When in Rome

As a prominent coastal city on the island of Cyprus, Salamis had a lot to offer the Romans. Well situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, it was the perfect location for maritime trade, as well as, unfortunately, the occasional war. Guest: Dr Christopher Gribbin (Adjunct Lecturer, Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University)

Lepcis Magna, the ancient Roman city on the coast of modern day Libya, has such a long history of excavation and restoration that it deserves its own episode. While much of the city remains undisturbed beneath the sand, plenty has been explored, restored, or scattered throughout Europe. Guest: Dr Niccolò Mugnai (Assistant Professor at the Institute of Classical Archaeology at the University of Tübingen, Germany)

Lepcis Magna had much in common with Roman cities in Northern Africa - former colonies, built on the coast next to a river, and a blend of Roman and local cultures. So it would have continued until the late 2nd century, when Septimius Severus, a local lad who made it big, became the Rome’s newest emperor. Guest: Dr Niccolò Mugnai (Assistant Professor at the Institute of Classical Archaeology at the University of Tübingen, Germany)

To the Romans the Porta Nigra would have been nothing remarkable - while it’s an impressive city gate, there were many like it, offering entrance through the walls into the Roman city of Augusta Treverorum. To today’s residents and visitors to Trier in Germany, it is a reminder of the city’s Roman past, as well an important part of early Christianity. Guest: Dr Christian Rollinger (Senior Lecturer, Ancient History, University of Trier)

Pompeii has been excavated for hundreds of years, and in that time techniques, practices and philosophies have changed. We’re now finding out a lot more about the city and the people who lived there, and there’s still more to find out. The When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for an upcoming series 8. Please give your support. Guest: Dr Sophie Hay (Archaeologist, Archaeological Park of Pompeii) Professor Steven Ellis (Classics, University of Cincinnati)