Podcasts about octavian

In this special live episode recorded at the Melbourne Museum we set aside the military narrative to look at something just as fierce: the propaganda war waged between Octavian and Antony in the years before Actium. The insults traded in letters and pamphlets. The coins minted as political weapon. The will stolen from the Vestal Virgins. And the brilliant, ruthless campaign that cast a Roman civil war as a foreign invasion — with Cleopatra as the villain. Support Emperors of Rome on Patreon: patreon.com/romepodcast Episode CCLX (260) Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans

Alongside Mark Antony, Octavian hunts down Great-Uncle Julius's assassins. But Antony will soon go rogue, beguiled - just like Caesar - by Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Octavian will strike without mercy. With General Agrippa to the fore, he will soon command absolute power over the entire Roman world… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Lauren Ginsberg, David Gwynn, Neville Morley, Joyce Tyldesley. This is Part 2 of 3. Written by Jeff Dawson | Assistant Producer: Luke Lonergan | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisors: Tom Pink, Matt Peaty | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. You can listen to the final episode of the Augustus story straight after this - without waiting and without ads - by joining Noiser+. Just click the subscription banner at the top of the feed or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Limited time: download Supremacy: World War 3 for free via our link and get an exclusive Elite Bomber Seasonal Unit worth $25 - but only for the next 30 days: https://con.onelink.me/kZW6/6wtag9jg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 7, 43 BCE, a sixty-three-year-old man was carried in a litter down a woodland path near the Italian coast, fleeing soldiers who had been sent to kill him. When they caught up, he ordered his attendants to set down the litter, put his head out, and offered them his neck. They cut it off, along with the hand that had written the fourteen speeches attacking Mark Antony. The head and hand were nailed to the rostra in the Roman Forum, the speaker's platform from which that same voice had held Rome in thrall for nearly four decades. Antony's wife Fulvia took the severed head in her lap, forced open the mouth, and pierced the tongue with her hairpins. The tongue was the weapon that had wounded her husband most. Today's guest is Catharine Edwards, author of Cicero's Tongue: The Life of Rome's Greatest Orator and the End of the Republic. We discuss how a small-town outsider from Arpinum conquered Roman politics with nothing but his voice and was mocked as an upstart for the rest of his life, why the bloodbath of the Marius-Sulla civil wars traumatized a teenage Cicero so deeply that he spent the next forty years trying to prevent it from happening again, and how the trial of the corrupt governor Verres made Cicero the most famous advocate in Rome while revealing the scale of imperial plunder he never fundamentally challenged. We look at why the Catiline conspiracy made him "father of the fatherland" but also planted the seed of his exile, how his fourteen Philippics against Antony were delivered by a man whose lung capacity was failing and who knew the speeches would probably get him killed, and why his fatal miscalculation was betting everything on a nineteen-year-old named Octavian he thought he could control. Edwards argues that Cicero's tragedy is inseparable from the Republic's: a man who believed passionately that persuasion could solve any crisis, confronted by opponents who had discovered that violence was faster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Sinica, I'm joined once again by Ryan Hass, Director of the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings, former NSC director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, and co-host of the Beijing Brief podcast. Ryan has just published two pieces that couldn't be better timed: a long essay in China Leadership Monitor, “China's Great Power Vision Comes into Focus,” which argues that the 2020s may be remembered as the decade Beijing finally laid its cards on the table — and a shorter Brookings piece, “Why Beijing Isn't Taking the Bait with Trump,” on why Xi Jinping has answered an unusually accommodating American president with a poker face, and what that means for Xi's state visit to Washington later this month.We start with the perennial question — what does China want? — and Ryan's own two-decade journey with it, from chasing a supposed secret strategy in Zhongnanhai as a junior political officer to concluding that Beijing's vision is now legible and consistent: an international political order stripped of its liberal core and rebuilt around sovereign equality and the “global majority.” We talk about “American decline” and “strategic stalemate” in Chinese discourse, the tension between China's pitch to the developing world and its export juggernaut, the Middle East and Northeast Asia as test cases, and the central riddle of Ryan's essay: why a country so willing to articulate its ambitions has been so unwilling to pay for them. Then we turn to the summit — constructive strategic stability, escalation dominance, and what will and won't be on the table when Xi comes to Washington.03:11 – The “What does China want?” genre — and why Ryan concluded there is no secret plan locked in a Zhongnanhai vault06:10 – From participant to architect: what actually changed, and whether Beijing is revisionist or, as I cheekily put it, restorationist09:12 – “American decline” (美国衰落) and “strategic stalemate” (战略相持): reading Beijing's rhetorical restraint and the Maoist echo14:34 – Champion of the global majority, or the world's factory? The $6 toaster problem and the credibility gap on Ukraine and Japan19:36 – The Middle East as a test case: economic enabler, not security patron — and the good-faith maximalist rebuttal24:38 – Northeast Asia: why Beijing keeps generating the very encirclement it fears26:59 – Rhetoric without resources: flat foreign aid, shrinking BRI lending, and the SCO as China's proving ground32:28 – The Pew swing that hasn't materialized, and why Biden may have been America's last restorationist president36:01 – Why Beijing isn't taking the bait: Xi's poker face, “constructive strategic stability,” and the G2 refusal41:55 – Confident abroad, anxious at home: the purges, the memory of 2020, economic escalation dominance, and a viewer's guide to the September summitPaying It ForwardRyan flags two women doing important work in China studies, both with books out this fall: Emily Matson of Georgetown, whose China's Date Debate: How Manchurian Scholars Rewrote World War II examines how the start date of China's war with Japan was moved from 1937 back to 1931; and Shuxian Luo of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, whose Simmering Seas: Escalation and De-escalation in China's Maritime Disputes is forthcoming from Oxford University Press in October. He also gives a shout-out to the engines of the Brookings China Center, research assistants Allie Matthias and Joyce Yang.RecommendationsRyan: Barbara Tuchman's The Guns of August, which he's late to but found poignant for its eerie echoes of today's battlefields — and Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's Regime Change, an inside account of the second Trump administration that he calls harrowing but essential for anyone trying to anticipate the president's behavior. (He also finally read The Three-Body Problem, and now knows his sophons from his Trisolarans.)Kaiser: Robert Harris's Agrippa, published September 1 — the memoir of Marcus Agrippa, the general who won Octavian's battles and built half of Augustan Rome, and a story about the pivot from republic to empire that feels uncomfortably relevant. And if you've read Tuchman, do read Christopher Clark's The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914. Not my official recommendation, but astonishing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the Ides of March 44BC, Julius Caesar is murdered in the Senate. With Rome's long-time dictator deposed, the would-be inheritors of his estate and offices begin jostling for position. But as it turns out, Caesar has had other ideas. Remarkably, his somewhat obscure great-nephew, Octavian, is named as his heir. In time, Octavian will come to wield absolute power over the greatest dominion of classical civilisation. He'll be the first and perhaps greatest Roman emperor. We know him today by the honorary name bestowed upon him: Imperator Caesar Augustus… A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Lauren Ginsberg, David Gwynn, Neville Morley, Joyce Tyldesley. This is Part 1 of 3. Written by Jeff Dawson | Assistant Producer: Luke Lonergan | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisors: Tom Pink, Matt Peaty | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. You can listen to the final two episodes of the Augustus story straight after this, without waiting and without ads, by joining Noiser+. Just click the subscription banner at the top of the feed or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Limited time: download Supremacy: World War 3 for free via our link and get an exclusive Elite Bomber Seasonal Unit worth $25 - but only for the next 30 days: https://con.onelink.me/kZW6/6wtag9jg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CAPTION 1480The Climactic Battle of ActiumBarry Strauss, Part Two: This episode details the climactic 31 BC naval Battle of Actium, which unfolded as a logistical masterpiece orchestrated by Octavian's brilliant admiral, Marcus Agrippa. By capturing the critical supply base of Methone, Agrippa cuts Antony's supply lines, blockading his forces in Greece's malarial swamps. Antony and Cleopatra attempt a breakout by sea. On September 2, Cleopatra escapes with sixty ships carrying Egypt's treasury, and Antony follows, abandoning his army. Despite desperate resistance, Antony's remaining fleet is destroyed with fire arrows. Octavian closes the trap in Alexandria. Believing Cleopatra committed suicide, Antony kills himself; Cleopatra follows in death, using a smuggled cobra. Octavian secures absolute victory by executing Cleopatra's son Caesarion, the rival heir of Julius Caesar. Returning to Rome, Octavian rebrands himself as Augustus, establishing the Roman Empire by masterfully wielding authority over raw power. This victory completely reshapes Mediterranean history, sealing the historic rise of the empire. (2)

