The Partial Recap Archives - The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies

The 390s were an action-packed decade. Join us for a partial recap of what the ancients sources told us was really going on in Ancient Rome.

Our music is by Bettina Joy de Guzman.

Dr Rad – Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 390s BCE!

Dr G – I’m Dr G 

Dr Rad: and I’m Dr Rad

Dr G: and this is our highlights edition of the 390s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 399 to 390 in an epitome of our normal episodes. 

Dr Rad: Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee – but please be warned – the Roman world is a violent one.  

Dr G: Get ready for a recappuccino. 

399 BCE

398 BCE

397 BCE 

396 BCE

395 BCE

394 BCE

393 BCE

392 BCE

391 BCE

390 BCE

Dr Rad: And that was the 390s in Ancient Rome… or was it? 

Dr G: Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. Jump in at Episode 155: A Feast for the Gods  to join us for a deep dive into the 390s BCE. 

Dr Rad: Thanks for turning in to this Partial Recap!

The post The Partial Recap – 390s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

The 400s BCE have been a rollercoaster for Rome. It certainly seems to have been a decade of big changes, both in terms of foreign policy and on the domestic front.

Join us for the highlights for the last decade of the fifth century BCE!

The Partial Recap – 400s BCE

Want to hear the full story? Head to Episode 144: Where in the World is Carventum? to start at 410 BCE.

Our music was composed by Bettina Joy de Guzman.

Dr Rad – Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 400s BCE!
Dr G – I’m Dr G
Dr Rad: and I’m Dr Rad
Dr G: and this is our highlights edition of the 400s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 409 to 400 in an epitome of our normal episodes.
Dr Rad: Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee – but please be warned – the Roman world is a violent one.
Dr G: Get ready for a recappuccino.

409 BCE

408 BCE

407 BCE

406 BCE

405 BCE

404 BCE

403 BCE

402 BCE

401 BCE

400 BCE

Dr Rad: And that was the 400s in Ancient Rome… or was it?

Dr G: Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. Jump in at Episode 144: Where in the World is Carventum? to join us for a deep dive into the 400s BCE.

Dr Rad: Thanks for turning in to this Partial Recap!

The post The Partial Recap – 400s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

What a confusing decade the 410s have been. It’s definitely time for a Partial Recap! We run through what the ancient sources tell us about this decade.

The Partial Recap – The 410s BCE

Want to get all the details? Jump in at Episode 140: The Commonwealth of Slaves.

Our music was composed by Bettina Joy de Guzman.

Dr Rad – Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 410s BCE!

Dr G – I’m Dr G 

Dr Rad: and I’m Dr Rad

Dr G: and this is our highlights edition of the 410s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 419 to 410 in an epitome of our normal episodes. 

Dr Rad: Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee – but please be warned – the Roman world is a violent one.  

Dr G: Get ready for a recappuccino. 

419 BCE

418 BCE

417 BCE and 416 BCE

415 BCE

414 BCE

413 BCE

412 BCE

411 BCE

410 BCE

Dr Rad: And that was the 410s in Ancient Rome… or was it? 

Dr G: Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. Jump in at Episode 140: The Commonwealth of Slaves  to join us for a deep dive into the 410s BCE. 

Dr Rad: Thanks for turning in to this Partial Recap!

The post The Partial Recap – 410s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

Another decade is gone and it’s time for a Partial Recap! We run through what the ancient sources tell us about this decade. There are some real highs and lows!

The Partial Recap 420s BCE

If you are keen to for some more detail, you can jump into our narrative episodes at 134 – A Dry Period.

A view to the East over the Roman Forum with the Temple of Saturn on the left and the Palatine Hill on the right, showing the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Arch of Titus, Santa Francesca Romana, and the Colosseum. Detail from the photograph by Nicholas Hartmann, June 1976. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under license.

Our music was composed by the fabulous Bettina Joy de Guzman.

Dr Rad:

Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 420s BCE!

Dr G: I’m Dr G 

Dr Rad: and I’m Dr Rad

Dr G: and this is our highlights edition of the 420s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 429 to 420 in an epitome of our normal episodes. 

Dr Rad: Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee – but please be warned – the Roman world is a violent one.  

Dr G: Get ready for a recappuccino. 

429 BCE

428 BCE

427 BCE

426 BCE

425 BCE

424 BCE

423 BCE

422 BCE

421 BCE

420 BCE

Dr Rad: And that was the 420s in Ancient Rome… or was it? 

Dr G: Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. Jump in at Episode 134: A Dry Period  to join us for a deep dive into the 420s BCE. 

Dr Rad: Thanks for turning in to this Partial Recap!

The post The Partial Recap – 420s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

We recap the confusing details of the 430s BCE. Be careful – there’s a lot of dictators about!

This is a short, sharp, scripted overview of all the big events that defined the 430s BCE. If you’re inspired to delve into more details, all the episodes from this decade can be found in our Foundation of Rome series starting with Episode 127: The Assassination of Spurius Maelius.

The Partial Recap – 430s BCE

A view to the East over the Roman Forum with the Temple of Saturn on the left and the Palatine Hill on the right, showing the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Arch of Titus, Santa Francesca Romana, and the Colosseum. Detail from the photograph by Nicholas Hartmann, June 1976. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under license.

Our music was composed by the incomparable Bettina Joy de Guzman.

Dr Rad 0:16
Welcome to The Partial Historians,

Dr G 0:20
we explore all the details of ancient Rome.

Dr Rad 0:23
Everything from the political scandals, the love affairs, the battles waged and when citizens turn against each other. I’m Dr. Rad

Dr G 0:34
and I’m Dr. G. We consider Rome as the Romans saw it by reading different authors from the ancient past and comparing their stories.

Dr Rad 0:43
Join us as we trace the journey of Rome from the founding of the city.

Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 430s BCE.

Dr G 1:12
I’m Dr. G.

Dr Rad 1:14
And I’m Dr. Rad

Dr G 1:15
And this is our highlights addition of the 430s in Rome will take you through from 439 to 430. In an epitome of our normal episodes

Dr Rad 1:27
Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee. But Please be warned. The Roman world is a violent one

Dr G 1:34
Get ready for a re-cappuccino.

Dr Rad 2:02
439 BCE. In 439 BCE, the consuls were Agrippa Menenius Lanatus and Titus Quinctius Capitolinus Barbatus, Rome was still having issues with their green supply and 439 BCE. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that they were having issues with the man who had tried to solve the green crisis and to be honest, the dates are blurry here. This is more 439 and 438. An equestrian named Spurius Maelius had used his private fortune to secure desperately needed corn, something that the officially appointed prefect of corn supply Lucius Minucius had failed to do. Spurius Maelius had allegedly been using his success with the grain to curry favour and after carefully building support amongst the plebs instal himself as monarch. Funnily enough Minucius was the one to uncover this dastardly plot. Jealous much? This may somehow connect to another version of events we have in which the people overthrew Minucius and put Maelius in his place. In this time of crisis, the Romans turned to Cincinnatus, that old war horse or did they? Officially Cincinnatus was made dictator and chose Gaius Servilius Ahala, whose name means Gaius Servilius ‘Armpit’, as the master of the horse, depending who you believe Ahala was either just a random elite man who was given a senatorial approval to kill Maelius, or he was sent by Cincinnatus to arrest the scheming Spurius. When Spurius decided not to go quietly, and when he screamed for help from the nearby plebs, Ahala decided to murder him on the spot. Naturally. Ahala and a band of young patricians reported the crime to Cincinnatus, who was thoroughly pleased that Maelius was dead. The populace were less thrilled and Cincinnatus summoned an assembly to explain exactly how Maelius’ murder went down. With Rome safe again, Maelius’ house was torn down. Too much evil plotting had gone down in there to leave it standing. It became a memorial named the Aquaemaelium to commemorate whatever he was supposedly doing. The rest of his property was donated to the public treasury. Again, according which account you believe some other traitors flesh rabbits may have found their heads detached for their bodies and displayed in the Forum. In the aftermath of the Spurius Maelius debacle, Lucius Minucius was given an ox and a gilded statue outside the Porta Trigamenia, he may also have been made a plebeian and an 11th tribune of the plebs just to keep an eye on them after this attempted coup business, but even Livy is unsure about this one. The tribunes certainly weren’t pleased that Minucius was being honoured, so they pushed to have military tribunes with consular power and 438 BCE. Come on pleb power! Ahala did not fare as well as Minucius going into “self imposed exile”. Wink. Looking to delve deeper into the details of 439 BCE, check out our Episode 127 The Assassination of Spurius Maelius.

Dr G 5:49
438 BCE in 438 BCE, the military tribunes with consular power were Mamercus Aemilius, Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus and Lucius Julius Iullus. If the idea to have military tributes with consular power is to allow non elite Romans into the politics then we can call this year a fail. These guys are all patricians. It’s a tough time in Rome because the Roman colony of Fidenae decided to revolt and side with the Etruscan city of Veii, led by King Lars Tolumnius: disaster! To make matters worse, the Fidenates ended up murdering the ambassadors that the Romans sent to sort out this mess. Lars Tolumnius may have had something to do with this, but it is all very murky. The four slain ambassadors received statues which were erected at the public expense in Rome, lest we forget. Me thinks the Romans have vengeance on their mind. Jump into Episode 128 Mopping up Maelius, to catch all the details.

Dr Rad 7:31
437 BC in 437 BCE, the consuls were Marcus Geganius Macerinus and Lucius Sergius Fidenas. Rome was in crisis mode, so no one was causing issues at home, but a dictator was clearly needed. And Mamercus Aemilius was chosen for the job. Lucius Quictius Cincinnatus, son of the famous Cincinnatus, was selected as master of the horse. During the emotionally charged battle that followed, a really ridiculously good looking tribune from the Roman cavalry named Aulua Cornelius Cossus distinguished himself. Determined to make his family name proud, Cossus decided to take down the king of Veii. Tolumnius was wreaking havoc for the Romans, but not once Cossus was finished with him. Cossus did not just kill Tolumnius, he decapitated him. The Etruscans lost their nerve after the death of their King and were defeated. Cossus became known as the first man since King Romulus to defeat an enemy leader in single combat, and he dedicated his spoils to Jupiter Feretrius. The senate and the people agreed: all of this glory added up to a triumph for our dictator.

Dr G 9:15
436 BCE, in 436 BCE, the consuls were Lucius Papirius Crassus and Marcus Cornelius Maluginensis – what a mouthfull! The year began with some raids into enemy territory. We’re in familiar crowds now with the Romans and the Romans took some booty, both human and animal from Veii and the Faliscans, those bastards. The enemy was presumably busy licking their wounds, and so there was no actual battle to be had. At least no battles before Romans were struck down by a pestilence. Not to be stopped by disease, Spurius Maelius – a relative of our grain loving murder victim – decided to use his power as tribune of the plebs to prosecute Lucius Minucius and to confiscate the property of Servilius Ahala. Crazily, the people seem to have been quite indifferent to his efforts. Perhaps it was the worsening pestilence…

Dr Rad 10:21
435 BCE. In 435 BCE the consuls were Gaius Iulius and Lucius Verginius. After all that pesky illness, the patricians and plebeians were ready for a peaceful year, but the people of Fidenae had other ideas. Fidenae and Veii teamed up to create terror for the Romans with their pillaging, reaching the very gates of Rome. You know what this means? It’s time for a dictator. Quintus Servilius Priscus was made dictator with Postumius Aebutius Helva as master of the horse. Any male who could fight was called up and a battle ensued near Nomentum. The enemy retreated into the city of Fidenae, which was a hard nut to crack. But Servilius was no ordinary military strategist. Using clever diversionary tactics, he managed to seize control of the city. Back in Rome, the censors approved a new public building fittingly called the Villa Publica. This would be used to take the census. Just as exciting as siege warfare, clearly censors know how to party.

Dr G 11:35
Build a house for the very same.

434 BCE. Now things get pretty confusing around 434. The first problem, there seems to have been two sets of consuls. The consuls are variously listed as Gaius Julius Iullus, and Lucius Verginius Tricostus or Marcus Manlius Capitolinus and Quintus Sulpicius Camerinus Praetextatus. So imagine that so you know, so much Latin, no overlap of names. And to make matters even worse, there were also three military tributes with consular power listed for this year as well. Servius Cornelius Cossus, Marcus Manlius Capitolinus and Quintus Sulpicius Camerinus Praetextatus. And yes, you’re definitely starting to hear some overlapping names. This year was simply lousy with magistrates. The sources themselves seem quite confused over who was running the place. But whoever was in charge, they soon found themselves replaced by dictator Mamercus Aemilius and his master of the horse. Oulus – Aulus, I should say Postumius Tubertus. Mamercus was called in because it seemed like war might break out with Veii and some of their allies, but it all fizzled quite quickly. Mamercus therefore decided that he was going to change some things at home, he focused his attention on the censorship. These guys were too powerful. A law was proposed that would limit the censorship to a year and a half, that people were giddy with delight. But the censors now saw Mamercus as public enemy number one. They kicked him out of his tribe, and drastically increased his tax bill. Ouch.

