces Claudia of Matelis, a powerful Roman woman from the 1st century BCE who, despite formal restrictions like needing an advisor and being barred from court, inherited immense wealth and lived an independent life, exercising "great political power". Gaius observes that "politics and money in Rome were the same thing," a truth he believes also applies to America. Germanicus elaborates that in traditional societies, women historically played powerful, behind-the-scenes political roles, often linked to class and wealth, citing figures such as Livia in Rome or Madame de Pompadour. In the modern U.S., he notes a significant "galloping ahead" of women's wealth and influence, projecting that women will control 75% of discretionary spending by 2028, and already hold over 66% of consumer wealth and 51% of all stocks. The discussion then shifts to the emergence of billionaire politicians. While historical figures like JP Morgan, Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller possessed immense wealth, they were not directly engaged in politics. Today, however, there is a rise of billionaires, including women such as Steve Jobs' wife (who owns The Atlantic and engages in "charitable or political charitable giving"), directly influencing politics. This trend, they suggest, could lead to "family dynasties," exemplified by the Pritzker family. The speakers connect this phenomenon to Roman history, particularly after Constantine's conversion to Christianity, where "unbelievably rich senators" and their widows became crucial political players and funders of networks like monasteries and churches. They mention a period in the 5th-century Western Empire where three senators each held more wealth than the imperial state itself. They further link the increasing disproportion of wealth and income in the United States to levels comparable to pre-French Revolution France. In Rome, such inequality led to the "revolution" that ended the Republic and ushered in "billionaire politicians" like Crassus, Caesar (who gained massive wealth despite being in debt), and Augustus (whose wealth "soared" with power). The segment concludes with the assertion that America is becoming "more and more like Rome every single day" and is heading towards a future potentially dominated by "billionaire presidents," with Mr. Trump making claims in this vein. Germanicus predicts that these billionaires will become the "new dukes and counts" of American politics, potentially creating a political system characterized by a struggle between the emperor/state and these extraordinarily powerful figures. 79 AD WOMEN OF ROME #LONDINIUM90AD LIVE AT 6 PM ET EVERY SUNDAY: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS. PRODUCED BY CHRIS NOEL.

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the observation that European powers (Berlin, Paris, London) each have populist parties moving toward favoring Russia. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos 1890 SAXONY

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the lessons learned about emperors and kings. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos 79 AD at Pompeii: PLATO'S SACADEMY

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus puzzle why any sophisticated interest would oppose the POTUS aspiration to clean major cities of disorder. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos 1863 Draft Riot

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus discover that Italy continues to celebrate Emperor Augustus with the holiday Ferragosto, August 15. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos Cleopatra argues with Augustus

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus recommend the POTUS order to clean up DC of homeless and ruffians. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos  1936  JOBLESS

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus observe the Anchorage meeting of Trump and Putin as an echo of Napoleon and Alexander on the raft at Tilsit, June 25, 1807. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos

#LONDINIUM90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the lessons learned from the 1968-1973 Paris Peace Talks. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1968 VIET CONG/ NVA

#LONDINIUM90AD: Gaius & Germanicus recall the propaganda of the 1968 John Wayne Hollywood movie "The Green Berets." Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1971

#LONDINIUM90AD: 1500 years. Gaius & Germanicus speculate that the American Empire can continue as much as Rome -- 1500 years. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1967

#LONDINIUM90AD:  GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE THE VIETNAM WAR, LESSONS NOT LEARNED BY THE STALEMATED AND DEFEATED US.  ICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1967 4TH MARINES

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS REMIND OF THE ROMAN ANSWER TO REBELLION AS REMARKED BY THE QUARRELSOME AND PREACHY TACITUS: "They make a desert and call it peace" (Latin: "ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant") MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1600 SABINE WOMEN

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS OBSERVE THE ADVANCE OF THE GRACCHI TIDE IN EU ELECTIONS. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1573 THE CELEBRATED ROMAN WOMEN

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS IN CONVERSATION RE FOUR TURNS THAT CAN WEAKEN THE EMPIRE'S HARD POWER.   MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1650

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS OBSERVE WRYLY THE SUDDEN PLEBEIAN (POPULARES) DISMISSAL OF OPTIMATES EXPERT OPINION. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1872 EXCAVATION OF ROME FORUM

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS COMMENT ON THE SIMULTANEOUS DIPLOMATIC CARD PLAYED BY MOSCOW AND KYIV. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1945 TRINITY TEST SITE

