1-508-864-6722

Explicit Material

Rob interviews Vicki about her book:  THE JOY OF SEXTUS. 

Subjects Discussed: 

• How did the ancients see sexuality?  
• The Sacred Band of Thebes.
• The meaning of the phallic symbol.
• Lesbians and Homosexuality.
• Interesting women of that period.

1-508-864-6722

This is Bonus 1, for Episode 48.  I strongly suggest you listen to this.  Vicky Leon makes the strongest argument that social media existed in the Ancient World.  The comparisons are riveting. 

1-508-864-6722

This is Bonus 2, for Episode 48.  Vicky Leon discusses her book WORKING IX to V.   Watching sword and sandal movies you might think there were just slaves, soldiers and Christians in the ancient world.    The fact is…people had to make living.  What would you do to survive in the Ancient World?  What skills could you bring to the BCE?    

Rob Cain interviews Alison Morton, author of the thriller and the altenative history book INCEPTIO.  Synopsis: Imagine a Christian Emperor forcing  pagans to convert, and those that refuse decide to migrate to a new homeland in Europe.  Now in the 21st Century a NEW ROME, a ROMA NOVA has come into being.  Roma Nova is now an advanced techological society ruled by women and a force once called the Praetorian Guard has grown into a modern SAS.  Why read alternative history?   It is nothing short of "what might have been" and clarifies if events are as inevitable as we might think. 

Alison Morton, an army veteran, and educated in history, uses her imagination to take us down "the path less taken" in several exciting adventure stories.  Her books includes: Inceptio, Carina, Perfiditas, Successio, Aurelia, and many others. 

Interested in how the world of Roma Nova began?  Check out the thrillers Julia Prima and Exsilium.  

The podcast begins with Matthew Leigh Embleton returning to present Absinthe Part 2.  He provides us additional information on this early medicine of antiquity, and how it has turned into a green spirit drink ordered by hipsters and poets.  Yes, Hemingway drank it and even writer and playwright Oscar Wilde.  

Rob Cain encourages listeners to try the drink, and email their experiences and observations to the show.  Email:  rob@ancientromerefocused.org

Matthew Leigh Embleton is a writer, composer and muscian out of the UK.  Check out his website at: http://www.matthewleighembleton.co.uk/

Rob Cain interviews Helen King on Medicine in the Ancient World.  

Helen King is a British classical scholar and advocate for the medical humanities. She is Professor Emerita of Classical Studies at the Open University. She was previously Professor of the History of Classical Medicine and Head of the Department of Classics at the University of Reading.  Rob calls her at home to talk about medicine in the ancient world, what makes a good legio medicus, and the women physicians of the Ancient World.  

Also on the show is Matthew Lee Embleton, he joins us to talk about the strange ancient medicine Absinthe.  It is now a popular drink nicknamed, "The Green Fairy".  

He provides us with another hip pocket lecture on the subject of Absinthe.   This drink is a anise-flavored spirit, reminding some of licorice.   It is colored 'green' with a very high alcohol content.  Historical literature calls it the 'green fairy'.   If  you desire to read more on 'the green fairy' check out Embleton's book"  A Brief History of Absinthe:  History, Medicine, Art, Poetry and Ritual on this definite 'bohemian' drink consumed by the likes of  Hemingway, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Lewis Carroll of Alice in Wonderland fame.    

In the ancient book De Rerum Natura , Lucretius writes about the drink containing wormwood and was given as a medicine to children with the glass dipped in honey to make it palatable for the young. 

Coming to the U.S. in January 2025.

Journey into the complex medical and religious history of women's bodies from classical Greece to the modern day

'Illuminating, thoughtful and scholarly' FINANCIAL TIMES

'Mind-blowing, fascinating stuff' BBC WOMAN'S HOUR

'Delightful, timely and critical' Cat Bohannon, author of Eve

'With unrivaled expertise and a wealth of classical and contemporary detail, the author weaves historical knowledge of medicine, anatomy, literature, art and religion into a narrative that surprises, informs, excites and frequently amuses' Adrian Thatcher, author of Vile Bodies

Throughout history, religious scholars, medical men and - occasionally - women themselves, have moulded thought on what 'makes' a woman. She has been called the weaker sex, the fairer sex, the purer sex, among many other monikers. Often, she has been defined simply as 'Not A Man'.