Dr Rad 13:56
Hell know no fury like a censor scorned.

Dr G 14:01
What is this tax? It’s just for you, my friend. Lucky for the censors, Mamercus was content to take this one on the chin, or they may have found some of his devoted fans waiting for them in the forum with baseball bats and switch blades.

Dr Rad 14:44
433 BCE. In 433 BCE, the military tributes with consular power where Marcus Fabius Vibulanus, Marcus Folius Flaccinator, and Lucius Sergius Fidenas. The tribunes of the plebeians decided that this was a good year to start some trouble. They tried to block the consular elections and the rumours were apparently close to having to move to an interregnum. A compromise was reached and military tribunes with consular power were elected instead. But none of the men chosen were plebeians. The best laid plans. More political shenanigans may have ensued, but a serious epidemic struck the city so serious that a temple was given to Apollo on behalf of the people’s health. But many people died and the Romans were worried that widespread death would lead to famine, which would lead to more death. So they started searching high and low for grain which they could stockpile.

Dr G 16:09
432 BCE, and we’re back with some military tribunes with consular power, Lucius Pinarius Mamercinus, Lucius Furius Medullinus and Spurius Postumius Albus Regillensis. The disease that had affected the population in the previous year started to ease up and the Romans did not have to add famine to their list of worries as they were so damn organised. All of that stockpiled grain coming in handy. There were murmurings of war between Etruscans, the Volscians and Aequians and Rome, but it was decided to postpone any conflict for a year. The tribune of the plebs started strategizing about how they could get a plebeian elected as military tribune with consular power. It was crazy that only patricians had been elected so far. Somehow this led to a law being proposed by the tribunes that political candidates were not allowed to whiten their toga. In other words, no advertising the fact that you were running for office with your very shiny very white toga candida. To avoid dirty plebeians winning any more power, the patricians made sure that consuls were on the cards for the following year.

Dr Rad 17:56
431 BCE. In 431 BCE the consuls were Titus Quinctius Poenas Cincinnatus, and Gaius or Gnaeus Iulius Mento, and they apparently hated each other. The consuls really needed a strong army this year, so a levy was held under a lex sacrata, which meant that anyone who offended against this law was sacer to the gods. The Aequians and the Volscians set up their camps at Mount Algidus and seem to have strong armies in the field. The Romans were spooked or defeated in battle and didn’t want to talk about it, and the Senate decided to appoint a dictator. After all, so many young Romans had perished in the plague and the consuls were not a great team. However, the consuls did agree that a dictator was a terrible idea. In desperation Quintus Servilius Priscus, an elite Roman, appealed to the tribune of the plebs, and ask them to force the consuls to name a dictator. The consuls were livid. But finally it was decided by lot that Titus Quinctius should choose the dictator. Quinctius selected his father-in-law Aulus Postumius Tubertus, aka the “face of stone”. Lucius Julius was named master of the horse. A levy was declared and the Romans were ordered to focus all of their attention on the war effort. Postumius was just what the campaign needed. With his team and fellow elites, they managed to defeat both the Aequians and the Volscians. The only downer was the possible execution of Aulus Postumius’ son on his father’s orders. The “face of stone” strikes again! But nobody wants to believe this story. As a parting blow to his colleague, Gnaeus Julius dedicated the Temple of Apollo without consulting his colleague Quinctius. How rude.

Dr G 20:16
430 BCE. In this year the consuls were Lucius Papirius Crassus and Lucius Julius Iullus. A new law was introduced this year called The Papira Julia, which changed the valuation of fines by changing how they decided to count cattle. Those Romans will the excitement never end when it comes to their lawmaking! After their disastrous defeat in the previous year, the Aequians – surprise, surprise – managed to secure an eight year truce with Rome. Ahh, the bliss of peace. The Volscians on the other hand, were distracted by their own internal dispute, which made for an unusually peaceful end to the decade.

Dr Rad 21:25
And that was the 430s in ancient Rome. Or, was it?

Dr G 21:29
Wow, that is the big question. Remember, this has just been a highlights reel of the ancient sources and the decade that was so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes, you’d want to be jumping in at Episode 127 The Assassination of Spurius Maelius to join us for a deep dive into the decade that was the 430s BCE.

Dr Rad 22:00
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Partial Historians, we’d like to send an extra special thank you to all of our supporters, especially our Patreon and our Kofi donators. Thank you so much for helping keep the show going. Until next time, we are yours in ancient Rome.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

The post The Partial Recap – 430s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

On the 1st March 2013, something momentous happened. We published our first episode of the Partial Historians podcast! Clearly, this is an event akin to Hannibal crossing the Alps or the expulsion of the kings.

Well, perhaps not quite. But it certainly changed our lives forever in ways that we could not imagine. Therefore, we decided to mark the occasion by getting together and discussing our Top Ten Moments from the Roman Republic thus far.

We hope you enjoy our chat about the Republic as much as we have enjoyed making this show for the past ten years.

Special Episode – Our Top Ten at Ten

Thanks to the talented Bettina Joy de Guzman for our music.

Just a few photos of us together over the years. Are we partial to a dress up for the sake of Roman history? You betcha!

Dr Rad 0:00
That’s right isn’t just any bonus episode. Dr. G. It’s our anniversary episode. I know I can’t believe it. But we have been recording this podcast for 10 years as of today, the first of March.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Partial Historians. And this might just be the most special bonus episode that you will hear of this show for a long time. Not that you should stop listening or anything. But just because this is our 10 year anniversary show. That’s right. 10 years ago to this day, we released our very first episode. And so to mark that occasion, Dr. G, and I did what we did 10 years ago, which is we sat down, and we had a chat in our living room about Roman history. We hope that you enjoy the show.

Dr G 0:54
Hello and welcome to a fabulous bonus edition of the Partial Historians. I am Dr. G.

Dr Rad 1:04
And I am a 10 year old Dr. Rad

Dr G 1:08
10 years old.

Dr Rad 1:09
That’s right isn’t just any bonus episode. Dr. G.

Dr G 1:13
It’s our anniversary episode. I

Dr Rad 1:15
know I can’t believe it. But we have

Dr G 1:18
10 years old??

Dr Rad 1:23
the first of March.

Dr G 1:26
Look, there are marriages that do not last as long as this podcast.

Dr Rad 1:31
I know. And I felt we could not let this occasion pass without marking upon it. Because being independent podcasters as we are and have been for 10 years. I think that really the fact that we’re still here now actually has a lot to do with the fact that we are just determined in clueless.

Dr G 1:54
We shall persist regardless the circumstance. Well, I mean, that may be so but I think it is also the case genuinely that over time, we have found our audience, our beautiful listeners, they’re out there,

Dr Rad 2:08
I know. And we’re so incredibly grateful because we look back to 10 years ago, and it really doesn’t feel like 10 years ago because we even though we don’t release episodes as often as other podcasts because we are dependent, and we have to balance full time jobs and all that kind of stuff. At the same time. We actually haven’t taken a break. There hasn’t been a month where we haven’t released a podcast in 10 years, we have never stopped making the show.

Dr G 2:35
That is pretty consistent. I’m gonna give us a large pat on the back for that. Congratulations. For a while we were doing them every two weeks. I think that was a that was a period of early insanity, where we thought we had more time. And podcasting was not so strenuous.

Dr Rad 2:52
Yeah, because I mean that this is the thing. I was thinking back to our early days. And initially you and I had mooted the idea of starting a YouTube channel. But back in 2012, when we were initially having these discussions, that was a little out of our budget.

Dr G 3:08
It was it was and to be honest, who knows what would happen if we attempted to start a YouTube in 2012? It’s like the dark ages of YouTube.

Dr Rad 3:18
Exactly. But instead, we decided that we would start a podcast because it required a little bit less investment. And back in those days also a little bit less know how.

Dr G 3:27
Yeah, I look, I don’t know that it requires heaps of know how now, but we certainly do know more now.

Dr Rad 3:35
Yeah, definitely. But yeah, so we basically for an hour, if there’s a word that I say all the time? Of course, I have to say it on our turn. Yeah, I say basically a lot on the show. But we initially take that basically, just we’re recording our conversations, and we proudly did not edit our shows at all until I think about maybe three years ago.

Dr G 3:59
This is true. We did spend a long time not editing anything. Yeah. And and that my friends is the secret to an independent podcast.

Dr Rad 4:11
Yeah, but it wasn’t it wasn’t just because of time. I mean, we genuinely sat down I think to record our conversations. And I think that’s been one of our challenges as well. The fact is that you amuse me endlessly Dr. G, and I am what we call a laugh speaker naturally, as anybody who knows me in real life knows, I tend to laugh as I speak all the time, regardless, and I’m a teacher so there are a lot of people out there that have to listen to me teach history whilst simultaneously somehow

Dr G 4:42
I think that’s fine. It’s more like when it gets into like disciplining the students and you’re still laughing and that’s that’s the toughy.

Dr Rad 4:50
Ahh Yes, my my notorious laugh-yelling less heard on the podcast. But anyway, I think that that’s exactly it when we first started sitting down and having conversations it genuinely, I think it still is to a certain extent. But for a really long time, you and I were really just in a bubble, I felt like where I almost forgot we were recording. I just don’t have a great time talking to you. And therefore getting too excited, laughing too much being too loud.

Dr G 5:21
Oh, look, and I don’t think that’s a real issue. And I have to say that if we’re in this sort of compliment sandwich, which is this anniversary episode, and I feel like that’s where we, that I enjoy your company events. And I would not be able to turn up every time for 10 years and have such a good time. If it weren’t for you, my esteemed colleague.

Dr Rad 5:43
No, I couldn’t agree more. And the crazy thing is that if we hadn’t come together, I mean, we met at university, everybody, I think, who listens to our show probably noticed that we did meet at university, but we really didn’t know each other at all, while we were doing our degree. I remember having a conversation with you at some postgrads thing that was at Macquarie I can’t even remember what it was about. And we were talking about the fact that at the time, we were both dating men who were really keen cricketers. And so we were talking about how the fact that we were like cricket widows on a Saturday or something along those lines. But apart from that, I don’t think we exchanged more than five words to each other whilst we’re at uni together. It wasn’t until we were both graduating essentially, that we were kind of thrown together and somehow decided that even though we knew each other, but we didn’t know each other that well that we would start a podcast together.

Dr G 6:35
Let’s just do this thing. I think at that point, we were really driven by our passion for history and wanting to continue to do history. Yes. And that was pretty clear. And we also, the circumstances of us getting to know each other more through doing the podcast is absolutely true, because we did know, of each other. But I wouldn’t say that we necessarily knew each other deeply at the time that we agreed to do this thing. And in a way that’s potentially a benefit. But I would have to say also, that the circumstance of us coming together was through a mutual friend.

Dr Rad 7:11
Yes.

Dr G 7:12
And so we, we had both already been vetted and approved by somebody we both trusted.

Dr Rad 7:18
And we had been spending some social time together because of the mutual friend, definite

Dr G 7:23
Shout out Abby!

Dr Rad 7:24
Our original photographer, guys. And that’s just it, we ended up developing a number of important mutual friendships, such as Dr. Smith. Hi, Dr. Smith, also one of our photographers are our long suffering friends that have had to take photos of us wherever we go.

Dr G 7:44
Yes, and we’ve really only sorted that out recently, as well by buying a ring light. So we could put this phone on a stand to take the photos for us. And goodness knows. That may be more silly than having somebody take your own picture. I don’t know.

Dr Rad 7:58
This is true. But it just seems crazy to me that if it hadn’t been for that brief moment, that we might not ever have stayed in touch. Like, I know, it’s kind of crazy to me, like you’re literally the person I talk to you the most in the world.

Dr G 8:14
That’s a sliding doors moment

Dr Rad 8:16
That’s actually listening to me, that’s the key.

Dr G 8:19
Oh, no, is this the time where I tell the truth?

Dr Rad 8:25
But anyway, but no look, it has been such a an immense privilege and pleasure to talk about. I’m just gonna say history, because although it is Roman history, we have talked about other things as well. So just talk about history with you for 10 years now. And for you to tolerate my laugh talking.

Dr G 8:42
It is really no burden at all.

Dr Rad 8:45
And also, I mean, you know, there are many co hosts out there that can say they’ve also had to adjust to podcasting with a co host who’s losing their hearing, which has got to be a challenge.

