When in Rome

There aren't enough Italians.

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Jonah’s unwashed historical nerdery is usually unparalleled, but on today’s Remnant, he may finally have met his match. His guest? Ancient historian Bret Devereaux, who joins to discuss all things Roman. With topics including war and peace, political philosophy, and the cruelty of Spartan society, their conversation is sure to eliminate any misguided nostalgia you may have for the past.

Show Notes:

– Bret’s pedantic blog

– Bret talks Orc battle tactics on that niche legal podcast

– Bret on Ancient Greece and Rome

– Bret makes a correction on social conservatism

– Steven Pinker’s The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined

– Azar Gat’s War in Human Civilization 

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Comments (59)
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  1. John Nelson

    This excellent conversation reminded me of a mot I heard from my son when he was in high school: There were at least 50 senators involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar. He was stabbed 23 times. Which goes to show you that even 2000+ years ago, people didn’t pull their weight in group projects….

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    Clifford Luebben

    I enjoyed this episode. In the discussion on kinds of empires Jonah seemed to think America an exception to the distinction about land empires, but did we not do exactly the whole extension of territory for the sake of defense until we reached the Pacific Ocean? Certainly made it a point to Americanize every bit of territory we conquered from sea to shining sea.

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    The Bell Tower

    Dr. Devereaux was awesome. Finally got to it today and I’m glad I bookmarked it. I have millions of questions for this man. Brilliant.

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  4. Mark

    The Romans were all about STEM. Great aqueducts. They cribbed philosophy and arts from their Greek slaves.

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  5. Mark

    This is fantastic. More CLASSICS please!

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  6. April

    This was fantastic! I am up for return visits any time!

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    SeanM76

    I just want you to know this is one of my favorite episodes in a long time. Please have him back on soon. I learned a lot and was very entertained. Rome is such a fascinating topic this should be a limited series you do with him. Maybe twice a month diving into the life cycle of this Empire.

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    Theirnscott

    Man, this was great. And apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so. More of this, please.

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    Christopher Hall

    I agree with others in that this is one of my all-time favorite episodes. Please, have the good doctor back as soon as possible.

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  10. Kpk5008

    This was one of my favorite Remnant podcasts of all time, fully realizing the idea that "those who fail to study the past are doomed to repeat it." I love ancient history, and Dr. Bret really delivered. Thanks for this.

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