Today, we are more aware than ever of the complex relationship between our bodies and our identities. But contrary to what some may believe, what makes a woman is a question that has always been open-ended.

Immaculate Forms examines all the ways in which medicine and religion have played a gatekeeping role over women's organs. It explores how the womb was seen as both the most miraculous organ in the body and as a sewer; uncovers breasts' legacies as maternal or sexual organs - or both; probes the mystery of the disappearing hymen, and asks, did the clitoris need to be discovered at all?

Got something to share on the Ancient World?  Call the comment line at: 1-508-864-6722.

An interview with Dr. Gregory Aldrete on how the Ancients created 'cloth' armor as protection against arrows.  

2:30 - 8:15

Contributor Matthew Leigh Embleton gives us his hip-pocket lecture on the God Mithras. 

8:15 - 21:30 

Rob Cain provides a personal essay on DRAGON SKIN. 

21:30 - 39:45

Rob Cain interviews Dr. Gregory Aldrete, professor Emeritus, University of Wisonsin - Green Bay, on his six year journey in developing the cloth armor worn by Alexander the Great.   

Rob Cain interviews Steven Fine, historian of Judaism in the Greco-Roman World.   Dr. Fine is professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University in New York, director of the Arch of Titus Digital Restoration project and of the Yeshiva University Center for Israel Studies.  Visit Professor Fine's webpage: http://yeshiva.academia.edu/StevenFine/About 

Included on the show is a discussion of Josephus the historian, Masada, the Arch of Titus Digital Restoration project, and myths and stories of the location of the Menorah looted by the Romans.  

Matthew Leigh Embleton continues his lecture Series on Opium in the Ancient world. 

http://www.matthewleighembleton.co.uk/

Jon White, from the UK, provides us a dramatic narration of the opening of the 70s novel The Antagonists / Masada. 

A Halloween Special.  In 1485 workmen came across the body of a dead Ancient Roman girl in a sarcophagus.   The body was uncorrupted.  She was beautiful.  As you may guess this became a bit of a sensation in Rome.   

Total playing time: 12 minutes.

An original story written by Rob Cain.

Narration by Skye Taylor

Synopsis: Alice has a YouTube Channel called Alice through the Looking Glass.  In this episode she talks about how she became a classics major. She avoided telling her father, and one day her grandfather gives her the entire set of GREAT BOOKS OF THE WESTERN WORLD when she shared the news .   This sparks a conversation with Dad. Will Alice keep on the Appian Way or go back to Engineering School?  Great Books of the Western World is a cautionary tale about following your dreams.   Featuring the music GIVE ALL YOU GOT by Leroy Wild and the vocals of Noa Blu.  

Rob Cain interviews a Mr. Bob Carr who went down to Tikal in 1959 to assist in the surveying and mapping of this ancient site. Assisted by John Windmuller, Bob's son-in-law, Rob, John and Bob conduct a kitchen interview about his two years in the jungle. The mystery of what was termed an ARRIVAL BOWL is discussed near the end.

Rob Cain provides an Editorial on the beloved character of Lilith Sternin of the TV Show Frasier. Was Lilith just an ex-wive, or was she purposely created to take the attributes of a mythological character?

INDIANA JONES AND THE BULL OF PERSEPOLIS

Rob Cain writes a love letter to a museum. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures once known as the Oriental Museum is at the University of Chicago on the city's southside. If you visit take an uber to visit this unique museum that frankly looks like a set for the next Indiana Jones Movie. Don't waste time visiting the M@M store on Michigan Avenue. Take a real adventure and visit the past.

EDITORIAL

Forget Cleopatra. Where's my Queen Zenobia and Queen Amanirenas?

Rob Cain goes on a rant about the entertainment industry's continued fascination with Cleopatra VII. Typing out an article on his laptop while listening to Seraj Nebal, he puts forth his frustration while waiting for other movies to be made about other powerful women.

Tell the story about Queen Zenobia!

Tell the story about Queen Amanirenas!

Forget Wakanda, and let's celebrate the people of the Kush.

