Category: Roman History

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 7 – Dr. David Walsh on the Cult of Mithras

In this Sidequest, we cover the ancient Cult of Mithras with the expert on the subject matter, Dr. David Walsh. This cult spread pretty widely throughout the Roman Empire and has remained a topic of interest for historians, archaeologists and people with passing interest in Roman history (like me!). During our talk, we cover many topics including the pronunciation of Mithras (no agreed way!), how the cult spread throughout the Empire, how widespread it became, the causes of its decline, what our sources of the cult’s information are and we dispel some myths about the cult including whether we should call it “Mithraism”. We also cover the locations where you can see the remains of Mithraic Temples. Turns out that Dr. Walsh is an expert not just on the Cult of Mithras, but the London Mithraeum itself! If you are ever in London, you have to stop by if it’s open. It’s such a cool place.

While I enjoyed the entire interview, I found the reasons for the Cult’s decline to be of particular interest. I think you will, too. And Rudyard Kipling wrote about Mithras. What else can you ask for? I mean, aside from me forgetting to mention the great John Huston movie, “The Man Who Would Be King“. That film has a John Huston ending (an ending in which all the characters get exactly what they deserve) that is arguably one of his best. And that’s saying something.

As for this episode’s reading assignment, check out “Pantheon” which covers ancient Roman religious practices.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 4 – Dr. Gerrish on Augustus (and a lot more)

Our friend Dr. Gerrish stopped by the podcast to discuss the first Roman Emperor (or Princeps, if you will), Augustus. We cover how he managed to seize (and consolidate) power and overcome his rivals, the different names he went by, his legacy as an administrator and the importance of his First Lieutenant, Marcus Agrippa. We also discuss whether Augustus could be considered a tyrant and spend a good deal of time talking about two Roman TV shows – the BBC production of “I, Claudius” and HBO’s “Rome“.

Oh, and we unravel a mystery about Dido, the legendary Carthaginian queen who features prominently in The Aeneid. This is brilliant scholarship, folks! (At least I think it is. I wouldn’t necessarily say everyone else would agree.)

If that weren’t enough, we take a few sidequests into some serious nerd stuff. I’m talking Star Trek: TOS, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the brilliance of DS9, the unequaled evil that is Gul Dukat and, of course, Fringe. After noting the Marcus Aurelius quote in one episode of the series, I detour into one of the greatest episodes of television episode ever – Fringe’s White Tulip. I can’t explain any part of the plot because it would give away too much.

To get better educated on the time period, check out The Roman Revolution, a book detailing the final years of the Roman Republic. To get better educated on “I, Claudius”, check out “I, Podius“, a podcast hosted by John Hodgman and Elliott Kalan. Give it a listen. It gets stronger as it goes on, much like the show it’s about.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 3 – Scotland, the Romans and Walls

Our third sidequest takes us to Roman Scotland, or “Barbaricum” (The Land of the Barbarians) as it was known back in Antiquity. Dr. Andrew Tibbs is our guide on this quest. During our interview, we discuss the Roman invasions of Scotland, the native tribes, the incomplete historical narrative we have and the famous walls the Romans constructed. We also discuss how the Romans and the Scots interacted with another another. And, so you know, it turns out that archeology is critical to understanding Roman Scotland. So, if you want to become an expert, you’ll need to turn into Indiana Jones. Plus, I make a reference to The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance!

Dr. Tibbs has written a number of books on Roman Scotland which you can find here. He also runs the popular Roman Scotland account on Twitter. Follow him there to learn more about an underappreciated historical era. You can also monitor his Academia page to keep up with his scholarly work.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 2 – Belisarius and the Byzantines

Listen here.

Our second sidequest takes us to the “Byzantine” Empire and the attempt by Justinian to restore the Empire to its lost glory. Dr. David Parnell, professor at Indiana University NW and author of Belisarius & Antonia, stops by to discuss one of Late Antiquity’s greatest generals, Belisarius. During our almost hour-long interview, we discuss how we got saddled with the term “Byzantine Empire”, Belisarius’ career and the times in which he lived. Turns out his wife, Antonina, was a pretty big deal in her own right. I hope my wife doesn’t read this and remind me how important a wife can be.

We also discuss Procopius, the famed historian of the Jusitinian era. He wrote two important texts which serve as major sources in understanding that historical era. The first one is History of the Wars and the second one is The Secret History. We cover those texts and get into theories about how the later came to be. And, hey, we also talk about the Epic History project on Belisarius which Dr. Parnell was involved in.

Having just finished Dr. Parnell’s book, I would strongly recommend that you pick up a copy. If you want to read more of his works, you can find them here:

https://iun.academia.edu/DavidParnell

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Parnell-2

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Interview – Jennifer Gerrish, Ph. D. talks Roman History

Listen here.

Dr. Jennifer Gerrish, Classics professor at the College of Charleston (Go Cougs!), stopped by to talk about one of my favorite topics, Ancient Rome. During our almost hour long conversation, we learn about Dr. Gerrish’s Ancient Rome origin story, cover the problems inherent in studying Antiquity and spend a lot of time going over the political genius, yet completely destructive force, that was Julius Caesar. SPOILER ALERT – he gets assassinated. Dr. Gerrish provides the greatest characterization of Caesar I’ve ever come across. You’ll love it. We also spend a fair amount of time talking about why governments fall and what appears to be the unchanging pattern of human nature.

If you want to learn more about Roman history and read some of Dr. Gerrish’s writings, check out the below –

Dr. Gerrish’s books:

Recommended reading list:

I’d also check out Emma Southon‘s book on Aggripina because she is a fascinating character and that era of the Empire is always worth your time.

I know this isn’t the typical stuff we cover at Bull City Coordinators, but this was an informative discussion with an intelligent guest. Dr. Gerrish and I are hoping to do another interview after this coming school semester ends. And, hey, why not do more after that? Rome is always a great topic.

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode.

Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments, on Mastodon, on Reddit, on Post, on Instagram, Spoutible, Bluesky or on Twitter.

As always, Go Duke!