AD 79: Year of Vesuvius

by Bruce Ware Allen

In AD 79, Italy's mount Vesuvius erupted, covering Pompeii and Herculaneum in hot ash and lava. This was not, however, the only important event of that year. One emperor died, another succeeded, farmers farmed, politicians plotted, lawyers advocated, businessmen cut deals, life went on. In this podcast, we will follow seasons of a typical year at the height of Rome's power from the perspectives of people high and low. 
History
Documentary

Podcast episodes

  • E11 - Grain, Ships, and Bread

    E11 - Grain, Ships, and Bread

    In which the upcoming and perennial challenges of getting grain across the Mediterranean to feed the million mouths of Rome is addressed

    29:20

  • E10 - MARCH

    E10 - MARCH

    In which Rome celebrates motherhood at the feast of Maternalia and warfare in the feast of the Sodales Salii, or Leaping Priests. Spring is on the horizon, but there is a ways to go yet

    20:09

  • E09 - Season of the Wolf

    E09 - Season of the Wolf

    In which the curious, even bizarre, nature of the festival of Lupercalia is discussed

    14:57

  • E08 - L. Caecilius Iucundus and his Associates

    E08 - L. Caecilius Iucundus and his Associates

    In which the doings of the auctioneer and financier L Caecilius Iucundus and his associates are examined and their ultimate fates speculated on.

    21:48

  • E07 - The Earth Moves

    E07 - The Earth Moves

    In which the AD 63 earthquake severely damaged Pompeii and other cities around the bay of Naples, reshaping its physical and socio-economic character and setting the stage for the later events of AD 79

    23:27