Gladiatorial Games at Starbucks

32:00 - 1:17

Introduction

1:17- 10:03

Matthew Leigh Embleton and the History of Latin, Pt. II

10:10 - 11:59

Rob Introduces an audio segment from the 1970s TV production THE PALLISERS. This is basically a dramatic scene within a courtroom that illustrates how Latin could be used for communication.

12:02 - 18:10

An Irishman on trial and saved by the use of Latin.

18:12 - 20:35

Rob discusses a European thought experiment to make Latin the language of the European Union.

20:36 - 28:23

A true story of a gladiatorial game in front of Starbucks.

A conversation with the historian Michael G. Stroud.

Synopsis: Michael G. Stroud and Rob Cain discuss subjects as the nature of history and its study, the importance of context, and the history of Tudor and Roman Naval Sea Power.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgstroud/

The 12 Labors of Antony

A Dramatic Narration in a 'What-if?' vein. 

An original story by Rob Cain and performed by Jordan Harbour of Twilight Histories.

Imagine Marc Antony going to a public relations firm for advice on how to win over the people of Rome in his war against Octavian. This story is about the Aequitas Publicae Negotium, a public relations corporation that provides him a communications plan to achieve his objectives. The story gives insight on how history could have been different with just a little bit of adjustment.

Would Antony have taken the advice? 

Photo of Matthew Leigh Embleton 

Check out more of Matthew's music at:

http://www.matthewleighembleton.co.uk/

Photo of Matthew Leigh Embleton  

An interview with Matthew Leigh Embleton, composer, musician and writer out of Kent, England. Rob Cain and Matthew discuss Ancient Latin, the Vikings and assorted historical observations. Matthew discusses his favorite 'epochs'. Check out Matthew's website at:

www.matthewleighembleton.co.uk

Matthew Leigh Embleton

Available Bonus Material includes:

Snakestyle-K Minor

Spanish Voyage (Ambience of Rennaissance Spain)

Down and Out in Ancient Rome features the dramatic narrative DOWN AND OUT IN ANCIENT Rome. This story takes you into the backstreets of ancient Rome. Tristan is the writer and producer for The Story Engine Podcast and Twilight Histories.

Intro: 0-2:48

Rob talks about the hit TV show LOKI: 2:54 - 10:45

Matthew Leigh Embleton gives a lecture on Runes and the early Roman Alphabet: 10:46 - 14:00

DOWN AND OUT IN ANCIENT ROME by Tristan Verboven: 14:40 - 33;10

Ending: 33:11 - 33:39

Intro Narration by David Denyer.

The Seikilos epitaph is the oldest surviving complete musical composition, including musical notation, from anywhere in the world. The epitaph has been variously dated, but seems to be either from the 1st or the 2nd century CE. The song, the melody of which is recorded, alongside its lyrics, in the ancient Greek musical notation, was found engraved on a tombstone (a stele) from the Hellenistic town of Tralles near present-day Aydın, Turkey, not far from Ephesus. It is a Hellenistic Ionic song in either the Phrygian octave species or Iastian tonos. While older music with notation exists (for example the Hurrian songs), all of it is in fragments; the Seikilos epitaph is unique in that it is a complete, though short, composition.[1]

A mix of music provided by London composer David Denyer.

Agave was performed and sung by Charlotte Holtum ("Give me Strength")

Dionysus was performed and sung by Pavlos Christodoulou 

Singing Bacchae were Alisha Iyer, Faidra Faitaki, Polyanna Cohen ("The Divine Will", "What is Wisdom?"). 

Anna Kouremenos (lecturer at Quinnipiac University) and Rob Cain discuss a debate between Boris Johnson, Mayor of London (at the time), and Mary Beard, noted Classicist, when they took on each other in a debate forum to decide what culture was better: the Romans or the Greeks? Ms. Kouremenos as a Greek Historical academic provides a courtside analysis.

Listeners are recommended to see the full debate which is offered on YouTube at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k448JqQyj8&t=640s

The full debate is titled: Greece vs Rome, with Boris Johnson and Mary Beard

Anna said, "I watched it twice."

The primary discussion is on her paper: PΩΜΑΙΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ≠ ROMAN OCCUPATION: (MIS)PERCEPTIONS OF THE ROMAN PERIOD IN GREECE. A line from the paper sums up the direction of her research: "…very little has been written about modern perceptions of this period."