Dr G 8:57
I mean, between the two of us, I guess we’ll see what happens. But as long as we’re able to figure it out, I think we can keep talking about for sure. So this will be our transition into video and sign.

Dr Rad 9:09
It’s coming. It’s coming. I’m learning Auslan slowly. So we decided to get together today because we also wanted to share this moment with our listeners. Because whilst you and I, for the vast majority of our podcasting career have mostly just talked to each other and assumed that nobody else is listening, it turns out that we were wrong about that. That’s actually a lot of people that listen to our podcast. Yeah. And honestly, we are so incredibly grateful for the people that we’ve collaborated with over the years. I mean, they’re too numerous to mention. But we have had a lot of people who had us on this show who shared expertise who shared their support, whether it’s, you know, through resources that they have access to that we didn’t have access to. I mean, we’re really so grateful for all the people out there that have reached out and also to the people that have taken the time to write to us and write nice reviews and nice comments. I mean, honestly, for two people that are still podcasting after 10 years in their living rooms, it’s really, really so incredibly meaningful when you do that. So thank you so much for listening. And thank you for your support. And now as a gift to you, we decided that since it was our 10 year anniversary, that we would get together and have a bit of a bonus chat about our 10 top moments from the Roman Republic, which has absorbed our attention for the vast majority of the past 10 years, not entirely. But obviously, if you want to know what we think about the Regal period, you can go and buy our book now.

Dr G 10:40
Oh, yeah, we’ve sealed the deal on the Regal period by writing a book about it. And we are still in the Republican period. And we will be for hundreds more years. Yeah, I suspect that our 20 year anniversary will probably so banner above like, Look, if we get to the Punic Wars by the 20th anniversary, I think we will have done well.

Dr Rad 11:01
Deal, we’ve gotta go now. The Punic Wars by 2033.

Dr G 11:09
Everyone’s gonna have a 10 year strategy, don’t they?

Dr Rad 11:12
Exactly. So let’s talk through some of our top 10 moments Dr. G, and just re-live the violence the horror, because I realized looking at this list, there aren’t that many nice list. We can pull this list and it’s it’s full of violence. I’m not gonna lie. Well, why don’t you tell me what’s your what’s your fav?

Dr G 11:35
Oh, look, I don’t know that I necessarily have a fave. So we have compiled a document. So I’m just gonna go from number one to number 10. That’s how this is gonna work. Number one is the conspiracy to restore theTarquin dynasty the final terrible family of kings. And somebody at Rome like, you know, it would be a great idea to have those sad sacks back in charge, even though we just literally kick them out.

Dr Rad 12:03
Definitely. Look, I think that this is one of our top moments because it’s one of Brutus’ top moments. And Brutus, as we know is you know, Roman man, par excellence?

Dr G 12:16
Yes, a very honorable man indeed.

Dr Rad 12:18
So just for those of you who don’t recall, Episode 45. When we dealt with this, you can go back and listen to it in more detail. But as you might expect, when a regime is toppled, there are those that were attached to the regime that are no longer enjoying quite the cushy benefits that they used to. And you know who I’m talking about Dr G? It’s time to mention the young patricians.

Dr G 12:44
Oh, no.

Dr Rad 12:46
Now to be fair, they’re not I don’t think they’re actually explicitly in my account, called the Young patricians. But Livy is explicit that they are young men have important families. So I’ve been read between the lines. Young men have important families, it sounds like we’re dealing with the elites, at the very least, exactly. Even if they’re not called the patricians in this time period. Exactly. They’re the people that are going to spawn their patrician class, and therefore I burn them. These young people, they’re not loving, being without the talk wins, because they’re just not enjoying the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed. And therefore, when envoys come from the Tarquins, saying, hey, so like, you know, how they’re exiled and all but what about their property that’s still hanging around the place? What about that? What about it?

The young men of Rome are open to some subterfuge on the side. So whilst ostensibly representing the property interests of the top ones, these envoys are putting out feelers and lo and behold, they find some people that are willing to try and assist the torque winds to get back into power. Now, they don’t seem to be the best conspirators I’ve ever come across. I’m not going to lie. Because not only do they put things down in writing, which I feel like it’s never a good idea. Awkward guys.

Dr G 14:15
Conspiracy much?

Dr Rad 14:16
Yeah, exactly. Letters are exchanged. So not only is stuffed down in writing, but they don’t seem to be very secretive when discussing the super secret plot to bring back the king in their own homes. Now, Hmm. Maybe this is just complacency, because the people that overhear them are slaves. So maybe they’re just like, well, you know, I do everything else in front of my slaves. You know, I have sex in front of them. I address in front of them. I go to the toilet in front of them. I eat in front of them. You’re certainly not expecting them to do the dirty on you, that’s for sure. Yeah. But anyway, as a result of all these various types of evidence, they ended up getting found out pretty quick-smart and convicted of conspiracy now why? Why Dr. G? You might ask Does any of this have anything to do with Brutus?

Dr G 15:10
I think some of his relatives, nay, his children may be involved.

Dr Rad 15:16
Exactly. So Brutus, supposedly was one of the first consuls, see our other episodes for the lengthy discussions about whether consuls actually existed this quickly or not. Brutus is apparently one of the very first consuls, and he is naturally you know, taking charge of steering this ship that is room through the dangerous waters that lie ahead as they enter the Republican harbor after exiting from the kingship. But he has to face the fact that his own sons, Titus and Tiberius seem to have been caught up in this conspiracy. And this is not entirely surprising, because lest we forget, Dr. G. Brutus is a part of the Tarquin family.

Dr G 16:01
Yes, he’s part of the extended gens that is related to Superbus himself. So it is perhaps problematic that his sons are involved, and also unsurprising.

Dr Rad 16:15
So this means that Brutus has to oversee not only the conviction of his sons, which would be shameful enough, but the punishment and this is what I think really cements, Brutus, his reputation in the Roman mind, putting state above self.

Dr G 16:33
Indeed. And it’s an unpleasant business to execute people in ancient Rome. These guys are stripped their scourged and then ultimately beheaded.

Dr Rad 16:46
And Brutus has to stand by and watch it all. Ugh.

Dr G 16:51
Well, I mean, he doesn’t have to stand by and watch it all. But he does.

Dr Rad 16:54
This is true. And this is the this is the thing. It’s that toughness, isn’t it? You know, Roman men are meant to be either masculine in this sense. So he’s tough. He’s got that sort of stoic vibe to him. I know that it’s probably a bit anachronistic to say that, but you know what I mean, I’m using it in the modern sense. And he is absolutely putting the New Republic above his own family.

Dr G 17:21
Yeah, it’s a impressive and tragic start to the New Republic.

Dr Rad 17:27
But for that reason, I had to put her on the list because Brutus will continue to be a bit of a touchstone I think for subsequent generations of Romans, because of his key role in overthrowing the Tarquin dynasty and then ensuring that they can’t sneak their sneaky little way back in.

Dr G 17:46
They certainly cannot. Yeah, people will die. Yeah, heads will fall.

Dr Rad 17:51
Absolutely. And this moment, for those of you who are playing along at home, was immortalized by Jacques Louis David, French painter who was quite drawn to the Republican period during the French Revolution. You can see his illustration of the lictors bringing Brutus the bodies of his sons. If you feel like a visual that would just cheer you up no end. And on that happy note, this brings us to another horrible incident in the Roman Republic, this made our list Dr G and that is the downfall of Spurius Cassius.

Dr G 18:24
And look, I’m not going to pretend that I remember much about this one, to be honest. I mean, he clearly he’s important. We spend at least two episodes on him. But. But what did he do?

Dr Rad 18:38
Well, this is the thing is first, Cassius, some people might think he’s a bit of a controversial choice. We did talk about him in Episode 72 and 73. Just to be clear, we’re talking about Spurius Cassius Vecellinus, or Vecellinus, which sounds a little bit like Vicks Vapor Rub or something like that to me. But he held the consulship quite a few times. And he seems to have been prominent in this early Republican period as well, because he holds it in 502 and 493, which is kind of a key year, because that’s the year that Rome is dealing with the whole Lake Regillius, and all of that kind of stuff where they’ve been battling the Latins, and so on, and then finally in 486, so yeah, that’s a pretty decent run early on and thinks it does sound impressive. So spirit, Cassius is mostly known, I think, probably there for his downfall, which was a pretty big deal in our show. And look, I think the reason why some people might find him a controversial choice is because his downfall is probably a little bit anachronistic. But nonetheless, I think it was still a pretty big moment and the fact that whether it was entirely in the way that Livy and Dionysius painted it or whether it is a bit of a retrojection from their own time period. It still comes across as a pretty key moment in the republic to me. And that’s because his downfall is very much tied up with the whole question of land redistribution in room.

Dr G 20:15
Yes, this is a big and perennial issue.

Dr Rad 20:18
So in spite of the fact that Spurius Cassius is a patrician as generally all our early magistrates seem to be, he seems to have been in favor of putting forward an agrarian law that was going to help the barbarians in terms of securing land, which obviously is key to survival and status in the Roman world. His family, patricians weren’t super keen on this idea. And so he ends up being basically, I think, set up as someone who’s aspiring to be a tyrant, and he is convicted and taken down and he ends up being thrown off the Tarpeian rock.

Dr G 21:01
Oh, intense. The fact that I can’t even remember this is a testament to just how long were they podcasting. Because that’s a pivotal event!

Dr Rad 21:10
Absolutely. I mean, look, for those of you who are fond of the latest Republic, you’ll probably think that this sounds a little bit like a man we mentioned very often for people that are still in the Regal period and the early republic most of the time, and that is Tiberius Gracchus.

Dr G 21:26
Yes, everybody’s

Dr Rad 21:29
Yeah, Tiberius Gracchus also came to a sticky end because of his push for land laws, and I think fair treatment for the people. And so it is suspected, that perhaps spurious Cassius as life has somehow been maybe jazzed up a little bit, whether with a crack and feel so Gracchan glitter, sprinkle sprinkle. But as you often said to me, Dr. G, it seems really unlikely that our sources would entirely lie to us about something.

Dr G 22:07
Yeah, I mean, I tend to I tend to take that line.

Dr Rad 22:12
Yeah. And so there must be something about this man. That I think I mean, there must be some truth to his story. I think the nature of his death, I find it hard to believe that people would make that up.

Dr G 22:25
Yeah. But the idea that there is a crisis going on, and that somebody is trying to stand up for the little man, that seems relatively believable. I mean, that’s the broad brushstrokes of the story. You’re like, okay, I can I can be on board with something like that. That makes sense. It’s politically expedient, if nothing else, to try and pick up some of that support in some way.

Dr Rad 22:53
For sure, and like, we don’t know, a lot of things about the Republic, including exactly how land that was public land was managed to this point in time, we can’t be entirely certain how much of an issue, land ownership was, at this time, in the sense that I’m sure it was an issue because, you know, as I said, it is the basis of wealth and prosperity and status in this society. So I’m sure it’s probably always an issue. But at the same time, we can’t be entirely sure exactly if the nature of the tension at this point in time, but I had to put Spurius Cassius on the list, because to me, it seems like he was actually maybe one of the not so bad patrician, because you and I are both crazy leftist.

Dr G 23:41
That’s true. And it’s very rare that one of the good guys comes through. Well, I think this leads us to our third on the list on our top 10 Lars Porsenna. What a man what a man. And this guy is like a king from outside of Rome, who manages according to some sources to take over Rome.

Dr Rad 24:09
Absolutely. I mean, how could we not bring back Lars Porsenna, the king of Clusium?

Dr G 24:15
Look at him go. And not just king of Clusium I tell you, he might also be in charge of this place as well.

Dr Rad 24:23
Yeah, so last four centers on we talked about as well back in the very, very early days of the Republic. But I do enjoy this story. And I do remember this story. So that that tells you something. We did talk about him for a number of episodes if you go back to our 40s because that’s how long ago it was. You’ll find a number of episodes that mention Lars Porsenna.

Dr G 24:45
And there is this great set piece story of the moment that Porsenna is trying to infiltrate Rome militarily speaking, and there is the amazing story You have of Hartius Cocles who defends Rome from this attack, over the only bridge that appears to exist at this point in time, the Sublician bridge over the Tiber.So this means that Porsenna’s forces are sitting somewhere near the Janiculum. And it means that the Romans are kind of like this is our last chance to defend ourselves. It’s this bridge or bust. And Horatius Cocles does some incredible work to try and save Rome

Dr Rad 25:33
That he does. In fact, I believe from memory he cops are very serious butt wound in the process.

Dr G 25:35
I was gonna say he saves Rome’s arse, but he’s not able to save his own.

