It's that time of the year for a Night of the Livy Dead halloween special! This time it's about witches and magic in ancient Rome. From what defined a witch through to examples in Roman literature. Please rate or review if you can.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

No episode notes but see below for a list of books used in this episode (aside from original sources).

Ed Ankarloo & Clark. Witchcraft and Magic in Europe

Dickie, MW. Magic & Magicians in the Graeco Roman World

Lefkowitz & Kant. Women's Life in Greece & Rome.

Luck, G. Witches and sorcerers in classical literature.

Ogden, D. Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds: A Source Book

May and June are covered in this episode which includes dealing with the dead at midnight, the Vestals and a bridge. Oh, and some straw dolls with a sinister backstory.

Episode notes with a transcription, reading list, links, images and supporting content on www.ancientblogger.com

If you are on Reddit come and check out the AncientHistoryHound subreddit - don't forget to rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's time for April in ancient Rome which means overseas deities setting down roots, Romulus getting a free pass, sheep and much more.

Episode notes with a transcription, reading list, links, images and supporting content on www.ancientblogger.com

If you are on Reddit come and check out the AncientHistoryHound subreddit - don't forget to rate and review where you can.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Much dancing, leaping, drinking and a musical instrument. As a month March had a legacy of sorts and there was a lot of fun to be had, though not everyone approved.

Episode notes on www.ancientblogger.com

Reviews on any platform are really welcome, thanks for those who have done so and for the kind messages!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Continuining the miniseries I dive into three festivals celebrated in February. There's much nudity, a spell and a festival with a name which might be a bit misleading.

If you can rate and/or review please do.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Ever wonder how the Romans set out their year and what they got up to in January? This is the first of a miniseries about festivals in ancient Rome.

In this episode I take a brief look at how the Romans developed their calendar (or Fasti). Then it's time to chat about two fesitvals celebrated in January and a bit about the name of the month.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com -if you are on Reddit come and join the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Reviews always welcome wherever you are listening.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Join me and guest Lottie Luke as we discuss The Return, a film about Odysseus, well, returning to Ithaca. How did the film differ from the Odyssey poem and what were our general thoughts?

As you might imagine there is reference to some nasty stuff - just be aware.

You can find Lottie Luke as @myclassicsportal on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. There's also her website: https://www.myclassicsportal.co.uk/

Bad poetry, bad behaviour and a bizarre use for heated walnut shells. In this episode I pick and and finish with Dionysius I of Syracuse. It's quite a rollercoaster with a dramatic finish.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com and if you a reading this then be a star and rate and review. Thanks to all those who keep coming back for more, your kind feedback really helps.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Don't worry, nothing serious but just to keep you in the loop. The next episode will be out mid-April. Apologies for the delay but it's not always easy to schedule regularly when you are a solo podcaster who has a full time job and other commitments. It'll be worth the wait - trust me!

Till then why not check out the podcast back catalogue?

You can find me on Insta, YouTube, TikTok, Bluesky and X as 'ancientblogger'. There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit (AncientHistoryHound) and my website - www.ancientblogger.com

In this episode I cover the life of Pliny the Younger and his famous letters. In his writings he gave a eye witness account of the eruption of Vesuvius and pondered how to deal with Christians. As well as looking into these instances I talk about what his letters tell us about him and the world he lived in.

Whatever platform you are using - leave a review and thanks to those who have.

Episode notes on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)