“They make a desert and call it peace.” It’s one of the most brutal lines in ancient history – but was it ever actually spoken? 

Jimmy and Armand unpack the sharp, unsettling world of Roman historian Tacitus, who often slipped his most biting critiques of Ancient Rome into the mouths of her enemies. We explore the fine line between history and drama, how Roman speeches were crafted rather than recorded, and what that says about truth, narrative, and power.

Also in this episode: collapsing assassination boats, Roman mothers who just won’t die, the surprising origin of the phrase “parting shot” (which isn’t actually ‘parting shot’ at all!) and why Chelmsford was once (sort of) the heart of the Roman Empire.

The main texts explored were: 

Agricola, Tacitus

Annals, Tacitus

Histories, Tacitus

Presented by Armand D’Angour and Jimmy Mulville

Produced by Diggory Waite

A Hat Trick Production

For more on the charity Classics For All, who support state schools to introduce or develop the teaching of classical subjects sustainably on the curriculum or as an after school activity, visit www.classicsforall.org.uk