CAPTION ANTONY & CLEOPATRACunning Octavian Challenges Mark AntonyBarry Strauss, author of The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium, Part One: This episode introduces the core conflict following Julius Caesar's death between his young, ambitious heir Octavianand his experienced lieutenant Mark Antony. Alongside Lepidus, they form the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar's assassins, ending with a major victory at Philippi attributed primarily to Antony. Despite Antony's pedigree, Octavian possesses supreme Machiavellian political cunning. In 41 BC, Antony meets Cleopatra, the incredibly wealthy and powerful queen of Egypt, establishing a critical military and financial alliance. Octavian counters this through the strategic marriage of Antony to his sister Octavia and aggressive information warfare in Rome. Guided by his brilliant, low-born military commander Marcus Agrippa, Octavian's star rises through the Illyrian war, while Antony suffers massive losses in Parthia. The conflict intensifies when Antony divorces Octavia, handing Octavian a massive propaganda victory. Antony's move forces a decisive showdown for ultimate control over the Roman world. Both camps prepare for an impending naval battle. (1)

Cordell, Ed, and Ben discuss Mike Locksley's comments on considering adding Octavian Smith Jr. back before the Big Ten banned professionals from returning.

Toby Wilkinson, Part Two: The Ptolemaic family's decline is driven by internal civil wars, incestuous marriages, and rising Roman influence. Highly ambitious queens like Cleopatra I and Cleopatra III emerge as central political forces. The narrative culminates with Cleopatra VII, who strategically allies with Julius Caesar, whose military forces accidentally burn down Alexandria's great library. Following Caesar's death, Cleopatra forms a powerful political and romantic union with Mark Antony. However, their coalition collapses after their defeat by Octavian at the Battle of Actium. Antony dies in her arms, and Cleopatra commits suicide to avoid Roman captivity, ending the three-century-long Macedonian dynasty. (2)

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 22, 2026 is: august • aw-GUST • adjective The word august, which is pronounced with the accent on "gust," describes someone or something marked by majestic dignity or grandeur. // We toured the old mansion's august halls and expansive grounds. See the entry > Examples: "His tone is temperate, but the words echo through the State Capitol's Assembly chamber, the august backdrop for his speech." — Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 Did you know? The Roman republican calendar spanned just ten months, from March (then Martius) through December. The last five months were each named for their numerical place on the calendar: Quintilis (fifth), Sextilis (sixth), September (seventh), October (eighth), November (ninth), and December (tenth). January and February were eventually added to create a twelve-month year, obscuring the relationship between these months and their titles. So it was a welcome change when the Roman Senate honored Gaius Octavius (aka Octavian), the first Roman emperor, by changing Sextilis to Augustus—the designation taken by Octavian from the Latin adjective augustus meaning "worthy of honor" or "venerable." Although August has been the English name of the eighth month of the year since before the 12th century, it wasn't until the late 1500s that august came to be used as an adjective (pronounced aw-GUST), more or less as augustus was in Latin.