This paper is available on Academia.edu.

This is a fun and interesting discussion with an outstanding educator. The podcast includes the following topics:

• What do modern Greeks think of their history after Actium?
• Was it really that bad to live under the Romans?
• As a Greek speaker Ms.Kouremenos provides an Ancient Greek and Modern Greek comparison.
• Did the Europeans demonize the Romans in 18th Century writings?
• Do our modern perspectives color the way we see history itself?

On the show Rob Cain interviews Simon Elliot the author of Roman Britain's Missing Legion: What really happened to the IX Hispana?

Subjects covered in the podcast:

* Evidence.

* Citations in the records.

* Possible solutions to the mystery.

* The origins of the name Caesar.

* What is the dream find for an archeologist to settle the IX Hispana

mystery?

* Decapitated heads discovered in Britain. What's up with that?

* A favorite hypothesis of the fate of the IX Hispania.

Do not miss the show, and be sure to pick up his book on Amazon.

This podcast reviews the book: THE ROMAN GUIDE TO SLAVE MANAGMENT.

Rob interviews the author and reads excerpts from the book.

The Roman Guide to Slave Management, is a sly, subversive guide to the realities of servitude in ancient Rome. Cambridge scholar Jerry Toner uses Falx, his fictional but true-to-life creation, to describe where and how to Romans bought slaves, how they could tell an obedient worker from a troublemaker, and even how the ruling class reacted to the inevitable slave revolts. Toner also adds commentary throughout, analyzing the callous words and casual brutality of Falx and his compatriots and putting it all in context for the modern reader. 

A new book is planned for his protagonist that may include a grand tour of the Roman Empire.

Hayley Russell, producer of Helicon Theatrical Productions, discusses the ancient concept of KLEOS.

Kleos is the Greek word often translated to "renown" or "glory". It is related to the English word "loud" and carries the implied meaning of "what others hear about you".  According to Wikipedia, a Greek hero earns kleos through accomplishing great deeds.

Andrew Hulse, producer of Helicon Theatrical Productions, discusses the scholar of epic poetry, Milman Perry, and his associate Albert

Lord. Hulse promotes Lord's book The Singer of Tales as a "wacky and mind bending…" experience.

Albert Bates Lord was a professor of Slavic and comparative literature at Harvard University who, after the death of Milman Parry, carried on that scholar's research into epic literature. Wikipedia

The Singer of Tales is a book by Albert Lord that discusses the oral tradition as a theory of literary composition and its applications to Homeric and medieval epic. It was published in 1960. Wikipedia

Yes, this poem actually exists.

Imagine you create a theater company. You decide to bring to life this ancient poem. You hold auditions, and you study the ancient storytellers called the Rhapsodoi. Picking out the best storytellers and musicians you travel to the 21st century version of the Dionysia, The Fringe, one of the world's largest art festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland. Amongst the hubbub of musicians, artists, jugglers, comedians you perform your play in the mayhem of an artistic frenzy.

News Release:

Speech by Michael Bennet of Colorado

Using Rome as an example during a speech in Congress after a mob tried to intervene in the legal and fair election of the President of the United States.

celebrated on TV as he was growing up. What is a modern hero? What is a classical one? Do heroes pay a price?

18:45 into the podcast a musical tribute is given to Khaled al-Asaad, a Syrian archaeologist and the head of antiquities at the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khaled al-Asaad refused to reveal the location of ancient artifacts to the invaders. He placed the history of his city over his own life.

If I was going to do walking tour of Great Britain I would pack this book with an extra pair of socks.

Roman Britain is a great book, based on a series of lectures given at Oxford University. The book is filled with maps and drawings and insights into the ancient world.

Check out the great map on the inside cover. Go for an old edition. It has a lot more dash. It's relatively small, and easy to put in your knapsack.

An interesting tidbit is that according to Collingwood there was a lot more diversity in Romano Britain that discussed in the modern discourse of today. Considering Collingwood lived during the time of the British Raj, I tend to believe his conclusions.  

If you intend to visit Romano Britain, this is the book. Just make sure there isn't a updated version out there. You may want to bump a modern map up against it.

