The Parthians launch a surprise attack on Rome, routing the eastern legions and capturing Parthia. We cover the long history of Rome's entanglement with Parthia, and Crassus's disastrous invasion during the late republican period.

The young philosopher Marcus Aurelius agreed to become ruler of the Roman empire, but he's not happy about it. We discuss why he was so reluctant to be imbued with unlimited wealth and power, and some of the unusual steps he took to keep himself humble, including giving up sole rule.