The decade after Caesar's murder is make or break for Octavian. He is very young and inexperienced, he is often between Mark Antony and the senate, and he needs to avenge Caesar and become his acknowledged heir. Despite these challenges he is slowly setting the stage for breaking the Roman republic. Support Emperors of Rome on Patreon: patreon.com/romepodcast Episode CCLVIII (259) Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans

Niște gânduri despre conexiunea dintre mit și melancolie. Apoi lecturarea jurnalului lui Octavian Paler, „Deșertul pentru totdeauna”, publicat în 2001. E o carte despre copilăria plină de semnificații în satul Lisa (la poalele munților Făgăraș), sentimentalismul și deșertul dinlăuntrul său la bătrânețe, gânduri despre boală, moarte și artă. 0:00 – Scriitorii transpun suferința diferit în artă 9:05 – Deșertul pentru totdeauna ▶Linkuri relevante: – Videoul original: https://youtu.be/89cD7jNAdqY?si=rtuSx_iAQQOoAuwO ▶Fragmente video: https://www.instagram.com/meditatii.podcast ▶Toate creațiile mele într-un link: https://linktr.ee/meditatii ▶EMAIL: andrei@podcastmeditatii.com

In this Sustainable Wine Roundtable Member Interview podcast, I'm joined by Vincent O'Brien, managing director at Octavian, a UK-based fine wine storage company.  As the long-term custodian of many fine wines shortly after their release, the team at Octavian has a unique perspective on the journey a case of wine takes before it enters the cellar. We begin by discussing what sustainability looks like at Octavian before turning to packaging. Packaging is a major focus area for SWR, and it's usually discussed on the podcast from the producer and retailer point of view. In this episode, Vincent shares the fine wine storage perspective, explaining why packaging is important from both a functionality and sustainability standpoint, and how current packaging trends are creating new challenges for the long-term storage of fine wine.

A @Christadelphians Video: # The Good News #2 'In the Empire' - YouTube Summary**[Actual, provable Bible Truth]**: The word "gospel" (euangelion) did not enter a vacuum—it was already a political term used throughout the Roman Empire to announce royal births, military victories, and the ascension of new rulers. Caesar Augustus himself was proclaimed as "son of God," "saviour," and "bringer of peace" decades before Christ's birth. This historical reality makes the New Testament's claims about Jesus profoundly counter-cultural and powerfully subversive.Welcome back to our thought-provoking series on The Good News. In this outstanding expositional presentation, Brother David Fraser reveals the astonishing historical context that makes the Gospel message even more wonderful and revealing than we might have imagined.The Roman world was saturated with another "gospel"—the imperial gospel of Caesar Augustus. When Jesus was born, Caesar was already proclaimed as "son of God," "saviour," and "bringer of peace to the world." The very words we associate with Christ were carved in stone for Caesar!This insightful study explores:- How Caesar Augustus manipulated the Roman Republic into an Empire- The use of "euangelion" (good news) for Caesar's achievements- The imperial cult that demanded allegiance to Caesar as Lord- The counterfeit gospel that Christians bravely resisted- How God sovereignly manipulated Rome's decrees to fulfil prophecyThe contrast is truly wonderful: Caesar grasped at greatness through oppression and violence, while Christ emptied Himself through obedience and was exalted by God. One gospel demanded a pinch of incense; the other demands our whole hearts.

Barry Strauss follows Octavian's advance on Egypt after Actium, securing the loyalty of Eastern kings. Cleopatraattempts to build a new fleet in the Red Sea to escape to India, but her plans are thwarted. In Alexandria, a complex negotiation unfolds as Antony and Cleopatra separately communicate with Octavian, often lying to each other. Antony, increasingly desperate, challenges Octavian to single combat, which is ignored. On August 1, 30 BC, after his troops defect, Antony commits suicide upon hearing a false report of Cleopatra's death. Days later, Cleopatra also commits suicide to avoid being paraded in Octavian's triumph, potentially using a cobra. Octavian immediately secures his power by killing Caesarion, Caesar's young heir, asserting himself as the "one and only son" of Julius Caesar. (7)

John Batchelor introduces Barry Strauss, author of The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium, to discuss the transition from the death of Julius Caesar to the rise of Augustus. Strauss identifies Plutarch and Cassius Dio as the primary historical sources, noting they had access to earlier, now-lost records. The discussion focuses on three main figures: Mark Antony, Octavian, and Cleopatra. At Caesar's death, Mark Antony was a consul and Caesar's lieutenant, hailing from the high Roman nobility. In contrast, Octavian (later Augustus) came from an equestrian family but gained status as Caesar's great-nephew and adopted heir. While Antony was a seasoned warrior, Octavian focused on political acumen. The Second Triumvirate, consisting of Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus, was formed to punish Caesar's assassins, leading to the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, where Antony emerged as the hero while Octavian struggled. (1)

Barry Strauss introduces Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and member of the Ptolemaic dynasty founded by one of Alexander the Great's generals. Strauss describes Alexandria as the Mediterranean's greatest metropolis and a wealthy cultural hub. Cleopatra is depicted as a "tough player" who survived deadly family intrigues to rule Egypt. When she meets Antony in 41 BC at Tarsus, she dazzles him with a spectacular, perfumed arrival on a barge. Antony views Cleopatra not just as a lover, but as a vital financial resource for his Eastern ambitions. A key point of contention is Caesarion, Cleopatra's son, whom many believed was the child of Julius Caesar. Octavian's later propaganda painted the East as "effeminate" compared to Roman manliness. To demonstrate her immense wealth, Cleopatra famously dissolved a priceless pearl in vinegar during an extravagant dinner. (2)