An original musical piece by Zebulon (aka: Morgan Taubert). The piece was played in Episode 23 (S4) by permission of the artist.

Do you want to hear more of his music? Check out Morgan's website at:https://zebulonstoryteller.bandcamp.com/

Morgan Taubert decides to write a letter to Herodotus, the Father of History.

Check out his blogsite at: http://letterstocicero.blogspot.com/

Rob Cain interviews Morgan Taubert from Adelaide, South Australia. Morgan writes letters to the dead. This includes letters to Marcus Tullius Cicero. What do you say to the greatest orator of the Roman Republic? What would you say?  After you listen to the podcast check out Morgans' blog at: 

LETTERS TO CICERO (AND MY OTHER DEAD FRIENDS).

http://letterstocicero.blogspot.com

Morgan is also a musician. Check out his music at:  Zebulonstoryteller.bandcamp.com.

Music featured on the show include: Dumpster Fire, Garyan, Street Dance Karsilamus

Dr. Joel Christensen, Brandeis University, gives his opinion on why it's important to study the classics, and why we should learn Latin and Ancient Greek.

Rob Cain and Dr. Christensen of Brandeis University have a small exchange on the question,

"Do we really know what Ancient Greek sounded like?"

An original composition from the podcast Mice and Frogs Behaving Badly.

Composer:

Matthew Leigh Embleton

http://www.matthewleighembleton.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4pgcRSMEr4

The Batrachomyomachia or Battle of the Frogs and Mice is a comic epic, or a parody of the Iliad, commonly attributed to Homer. Prof. Joel Christensen and Eric Robinson have translated this odd poem putting frogs and mice in the place of the Homeric Heroes.

Dr. Christiansen, is an associate professor of Classical Studies and comparative literature, and is the chair in the Department of classical studies, and teaches courses in Greek Epic and Archaic Poetry, Rhetoric and literary theory, linguistics, and mythology. He has taken the time to talk to us about an odd poem that has be translated repeatedly over the years. Why do people over the generations find this poem so interesting?

With an original musical piece written by Matthew Leigh Embleton, a reading of the Battle of the Frogs and Mice is read not only by Dr. Christensen, but intersects with Graeme Malcolm with permission of Random House Audio books.

Are you a frog or a mouse?

Step into the pond and find out.

Rob Cain discovers antiques being sold on the internet. He digs deeper and deeper into what is real and what is perceived to be real. He answers an inquiry from Robert W.M. Greaves, the author of the popular blog site Matters Arising, and airs an interview by the late Archaeologist William Glover on the nature of context. This is a true investigation of what is real and what is not.

Can we trust the popular auction house Ebay in buying our history?

The only conclusion is: "Context is everything."

Time for a little detective work.

Did Julius Caesar actually say: "I could kill you faster than I could threaten to kill you?" It's on the internet. So it has to be true. Right?

Rob Cain's Historical Detective Agency tries to find the out the truth.

Old friends call in.

00:00 - 18:35

Come with us to Mars!

What if a civilization was discovered on Mars?  What if behind a stonewall, the remnants of a Martian Civilization was discovered?  Ancient Rome Refocused presents a dramatic narration of how this could very much match an unusual mania that swept the world in the 1920s.  Upon the discovery of King Tut's tomb, music, art, advertising, movies and fashion, reflected a mania for all things reflecting ancient Egypt.   What is a dead Martian Civilization (like the Martians in the Ray Bradbury novel Martian Chronicles) were discovered beneath the surface?  Let  your imagination fly on this most unusual episode. 

Now that your thinking about it, let's review the Egypto-mania Craze that took over society in the early 20 century.  

18:36 - 1:01:52

From there let's explore Rob's favorite book:  THE EGYPTOLOGIST BY Arthur Phillips.  

The Egyptologist is structured as journals, letters, telegrams, and drawings, from several different points of view. The main story is set in 1922 and follows a hopeful explorer who, working near Howard Carter (the man who discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun), risks more and more of his life and savings on an apparently Quixotic effort to find the tomb of an apocryphal Egyptian king.  It's a detective story.  It is a detective story combined with archaeology.  We are digging to find an Egyptian King, and the real identity of Ralph Trilipush.   