Dr Rad 25:38
So true, so true. So Porsenna is it is a really interesting character because he comes up seemingly because the exiled Tarquin and dynasty have taken refuge with him, and perhaps trying to persuade him to attack Rome. And I guess they’re hoping that this is going to be their avenue back into power, since that conspiracy inside of Rome has failed.

Dr G 26:14
Du-du-duuuun.

Dr Rad 26:16
I know. But scholars have tried to make sense of this because whilst Livy and Dionysius represent it in this kind of light. We have later sources like Tacitus, and plenty that are seemingly certain that Porsenna actually captured Rome, really low point, obviously, for Rome, because not only did he capture it, but he also brought in some really, really serious baby steps that were not beneficial to Rome at all.

Dr G 26:45
Yeah, I mean, I think it’s an interesting sort of alternative tradition, as it were, because you’ve got the Romans very much are interested in not being captured by an external force. And they do have to navigate that at various points in their history. So for this to be one of the examples that they don’t necessarily agree on, I think is fascinating and tells us something about the politics of this moment. And this, I think, heads right back in towards what we know about the Roman kings as well, in terms of like, was there an Etruscan takeover during the Regal period? And, you know, the sources try to worm their way away from that interpretation in various ways. And it seems like maybe something similar could be happening here.

Dr Rad 27:38
Definitely. I mean, some people say Porsenna is actually the real end of the monarchy, because he starts being a problem for Rome in about 508. So a year after the kings have been kicked out, supposedly. But yeah, some scholars have seen this as actually being the moment where the monarchy ended, because you have this foreign takeover of Rome. But that when looking back, the Romans maybe found it a bit easier to write a history where the kings were horrible, and they were kicked out. And then they allied with persona, and therefore, these guys were the enemy together, rather than Porsenna potentially being the person to come in and take room. And also, of course, Porsenna’s lengthy campaign against the Rams, because it lasts for quite some time. He’s really an annoyance to them for a good four years, maybe five years according to our records. We have some of the most famous moments of the early republic, including Gaius Mucius Cordis otherwise known to history as Scaevola.

Dr G 28:45
Hmm.

Dr Rad 28:47
And this is another of course, amazing moment of virtus much like Horatius Cocles that you mentioned earlier. So Scaevola’s story is all about room being besieged by Porsenna. They’re not in a great state. So this guy, guy sneaky has caught us, puts his hand up, puts his hand up and says, you know, I’ll infiltrate the camp. I’ll pretend to be a deserter. And I will assassinate Porsenna and that will put an end to this whole issue.

Dr G 29:18
We’ll cut off the head of the Hydra. That’s how we’ll do it.

Dr Rad 29:22
Exactly. Now, I won’t go into all the details of his story. But eventually he is found out within the camp of Porsenna. He actually ends up putting his own hand into flames to sort of be like Hiiiii. And Porsenna is so impressed by his bravery, by his physical fortitude, that he releases him.

Yeah, and this is where this is where the hand thing comes in, because of course Scaevola is a name that he earns apparently, yeah, because he becomes “The Left Handed”.

Dr G 30:01
Well yes, the right one. It’s a bit dodgy now.

Dr Rad 30:05
So we’ve got that famous moment. And then of course, we’ve got a very rare appearance from a heroic woman.

Dr G 30:11
Oh yeah, I’m excited about the story of Cloelia, who manages to get some hostages back to Rome at a daring escape. And for this, she gets awarded an equestrian statue. And this is huge. It’s very rare for Roman women to win a statue of any kind. And, yeah, she stands out as one of the very impressive early Republican women.

Dr Rad 30:42
Absolutely. Now, of course, the fact that scandal or include Cloelia and Horatius Cocles are probably mythological figures should not dampen our enjoyment of their stories. And also, we have to thank Lars Porsenna for bringing them to us.

Dr G 30:59
Thank you, Porsenna. Okay, number four on our list, the first secession of the plebs. Now this, this is a massive issue.

Dr Rad 31:08
Yeah, the moment that started at all I mean, we’re still dealing with the repercussions of the struggle of the artist, and we will be for so many more episodes,

Dr G 31:16
We will and you know, it’s tied up to some elements of debt. And there seems to be like, how do you get yourself out of debt? And how do you get yourself out of debt bondage, this is a real problem. So the plebeians are struggling under the economic shackles of the early republic, not that they weren’t suffering under the Kings, they probably were, but it’s now it’s really a headline act. Now the the trouble that the plebs are facing, and the consuls are taking a pretty hard line on this sort of stuff, and they do not want to negotiate. And this ultimately means that the plebs decide to leave room altogether. They’re like, that’s it. You know what, I cannot live in this place, if you’re going to treat me so badly. I’m the guy that gets up every day when there’s a war, and I fight on the front lines. And when I come home, it’s all just taxation, and enslavement, and no land, and what am I supposed to do with my life? Why don’t I live over here on this hill, so they repair to somewhere else, they’re like, I’m out. I’m just out, I’ll make friends with other people, I’ll find a new place to live, it’s going to be fine. And it takes a lot of backwards and forwards diplomacy on the behalf of some very patient, but sympathetic patricians to talk to these guys and really be like, Look, actually, Rome cannot be Rome. Without you. We are a unified people. And I think this is the moment where we get the head and the stomach analogy coming for that moment where the patricians or the head and the plebeians of the stomach, and neither can function without the other. And it’s some sort of glorious symbiotic relationship that exists.

Dr Rad 33:12
Yeah, that’s the immortal words of Menenius Agrippa. There, give me the analogy of look, Rome is like a body. And you guys have you know, the hands and that kind of stuff, and the patricians of the stomach and we just need to absorb what you give us and, and we also take on board, you know, the, the food to the brain, and we end up being the mastermind of this whole operation.

Dr G 33:34
Ah the patricians are the stomach, of course.

Dr Rad 33:39
Look, I had to put this one on the list, personally, not only because we’ve been talking about the struggle of the orders, which is this lengthy tension between patricians and plebeians, which we have so little information on considering how long it apparently lasted. But it certainly been the topic of many episodes it. In fact, I don’t think there are many episodes where we don’t mention something about the patricians and plebeians at this point in time, whether it’s warranted or not. And so I thought, we have to mention this particular moments in Republican history. Because again, it’s one of those moments sliding doors, as you say, where everything could have really changed because, of course room at the time was at war with the Sabines in the Volsicians. And the patricians really needed the plebeians to come back, which I think is probably why they entered into negotiations in the first place.

Dr G 34:33
And lucky they did I mean, it works out well for the patricians as far as I can tell.

Dr Rad 34:39
It did it did indeed, because they do end up prevailing upon the plebeians to come back. And one of the things that the plebeians apparently get out of coming back is, of course, the office of the tribune of the plebs. The tribune of the plebs. They’ve caused me so much To light with all their troublesome meddling.

Dr G 35:04
Well, and this is actually a really interesting segue to number five on this list. So it is the life and times of Volero Publilius. Which is fair enough, and you might think to yourself, now wait, I remember those episodes. What’s that got to do with the tribune of the plebs. But the whole year that this guy is involved with and his rise up is preluded by the sudden death and probable murder of a tribune of the plebs. A Gnaeus Genucius. And so this is what 473 BCE. And so this kind of time period, a we’ve clearly got a little bit of political tension in the city. We’ve we’ve got a tribune of the plebs turning up dead, which is a bit of a disaster, because those guys are supposed to have inviolable bodies. Under no circumstances, are they meant to be murdered? And so, this kind of sets the scene for what will be the life and times of Volero? Publius.

Dr Rad 36:21
Absolutely. Because this guy Volero Publilius. Or, if we use his slightly easier version of his name, Volero Publius. Gah that rolls off the tongue so much easier. He is a centurion. So kind of just a fairly average joe, Dr. G. You know how it goes. He turns up to enlist for the army, because that’s what you do. If you’re a decent Roman man, you do duty, even though it’s tough. But when he turns up to enlist, he finds that he has seemingly been demoted from centurion to a common soldier.

Dr G 37:04
Ouch.

Dr Rad 37:06
Could there be a larger disgrace for a man like this? Who’s done his duty for so many years?

Dr G 37:12
Oh, just you wait, I think there might be.

Dr Rad 37:16
So causes a bit of a fuss. He ends up being bundled up by the lictors. And nobody’s very happy about this situation. We ended up getting full on brawling in the streets of Rome, that plebeians will not have these violent hands being laid on Volero, not they’re Volero.

Dr G 37:35
No, yeah, this brawling really gets out of hand because Volero is pretty adamant that nobody should be laying any hands on him. He’s merely raising some important questions about the whole situation. And he’s like, I’ve fought for a long time. What do you mean, I’m not not a centurion anymore? And, you know, so he’s raising those questions, he gets bundled up by the lectores. So this means that the consuls essentially at the levy doing their job of getting soldiers enrolled, and their electors are then like, on him, because he’s starting to cause some trouble. But instead of that settling the trouble, what this does is inflames the street violence, because the plebeians that are there at the time, presumably also lining up to satisfy the levy are like, wait a minute, if this can happen to this guy, this could happen to us. Oh, no, it’s time. And so like, whatever that five is, and that tension in the air for this particular levy, it does not go well. And things get so out of hand that reportedly the fast skis themselves get broken, which is a lot.

Dr Rad 38:46
Absolutely. I mean, the fast guys are meant to be this representation of the consul’s power over the population to beat them and if necessary to execute them, so that they have smashed these out, is a pretty big message of defiance. And I think if we put this all together with the mysterious death of Genucius, it seems like there’s some serious class issues going on in Rome at this time. And of course, Volero ended up being quite a character in a few of our episodes. Chi Chi, so I had to put him on the list because I had fond memories of him,

Dr G 39:20
He’s always standing up for the little man.

Dr Rad 39:22
Yeah, absolutely.

Dr G 39:24
So number six on our list, the Sneak Attack of Appius Herdonius, the Sabine in 460 BCE. This is an epic moment in Rome’s history. I have to say this one stands out just because it is both horrifying and surprising and then becomes an environment in which a whole bunch of people really go to in terms of Roman virtus.

Dr Rad 39:57
Absolutely. I vividly remember Are these episodes where we talked about this because I don’t think it’s something you hear about all that often, I guess, because it’s kind of in the middle of this century that is kind of known for being a tough one for the entire area room included. And it’s not a period that people I think dwell on too much. So I don’t think I’d actually ever heard of this, say, by an attack on Rome before.

Dr G 40:23
But the Sabines actually take the Capitol. And this is the thing that makes you want to follow up on a story like this, because there are really famous stories of Rome being sacked by the goals and things like that stories that we have not reached our narrative episodes. But before those pivotal moments, we have something like this, like the Republic is always in danger, there is never a moment where it is really safe. And the city is constantly under pressure from its neighbours. And for the Sabines to turn up and to do a sneak infiltration into the Capitol, which is the most sacred hill of the city is suggestive that of Rome sort of like place within this broader relationship in central Italy, it is by no means secure in its own power. And when they find out about this attack, they really are on the backfoot. And they have to get all of their forces organized quite quickly to defend the interior. And this is tough, because the Capitol is a hill and the Romans themselves and not on the top of that hill.

Dr Rad 41:39
Crucial error.

Dr G 41:40
This is bad news. And so we have the the tragic death of Valerius Publicola, one of the heroes of the Romans, who’s who was famous for holding, I think, many consulships by this point. And he is lost in this battle. This is a tragedy. But also and we learn this much later. This is also a battle that Dentatus fights in. So we’ll come back to that guy. But Dentatus is here fighting as well. And he talks about this battle in really particular terms because it is so intense.

Dr Rad 42:21
This is true. And I think that the other reason why I had to mention this one as one of our top 10 moments is because it’s an ancient Roman example of fake news. Because of course, this episode has something to do with the conflict of the orders as well, because I think one of the reasons why the Sabines were supposedly able to sneak into Rome and seize the Capitol before people seem to really know what was going on, is that the Romans were really distracted by their own internal problems. The young patricians, my favorite characters of our show, had been terrorizing the plebeians. And when trouble initially is afoot, because of Appius Herdonius, it seems that there’s some suspicion that may be the consuls, just saying that there’s an attack and an invasion, in order to deal with the class warfare because this is the classic go to patrician move, right to distract the plebeians with external problems, so that they will stop talking about their unhappiness with the internal political situation. And the tribunes I think, are encouraging them to believe that this is, you know, this is potentially something that the consuls have stirred up, either that or that this is their moment to stand firm and not act and be like, well, this is what happens. I don’t want to serve when you don’t treat me very well. Maybe I’d be better off with the Sabines. Have you ever thought about that patricians?

Dr G 43:48
Disaster, if they don’t fight now, they’ll lose everything they ever, ever valued.