Barry Strauss traces the fracturing of the Second Triumvirate as Octavian utilizes his sister, Octavia, who marries Antony to seal a peace treaty in 40 BC. While depicted as a devoted housewife, Strauss suggests she remained loyal to Octavian, potentially providing intelligence. In Rome, Octavian builds power by marrying into the high nobility and cultivating talent, specifically his "secret weapon," Marcus Agrippa. Agrippa, a brilliant military strategist, builds a new navy to defeat Sextus Pompey, a naval threat based in Sicily. Meanwhile, Antony's reputation suffers after a failed campaign against the Parthian Empire, resulting in the loss of 25% of his army. By 33 BC, the triumvirate expires, and Octavian launches an information war. He portrays Antony as an "unmanned" traitor enslaved by Cleopatra, mocking his adoption of Eastern luxuries like mosquito nets. (3)

Barry Strauss examines Mark Antony's critical "unforced error" of 33 BC: divorcing Octavia, Octavian's sister. This move provides Octavian with a massive propaganda victory, allowing him to frame Antony as having betrayed Rome for an Egyptian queen. Strauss explains the divorce was a "credible commitment" by Antony to show his Eastern supporters he was fully committed to the coming conflict. Despite advice from his experienced admiral, Ahenobarbus, to leave Cleopatra behind, Antony refuses because she controls the treasury and the Egyptian navy. While Antony may have preferred a campaign against Parthia, Octavian forces his hand by declaring war. Antony's decision to bring Cleopatra into the war effort is anathema to Romans, who view her as a foreign invader. This sets the stage for confrontation, with Octavian relying on the tactical genius of Marcus Agrippa. (4)

Barry Strauss shifts the conflict to the western coast of Greece, where Antony and Cleopatra's massive fleet waits at Actium. Strauss emphasizes that while tactics are for amateurs, logistics are for professionals. Marcus Agrippa executes a brilliant logistical strike by capturing Methone, a vital supply base on the southwestern coast of Greece. This amphibious landing, conducted under the cover of a quarter moon, cuts Antony's essential supply line from Egypt. Antony, stationed further north at Patrae, fails to react effectively to this "one-two punch." While Agrippa disrupts the rear, Octavian moves his fleet north of Actium, effectively trapping Antony's forces. Strauss notes the strangeness of Antony's decision to wait for the enemy rather than invading Italy, suggesting he may have lost his nerve or been constrained by the propaganda risk Cleopatra posed. (5)

Barry Strauss narrates the naval Battle of Actium, which begins on September 2, 31 BC. Antony and Cleopatracommand approximately 230 ships against Octavian and Agrippa's fleet of nearly 400. Facing starvation due to Agrippa's blockade, Antony and Cleopatra decide on a breakout battle to escape by sea with their treasury. During the battle, Cleopatra's flagship, flying a purple sail, breaks through a gap in the Roman line. Antony follows her in a smaller ship, abandoning his fleet and army in a move that Strauss describes as a devastating blow to his Roman honor. Despite their leaders' flight, Antony's men continue to fight until Octavian uses fire arrows to destroy their remaining ships. The lovers escape south toward Alexandria, but Antony is left in a state of deep melancholy after deserting his troops. (6)

In the dramatic story of the fall of the Roman Republic, the Battle of Actium is a moment of the utmost significance. A naval action, fought off the western coast of Greece, today's guest, Ellen Jones, explains how Octavian defeated his rival Mark Antony in sensational style. The tangled story of these two political rivals was complicated by the additional presence of Cleopatra, Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. In 31 BCS she was the consort of Mark Antony and her dramatic retreat mid-battle remains one of the enigmatic moments in the history of the times. Ellen Jones is an Egyptologist, a classics teacher and a tour guide for ACE Cultural Tours. You can read more about her upcoming tour, 'Ancient Treasures of Cairo', here. Show Notes Scene One: 32 BCE when Octavian reads Marc Antony's will in front of the Senate. Scene Two: 2nd September 31 BCE – the Battle of Actium. Scene Three: 12th August 30 BCE – the aftermath of Cleopatra's (and Antony's) suicides. Memento: Mark Antony's battle plans. People/Social Presenter: Peter Moore  Guest: Ellen Jones Producer: Maria Nolan Theme music: Firelight by Minka Partner: ACE Cultural Tours.

Headline: Ancient Globalization and Volcanic Disruptions Guest: Professor Peter Frankopan Book Title: The Earth Transformed: An Untold History Frankopan explores the concept of ancient globalization, defining it through the long-range exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between Europe, Africa, and Asia. He highlights nomadic peoples as the essential vectors who transported bronze, cereals, and livestock between cities. The conversation shifts to the profound impact of volcanic eruptions on human history. For instance, the eruption of Thera (Santorini) triggered changes in the variola virus, potentially leading to the rise of smallpox which killed millions over millennia. Another major event was the eruption of Okmok in Alaska in 43 BC. This caused global crop failures and disrupted the Nileflood, leading to famine and political instability in Egypt. These ecological pressures weakened Queen Cleopatra'sposition, allowing her rival Octavian to eventually take control of Egypt. Frankopan notes that while volcanoes do not directly cause political change, the resulting agricultural shocks create "turbulent" environments where political opportunists can transform republics into empires. (2)1956 IDAHO

