About this episode
‘Evil genius’ is a phrase that could have been invented to describe Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Augustus butchered his way to power in the chaos that followed Julius Caesar's assassination, and then showed the political cunning to remain there for four decades. In conversation with Spencer Mizen, Ed Watts – author of The Romans: A 2,000-Year History – considers the secrets of the success of an extraordinary individual who transformed the ancient world.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time HistoryExtra podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from HistoryExtra podcast
Mary Beard on why the classics still matter
HistoryExtra podcast
Apr 21, 202641:34failed
Elizabeth II: life of the week
HistoryExtra podcast
Apr 20, 202649:44failed
Retracing Eleanor of Castile's final journey
HistoryExtra podcast
Apr 19, 202639:09failed
How Alfred the Great saved the Anglo-Saxons from the Vikings
HistoryExtra podcast
Apr 18, 202633:15failed