Dr Rad 43:53
Exactly. So they do they do come together as at this point, they always seem to do, but I think that instance of you know, who do you trust in these moments of crisis? Who do you listen to? Who are the authority figures that you go to? To get reliable sources of information? I mean, that always touches a bit of a nerve with me.

Dr G 44:14
Fair enough. And as a historian, I’m not surprised.

Dr Rad 44:19
All right, and that brings us to number seven on the list.

Dr G 44:21
Ooh, this is the death of Verginia slash or the beginning of the end of Appius Claudius

Dr Rad 44:30
I like to say is about we’re getting out because we get so few women in the Republic, it’s crazy.

Dr G 44:36
And it looks like Verginia holds a really particular place in this narrative of the end of the decemvirate. So there is a point in which the Republic of Rome does collapse. This there is no doubt and it doesn’t take very long into it. And what replaces it is this decemvirate this group of 10 men who refuse to let go of power, and Appius Claudius is by far the most proud and offensive of the lot of them, but also the one who’s most charismatically in charge, apparently, honing in on those very patrician qualities that the Romans really quite like, from their elites, you know, the arrogance, the refusal to negotiate, and all of that kind of stuff.

Dr Rad 45:27
This is all tied up with again, part of the apparent struggle of the orders, although we’ve switched, as you may have noticed, for I’m talking about land issues to talking about the laws, because this all came out of the law about the laws, which became a big issue, I think, particularly in the late 460s in the 450s, where it seemed like the issue so that obedience became that they really wanted to have set down somewhere, the rules that were being applied to their society, which seemingly the patricians who occupied the senior magistracies and priesthoods had exclusive knowledge of or access to. And so the decemvirate was meant to fix all of that they were meant to produce a law code, and the first decemvirate went pretty well, but the second decemvirate, as you say, not so much, because they decided they were going to stay in power forever.

Dr G 46:13
Yeah, rather than producing the laws and letting everybody get on with it. They were like, wait a minute, I’m enjoying this power, what if I don’t do my job and just stay forever?

Dr Rad 46:23
Exactly. Now, we spent quite a lot of time talking about this. So we won’t go into heaps of detail now. But essentially, beginning I think, becomes a bit of a symbol for Appius Claudius, and the way that he is out of control.

Dr G 46:35
Yeah, she is a reputedly a very beautiful young woman. And he decides that he desires her and that he can have her because he’s so powerful, and no one can stop him. And as it turns out, the Romans don’t agree with that. And despite his best efforts to try and find a way to make it legal for him to have his way with her, she is defended by her family at every turn. And they go into bat for her, and they see the injustice and they rail against it. And ultimately, it ends in tragedy, where her father is with Verginia. And they’re in the forum together. And it seems like what Appius Claudius is going to do is he’s going to seize her anyway, and just do his business. And Verginia’s father decides that the only way to save her from this fate is to is to kill her.

Dr Rad 47:39
Absolutely. And this is such a pivotal moment, it really seems to be the turning point for I think a lot of people when it comes to Appius Claudius and a second decemvirate, as you say, becomes the kind of the thread that is pulled and starts to unravel that whole regime. But what a tragedy for a woman’s death, murder at the hands of her own father in public, how, yeah, how deeply disturbing it is that this is how it is in Rome, that a woman must die in such circumstances or so it would seem in order for tyranny to be brought to justice.

Dr G 48:18
Yes, it tells tell us something about the way that this society dysfunctionally navigates its relationship with women,

Dr Rad 48:25
Indeed. And that of course, then brings us to another person who fell afoul of the second decemvirate and that is Lucius Siccius Dentatus.

Dr G 48:36
Dentatus, the man born with teeth. I shall never forget. And Dentatus is renowned, first and foremost for being an excellent soldier. And he earns a reputation in some of the latest source material as the Roman Achilles, which I think is fantastic. But he also at some point is able given the opportunity to to stand up in front of the crowd to speak at the rostra. And boy, does he reveal his political hand at that point, because he has been a soldier for 40 plus years, by the time he gets to speak. And he tells everybody about his achievements, his golden crown for recovering the standards, which he did personally when he was 27 years old. talks about his 45 wounds that he’s received over the course of his 40 year career. All of those wounds on the front of his body, very respectful. Everybody’s like bow down. The man is great. Not only that 12 of those wounds he tells us were received on the day that Herdonius seized the Capitol. So that you know, there’s there’s references even within our top 10 lens.

Dr Rad 48:53
Link!

Dr G 49:07
You can have a top 10 list but they all connected. He also won 14 corona civica. So this is the crown for saving a Roman citizen himself three corona muralis for going over the wall first and numerous other awards and and then he says, regardless of all of this, all of the things that I’ve achieved in my career, I have no land that I can call my own basically starts riot right there. Everyone’s like, oh my god, it doesn’t matter how hard you work in life, the system is rigged against us and we’re never going to have anything. And so this becomes his – he might not realize it at the time, but this speech becomes the speech that really gets him into the tribuncianship. So he becomes a tribune of the plebs on the back of this kind of like discussion. Everyone’s like, well, if this guy, this guy will be able to get us the land. So we’ve, we’ve switched from like law about the laws, which is also very important simultaneously back to like, the first crux issue that the plebeians had raised, which is like, we need some land to be able to do our farming and look after ourselves.

Dr Rad 51:12
Yeah, well, I think there’s no matter no matter what you’re talking about, with the struggle of the orders, there are three themes that float in and out. And there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to why certain issues are, you know, prevalent at certain times and not others, but it’s definitely land allotment. That’s one, debt bondage and debt. That’s another and the law about the laws. And essentially, what that is relating to obviously, as we said, is like control of the knowledge.

Dr G 51:37
Yeah, a law about the laws is basically also the publication of law in such a way that the everyday man can have access to it.

Dr Rad 51:47
Yeah, we know they had laws before the 12 Tables, which is what comes out of the decemvirate. But as you say, it’s about well, does everybody know about them? Does everybody have access to them in this sort of society? Probably not.

Dr G 52:00
It’s unlikely. I think it’s suffice to say that the old Dentatus gets on the wrong side of the elites, which at this time, are the decemvirs.

Dr Rad 52:15
Oh, yeah, he’s another he’s another for being here. And we love our party and heroes like Volero and Dentatus

Dr G 52:21
But it doesn’t go well. And it seems like Dentatus who sent back into the fray essentially, after his tribuncian days are over. And he is of the understanding that he is going to be meeting up with the army and getting the right sort of support. But instead what happens is some Roman soldiers have been paid, it would seem to turn against their own and he is taken down. And this all comes out eventually. hugely problematic. But at the time, it’s told us a story of tragedy being like we lost Dentatus. Who knew?

Dr Rad 52:58
You know what that sounds like? To me, Dr. G. It sounds like an evil plan.

Dr G 53:05
There is some conspirosity going on.

Dr Rad 53:09
Couldn’t get through our 10 year anniversary about an evil plan.

Dr G 53:13
Fair enough! Fair enough.

Dr Rad 53:14
Speaking of evil plans. That brings us to number nine analysis, which is the rise and fall of Spurius Maelius.

Dr G 53:21
A popular figure. This guy is a plebeian who happens to be quite rich,

Dr Rad 53:27
Another plebeian hero!

Dr G 53:29
Yeah, plebeian hero. It doesn’t bode well for him either. Like spoilers, as as we’re all aware. So it’s, there is a crippling famine in Rome. And it’s around about 444-39 BCE. And there is a prefect of the grain, Lucius Minucius, who is in charge of making sure that Rome is fed. And he is having trouble completing that task, because grain is in short supply.

Dr Rad 53:56
It is and I’m sorry, I just have to interrupt because you’re not using his official title, which is the Nacho King of Rome. And I think we all agreed on that.

Dr G 54:05
I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Lucius Minucius. The Nacho King of Rome, is in charge of sourcing grain, but he’s finding it hard to purchase it at a reasonable price. And it seems like everybody else is also going through a famine. So maybe they’re not for sale. These grains are not for buying. And so he’s having some issues. So enter stage left Spurius Maelius, very rich plebeian, who’s like, well, you got to offer more cash, you know, very Han Solo about it. And so he sets up some relationships that really do work out and he has riverboats of grain coming into the city, and they are stamped all over with the name spirits. Maelius bought this grain and the plebeians, they know. They might not be able to read everything, but they can tell and yeah, You know, Maelius is handing it out and the plebeians take the position that well, if spurious, Maelius is bringing in the grain, surely that makes him the prefect of the grain.

Dr Rad 55:18
Exactly, we’ve got a new natural King in town, and I’m loving it.

Dr G 55:22
Not only is this guy bringing it in, it’s raining grain, and I’m hungry. So this guy is now he’s our prefect, this is man we go to nothing could be more calculated to ruin a patrician stay than finding out that their position of political power has been hoisted out from underneath them by a plebeian and popular support. Minucius is not happy. And this leads to trouble. Ultimately, things get really, really like sort of heated and chaotic, and it seems that the Romans decide that maybe murder is okay.

Dr Rad 56:04
Yeah, there seems to be a bit like the whole Porsenna plot with Scaevola. Or it seems in some accounts, like this is a case of state-sanctioned murder.

Dr G 56:15
It does feel that way. And you know, they institute a dictator. So and this is all coming from the elites, obviously. So a dictator is put into place. He asked for a master of the horse, a madman, basically volunteers. He was like, I love stabbing people. Let me stab somebody.

Dr Rad 56:33
They’re like, they will hold a sign that he was a madman. I mean, for God’s sakes, his name means “Armpit”.

Dr G 56:38
And so you know, they send Ahala “the armpit” off to Maelius. And then a hollow does away with him in broad daylight. And everyone’s like, wait a minute, did that. Did that guy just murdered that? Wait, what? No.

Dr Rad 56:55
Yeah, so this is another guy who I mean, he is an equestrian. So he is actually as we say, he’s wealthy. He’s not suffering, like the average Roman citizen probably is at this point in time. But nonetheless, like Spurius Cassius before him, he seems to be someone who’s at least trying to do something for the people may be self motivated. I mean, you know, it’s rare in this world for anyone to do anything for free. But nonetheless, he seems to be doing these nice things for the people at this time of crisis. And in my account, certainly, it was all painted like he was again aspiring to tyranny like trying to make himself a king or something like that. Just like whisperers, Cassius before him, you know, where he ends up being accused of aspiring to some sort of higher power. And, of course, that’s a surefire way to get rid of someone in ancient Rome.

Dr G 57:47
Goodness me.

Dr Rad 57:47
We spent, we spent quite a bit of time dealing with Spurius Maelius and mopping up that whole affair, so we couldn’t help but mention him.

Dr G 57:53
Oh, look, I think I think it’s a it’s a nicer second last position, because coming in, drumroll, please. Number 10, for 10 years of the podcast, it’s all as Cornelius Cossus vs. Lars Tolumnius. This is our second Lars in the top 10.

Dr Rad 58:22
It’s no coincidence that he’s also Etruscan.

Dr G 58:23
No, I remain unsurprised.

Dr Rad 58:26
No. But look, I had to put Cossus in because over the years, we have had several really, really ridiculously good looking men come into history,

Dr G 58:37
It would be a shame to miss out old Cossus. One because he’s very good looking, according to all reports, but also he achieved something that has not yet been achieved in the Republic until he does it. And that is for him as a military commander to slay the enemy commander. So in the field about a one on one, and this is what Cossus reputedly does with Lars Tolumnius. And it’s bad like there’s a gouging of the thigh. You know, it depends on who you read, but it gets quiet.

Dr Rad 59:13
Yeah, I think last Tolumnius ends up pinned to the ground in my account, which sounds so painful. I really don’t like to think of

Yeah, he gets pushed off his horse and then pinned to the ground and then yeah, it’s it’s unpleasant. So Cossus does something incredibly violent, and has only been topped by Romulus in this regard in terms of taking out an enemy commander. So you have to go right back to the very early days of the Roman kings to get a story quiet like this.

And the reason why he’s number 10 is because Romulus is probably mythical, and there are so many questions about exactly how on earth he managed to get this accolade given that We’re not sure when it happened. We’re not sure if it happened, because there’s so many question marks about when it supposedly happened and what position he was actually holding at the time. But I will say this, to go back to what you always say to me, Dr. G, the Romans really make everything up. So I do believe that last Tolumnius existed, that there was an Etruscan King, and that he was taken out by ridiculously good looking Roman.

Dr G 1:00:28
We just don’t know when or exactly how.

Dr Rad 1:00:33
Exactly, but what a note to end on uncertainty with our sources, which has also been a constant refrain for 10 years.

Dr G 1:00:42
And I don’t think that’s gonna get cleared up anytime soon. To be honest.

Dr Rad 1:00:47
It’s not. But look, we hope you enjoyed us counting down our top 10 moments over the Roman republic, and we hope that you appreciate just how violent and bloody and gory really is.