⁠⁠Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon! ⁠ In our last episode, Octavian had just defeated Cleopatra and Mark Antony. His sister Octavia had refused to renounce her wayward husband (Mark Antony), behaving with an intensity of loyalty that Octavian did not hesitate to use in his propaganda war against his enemy. Meanwhile, Livia and Octavian had both divorced their spouses, shortly after children were born, to marry each other. Both were equally cutthroat--and Livia refused to ever be on the wrong side of politics again. Now, as Octavian returns triumphant, these two women work beside him to tear Roman democracy down and start again—with themselves at the apex of power.    Sponsors and Advertising This episode is sponsored by Taskrabbit. Get $15 off your first task at Taskrabbit.com or the Taskrabbit app using promo code FANGIRL. This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Octavius become Octavian? We trace what we know of Octavius' early life in Rome during a tumultuous era of violence and civil conflict, through to Julius Caesar's unexpected adoption of a perennially sickly teenager. Come and see a live recording of the Emperors of Rome podcast at the Melbourne Museum on 4th of August. Tickets here Support Emperors of Rome on Patreon: patreon.com/romepodcast Episode CCLVII (258) Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans

  The Philippics, a Tragic Alliance, and a Heroic End. Guest Author: Josiah Osgood. In the chaotic aftermath of Caesar's death, Cicero delivered the Philippics to trash Mark Antony's reputation. In an attempt to destroy Antony, Cicero formed an alliance with Caesar's young heir, Octavian. He believed he could use the boy to further his own political goals, but this strategy backfired. Octavian eventually joined forces with Antony and Lepidus, and together they ordered Cicero's execution as an act of vengeance for Caesar. Legend says that Cicero faced his death heroically, extending his neck to the soldiers sent to kill him. This account was likely perpetuated by his loyal secretary, Tiro, who published Cicero's works after his death. Two thousand years later, Cicero's writings remain a staple for students of Latin and rhetoric. His speeches are still valued for their entertainment value and their insightful political put-downs. His life serves as a testament to the high stakes and theatrical nature of Roman political life, illustrating the end of a republic and the birth of an empire. 8SULLA

fWotD Episode 3338: Augustus Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 25 June 2026, is Augustus.Augustus (born Gaius Octavius; 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. The reign of Augustus initiated an imperial cult and an era of imperial peace (the Pax Romana or Pax Augusta) in which the Roman world was largely free of armed conflict. The principate, a style of government where the emperor showed nominal deference to the Senate, was established during his reign and lasted until the Crisis of the Third Century.Octavian was born into an equestrian branch of the gens Octavia. Octavian's great-uncle, the dictator Julius Caesar, named him as his primary heir in his will, and after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Octavian inherited his estate and assumed his name. He fought for the loyalty of Caesar's legions. He was made a senator during a state emergency and seized power by marching on Rome in 43 BC, becoming its youngest elected consul. He, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus formed a triumvirate regime with legally sanctioned powers to outlaw and oppose Caesar's assassins and their allies. Following their victory at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the triumvirate divided the Roman Republic among themselves and ruled as de facto oligarchs. Competing ambitions eventually tore their alliance apart; Octavian had Lepidus exiled in 36 BC for opposing him in Sicily, while Marcus Agrippa, Octavian's naval commander, defeated Antony in Greece at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Antony and his wife Cleopatra, the Ptolemaic queen of Egypt, killed themselves during Octavian's invasion of Egypt, which then became Octavian's personal property.After the demise of the triumvirate, Augustus reached an accord with the remaining Roman elite: he would restore the facade of a free republic, centered around the Senate, the executive magistrates and the legislative assemblies. But his control of the military and half of Rome's provinces meant he maintained autocratic power legitimized by his appointment as commander-in-chief of most Roman armies. To avoid the appearance of monarchy or dictatorship, he eventually refused to stand for reelection to the consulship, but the Senate granted him the powers of the tribunate and censorship and the titles princeps ('first citizen'), augustus ('the revered'), and pater patriae (lit. 'father of the country'), and named the month of August after him. After the death of Lepidus, Augustus also assumed the title of pontifex maximus ('supreme pontiff').Augustus dramatically enlarged the Empire, annexing Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum, and Raetia, expanding possessions in Africa, and completing the conquest of Hispania. His expansionism, however, suffered a major setback in Germania. Beyond the frontiers, he secured the empire with a buffer region of client states and negotiated peace treaties with the Parthian Empire and Kingdom of Kush. He reformed the Roman system of taxation and currency, developed networks of roads with an official courier system, established a standing professional army, established the Praetorian Guard as well as official police and fire-fighting services for Rome, and renovated much of the city during his reign. Augustus was a writer and patron of poets such as Virgil, and has been featured in various works of art from ancient to modern times. He died in AD 14 at age 75 from natural causes, and the Senate posthumously deified him. Persistent rumors have claimed his wife Livia poisoned him. He was succeeded as emperor by his stepson and adoptive son Tiberius.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:20 UTC on Thursday, 25 June 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Augustus on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Kendra.

Pride 2026 at Countermelody continues with an episode devoted to the towering German mezzo-soprano Brigitte Fassbaender, not only one of the great opera stars of the late twentieth century (her Octavian, for instance, was, is, and remains, hors concours), but also one of the greatest Lieder singers of all time. Today I choose to focus on her performance of the songs of Johannes Brahms, whose music is ideally suited to her dark-timbred, urgently projected voice and artistry. She's heard in these selections with four of the primary pianists with whom she collaborated and recorded in the songs of Brahms: Erik Werba, Irwin Gage, Karl Engel, and the great Georgian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja, with whom she made her final recordings and performances in the early 1990s, just before her sudden departure from the opera and concert stage. I read a portion of her memoirs (translated into English) in which she candidly discusses the reasons for that choice. Fassbaender has always lived her life openly and matter-of-factly, never foregrounding her sexuality while also never denying or hiding it. For her, music and the theater have always been the focal points in her public life, and her unique artistry has placed her at the forefront of the great musical artists of our time. There are few vocal artists I esteem as highly. Countermelody is the podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and author yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly or yearly support at whatever level you can afford.  