#LONDINIUM90AD.  GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE THE SHRINKING APPEAL OF THE OPTIMATES IN MODERN TIMES. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1945 AFTER TRINITY TEST

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE THE COMPETING NERO-LIKE NARRATIVES IN AMERICA. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1945 THE GADGET

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS SPECULATE HOW MUSK AS MARC ANTONY WILL CONTEND WITH VANCE AS OCTAVIAN. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1480 DEATHS OF ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE RUSSIA AND THE NORTH KOREANS AS ROME AND THE GERMANIC SAVAGES AND BURGOYNE AND THE INDIGENOUS TRIBES OF CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1755

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the drawn-out end of Ukraine as sovereign. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1942 UKRAINE

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus observe Musk challenge the emperor and his heir, Vance. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1672 ACTIUM

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius admits to Germanicus that he had not understood before reading that the 5th century Visigoths were Romans. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1750 ROME

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate why the 21st century intelligentsia avoids acknowledging that America is an empire in the Roman model. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1700 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus praise the American emperor for a good week of dominating foe and friend, especially at the NATO summit. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1799 Agrippina Minor, wife and poisoner of an emperor, mother of an emperor.

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus remark that Russia manages the Ukraine front in the way Rome managed the Danube and Rhine front with occasional extreme violence. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1600 SABINE WOMEN

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus do not see much of a difference comparing US attack on BRICS and SCO member Iran and Russia's attack on EU and NATO candidate Ukraine.  Empires strike at a client of the rival. More. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1855 CRIMEAN WAR TATARS

LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius and Germanicus observe that the Americans do not appear informed that the Iranians are the uncowed, unconquered Parthians of Crassus and Caesar aka Persians of Sparta and Athens -- except for Alexander 4th century BCE. More. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus discuss unusually assumptive "No Kings" gatherings across sunny cities. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos 1861 Zouaves depart NYC for Washington

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate Eurasia wars and US empire authority. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @Michalis_Vlahos 1953 KOREA PANMUNJOM

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS A7 GERMANICUS OBSRVE THAT THE LA DISTURBANCES ARE MECHANICAL REPETITIONS OF 2020. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1896 NYC RIOT

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE IF KYIV AND FRIENDS ARE PROVOKING RUSSIA TO WAR WITH NATO. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1916 BULGARIAN REFUGEES

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus debate the significance of the 1964 apocalyptic thriller, "Fail Safe," and why Kyiv may not understand the irony. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1956 PEACEMAKER B-36

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus comment on the breakup of Yugoslavia in contrast to the breakup of Ukraine. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1941 UKRAINE

#Londinium90AD: Gaius & Germanicus comment on the peculiarities and plain hallucinatory ('Myth of Er") Plato. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos

Londinium 90 AD Gaius & Germanicus compare the fourth century acclamatory Roman Senate to the twenty-first century acclamatory US Congress. Michael Vlahos Friends of History Debating Society @michalis_vlahos 1750 ROME

Londinium 90 AD Gaius & Germanicus weigh the Tiberius failures of extreme age with the failure of Mark Twain and Joe Biden to resist staffer manipulation in their seniority. Michael Vlahos Friends of History Debating Society @michalis_vlahos 1907 MARK TWAIN

Londinium 90 AD Gaius & Germanicus consider the choice of the Eastern Roman Empire capital, Constantinople, for peace talks. Michael Vlahos Friends of History Debating Society @michalis_vlahos 1870

Londinium 90 AD Gaius & Germanicus puzzle at the inadequacy of Emperor Tiberius, aka Joe Biden. Michael Vlahos Friends of History Debating Society @michalis_vlahos AUGUSTUS AND CLEOPATRA

Londinium 90 AD Gaius & Germanicus celebrate the poet laureate of the American Revolution, Vergil. Michael Vlahos Friends of History Debating Society @michalis_vlahos 1776 AFTER TRENTON

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS PUZZLE WHY THE ACADEMY EXPECTS A GENEROUS LIVING FROM THE COMMON FOLK. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1954

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS OBSERVE KYIV SUBMITTING . MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1958

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS DEBATE IF UKRAINE WILL FOLLOW VIETNAM DOWN THE MEMORY HOLE OF FORGOTTEN AMERICAN WARS. MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS 1968 VIETNAM ON TV

#LONDINIUM90AD: GAIUS & GERMANICUS  COMMENT ON FIVE EYES ELECTIONS AND CLOSE WITH THOUGHTS ON ATTILA (406-453 AD).  ELECTIONSMICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS UNDATED ATTILA