Phillips takes us on an adventure. 

I needed one.

So do you.

What's it like to be daughter of a Queen?

Rob Cain interviews author and educator Vicky Alvear Shecter. She wrote the book Cleopatra's Moon, a tale of Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Antony.

Dramatic narration from Ms. Shecter's book.

Nancy provides the voice of Selene who witnessed the Donations of Alexandria, where Antony distributed Roman lands to his children and Queen Cleopatra. As you can guess this did not go over well in Rome, and led to the battle of Actium.

Check out Vicky Alvear Shecter's website at:

https://www.vickyalvearshecter.com/

Author and BBC Channel 4 host Natalie Haynes is interviewed by Rob Cain. Her book The Furies tells the story of a teacher that teaches Greek Tragedy to a class of hard-luck students. As you may guess, tragedy follows. Ms Haynes talks to us about ancient tragedies, her life, and the writing process. Check out the interview with Ms. Haynes.

The show has two musical pieces. Jim Malcolm's The Flowers of Edinburgh is performed in a tavern, and is particularly toe tapping. Also on the show is the music of Michael Travlos (composer) and Iwona Travlos (flutist) mixed with Rob Cain's beat poetry about the ancient gods in the ancient world

This placeholder gives you a sneak peek into three upcoming episodes.

Natalie Haynes, will speak on Greek Tragedy, and her book The Furies.

Vicky Alvear Schecter on her book Cleopatra's Moon, on Selene the daughter of the Egyptian Queen.

Arthur Phillips on his book, The Egyptologist, a truly mysterious protagonist that looks into the ancient world of the Egyptians.

ANCIENT ROME REFOCUSED IS BACK IN PRODUCTION.

An exploration of Queen Zenobia in popular culture and song. Actors and musicians based in the American mid-west write, compose and perform a musical based on this 3rd century queen that defied Rome.

Rob Cain interviews Lorrisa Julianus and Craig Engel.

Zenobia, is an original musical written by Lorrisa and composed by Angela Salvaggione. It premiered at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts

Center, and was directed by Craig. The title role was played by Lorrisa Julianus, a Chicago actor and performer. The subject is the 3rd century queen that tried to carve out an empire.

Want to know more?

Could an MEU bring down the Roman Empire?

Marine expeditionary units are the smallest air-ground task forces in the United States Fleet Marine Force. Each MEU is an expeditionary quick reaction force, deployed and ready for immediate response to any crisis, whether it be natural disaster or combat missions.

Rob Cain Interviews the screenwriter James Erwin who wrote a story on the popular website REDIT. It gained such popularity that it was purchased by a movie company. This is an odd and fanciful story where a guy lets his imagination fly on a social media site and gets called by Hollywood.

The interview includes an interview with Gunny Sergeant "Red" Millis who provides insight into the capabilities of a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Both screen writer and Marine answer the question, "Can a MEU beat the Rome Empire?"

Dramatic Narrative

My favorite show. Venus tells us her tale. The Goddess talks.

Dramatic Narrative: In this episode Rob and Nancy Cain perform a dramatic narrative of a Roman couple going to the theater to see the great Roman actor Quintus Roscius Gallus. The soldier has been away for six long years and doubts his wife's fidelity. She doubts his fidelity as well. Can a night at the theater change everything? Has the years changed him? Can she put aside her love for the great Quintus Roscius Gallus?

Podcast Interview with James A. Bretney. 

 An actor and producer that loved the ancient world so much produced his own movie.   Hear the actors and technicians explain their efforts in their own words.  

Interviews:

James A. Bretney

Michael Kripchak,

Greyson Lewis

Michelle Stratton.

Cody Garcia

Additional Interview: 

Professor Art Lynch on acting now and the ancient world.  Makes a plea for the ancient actors to join SAG.  I know...no movies in the ancient world, but an interesting thought experiment. 

Teaser for an unaired TV show

Imagine if Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Paris of Troy and Romulus Augustus, the last Emperor of Rome of the Western Empire, were gathered around a table. What would they say to each other? The show is hosted by Rob Cain.

