61- What, me Claudius?

Claudius became Emperor after the assassination of Caligula in 41 AD. Far from a bumbling fool, Claudius turned out to be capable and dedicated ruler.

61- What, me Claudius?

Comments

[Chris V]

Great episode, I love the story of Claudius and have always throughly enjoyed it. The book, the mini-series or this episode I really enjoy it.

[Veronica]

I know that Augustus was and is recognized as the first Roman Empiror, but I've been waiting for the official change from "The Julio-Claudian Clan is the royal family of Rome" to "This man is the man you will call Empirator". I haven't heard it yet. In the podcast, The Divine Augustus is always "princeps". Have I missed something?

[jamie]

another great episode. always have and still do wonder how claudius survived to be emperor, i just presumed he sat quietly in the corner while his family and friends were killed for being, well, family and friends of his family. loving the cast for the period comedy, especially britt and jermaine as caratacus anf togodumnus, who would play whom? plus atkinson!? who was born to play narcissus. oh, your shape of the isle of wight leaves rather lot to the imagination (irrelevant i know). just to let you know, i feel the ads don't affect a superb podcast, keep it up.
JJ
isle of wight

[SIP]

Another great episode. Your comedy idea should be followed up on. Write a script and some story lines.

[Makal]

So I just wanted to provide some quick praise and thanks for this Podcast. I started listening when you were just touching on Hannibal, and I've since gone through and listned to every episode about three times now. You've got an excellent speaking voice and a wonderful command of the material.

Thank you!

[Jess]

Just discovered this podcast a couple of weeks ago and I'd like to say thanks very much. Actually, I'd like to say that this isn't just a good podcast, this is the best podcast I've heard in the past few years, well, ever. Great production, delivery, command of material, writing style, inclusivity, everything. A practically perfect podcast - to paraphrase Mary Poppins, (sorry, but I've just been watching it with my daughter).

[Jeff S]

Hey Mike - I also just discovered your podcasts recently and have been listening to them avidly on my iphone during my weekly 2 1/2 hour road trip to go visit a a project site. The material is well researched and organized and your delivery is delightful. You even had me laughing out loud once or twice. Definitely the best podcasts I have ever listened to. I do have a critism, however - it's the volume. For some reason, the volume on some/most of the podcasts - espcially No. 60 - is way too low. I had to push the ear button into my ear and hold it there to be able to hear the podcast. However, this is a problem with your podcasts in general. I don't seem to have the volume problem with any other podcasts I have ever listened to. Just wanted to bring it to your attention. I don't know if anyone else is experiencing the same problems. Keep up the good work!!!! Am also looking forward to your next series after The History of Rome - whatever that may be.

[Sue D. Nym]

Hi, another longtime listener here. I've been listening since just before the First Triumvirate I think. Okay. Maybe not that longtime.

But I'd like to say that I thought the podcast would become less interesting after Actium -I'd never had that much interest in imperial Rome before- but you've proven me wrong. The podcast is as fascinating as ever.

By the way, Jeff S has a point about the volume, which used to be a problem for me because I mostly listen outdoors, on buses or trains. What I do nowadays is (if you use iTunes) to adjust the "Volume Adjustment" dial under Get Info > Options about +40%. That makes the volume just right.

[Jefferson C.]

Great podcast. I've been listening since before your 5-month hiatus (looks like a good Latin word, there), and while I've had Cary and Schullard (and Wheelock) at my fingertips since my Roman Empire history course back in college 17 years ago, your podcast gives a framework that makes it a lot easier to wrap my mind around all that information.

[Patrick Rutherford]

Hi,
Just to pick up on the issue of potential landing sites, I think your middle "X" is located somewhere near Chichester. This seems to me to be a very likely landing site given that it was within the area of the Atrebates, the tribe led by Verica. It was his removal at the hands of Britt and Jermaine, I mean Caratacus and Togodumnus, that probably prompted the invasion. The Atrebates, led by Verica, had been sympathetic to Rome, so to land here would have afforded the Romans relatively friendly surroundings as well as a decent natural harbour.
It is possible, though not proven without doubt, that the Atrebates close and loyal links to Rome led to a later king, Togidubnos/Cogidubnos, being rewarded with the splendid villa at Fishbourne, also near Chichester.
Keep up the marvelous work Mike. A few weeks ago I sat within the walls of Pevensey Castle, well okay really the Saxon shore fort Anderitum, and listened to one of your episodes; life does n't get any better than that!

[Brad]

Mike,

What happened that caused the Senate to stop asserting itself? I understand the military conquests of Augustus and his subsequent wealth and fame. But Claudius was near bankrupt and had no military background. Could you elaborate?

[Ted]

Mike, Just wanted you to know that I'm thoroughly enjoying your podcasts. I didn't start until about a month ago and have been catching up. Very good stuff!

[Linda Romanowski]

Veronica - Augustus was Princeps because the Romans had a longstanding aversion to kings. He went out of his way to make it appear that the Republic was still up and running. Otherwise he would have gone the way of Julius. He and Tiberius both did this. Later when everyone who remembered living under the Republic was dead and gone, the Emperors dropped the charade.

[James McLaren, Cardiff, Wales]

Hi Mike
Just tracking back and commenting on an earlier episode as I've been meaning to do for some while. I love the podcast in general and it's nice to hear a soft American accent dealing with themes I'd usually associate with a plummy, posh English accent. Even though some of those British place name pronunciations made me laugh! Anyway, just wanted to say how nice it was to hear your enthusiasm for I, Clavdivs. Watching it with my parents on VHS in the 90s really developed my interest in Rome and now, 15 years later, I'm devouring your podcast. Keep up the great work, it's much appreciated.

[Richard, Worcestershire, UK]

Yep, I too had chuckle over the pronunciation - but agree with James, the American accent (although I must admit it took a couple of episodes to get used too) is great.
Also have bought the DVD I,Claudius (cheapest I found was at Amazon Marketplace)and am hooked.
Congrats on your forthcoming marriage - have sent a donation as a pressie !!!

[Tito]

Mister Mike,

In a few minutes I'll hoist myself in my uniform to take a plane back to Europe. I kill the hours in between the oceanic reportingpoints listening to your magnificent stories. Not to worry, I only use one earplug (on the other side I'm deaf, no just kidding, but really one earplug), besides it's all cargo in the back, so I don't have to waste time telling anyone about a bumpy ride or so.
But thanks for this entertaining way of bringing a really interesting historic time to life. It shortens the long hours staring in the darkness!!

[Nike Air Max 2009]

I have to share your sentiments about sewing. I really want to

be able to sew, but so far the only things that come out good

are things that are square, ie: pillows, or quilts or linings

for purses. I tried a top...yeah not so much.

[Lisa]

I have really enjoyed this podcast so far, having just discovered it about three months ago. This episode left me with a question however. You said that Augustus never declared himself divine while he was alive as Caligula did but in an earlier episode on Augustus I believe that you said that he wrote something called "the divine (something)of Augustus" to detail all he had accomplished in Rome. Isn't that the same thing as claiming to be a god? Help me understand