086- Wealth and Class

With Roman education leaving much to be desired, many citizens found enlightenment in the eastern mystery cults or Greek philosophy. 

Life in Rome began at dawn and lasted until sunset. Work was done in the mornings while the afternoon was reserved for recreation. 

The Pax Romana has long been shorthand for the empire’s golden age. Stretching from Caledonia to Arabia, Rome ruled over a quarter of the world’s population. It was the wealthiest and most formidable state in the history of humankind.

Today we are speaking with Tom Holland ...  Show more

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the role of slavery in the Roman world, from its early conquests to the fall of the Western Empire. The system became so entrenched that no-one appeared to question it, following Aristotle's view that slavery was a natural state. Whole populations ...  Show more

Tom Holland on the glories, bloodshed and barbarianism of the golden days of the Roman Empire

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed a significant increase in wealth inequality. One of the contributing factors to this disparity is inheritance. As the balance between the rich and poor widens, we are witnessing the emergence of a prominent affluent ...