Before Augustus reached his great heights as Emperor, before he was even Octavian, he was Giaus Octavius, born to a relatively humble family and giving no indication of the greatness he would achieve. While his father had a reasonably successful political and military career, it's almost certain that he wouldn't have become princeps at all without the important connections provided by his mother, Atia. We are crowdfunding a podcast miniseries on Tacitus' Germania! It is exclusive to supporters only, and available now on kickstarter. Support Emperors of Rome on Patreon: patreon.com/romepodcast Episode CCLVII (257) Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans

The conflict reached a turning point in 33 BC when Antony committed what Strauss calls an "unforced error" by divorcing Octavia. This provided Octavian with a "propaganda bonanza," allowing him to frame the coming war not as a civil struggle, but as a crusade to save Rome from an Egyptian queen. Antony viewed the divorce as a "credible commitment" to his Eastern supporters, showing he would never compromise with Octavian. Despite warnings from generals like Ahenobarbus to leave Cleopatra behind, Antony kept her and her treasury close, further fueling Octavian's narrative that Antony had been "unmanned." Octavian strategically declared war on Cleopatra rather than Antony to maintain the moral high ground. Strauss notes that Octavian even mocked Antony's identification with Dionysus, portraying him as a simple drunk rather than a new Alexander. This battle of optics and ideology paved the road to the decisive confrontation at Actium. (4/8)80 BCE SULLA

In the aftermath, Octavian artfully transformed the Republic into an Empire, taking the title "Augustus" in 27 BC. He learned from Julius Caesar's mistakes, choosing to rule through authority (auctoritas) rather than raw power, and adopting the humble title of "Princeps" or "first man." Strauss emphasizes the central role of Octavia, who remained a powerful matriarch in Rome, raising the children of both Antony and Cleopatra to secure a stable future dynasty. Augustus succeeded in his goal of transforming Rome from a city of wood into a "marbled wonder." He ruled for decades, dying in 14 AD during the month that still bears his name. Though Antony's memory was officially suppressed, Octavia's descendants—including future emperors Caligula, Claudius, and Nero—ensured that the bloodlines of both families remained at the heart of Roman power. Ultimately, the war at Actium defined the course of Western history for centuries to come. (8/8)CLEOPATRA AND THE ASP

Following the defeat, the narrative takes on a "film noir" quality as the lovers return to Alexandria. Antony fell into deep melancholy, while Cleopatra focused on the survival of her dynasty, even contemplating exile in India. Octavian used the interim to consolidate power and negotiate with Antony's former allies. A treacherous three-way negotiation began, with both Antony and Cleopatra secretly dealing with Octavian while lying to each other. When Octavian finally invaded Egypt in 30 BC, Antony's remaining forces deserted him. Driven by a false report of Cleopatra's suicide, Antony attempted to kill himself and died in her arms on August 1. Cleopatra eventually committed suicide—likely via a cobra bite—to avoid being paraded in a Roman triumph. Octavian immediately secured the Egyptian treasury and ordered the execution of Caesarion, the 16-year-old heir, to eliminate any rival claims to Caesar's legacy. (7/8)CICERO AND FULVIA

Strauss highlights that while tactics are for amateurs, logistics are for professionals, citing Marcus Agrippa as the mastermind behind Octavian's strategy. Instead of invading Italy, Antony and Cleopatra waited in western Greece, allowing Agrippa to strike first in early 31 BC. Agrippa launched a daring, pre-dawn amphibious assault on Methone, a vital supply base guarded by the deposed King Bogud. This surprise victory effectively severed Antony's supply lines from Egypt, trapping his fleet at Actium. Antony's forces were soon plagued by hunger and disease in the malarial swamps of the Greek coast. Strauss explains that Agrippa utilized local guides and superior naval training to achieve this logistical "one-two punch." By the time the main battle arrived, Antony was already strategically defeated, his options limited to a desperate breakout attempt rather than a coordinated offensive. Agrippa's foresight turned the naval engagement into a foregone conclusion. (5/8)457 AMBROSIAN ILLIAD

On September 2, 31 BC, the Battle of Actium unfolded as a desperate breakout attempt by Antony and Cleopatra to save their treasury. They waited for the afternoon winds to turn so they could unfurl their sails—an unusual tactic for warships in battle. During the engagement, Cleopatra's squadron, distinguished by purple sails, broke through a gap in the Roman line. In a move that devastated his military honor, Antony abandoned his fleet and army to follow her. Straussnotes that while Antony's sailors continued to fight bravely, Octavian's forces eventually used fire arrows to destroy the remaining galleys. This abandonment of his men was a "major no-no" that permanently scarred Antony's reputation as a Roman leader. Despite the betrayal, the lovers successfully escaped with the Egyptian gold, though Octavian remained the undisputed victor on the sea, effectively ending the military resistance of the Second Triumvirate. (6/8)DIDO AND AENEAS