This podcast is a tribute to the show Meeting of Minds, which aired on PBS from 1977 to 1981. The host was the comedian Steve Allen.  The show featured guests who played significant roles in world history. Guests would interact with each other and discuss philosophy, religion, history, science, and many other topics.  Sometimes the show was cheesy.  Sometimes it held great gravitas.  Most of the time, a wonderful informative show.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKRxZSOqAYw&list=PL13xZwpBKslmyH1LjHURdov7e0XTw19kq

Dramatic Narration: The episode starts out with a modern version of the Aeneid. Please forgive me, Virgil. Annie meets a guy visiting from overseas and conspires to keep him in Chicago so she can work her charms on him. It's a chicklit all based on the Aeneid. 

The author Natalie Haynes is interviewed by Rob Cain on her book The Ancient Guide to Modern Life.

The show concludes with a plug for the hot new podcast TWILIGHT HISTORIES by Jordan Harbour.

https://www.twilighthistories.com/

The episode titled: ROME INDUSTRIAL features a Rome that has not fallen.

What makes a Caesar?

Dramatic Narrative: Mr. Cain travels to the time of Alaric the Visigoth. This warrior chieftain sacked Rome and we explore the temptations of Rome and whether he would of considered the 'imperial purple.'

Mr. Cain has a rant about the symbols of empire and modern day Neros.

After he calms down he interviews Mark Schauss of the podcast Russian Rulers History on connections between the Czars and the Caesars.

Listeners call in and are highlighted on the show. Archaeologist William Glover telling us about the Ninth Legion that mysteriously disappeared.

Dramatic Narrative: Mr. Cain goes back to Ancient Troy and we join Aeneas as he flees the city guided by the goddess Aphrodite.

Interview with Eric Shanower about his graphic novel: Age of Bronze. .

Yes, Brad Pitt is discussed and the movie Troy.

"Why We're All Romans" by Dr. Carl J. Richard. A study of the Founding Fathers and how they were influenced by the classics. Dr. Richard is associated with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Dramatic Narration: A look at a boy who visits a soothsayer and is foretold of his rise to the emperorship of Rome.

Rob reviews the cancelled NBC show KINGS, and a comparison of what it means to be part of the imperial family.

The listener then travels back in time (in Mr. Cain's time machine) to interview for the position of emperor.

This is the last episode of Season One.

Interview with Bryan Doerries, director for the THEATER OF WAR. This podcast follows a performance of AJAX translated by Bryan Dorries starring movie and TV stars who volunteered their time. 

Theater of War Productions works with leading film, theater, and television actors to present dramatic readings of seminal plays—from classical Greek tragedies to modern and contemporary works—followed by town hall-style discussions designed to confront social issues by drawing out raw and personal reactions to themes highlighted in the plays. The guided discussions underscore how the plays resonate with contemporary audiences and invite audience members to share their perspectives and experiences, and, helping to break down stigmas, foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Were ancient Greek plays a form of healing for a city at war?

Doerries takes the performance to Bethesda Naval Hospital where the audience is composed of servicemembers that have experienced war first hand, and provide comparative insights to the suffering of AJAX to the suffering of our modern day warriors.

A study of the Roman Triumph, its purpose and modern equivalents.

Interview with Steven Saylor.  He is an American author of historical novels. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classics. Saylor's best-known work is his Roma Sub Rosa historical mystery series, set in ancient Rome.

Dramatic Narrative - Unchained slaves show up at a Roman Farm and start to cause trouble. Is Spartacus coming?

Rob rants on why the slave army turned back from the Alps. Why not escape, or was the promise of loot just too attractive?  Is Spartacus a hero or a brigand?  

Rob has a time machine. He can take you back to the ancient world.  However, he tries to talk you out of going.  Would you go?  Seriously?  Rob brings up some points for  you to consider.  You have to understand, the past is different there.

At the end of the podcast would you still go to 51 B.C.? 

Leave a comment below. 

First episode of Ancient Rome Refocused.  A podcast devoted to the comparison of modern society to the ancient world.  This series of podcasts present interviews with those that use the ancient world as their muse.  On the show are interviews with authors, musicians, professors and enthusiasts telling their story and those of ancients.  Included in the show are dramatic narrations - original stories told with storytelling brios!

How much are we different than those that lived before?