Dr G 1:00:59
Yes, and here’s to another 10 years.

Dr Rad 1:01:04
To get worse, I think

Dr G 1:01:05
Oh, no!

Dr Rad 1:01:06
Yeah, but we have so enjoyed having you all along for the ride. We really appreciate your support. We’ve accomplished things that I don’t think we ever dreamed of when we first sat down in one of Dr. G’s apartments that you have had in the time I’ve known you. Actually, I was just remembering the other day how there have been recording sessions where you know, one of us would go over to the others house and then someone next door to be doing renovations and we had to flee to the library and the library kept putting announcements over the loudspeaker, you would have no idea listeners, just how much we have sometimes been challenged.

Dr G 1:01:42
Well, it’s been a wild ride so far, and may it long continue.

Dr Rad 1:01:47
And I mean, I’m actually amazed that we’ve managed to get through this podcast without one of our little furry guests making an appearance. It’s true,

Dr G 1:01:53
My cat has been yelling outside the door.

Dr Rad 1:01:58
Well, here’s to another 10 years, Dr. G. Thank you so much for starting the Partial Historians with me.

Dr G 1:02:05
Oh, and thank you, and always huge thanks to you listening it out there.

Dr Rad 1:02:23
Thank you for listening to this extra special episode of the Partial Historians. Dr. G and I are so proud that we finally been able to put an X on the old bedpost and we’re looking forward to notching up a few more because our passion for ancient Rome will never fade. And we are so incredibly grateful that we have found other people who not only love ancient Rome, but love making fun of ancient Rome as much as we do. When we started out in 2013. I don’t know that we were entirely certain that two women from Down Under who love history would necessarily find an audience. And yet, here you are. Thank you so much. We particularly like to thank anybody who’s ever reached out to us and written us a really kind message, or written a five star review, you have no idea how much particularly as independent podcasters those mean to us as we’re researching, recording and editing the show. This is probably also a good time to thank our Patreons, I mean, where would we be without our Patreons past and present, it means so much that you would consider spending your hard earned money on our show. And you’ve certainly allowed us to upgrade our equipment. And we’re also looking to expand into new areas this year. So keep your eyes peeled. Speaking of new areas, we’d like to thank Highlands Press our publisher. It’s been so much fun to be able to write a book together, particularly a book that’s kind of rooted in our podcast. So thank you so much to the Highlands Press. On a more personal note, as we sign off, we would like to thank our friends and family who have offered us constructive criticism, support, they have been very tolerant at the time that we’ve invested in the show over the years. We’d also like to say thank you and hello to all the podcasting community that have been so generous with their time and expertise over the years. It really is an amazing community to be a part of and social media has allowed us to connect with so many other podcast shows all over the world. And it’s been such a blast getting to know you all and we look forward to many further collaborations. And also as a part of that, we would like to say thank you to anyone who has ever guessed it on the Partial Historians. What a special honour it has been to talk to so many academics who have been incredibly generous with their time and expertise. And I think we can all say that we have learned so much from those special episodes and I just can’t imagine a bigger privilege than being able to talk to academics about their specialty. So with all that being said, it’s time for Dr. G and I to sign off. That’s 10 years a wrap. And until next time, we are yours in ancient Rome.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

The post Bonus Episode – Our Top Ten at Ten appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

This is our short scripted summary of what the ancient sources tell us about the events of the 440s BCE. If you would like more detail and analysis, be sure to check out our regular episodes from the Foundation of Rome series.

The Partial Recap for the 440s BCE

To pick up our detailed episodes for this period, we recommend starting with Episode 109 – The First Decemvirate. Although the decemvirs come to power in c. 451 BCE, their story has so much influence on the decade of the 440s that you simply wouldn’t want to miss it!

Image of the Forum courtesy of Benson Kua via Flickr.

FR – Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 440s BCE!

PG – I’m Dr G 

FR – and I’m Dr Rad

PG – and this is our highlights edition of the 440s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 449 to 440 in an epitome of our normal episodes. 

FR – Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee – but please be warned – this episode contains references to murder, violence and sexual assault. 

PG – Get ready for a recappuccino. 

FR – And that was the 440s in Ancient Rome… or was it? 

PG – Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. 

FR – Thanks for joining us for this Partial Recap!

Music courtesy of the amazing Bettina Joy de Guzman.

The post The Partial Recap – The 440s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

It’s our second episode in The Partial Recap series. This is a short, sharp, scripted overview of all the big events that defined the 450s BCE. If you’re inspired to delve into more details, all the episodes from this decade can be found in our Foundation of Rome series.

Let’s jump into the refresher! It’s the Partial Recap of the 450s BCE!

The Partial Recap – the 450s BCE

A view to the East over the Roman Forum with the Temple of Saturn on the left and the Palatine Hill on the right, showing the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Arch of Titus, Santa Francesca Romana, and the Colosseum. Detail from the photograph by Nicholas Hartmann, June 1976. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under license.

FR – Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 450s BC!

PG – I’m Dr G 

FR – and I’m Dr Rad

PG – and this is our highlights edition of the 450s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 459 to 450 in an epitome of our normal episodes.

FR – Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee

PG – Get ready for a recappuccino. 

In 459 BCE, the consuls were Lucius Cornelius Maluginensus Uritnus and Quinctus Fabius Vibulanus, an old-hand in his third consulship. 

• Rome is picking up the pieces after the recent invasion. A census is carried out. Rome has 117 319 citizens. Lustral sacrifices are needed to cleanse the city.
• Livy and Dionysius don’t really agree on the exact course of events. Perhaps Rome is trying to restore its rep after the military humiliation of the previous year?
• What seems clear from both accounts is that the Volscians and Aequians are up to something and the Romans set off to deal with it.
• They are particularly keen to help out the Tusculans who are under attack from the Aequains – or is this just a method for the Romans to restore their reputation after the invasion. 
• Under Fabius, the Romans defeat the Aequians decisively. 
• The consuls meet up and target the lands of both the Volscians and the Aequians. 
• Antium, in Volscian territory, is a particular hotspot. It seems like there is a revolt going on in this territory, only recently captured by the Romans. After a messy battle, Antium is retaken and some locals and colonists are publicly scourged and beheaded. Now there’s an example no one will want to follow. 
• Back at home, there is agitation for the law about the laws, but the Prefect of the City, Lucius Lucretius Tricipitinus, says that nothing can take place when consuls are away.
• The quaestors, Aulus Cornelius & Quintus Servilius, try to pursue Volscius for the charge of committing perjury about Caeso Quinctius being responsible for his brother’s murder – and it seems like they have a genuine case. The tribunes hold them off – after all, the consuls are away, right?
• Once the consuls return, it’s triumph time! Almost as though the invasion of 460 never happened…

In 458 BCE, the consuls were Lucius Minucius Esquilinus Augurinus and Caius Nautius was consul for the second time.

• Rome is facing war on many fronts, so both of the consuls are need out in the field. 
• Ex-consul, Quinctius Fabius Vibulanus, is made Prefect of the City – probably to keep an eye on the tribunes as well as the enemies of Rome.
• The exact order of events is different in Livy and Dionysius, but external wars constitute the main events of the year. 
• The Aequians are back in action in spite of making peace the year before. The Aequians feel that they are not violating the deal as they are attacking the Latins – Rome’s allies, not Rome itself.
• The Romans send an embassy to talk to the Aequian’s leader, Cloelius Gracchus, Quinctius Fabius Vibulanus, Publius Volumnius Amintinus Gallus and Aulus Postumius Albus Regillensis 
• Cloelius tells the distinguished ROmans to talk to the tree, because he ain’t listening
• And it’s on like Donkey Kong
• Minucius does not take a bold approach against the Aequian forces, which gives them confidence. Nautius has to be sent for as back-up. 
• The tribunes pull their classic move of trying to prevent the levy of forces, and they almost won, but the Sabines then attack ROman territory, terrifying everyone.
• Nautius enjoys success against the Sabines, before being summoned by Minucius. 
• However, they are going to need more help. What they need is a silver fox with enough virtus to choke an elephant. They need a dictator and they need Cincinnatus, father of the exiled Caeso. 
• At least, the patricians do – they plebs aren’t thrilled at first. 
• Cincinnatus whips the citizens into action and devises a strategy that wins the day against the Aequians. Cincinnatus demands the city of Corbio and Gracchus is brought to him in chains – YOU talk to the tree, smart-ass! 
• Cincinnatus is now free to rescue the Tusculans.
• Minunius steps down from the consulship but remains in Cincinnatus’ service – he’s just so amazing! The army is in the best shape ever and all because of him. He is awarded an elaborate gift and a triumph.
• Because he is Cincinnatus, he is prepared to give up his power now that the external threat has passed…. But only after he finishes the case against his son’s accuser, the tribune Volscius. 
• Between Cincinnatus and the Quaestors Marcus Valerius Volusi Maximus and Titus Quintius Capitolinus Barbatus, Volscius is found guilty and exiled.  
• Cincinnatus can now return to his life as a private citizen on his farm. 

In 457 BCE, the consuls were Quintus Minucius Esquilinus and Marcus Horatius Pulvilius in his second consulship.

• In this year, the Sabines become a problem once more, attacking ROman territory. 
• The tribunes are undeterred, demanding the codification of the laws. Give us the law!
• The consuls want to ignore this issue and conduct the levy.
• Cincinnatus shames people into enlisting by making appeals to ROman masculinity and pride – if no one fights, the ROmans will lose their empire! The patricians will fight – but will the plebs?
• An assembly is called, and the consul Horatius openly admits that the patricians will not give up their privileges. He brings out the old patricians to shame the plebeians and again questions their masculinity.
• The tribune Verginius counters as he can see the crowd is being affected by these theatrics. No one is betraying anyone here – they just want some concessions.
• Horatius will entertain any reasonable requests, so the tribunes ask for their number to be doubled.
• Cincinnatus and Claudius are in favour of making this deal – more tribunes means a greater possibility for them to be divided into factions. 
• The tribune election takes place immediately – the plebs know they need to get the money up front now!
• The levy can now proceed and Minucius is sent to deal with the Sabines, who retreat and allow their lands to be pillaged.
• Horatius defeats the Aequians and razes Corbio to the ground. 

In 456 BCE, the consuls were Marcus Valerius Volusi Maxumus Lactuca and Spurius Verginius Tricosus Caeliomontanus. 

• The tribunes for the year were Lucius Icilius and Lucius Alienus.
• Icilius is keen to meet with consuls, but they are ghosting him. When he tries to force the issue,  Icilius’ attendants are driven away by the consuls’ lictors.
• In retaliation, the tribunes seize one of the lictors and decide to throw him off the Tarpeain Rock.  
• The consuls are distressed, but helpless to fight off the tribunes. Luckily for them, the tribunes decide to release the hapless lictor. 
• Icilius instead pursues a law about the use of public land. This law would mean that land that has been taken by force or fraud would be given over to the populace, the occupiers reimbursed and the rest to be divided up amongst the public  
• The Senate agreed, except for Gaius Claudius, and this law was unusually named after Icilius. 

In 455 BCE, the consuls were Titus Romilius Rocus Vaticanus and Gaius Veturius Cicurinus. 