Strauss examines the role of Octavia, Octavian's sister, who married Antony in 40 BC to seal a peace treaty. While she is often portrayed as a devoted housewife, Strauss suggests she may have been a "fatal connection" providing intelligence to her brother. During this period, Octavian struggled in Italy against Sextus Pompey, a naval strategist who blockaded Rome's grain supply. Octavian's success was largely due to his friend Marcus Agrippa, a logistical genius who built a new navy and developed harpoons to immobilize enemy ships. Meanwhile, Antony's reputation suffered a major blow during his disastrous campaign against Parthia, where he lost approximately 25% of his army. In contrast, Octaviangained military "marks of honor" by being wounded during the Illyrian war. This shift in prestige allowed Octavian'sstar to rise as he used information warfare to frame Antony as a traitor unmanned by Eastern luxury. (3/8)1599

Barry Strauss introduces Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which turned Egyptinto a Mediterranean "gold mine." She was a "tough player" who survived deadly dynastic intrigues to secure her throne. Her spectacular entry at Tarsus on a perfumed barge wowed Antony, establishing a partnership built on both romance and finance. Egypt served as a vital treasury for Antony's ambitions, as the Romans had long viewed the country as a bank. A key political asset was her son, Caesarion, whom she claimed was the son of Julius Caesar—a direct threat to Octavian's legitimacy. Strauss highlights Cleopatra's intelligence through the story of her dissolving a pearl in vinegar to host the world's most expensive dinner. While Roman propaganda painted Alexandria as "effeminate" and "comic," it was actually the scientific and cultural capital of the ancient world. (2/8)1572 CONSTANTINOPLE

Guest Author Barry Strauss discusses the power struggle between Mark Antony and the young Octavian following Julius Caesar's assassination. Strauss relies on the Greek historians Plutarch and Cassius Dio to reconstruct this era, noting that Plutarch is the best single source for Antony's life. While Antony was a noble consul and Caesar's seasoned lieutenant, Octavian was a slight, 19-year-old great-nephew who lacked military experience but possessed "Machiavellian" cunning. The two joined Lepidus in the Second Triumvirate to avenge Caesar, leading to the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. Although Antony emerged as the hero of that victory, Octavian allegedly fled the battlefield due to illness. This victory eliminated assassins like Cassius and Brutus, yet it set the stage for a civil war where Octavian'spolitical ambition would eventually overwhelm Antony's social pedigree. Strauss emphasizes that Caesar likely educated Octavian in the "dark arts of power." (1/8)1680 CONSTANTINOPLE

⁠⁠⁠Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon! When Augustus rolled into town after defeating Marc Antony and Cleopatra, he was greeted as a hero—because the Senate ordered its people to stand outside the gates and cheer. The reality was, there was fear on both sides. Augustus was afraid to grab power too quickly—or he'd find himself meeting Caesar's fate. The Senators feared bloody proscriptions, like the ones Augustus (Octavian) unleashed with the Second Triumvirate just a few years ago. Standing outside those walls, anything could have happened. Octavian could have been murdered. He could have given Rome back its democracy, just like it was. Just like before. And for a while, it looked like he was going to do that. He kept promising he would. But that's not how it went down. Today we'll explore how you kill a democracy—with a thousand tiny cuts, or one single stab to the heart. Sponsors and Advertising This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠⁠Join The Normandy For Ad-Free NME, Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠⁠ Analytic Dreamz breaks down Drake's most ambitious and mysterious album rollout to date with ICEMAN, set for release on May 15, 2026. Nearly 952 days since For All the Dogs, this project arrives amid the fallout from the 2024 Kendrick Lamar battle, ongoing UMG tensions, and Drake's most experimental marketing campaign yet. From narrative livestreams “Blue,” “Green,” and “Red” to the Toronto Ice Fortress stunt, cryptic symbolism, Pinocchio imagery, and interactive fan experiences, this segment examines the high-concept strategy, hidden clues, and cultural stakes. Analytic Dreamz analyzes potential Kendrick responses, rumored features including Young Thug, Central Cee, and more, producer questions around 40 and Octavian, and whether the music will match the elaborate world-building. With industry pressure mounting, this ICEMAN discussion explores Drake's path to reclaiming momentum in hip-hop.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The myth says Caesar died and Rome was saved. That's the cover story. Brutus killed a man — he didn't kill the machine. The machine passed to Octavian.This is the story of how Augustus took the most powerful position in Rome and made it look like restoration rather than takeover. The Senate kept meeting. Consuls kept being elected. The fasces still stood on the rostrum. All the forms were preserved. Underneath, something else entirely was being built — and the system Augustus designed lasted nearly 500 years after his death.The pattern at the heart of this story repeats across history: successful transitions don't announce themselves. They resemble continuity. They keep the visible forms while the underlying function shifts. By the time anyone notices, the change is already locked in.This is part of an ongoing series on patterns of power transformation across history. For the deep dive on Constantine and a similar shift two centuries later, watch the companion piece on @TheRomanPattern (link in description).00:00 — The Machine Didn't Stop01:13 — Welcome to Hidden Forces in History01:23 — Caesar's Will Was the Real Weapon03:11 — The Proscriptions: Clearing the Field05:14 — Manufacturing Cleopatra as the Enemy06:27 — The 27 BC "Restoration"08:00 — Three Channels of Power: Literature, History, Currency09:13 — When Opposition Starts Believing11:00 — The Succession Problem12:20 — 500 Years of the Same Pattern13:00 — Same Playbook, Different Century

