Special Episode - Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford

In our latest special episode, we welcomed the talented LJ Trafford to the show to discuss her latest book, Ancient Rome’s Worst Emperors (2023). Special Episode - Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors You may very well have encountered some of LJ’s wonderful earlier works, including her historical novel series: The Four Emperors. These books cover a turbulent time in the early imperial period with Nero’s fall from power (and life) in 68 CE and the subsequent chaos that followed in the year 69.  She has also published nonfiction works on ancient Rome including How to Survive in Ancient Rome (2020) and Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome (2021). And just in case that didn’t keep her busy, LJ is a contributor to The History Girls blog, writing about all sorts of fascinating subjects involving the ancient world from Pliny the Elder’s concerns about the dangers of sponges to handy tips to avoid assassination as a Roman emperor. Our conversation allowed us to talk about the qualities that define ‘good’ and ‘bad’ emperors. And yes, Augustus and Tiberius were mentioned, but we kept it civil! LJ then took us through some of the characters who qualified as one of the WORST emperors, including Caligula, Didius Julianus, Silbannacus, and Petronius Maximus. Image of Caligula, courtesy of Carole Raddato on Flickr. Things to Look Out For: * Cat armies * Shadow emperors * Tips on shaking up your next meeting * Drunken late-night shopping (Roman style) You will definitely want to grab a copy of LJ’s book to hear about all the other terrible emperors of Rome after this episode. You should be able to pick up a copy at your local independent bookstore, as well as the usual corporate giants.   Sound Credits Our music was composed by Bettina Joy de Guzman. Automated Transcript Dr Rad 0:15Music. Welcome to the partial historians. Dr G 0:18We explore all the details of ancient Rome, Dr Rad 0:23everything from political scandals, the love affairs, the battled wage and when citizens turn against each other. I'm Dr Rad and Dr G 0:33I'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 0:44Join us as we trace the journey of Rome from the founding of the city. Dr G 0:55Hello and welcome to a brand new episode of the partial historians I am Dr G Dr Rad 1:03and I am Dr Rad, Dr G 1:05and we are thrilled today to be sitting down and chatting with LJ Trafford. Now you may have heard of this author before. LJ Trafford studied ancient history at the University of Reading and is famous for her historical novel series the four emperors. These books cover a turbulent time in the early imperial period with Nero's fall from power and from life in 68 CE and the subsequent chaos that followed in the year 69 LJ is also a contributor to the history girls blog, writing about all sorts of fascinating subjects involving the ancient world,