• Once again, two of the tribunes were Lucius Icilius and Lucius Alienus. 
• This is a tricky year, as the accounts of Livy and Dionysius diverged. 
• In Livy, the tribunes were all feeling very ashamed as they felt they had not accomplished much – especially with ten of them working for the people. They are pushing hard to get the law about the laws through. 
• Unfortunately for them, the Aequians were on the loose and attacking the Tusculans. No Roman can resist an adorable Tusculan in distress!
• The consuls were despatched and killed 7000 Aequians in battle. The remainder of the Aequians fled, leaving lots of booty behind for the Romans. The consuls decided to sell the spoils as the treasury needed to be replenished.
• The army is furious and the tribunes see their opportunity to impeach the consuls once they are out of office. 
• In Dionysius, the consuls decide on war as they need to distract people from the law about the laws. Some of the people are reluctant to enlist, so the consuls start arresting the culprits.
• The tribunes denounce the consuls, especially as they are arresting people who are appealing to their protection. The tribunes claim that they are able to release people from the levy, and when that didn’t work, they try to physically stop the levy.
• A fight breaks out between the young patricians and the tribunes and their supporters. The patricians win the day, but the tribunes put out the call for more plebeians to join them, and soon the patricians were outnumbered. 
• The tribunes demand that the consuls join their assembly and they don’t show up, the tribunes head to the senate. They confront the consuls about their behaviour, but the consuls think the tribunes are the problem. The Senate reaches no decision about how to act.
• The tribunes call a meeting and propose that the plebs secede, but not everyone is ready for this dramatic a step. It doesn’t help that some of the tribunes have been won over the senate!
• After much discussion, the tribunes decide to fine the consuls.
• They call an assembly and tell the people that they are going to fight for land allotment and equality before the law. It’s time to get more than just part of the Aventine Hill. The tribunes call on plebs in the audience to come forward and speak about their experiences. 
• The crowd goes wild, but they haven’t seen anything yet. Lucius Siccius Dentatus steps up the rostra. He is an eloquent solider with extensive military experience and too many honours to name. Who deserves land more Siccius? How can someone who has given so much have so little?
• Everyone goes nuts for Siccius, but Icilius says they need to hear from others.
• The consuls are desperate to block the tribune’s plans, so they make sure that they stake out the forum early. When people arrive to speak, they make their approval or disapproval known. 
• The tension rises between the tribunes and consuls. 
• When it is time for the vote to take place regarding the law, the patricians disrupt the process and push people off the bridge they need to cross to cast their vote. Needless to say the law does not get passed, largely thanks to the work of three patrician families – the Postumii, the Cloelii and the Sempronii. 
• The tribunes will not take this offence lying down. They decide to go after the patrician families responsible – after all, this is an offence against the gods.
• The patrician estates are confiscated and dedicated to Ceres – except that their friends buy their estates back for them. At least the tribunes made some money out of the deal!
• It is at this point that the Tusculans arrive with news of an Aequian attack, and both consuls are sent to the rescue – very unusual, but that is how special the Tusculans are.
• Although the tribunes object to the levy, the consuls have a secret weapon – an appeal to the gods. They declare that those who sign up for the campaign will please the gods – and you know what will happen to those who don’t. Most people are too scared to refuse.
• Siccius, always one to do his duty, arrives with his own legion of veterans.
• When the Romans engage with the Aequains in battle. Limited progress is made because both armies are so evenly matched.
• Romilius devises a plan for Siccius and his men to try and attack the Aequians from behind whilst the attacks from the front. Siccius knows that this is a suicide mission, but Romilius refuses to back down. 
• No one gets rid of Siccius that easily. He comes up with a cunning plan to find a different path to reach the Aequians. His men capture a local farmer and he informs them that there is just such a path. 
• The Aequains are defeated and Siccius’ men love him more than ever for saving their lives whilst securing a victory. 
• Now it’s time for revenge on Romilius. Siccius and his men destroy all the spoils in the Aequian camp before marching directly to Rome and telling everyone that the consuls forced him to do this. 
• The consuls are in serious trouble – no triumphs for you!

In 454 BCE, the consuls were Spurius Tarpeius Montanus and Aulus Terminius or Aternius Varus Fontinalis.

• Once more, there was quite a lot of difference between Livy and Dionysius.
• Dionysius is still following the career of the Roman Achilles – Siccius. 
• Lucius Siccius Dentatus, now a tribune, pursued a trial against Romilius for injuring the state.  
• Siccius brought out numerous witnesses about Romilius’ callous attitude to himself and his men. The tears shed by the audience don’t bode well for Romilius. 
• Romilius remained a haughty patrician to the last, claiming that he did what he had to do as commander. Every tribe voted to condemn him and Romilius was fined 10 000 asses. 
• Meanwhile, former tribune and now Aedile of the plebs, Lucius Alienus, prosecuted the other former consul, Veturius, and he was fined 15 000 asses.  
• With this unpleasantness out of the way, once again the law about the laws comes up for discussion.
• Romilius surprisingly was in support of the codification. Although he was a staunch patrician and had always despised the plebs, his recent trial taught him a valuable lesson. The patricians were not powerful enough to protect him and all those other persecuted patricians (cough cough) like Caeso, so something needed to change.
• Romilius suggested seeking advice from other states that are running smoothly – like somewhere in Greece! This connection to Greece has been seen as an attempt to associate Rome with the fame of Athens and the law code of Solon. After all, if the Romans wanted to learn about Greek laws, they could have have just headed south. 
• The consuls supported Romilius’ proposal and Siccius praised him for placing the public good first. In tribute to Romilius, Siccius suggested cancelling the fine. 
• All of this information about the fines issued to the ex-consuls seems to be related to the Lex Aternia Tarpeia, which set a maximum penalty on the fines that could be applied for offences involving illegal attempts to gain authority and disrespect. 
• In Livy, the trip to Athens comes up after the tribunes pursue the law about the laws with the new consuls. The tribunes assure the consuls that they are prepared to be reasonable.
• They suggest that patricians and plebeians should just get together and chat about their priorities and how to devise a law code. They agree, but only if the chat is patricians only – no plebs allowed!
• The tribunes just want some progress, so they agree. It is after this that the educational foray to Greece is planned. 

In 453 BCE, the consuls were Publius Curiatus Fistus Trigeminius and Sextus Quinctilius 

• The suffect consul Spurius Furius Medullinus Fusus 
• This was one of the lowest points of the decade. A terrible pestilence broke out and caused a huge amount of suffering and death in all social classes and even the animals. 
• We cannot be sure of the numbers, but it seems that half of the citizen population were wiped out and most of the slaves. 
• One of the consuls was struck down, and tragically, so was his replacement – Spurius Furius. 
• So many people were affected that the fields were neglected and famine ensued, adding to the misery of the Romans. 
• The Aequians considered taking advantage of Rome’s weakness, but they became infected by the pestilence when they tried to attack and had to retreat. 

In 452 BCE, the consuls were Menenius Agrippa (his praenomen could have been Gaius, Lucius, or Titus) and Publius Sestius 

• The pestilence has passed, but there are still food shortages in Rome and the consuls need to buy corn to address the grain crisis. 
• The delegation that had been sent to Athens to study the laws of Solon return, full of ideas for the Roman law code. 
• The Romans are getting serious about the codification of their laws and start to discuss the best way to proceed.
• The idea for a decemvirate, a group of ten magistrates, is suggested. These men would take the place of all the normal offices and there would be no right of appeal. This could not take place immediately, as there were already consuls in office who needed to serve their full term. 
• Whilst having a mixture of plebeian and patrician magistrates is discussed, the patricians are quick to squash those dreams – it will be patricians only or nothing. 
• This sends up some red flags for the plebeians, who are only willing to agree to this system if they are assured that the tribunes and land allocation on the Aventine will be protected and restored once the decemvirate is over.  
• A slight hitch is that there are already some consul-designates who have been chosen to serve in 451 – Titus Genucius and Appius Claudius.
• Appius addresses the senate about the importance of the law code and volunteers to give up his chance to be consul so that the decemvirate can go ahead. What a guy! No wonder he is chosen to serve as decemvir.  

• The first decemvirate begins, and it is a big success. 
• The decemvirs get along remarkably well and they aren’t flaunting their power or status. 
• They produce the Ten Tables, which are approved after consultation with the populace.
• Confusingly, the laws do not seem to address many issues that have been concerning the plebeians, but they do provide some insight into life in Rome at this time.  
• Whilst everyone is satisfied, there is general agreement that a few more laws are needed and it is decided that the Romans need a second decemvirate. 
• Elections are set, and Appius Claudius campaigns hard. He is determined to hang on to his position, so he starts getting friendly with the plebs and tribunes – even badmouthing the patricians. 
• His colleagues are suspicious of his behaviour but they refrain from calling him out on his behaviour. 
• Appius manages to get re-elected, along with some of his friends. 
• Unusually, some plebeians seem to be chosen as well. What is going on? 

• As soon as he has secured his position, Appius reveals his true self. He becomes cruel and arrogant, and encourages his other decemvirs to aim for tyranny.
• They start meeting in secret and vow never to give up their power. 
• Each man has his own fasces and is attended by lictors in public.
• Everyone, patrician and plebeian, is dismayed by their behaviour, but their power is absolute and there seems to be little that anyone can do. 
• The decemvirs add two tables to the law code, making it The Twelve Tables, including a controversial ban on intermarriage between the plebeians and patricians.
• True to their secret evil plan, the decemvirs remain in office, even though their business is seemingly now complete. 
• As we slide into the 440s, the situation in Rome continues to deteriorate. The decemvirs start using the young patricians to bully the populace. Citizens are scourged with rods, their property can be confiscated and some are even murdered. 

FR – And that was the 450s in Ancient Rome… or was it? 

PG – Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. 

FR – Thanks for joining us for this Partial Recap!

The post The Partial Recap – the 450s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.

The history of Rome is complex, even in the early Republic. Sometimes it’s hard to keep all the details straight so we thought it might be a good time to try something new.

The Partial Recap series will be a scripted overview of each decade of Roman history. First cab off the rank is the decade of the 460s BCE. This is the last complete decade we’ve covered in our Foundation of Rome series, and we’ll be working through the previous decades over the next few months.

Part of the benefit of these episodes will be to help refresh the memory of the key events of each year. We’re also trying out a scripted style that easy allows us to share a transcript, which is a good step forward in terms of accessibility for our podcast. As technology progresses, we’re hoping to automate accurate transcripts for our conversational episodes.

Join us for a Partial Recap of the 460s BCE!

The Partial Recap – The 460s BCE

“A view to the East over the Roman Forum with the Temple of Saturn on the left and the Palatine Hill on the right, showing the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Arch of Titus, Santa Francesca Romana, and the Colosseum.”
Detail from the photograph by Nicholas Hartmann, June 1976. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under license.

FR – Welcome to the Partial Recap for the 460s BC!

PG – I’m Dr G 

FR – and I’m Dr Rad

PG – and this is our highlights edition of the 460s in Rome. We’ll take you through from 469 to 460 in an epitome of our normal episodes.

FR – Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want some lengthy rhetoric with your coffee

PG – Get ready for a recappuccino. 

In 469, the consuls were Titus Numicus Priscus and Aulus Verginius Caelimontanus.

• There were some domestic issues that surfaced as the plebeians were pushing for progress with the agrarian law – looking for a fairer share of the land.
• They were quickly distracted by issues with the Volscians. The Volscians start making incursions into Roman territory and the consuls journey forward to meet the threat.
• Numicius heads off to the belly of the beast – Volscian territory – and his forces pillage and capture coastal settlements as they go. Antium, a major Volscian city, is in their sights.
• Verginius goes to deal with Aequians in the east. The Aequians are enemies of Rome and allies of the Volscians. After a bit of a rocky start, he defeats them in combat. He then turns around to deal with the Sabines. Turns out Rome is surrounded by enemies! 
• Meanwhile, back in Rome, the plebeians decide not to vote in the annual elections. They are tired of the lack of progress on the agrarian law, so what is even the point anymore? The agrarian reform the plebeians have been pushing for would mean a fairer distribution of public land for all Roman citizens. The elite patricians have been stalling, knowing it’ll mean a loss for them.

In 468 BCE, the consuls were Titus Quintius Capitolinus Barbatus (consul for the second time) and Quintus Servilius Priscus.

• Unrest between Rome and their neighbours continues. Rome is facing issues with the Sabines to the north east, and the Volscian-Aequian alliance which stretches from the south to the east.  
• Servilius is off campaigning against the Sabines. They stay well protected behind their walls as the Romans destroy their lands.
• Quintius takes on the Volscian-Aequian alliance and meets them on the battlefield. It’s tough, but with some quick thinking (and lying) on his part, as well as charging into battle on foot himself, the Romans pull through on the first day. 
• The fighting continues the next day and the Romans are massively outnumbered. But one again, the generalship of Quintius saves the day. The Romans seize the enemy camp and the city of Antium!
• These amazing deeds secure a triumph for Quintius.

Want to hear more about the politics and dramas of 469 and 468? Check out our Episode 88: Battle after Battle

In 467 BCE, the consuls were Titus Aemilius Mamercus (cos. From 470 BCE) and Quintus Fabius Vibulanus.

• Fun fact: the consul Quintus Fabius is the sole survivor of his family from the infamous battle of Cremera in c. 477 BCE. Long live the Fabii!
• Aemilius Mamercus is drawing some heat from his fellow patricians because he seems open minded when it comes to the issue of agrarian reform and land allotment. The plebeian mood is one of optimism. 
• However, the patricians as a whole are still resistant. Fabius has a cunning plan to settle the dispute. He suggests they use the new land they have captured near Antium to appease the plebeians. 
• This suggestion is well-received as three past consuls are ushered in as triumvirs for assigning land to the people (triumviri agro dando). The lucky gentlemen are: Titus Quintius Capitolinus (cos. 471), Aulus Verginius (cos. 469) and Publius Furius (cos. 472).
• The plebeians aren’t in a hurry to leave Rome and don’t appreciate being banished from Rome, so the Senate allows Rome’s allies (the Latins and Hernicians) and some Volscians (who have been suitably cowed) to sign up for some land 
• The consuls have other fish to fry. Aemilius attempts to fight the Sabines. Again they aren’t interested in engaging in open battle and they watch as their territory is ravaged by the Romans
• Fabius ventures into Aequian territory only to find that they are very willing to strike a deal with the Romans, perhaps a little too willing….