In their final discussion, Gaius and Germanicus explore the nature of political violence, comparing the Roman Empire'sorigins to the 21st-century American Republic. Gaius observes that Rome was founded on calculated, physical violence, with Octavian "stepping over bodies" to secure the throne. Conversely, Germanicus argues that modern Americanviolence is largely ritualistic and symbolic, amplified by social media and AI to create an illusion of chaos that contradicts statistically declining murder rates. He contends that the United States has become an "asocial" and risk-averse society where people crave the drama of violent presentations as entertainment to fill "desolate and colorless lives". This "ceremonial violence" is often an orchestrated narrative used for electioneering rather than a genuine precursor to revolution. The speakers also reflect on cultural amnesia, noting how the trauma of the Vietnam War has largely vanished from public discourse and education. They compare current European anxieties—such as the fear of losing electricity—to the 1960s nuclear dread immortalized in The Twilight Zone. Despite the centurions' potential disappointment with a "happy ending," the speakers conclude that narrative power now shapes the empire's reality more than physical conflict. They end their evening in Londinium by promising to return with more existential worries and rosy scenarios for the next debate. 31949 B-36 CARSWELL AFB

7. Following the defeat, Antony falls into a deep "melancholy," while Cleopatra focuses on protecting her dynasty, even considering exile in India. Octavian consolidates power by securing the loyalty of Eastern client kings and managing restless veterans in Italy. A complex "film noir" negotiation begins, with Antony and Cleopatra separately dealing with Octavian while often lying to each other. When Octavian finally invades Egypt, Antony's remaining forces desert him. Driven by a false report of Cleopatra's suicide, Antony attempts to kill himself and eventually dies in her arms on August 1, 30 BC. (7)

7. Mark Antony and the Divine Spectacle of the East Following Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra wooed Mark Antony with a theatrical arrival on a gilded boat, presenting herself as the goddess Aphrodite. While Antony viewed her as a vital political opportunity, conservative Rome saw her as a dangerous seductress who had caused a Roman general to abandon his principles. Their union was marked by Antony's increasing reliance on Cleopatra for funding his failing military campaigns against the Parthians. Simultaneously, a massive volcanic eruption in Alaska triggered climate cooling and poor Nile floods, leading to famine and further destabilizing the Egyptian economy as Octavian prepared for war. (7)CARTHAGE

  8. The Tragic End of the Ptolemies and the Roman Conquest After their defeat at the Battle of Actium, the saga of Antony and Cleopatra reached its tragic conclusion in Alexandria. Mark Antony died in Cleopatra's arms after being mortally wounded, a scene confirmed by historical records. Realizing Octavian could not be seduced and refusing to be paraded as a captive in Rome, Cleopatra took her own life. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Octavian, dismissive of Egyptian traditions, transformed the kingdom into a conquered province. Egypt became the essential "breadbasket" of the Roman Empire, its vast grain reserves used to feed and pacify the Roman populace. (8)CARTHAGE

1. Barry Strauss introduces the power struggle following Julius Caesar's death between Mark Antony and Octavian. Antony, a noble consul and seasoned lieutenant, initially holds a superior social position. Octavian, Caesar's younger great-nephew, is viewed as less of a warrior but possesses extreme ambition and cunning. Using sources like Plutarch and Cassius Dio, Strauss describes the Second Triumvirate's efforts to punish Caesar's assassins at the Battle of Philippi. Although Antony is the hero of that victory, the "Machiavellian" Octavian begins a political game to eventually transform the Roman Republic into an Empire. (1)

3. Octavian utilizes his sister, Octavia, as a diplomatic tool and source of intelligence after she marries Antony to seal a peace treaty. While Antony governs the East from Athens, Octavian faces internal challenges in Rome, including the Senateand Sextus Pompey's naval blockades. Octavian relies on his brilliant friend, Marcus Agrippa, a logistical genius who builds a new navy to defeat Pompey. Meanwhile, Antony's reputation suffers after a disastrous campaign against Parthia, where he loses 25% of his army. Conversely, Octavian gains prestige through military victories and wounds sustained in the Illyrian war. (3)

4. Antony commits a fatal "unforced error" by divorcing Octavia in 33 BC. Octavian exploits this for propaganda, framing Antony as a traitor who abandoned his Roman wife for an Egyptian queen. Antony views the divorce as a "credible commitment" to show his supporters he will never compromise with Octavian. Despite warnings from generals like Ahenobarbus to leave Cleopatra behind, Antony keeps her and her treasury close for the coming conflict. This allow Octavian to present the war not as a civil struggle, but as a crusade to save Rome from "un-Roman" Eastern influences. (4)

5. Marcus Agrippa serves as the logistical mastermind behind Octavian's strategy leading to the Battle of Actium. While Antony and Cleopatra wait in western Greece, Agrippa launches a daring, pre-dawn amphibious assault on Methone, a vital supply base. This surprise victory effectively cuts Antony's supply lines from Egypt. Octavian then strikes the northern coast, pinning Antony's fleet into the bay at Actium. Strauss emphasizes that while tactics are for amateurs, Agrippa's focus on logistics crippled Antony's forces—who were already suffering from disease and hunger—well before the main naval engagement began. (5)

6. At the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, Antony's blockaded fleet is forced into a breakout attempt to save their treasury. During the engagement, Cleopatra's squadron, marked by purple sails, breaks through the line. Antony follows her, abandoning his fleet and army, which Strauss describes as a devastating blow to his Roman honor. Although his sailors continue to fight, Octavian's forces eventually use fire arrows to destroy the remaining ships. This decisive victory allows Octavian to secure total control over the Roman world as the defeated lovers flee back toward Alexandria. (6)

8. Octavian enters Alexandria, securing the Egyptian treasury and ordering the execution of Caesarion to eliminate any rival heirs. Cleopatra commits suicide—likely via a cobra—to avoid being paraded in a Roman triumph. In 27 BC, Octavian takes the title "Augustus," establishing the Roman Empire by artfully using authority rather than raw power. His sister Octavia remains a central figure, raising the children of both families to secure a future dynasty. Augustus transforms Rome from wood into a "marbled wonder," ruling until his death in 14 AD. (8)