The Partial Historians

Well, dear listeners, Publicola has died and Rome has mourned … but wait, is that the Latins seeking an opportunity to kick Rome while she's down? Quite, quite possibly. In this episode Doctors R and G explore the increasing tension between Rome and her Latin neighbours. Hear all the details in our latest episode, click to listen or download! Episode 51: Latin Machinations The featured map i...

Your fearless Doctors take a moment to celebrate reaching lofty heights – our fiftieth episode! In this special episode, the Doctors embark upon a retrospective of one of the outstanding figures in the establishment of the Roman Republic: Publius Valerius Publicola. Publicola has quite a significant role to play, holding a number of consulships (according to the extant accounts), and he star...

Hello hello, most excellent and patient listeners! The Doctors return with a brand new, particularly fine, episode delving further into the hostilities between Rome and the Sabine peoples in the early period of the Republic. Following the action of c. 504 BCE, this episode covers the consulship of Publius Valerius Publicola (cos IV) and Titus Lucretius (cos II) as they battle for the city of Fiden...

The journey through Rome's early history is potted with conflict, and you'll no doubt be little surprised to hear, dear listener, that the Romans continue to jostle with the Sabines for control in wider Italy (and even closer to the City). Allow the Doctors to take you a winding scrawl of battles, conflicts, and rising personalities, focusing on the years c. 506-5 BCE. We discuss the challenges wi...

As the times fly by, the Romans continue to contend with Lars Porsenna and the consequences of the Tarquinii on the development of the political character of the City. In this episode, follow the unfurling of narratives from Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus that seem a little too odd to be believed, with dashes of exciting tales of derring-do from the likes of Scaevola and Cloelia. That's right...

The Doctors head into the dangerous territory of the sixth century BCE. Junius Brutus, a key figure in the expulsion of the King Tarquinius Superbus, has been slain in battle. But the Tarquinii are down, not out. In this episode, witness the rise of Lars Porsenna and the noble deeds of Horatius Cocles! Click on the link to download or listen: Episode 46 – Rome and Porsenna   Charles Le...

From the founding of the City (that would be Rome) to the downfall of the kings, Doctors R and G have reached a milestone in the history. In this episode, discover how Tarquinius Superbus attempts to hold on to power despite being exiled from Rome, how Brutus meets his end, as well as a heady discussion on topic of ‘well, what have we really learnt anyway so far?' Click to listen or download...

As the tide of popularity turns against Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, what will he do? And how will the Romans respond? Drs R and G return with a consideration of the last king of Rome. Follow the action here as the decline of Superbus sets in. Click to listen or download:   Episode 44 – Lucius Tarquinius Superbus – The Decline Sandro Botticelli 1500-1 The Tragedy of Lucretia  ...

Can a king really be brought low by the actions of his relatives? The story of Lucretia offers some clues. The Doctors return with a brand new episode in ‘The History of Rome from the Founding of the City'. Join us for the second part of the life and times of the final king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. Click to listen or download: Episode 43 – Lucius Tarquinius Superbus –...

The reign of Roman kings is nearly over, but what a way to go out! In this episode, the Doctors explore the early years of Superbus' rule, and you'll never guess which peoples he decides to wage war against! As is fitting for the last king of Rome, we are taking our time to ensure we cover all the particulars since there are plenty of reasons why the Romans decided they were not so interested in k...

Oh, Servius Tullius. A king whose destiny is foreshadowed! A king who rises from obscurity to greatness! The doctors embark upon an exploration of the sixth Roman king, the drama of his life and rule, and the expansion of Roman organisational systems that are attributed to him in some of our written sources. Click on the link to listen or download: Episode 41 – Servius Tullius Artwrok: Jean...

Join your favourite debonair scholars as they explore the rule of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, a man of such charisma, and favourable signs from the gods, who wooed Rome from the moment he entered the city. In this landmark fortieth episode, the Doctors continue their travels through the history of Rome from the founding of the City! Click on the link to listen or download: Episode 40 – L...

The Doctors drop in with a new offering on the early monarchs of Rome! In the wake of violence, and after an appropriate period of an interrex , Ancus Marcius is selected as the king to follow on from Tullus Hostilius. Listen to the dulcet tones of the Doctors' voices as they explore the life, reign, and interesting developments sometimes  attributed to this ruler. Click on the link to listen...

The Doctors return to the verbal fray with an examination of the reign, times, and doings of Tullus Hostilius. Who? You may very well ask! No where near as famous as his predecessors, Tullus Hostilius is a significant figure if you follow the Roman historiographical tradition. And yes, he was a king of Rome. There is violence, controversy, and a tale of two sets of triplets. Let the Doctors R and...

Numa Pompilius is to laws as Romulus and Remus are to violence. Following in the wake of the violent founding of Rome, a king is chosen for his steady character, disinterest in being a leader, and Sabine heritage. Let the Doctors take you in the rule of Numa Pompilius, the second monarch recognised from the founding of the city, who secured the favour of the divine Egeria. Click on the link to lis...

The Doctors return with a new mission! The history of Rome  from the founding of the city . Many illustrious Latin historians have paved the way with this bold genre, so the doctors are following in the footsteps of giants. On the plus side, this means a foray into those enigmatic brothers, Romulus and Remus. It's a founding mixed with parts teenage rebellion, revenge, and violence; it's the...