In 466 BCE, the consuls were Spurius Postumius Albinus Regillensis and Quintus Servilius Priscus (Structus), who had previously been consul in 468 BCE.

•  It’s a bit confusing but it seems there are some issues with the newly acquired territory and the Latin allies who have moved south aren’t happy about it. Could it be that Rome has offered her allies a bum deal?
• Quintus Fabius is no longer consul, but he’s pretty invested in the whole southern territory thing because it was his suggestion, so he heads down to chat to the Aequians to find out whether they are actually violating the new treaty or not.
• He soon realises from the suspicious behaviour of the Aequians that he is in trouble and that these guys are up to something
• The Romans dispatch the fetiales (deploy the war priests!) and declare unless those responsible for the wrongdoing are expelled from Antium there shall be a just war waged upon them by Rome with the full support of the Roman gods. 
• The Aequians prefer war – although combat is delayed by a plague that strikes the Roman forces (awkward divine sign?) 
• Once the Romans can get out of bed (this might take until the following year, sources disagree), both the consuls are sent to deal with the faithless Aequians. After a tough battle, the Romans win the day, leaving some very disgruntled Aequians behind. 
• The Romans round out the year with a temple dedication to Dius Fidius (sometimes known as Sanctus) – a mysterious god that may have been Sabine in origin.

You can learn more about the years 467 and 466 by tuning into Episode 89 – A Fabian Abroad

In 465 BCE, the consuls were Titus Quintius Capitolinus (who was on his third consulship!) and Quintus Fabius Vibulanus (consul for the second time). Quintius Servilius serves as the Prefect of the City.

• The Romans are all a-flutter as the Aequians are already back in action and raiding nearby territory!
• Titus Quintius Capitolinus heads out and rebukes his men for being so scared, quickly setting up patrols of the borderlands – unfortunately he keeps missing the enemy
• Meanwhile Fabius is enjoying a lot of success against the Aequians and captures some booty
• With that settled, the courts can re-open back in Rome and it’s time for a census. Livy records 104 714 citizens, not including orphans and widows.

In 464 BCE, the consuls were Aulus Postumius Albus Regillensis and Spurius Furius Medullinus Fusus.

• There are ongoing issues with the Aequians and the new territory in Antium – some problems relating to offering land to people you just took it away from perhaps…
• Rome’s allies, the Hernicians, bring word that all is not well in the new colony
• Trouble seems to rapidly accelerate! Martial law is declared and Postumius is given dictatorial powers 
• Fighting breaks out unexpectedly in the middle of the night when the Aequians launch an attack on Antium and things are looking very dicey for the Romans. Spurius Furius gets injured in the battle.
• Fortunately, Titus Quintius Capitolinus (just off the back of his third consuldhip) turns up with the flower of the Roman youth and the allies just in time. The year finishes in a bit of a stalemate with a lot of loss on both sides.

Catch all the details of 465-464 BCE in our Episode 91 – The Furious Romans

In 463 BCE, the consuls were Lucius Aebutius Helva and Publius Servilius Priscus.

• The year does not begin auspiciously. There are some bad omens which has everyone concerned.
• Soon, a serious plague breaks out in Rome and the surrounding areas 
• It wipes out almost all livestock and a quarter of the senators died – including both the consuls, meaning we see the use of some interregna as a result
• The Aequians and the Volscians decide to take advantage of this weakness to attack Roman territory 
• Whether it was due to the enhancement of natural defences or supernatural forces, the Aequians and Volscians decide not to go through with the assault on the city, and with the help of their allies, Rome lives to fight another day.
• As the year wraps up, the plague starts to pass – almost a little too neatly. Was this just a year without enough military action and so the annalists got creative?

Dig into the details of this year with our Episode 92 – The Pestilence of 463 BCE

In 462 BCE, the consuls were Lucius Lucretius Tricipitinus and Titus Veturius Geminus Cicurinus.

• Rome’s allies, the Hernicians need help as they have Volscians and Aequians camped on their border. Hernician territory is south-east of Rome and lies between the Aequians in the east and the Volscians in the south, so it’s not surprising they find themselves in a tight spot! 
• The plebeian tribunes aren’t interested in foreign diplomacy and are busy pursuing domestic issues. The tribune Sextius Titus is trying to reignite support for the land allotment bill – but the populace want to wait for a better time for agrarian reform as it looks like Rome will have to go to war.
• The Senate find no problems signing people up for this new war 
• The Romans keep one army at home with Quintus Fabius (cos. 465), send one against the Volscians, and send another to help their allies. That’s three armies.
• Nothing much happens out in enemy territory but…
• The Volscian-Aequian forces manage to get around the Roman forces, causing a bit of panic in the city. Fabius is quick to calm everyone down and the bandits aren’t brave enough to attack the city itself 
• On their way home, the Volscians-Aequian force run into Lucretius and are severely defeated – the Volscians are reportedly wiped out 
• Veturius is awarded an ovatio and Lucretius a triumph, but this celebration is delayed due to some new trouble at home
• As we slide from 462 into 461, the tribunes are trying to take advantage of the absence of the consuls. Gaius Terentilius Harsa in particular pushes for reform. He believes that Rome needs to move away from the informal legal system that they have been using. The informal system relies on tradition and only a few (elite) people understand how things work. What Harsa wants is a system that is more transparent and where case law is written down. On top of that, Harsa also lobbies to place a limit on the amount of power that a person can hold. 
• Harsa suggests putting together a college of 5 men to write down some laws and limit the imperium of the consuls. 
• The patricians are completely freaked out. The Prefect of the City, Quintus Fabius, steps in and violently opposes Harsa’s ideas. How dare Harsa stir up trouble with the consuls out of town and a war going on? Fabius paints the tribunes as enemies of the state, and Harsa’s colleagues back off. 
• As things calm down, Lucretius can safely return to have his triumph.
• He organised a large lost and found with all of the booty that he recaptured during his campaign out on the Campus Martius.

We explore the thorny details of 462 in Episode 93 – Divide and Conquer

In 461, the consuls were Publius Volumnius and Servius Sulpicius.

• The plebeian tribune Harsa’s proposals from 462 have struck a chord with the people. And the new tribunes continue to push for legal reform, particularly Aulus Verginius. 
• However, disaster clearly lies ahead, as all sorts of prodigies take place – spectres, earthquakes, a talking cow and a rain of flesh that doesn’t smell or rot. Even the soothsayers were stumped. 
• There’s only one thing to do in such a situation: consult The Sibylline Books, a collection of ancient wisdom. The wise message: The Romans are warned to be wary of foreigners that might enslave the Romans and to avoid factionalism 
• The tribunes aren’t deterred by this “wisdom” and accuse the patricians of trying to buy time. 
• Rome’s allies, the Hernicians show up to warn the Romans that the Volscians are preparing for another war. The Senate wants to levy troops, but the tribunes call foul – seeing this as just another stalling tactic. 
• The tribunes take matters into their own hands, call an assembly of the people to put forward ideas for their approval. The most Important proposal – to have a group of 10 men elected by the people to draft a set of public and private laws. These laws would be publicly accessible and everyone would be bound by them.
• The consuls are provoked by this situation and go on the offensive, attacking the tribunes and pointing out that it is not their job to propose new laws. The consuls accuse the tribunes of just being after more power for themselves.
• The consuls attempt to hold a levy to build up the armed forces, but the tribunes arrive and to prevent it from proceeding. Things get violent pretty quickly. 
• And the senators repay the favour – physically preventing the tribunes from holding a vote on the law about the laws
• The senators are keen to drive home the point that the tribunes have no authority beyond helping the poor. As far as the senate is concerned, the tribunes have no legal or sacral basis to propose new laws. 
• The consuls and older patricians start to take a step back from getting physically involved, but the young patricians are prepared to do no such thing, particularly the feisty Caeso Qunctius.
• Caeso a gift from the gods – physically strong, a distinguished soldier, rhetorically gifted and known for getting aggressive with the tribunes.
• The tribunes find Caeso an intimidating prospect, except for Aulus Verginius, who brings Caeso up on capital charges. 
• Caeso has lots of supporters who come forward to try and save him, including his dad, Cincinnatus, who asks for clemency based on his own deeds for the Republic.
• However, Marcus Volscius Fictor, another tribune, comes forward and reveals that Caeso was responsible for the murder of his brother. The crowd is so angered by this tale, that Verginius considers putting Caeso in gaol just to keep him safe. 
• The patricians manage to strike a deal instead – Caeso is released in return for a large sum of money that will be forfeit if he fails to show for his trial. 
• Caeso promptly disappears, leaving his dad behind to pay the money that was pledged.

461 is a big year! We delve into the nuance of it all in Episode 94 – Flesh Rains Down Upon Thee

In 460 BCE, the consuls were Publius Valerius (a previous consul from 475 BCE and friend to the people) and Gaius Claudius, a die-hard patrician. This is one of the most complex years in the Early Republic!

• Marcus Volscius Fictor and Aulus Verginius return as tribunes, and they are pretty pleased that Caeso is out of the way.
• The rest of the young patricians start to use a new strategy against the tribunes – moderation all the way unless the law about the laws comes up – then the aggression hits 11
• The tribunes decide to devise a conspiracy, forging threatening letters to themselves, supposedly from Caeso, who has taken refuge with the Volscians and Aequians. The tribunes read out these letters in front of the Senate and beg for protection. 
• The consul Gaius Claudius is quick to see through the tribunes and sends them packing. He then berates the senate for creating the tribunate and allowing such people to falsely accuse an excellent young man like Caeso of murder.   
• The tribune Verginius takes his grievances about the threats to the people and manages to secure some support from them 
• With the tribunes and plebeians in a suitably paranoid state, an unexpected attack comes from Appius Herdonius – a noble Sabine – and his band of either slaves, exiles, clients or a mixture of them all 
• Herdonius & Co sneak into Rome by night and capture the Capitol and citadel. Herdonius invites the plebs and slaves to join him  – looks like the Sibylline books were right after all!
• The consuls are concerned that this is the beginning of a civil conflict. But the city is in danger, so they take a chance and arm the plebs as they need forces and they needed them right away 
• The tribunes, on the other hand, are crying “fake news” and urging the plebs not to fight until they secure their rights in return. 
• Claudius is furious with the plebeians and makes no secret of it, but the consul Valerius manages to talk them into joining the fray with promises that the Senate will look into the law about the laws, just as soon as they have all saved the city – priorities people!
• The Romans get ready for a lengthy siege, and get some unexpected help from Lucius Mamilius, the dictator of Tusculum. Mamilius noticed the Sabine ships and rushed on over to help. What a man!
• The fighting is fierce, and in the final push, Valerius is tragically killed. But at least the Sabines are defeated. The Sabine leader Herdonius dies a heroic death.   
• In the aftermath, the plebeians give some of their own money towards the funeral of the great Valerius.
• But the tribunes aren’t going to let the issue of the law drop
• The remaining consul, Gaius Claudius, uses some delaying tactics to stall them, most notably the fact that he has no colleague
• The patricians eventually bring in a man who is capable of dealing with these meddlesome tribunes – Cincinnatus!
• Cincinnatus is brought in from his humble farm and promptly lectures the Senate for letting the tribunes get out of control
• A stand-off quickly ensues between Cincinnatus and the tribunes as they each try to push their own agendas through 
• Cincinnatus scores points with everyone in Rome for his strict but fair attitude. He’s sure that the only way to really whip Rome back into shape is to bring in a dictator – those tribunes are out of control
• In the short term, a deal is struck in which the consuls agree not to make the plebeians go on campaign and the tribunes let the codification of the laws drop… for the time being
• However, the senate also tries to limit the amount of time a magistrate could hold office. But the tribunes are not willing to bend on this issue. The tribunes Verginius and Volscius are quickly reinstated – again  
• The patricians want to follow suit and bring Cincinnatus back for a second consulship but he refuses to stoop to the level of the plebs. 

There’s a lot going on in 460 and to really come to the grips with the detail takes some doing. Tune into the following episodes for all the details:

• Episode 95 – Introducing Caeso Quinctius
• Episode 96 – Letters and Rumours
• Episode 97 – Surprising Sabines
• Episode 98 – Cincinnatus Suffect Consul

FR – And that was the 460s in Ancient Rome… or was it? 

PG – Remember, this has just been the highlights from the ancient sources, so if you want to delve into the complexities of the different evidence from this period, check out our narrative episodes. 

FR – Thanks for joining us for this Partial Recap!

The post The Partial Recap – the 460s BCE appeared first on The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies.