Gregory Aldrete: The Roman Empire - Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep443-sa See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. 0:00 - Introduction 2:23 - Ancient world 16:18 - Three phases of Roman history 19:08 - Rome's expansion 30:48 - Punic wars 39:20 - Conquering Greece 40:59 - Scipio vs Hannibal 44:05 - Heavy infantry vs Cavalry 47:42 - Armor 1:00:32 - Alexander the Great 1:06:33 - Roman law 1:16:13 - Slavery 1:23:53 - Fall of the Roman Republic 1:27:38 - Julius Caesar 1:32:17 - Octavian's rise 1:42:09 - Cleopatra 1:50:32 - Augustus 2:18:42 - Religion in Rome 2:42:47 - Emperors 2:49:54 - Marcus Aurelius 2:56:05 - Taxes 2:59:13 - Fall of the Roman Empire 3:16:25 - Decisive battles 3:40:35 - Hope *Transcript:* lexfridman.com/gregory-aldrete-transcript *CONTACT LEX:* *Feedback* - give feedback to Lex: lexfridman.com/survey *AMA* - submit questions, videos or call-in: lexfridman.com/ama *Hiring* - join our team: lexfridman.com/hiring *Other* - other ways to get in touch: lexfridman.com/contact *EPISODE LINKS:* Gregory's Website: gregorysaldrete.com/ Gregory's Books: amzn.to/3z6NiKC Gregory's Great Courses Plus: www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/gregory-s-aldrete Gregory's Audible: adbl.co/4e72oP0 *SPONSORS:* To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: *LMNT:* Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix. Go to lexfridman.com/s/lmnt-ep443-sa *Shopify:* Sell stuff online. Go to lexfridman.com/s/shopify-ep443-sa *AG1:* All-in-one daily nutrition drinks. Go to lexfridman.com/s/ag1-ep443-sa *BetterHelp:* Online therapy and counseling. Go to lexfridman.com/s/betterhelp-ep443-sa *ExpressVPN:* Fast & secure VPN. Go to lexfridman.com/s/expressvpn-ep443-sa

[@En1Gm4A]

Let's go - have been waiting for this - Thx

[@aler4809]

❤

[@angamaitesangahyando685]

And, I assume, nothing on the topic of the origins of the Roman élite, and how it wasted itself in the civil wars, leading to its mixing with the Mediterranean peoples, and thus causing the decline? Because it wouldn't be politically correct, of course. - Adûnâi

[@JasonP46]

FYI, there's an error at 1:53:54 with Alexander's lifespan. It's shown as 356 BC to 232 BC where it was in fact until 323 BC.

[@bizesarah1]

Either I'm on that collective conscious wave or someone is reading all my ChatGPT logs 😂😅🎉

[@Saniqal]

I just listened to two guys talking about Rome for 4 hours straight and wish I could listen for 4 more hours.

[@JackZ-q2e]

Check out mike duncan

[@jeremymcgrew8684]

His great courses are PHENOMENAL

[@philmusson1265]

Dan Carlin is phenomenal on all history topics. He's pretty gory though haha

[@MoonayMultipliar]

Not just rome

[@nikolaszea8494]

I would take what he said with a grain of salt. At about 18:00 he says Augustus “started out as Octavian” in regards to his name change. This is false. He started out as “Octavius” and historians/observers gave him the name Octavian as a way to distinguish him as the person that “was Octavius” (Octavian being the past tense). Even the most casual enthusiast would know this, so it’s odd to hear a supposed historian get it wrong.

[@koju737]

This is Lex at his best. Finding an expert in a random but specific area of interest and doing a deep dive.

[@fushey]

four hours though? feel like I got shorted at least six hours here

[@cennon]

He's definitely way better than Lex's last guest.

[@haroun7332]

Yep much much better than the political stuff with the agendas. So interesting

[@UAPReportingCenter]

💯 amazing discussion

[@surgicalcapscom]

so in-depth winter is coming to Rome

[@KelticTim]

Holy shit, almost 4 hours discussing Rome? What a day to be alive.

[@chrishill7797]

Fellow history buff, I salute you :-) Honestly, I don’t know how anyone COULDN’T be interested in this stuff

[@KelticTim]

@@chrishill7797 my fascination started with an episode of Dr Who, I had totally forgotten Rome had invaded England,Scotland and made some half hearted attempts at Ireland. I hadn’t thought of Rome since the last time we covered it in school, back in 95 maybe? That was sophomore year, we must have covered some part of it. I just recently, in the last year, discovered Rome on HBO, I’ve prob watched it 4 or 5 times since I found it looking for documentaries about Rome on every streaming platform I have.

[@sampathkumar6038]

😊 0:27

[@SymptomoftheTimes]

Amen

[@samnind9527]

​@chrishillby by being me is how anyone couldn't and also...snooooore...that's why . Like it matter to know about this boring shit.

[@ddjerfi]

Bring this man back ASAP. He's fantastic and I'm not that much into history lol. Could listen to him for hours. Greets from Croatia.

[@matthewjudge3763]

He was very good, but he should bring on someone else to get a different perspective. He said it himself that you can tell someone's biases by the way they talk about Caesar and Augustus because they are both ciphers, despite the fact they both have surviving books that they wrote. They are two of the most complex people in history, but he just brushes Caesar off as a warlord/tyrant and positions Augustus as benevolent. Others will argue that Caesar was a genius. A charismatic champion of the people, backed into a corner by the senates' paranoia, while Augustus just forcefully implemented desparately needed reforms that Caesar had been championing long before he ever got command of an army. It's a very nuanced topic.

[@SpaderB13]

Days without thinking about the Roman Empire: 0

[@yungteach]

lol

[@danielcalvo1337]

Dude I had this EXACT same comment in my head before opening the video, incredible

[@PhonkEcho]

Who are these men who were led to be killed like sheep? History does not favor the dumb

[@SpaderB13]

@@danielcalvo1337 We can share it 🤝

[@SerDunk]

Salve amicci

[@death_krom_8452]

Finally, the topic that is on everyone's mind!

[@microfx]

had to giggle 😅

[@LucasHalastra]

Its refreshing!

[@FhjjjvcvGyuh]

Am so excited for it

[@anFy81]

thought about it a few times today... (actually true - I was at the "Wien - Museum" in Vienna, Austria - the area was first settled with a Roman Garrison called "Vindobona")

[@D.v1dL33]

Stefan Molyneux did it best.

[@dexterts63]

I would say this is one of the best podcasts I've listened to this year from Lex Fridman. I sat through the entire 3 hours and 42 minutes, and I still wanted more. This is very rare. Gregory Aldrete is such a great speaker with a great topic. I could feel his passion for the subject, which affected me and was described so vividly. I felt like I could picture the days of ancient Rome through his conversation. Love it. Please do more podcast about Roman Empire!

[@UAPReportingCenter]

Greg and Mary Beard are just amazing encyclopedias of Rome.

[@fidesedquivide3486]

You wrote everything I wanted to, and more. Thanks for doing it.

[@MarcoDollenz]

I agree 100%

[@piotrszablowski3881]

I would live one about the pre-ancient Mediterranean civilisations. I’m sure he could find an expert on the trojan war and that whole era before we lost the ability to read and write and only regained it with Greece and Rome.

[@aang7295]

Yeah Gregory is a top tier guest for sure

[@qwert12345asdfgzxcvb]

I was looking for a podcast to listen to while folding clothes. Randomly decided to check out Lex Friedman again. Don't know much about Rome. Chose this one. This is one of the best podcasts, ever. The density of new interesting information combined with the passion and storytelling is unmatched. Thank you.

[@leahjeanette9095]

Hah doing laundry too

[@rufussssss483]

Easiest 4 hour podcast I’ve ever listened to that left me wanting more

[@mattluke5546]

If you want a way way better and more detailed account of the history of ancient Rome look up, "the history of rome - podcast by mike duncan"......EXCELLENT 100%!!

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

Love when he has historians on. My favorite academics being a history nerd.

[@stickemuppunkitsthefunlovi4733]

Same. Every one else is boring.

[@Carlitothegreat]

Who is your favorite academic

[@stickemuppunkitsthefunlovi4733]

@@Carlitothegreat the Brain.

[@michaeljfigueroa]

I wonder if this podcast will be on the right side of history.

[@gyros69420]

Yeah, he’s obviously very passionate which makes it more engaging

[@KrishnaKumarGreenPepper]

This episode is an absolute masterpiece! Gregory Aldrete's passion for Roman history is infectious, and the way he brings ancient battles, culture, and figures to life is mesmerizing. I could listen to this for hours-Lex Fridman nailed it by diving deep into such an epic topic!

[@SegzWithTedCruz]

Check out all of his great courses videos! they are all just as incredible as this

[@justinwillis78]

I had him in undergrad. Never skipped his class. Never.

[@mattluke5546]

maybe to someone who knows little to nothing about Roman history...and this guest was innacurate about quite a bit.

[@justinwillis78]

@@mattluke5546- When does your podcast come out? 😂

[@mattluke5546]

@@justinwillis78 so because i dont have a podcast, that means i cant point out how historically inaccurate this one is, to the point of it being just plain dumb?🤔

[@perrywmorris]

The worst part of this podcast is that it’s only 4 hours.

[@tommynukes6352]

As a fan of ancient Roman history this is one of the best pods I’ve listened to on the topic. Just four hours of interesting facts about Rome. Great work Lex.

[@masroor]

I did not have spending 2+ hours listening to a Roman historian on my bingo card today, but here I am. Dr Aldrete obviously loves this topic and is a great story teller. What a joy to listen and thanks to Lex for having this kind of wide-ranging fascinating topics and finding the right people to explore them with. Awesome!

[@rileybohannon373]

Lmao we’re here together

[@zikaperic2133]

100% agree and I am not even big fan of history... but they guys is a master on the topic

[@sp6450]

Early on he talks about how 9 chapters of it should be dedicated to just what it was like being a small time farmer, well I would like to add to that, in todays world, we should dedicate 9 chapters to just what it was like to be a working class citizen.

[@Acesonly00]

This one lands

[@Acesonly00]

This one lands

[@chiefinasmith]

This might be one of the most interesting discussions I’ve listened to. The explanation on why Brutus felt obligated to betray Caesar was something I had never heard of before and was extremely interesting.

[@Verexlyon]

It's not an explanation, it's simplification and gallery-hit.

[@chiefinasmith]

@ oh god forbid he simplify a specific, nuanced part of Brutus’ life on a podcast meant for the general public. How dare he.

[@Aventine85]

Gregory Aldrete is AMAZING. I've listened to everything he's done for TGC. He makes history fascinating and exciting to listen to. THANK YOU for having him on!!!!

[@rodrigobraz2]

Great voice, too!

[@MonQ99]

Nice timing, i was just thinking about the roman empire

[@morningstar9233]

Consciously or not, we all are. Ancient Rome is the predecessor of the modern world.

[@sadeghsaati1335]

It's been about a week that I've started watching videos (my form of studying 😂) about Rome, and it was very interesting when I saw Lex's Instagram post about upcoming podcast about the subject.

[@Len124]

As males, statistically speaking, we all were.

[@jovialdandelion]

Sameee!!!

[@noellundstrom7447]

@@morningstar9233 cap

[@kirab6821]

I was watching a show last night on my tablet. My husband had this playing in the background while he was on VR. As soon as I heard how knowledgeable this man was and expansive with details, etc. I turned off my tablet and started watching this instead. It was late, so I ended up falling asleep but restarted it today. Great episode, Lex. And the fact you let the man continue talking with no interruptions. He is obviously very passionate about this. Wonderful, interview. 🎉

[@mikedownend6861]

You sound like a good wife 👏

[@jonathanmendoza742]

I love Roman empire history ...many times loss in battle but they win wars...from hannibal of Carthage to barbarians even the against the Parthian empire Rome loss 80k

[@dominiking69]

Had the same exact thing happen with my wife minus the VR part and it was with a science podcast. NGL it made me feel good af and I'm sure your husband felt the same

[@colecarter2829]

Wow, one of the best episodes I've seen. What a great guest. Dr. Aldrete's passion and knowledge practically beam out of him. He's studied legendary orators extensively and definitely picked something up from them!

[@gilroitto]

Fell asleep with YT autoplaying, got this video and been dreaming about the Roman Empire all night

[@joshisajedi2461]

Same

[@jacobkercher7717]

I had Professor Aldrete for a history class in college. He came to class in a toga for Halloween. Very cool to see him here!

[@bellaluna730]

What college did he teach?

[@danice7873]

Me too! I loved when he brought in his old Roman coins too.

[@Stressjaw]

@@bellaluna730 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I had him for an intro class but if you wanted to go that route in your history studies, he was 100% your guy

[@judeau9151]

I wish every educator was as entertaining as this fella. My anthropology professor should take notes. History is told through stories, so it needs good storytellers

[@jeremyschuh]

There better be a Round 2! Probably the best podcast I've ever listen to.

[@Fearonus]

Love how he's both a very well learned respectable historian and a giant nerd at the same time. So much respect for him, what a sweet man.

[@jamesj9537]

This is the first guy that’s ever put this history in a completely digestible form for me. Two thumbs up 👍 👍

[@Coach3G]

are you a fan of Dan Carlin by chance? His works are very entertaining. I recommend him as well.

[@GEB-yy3ud]

@@Coach3G Good recommendation brother

[@miamithijs3579]

@@GEB-yy3ud Mike duncan, history of rome is an amazing podcast. Entertaining and so many episodes

[@GEB-yy3ud]

@@miamithijs3579 Fantastic. I just got the first episode ready. I look forward to listening to it while I work in nature. Thanks.

[@tobe1207]

Dan Carlin made me realize that WWI was the cooler war

[@djozzdraper]

One of the best podcasts I ever experienced. A transcendental journey through Roman culture and history. It’s like you are there, back in time, experiencing it all. Told by a true teacher who actually pulls you in and captures you with his expert storytelling

[@Godfrey544]

I felt the same which surprised me because I thought I was already saturated with Roman content

[@psyche1988]

Why does this sound like it was written by ChatGPT ? 😂

[@djozzdraper]

@@psyche1988 haaha you’re right it does look like it. Do I need to rethink my communication? I’m Belgian, Dutch is my native language

[@mattluke5546]

@@psyche1988 definetly does, and this wasnt even that good. scale of 1to10, this was maybe a 5.

[@JayWest14]

Lex always has great podcasts. I use to listen to JRE all the time, but started following Lex after watching him on the JRE. Lex Friedman is now probably my favorite podcaster.

[@SubBrief]

This professor is hands down my favorite Great Courses speaker.

[@lievenyperman9363]

He could only have been better if he used these Roman hand gestures during this podcast. But seriously, he is such a compelling speaker / teacher.

[@JPJones03223]

What a surreal feeling to see my old college professor randomly pop up on my KZbin suggestions. I'm glad I stayed.

[@Radar0344]

Dr. Aldrete is the reason I became a historian and the reason I became a teacher. Absolute legend.

[@jelenasusac1295]

Respect .to have such rolemodel..nice!I salute to your passion forming your life.If every teacher woud be so in love with his/hers passion/subject...

[@historyrepeat402]

Finally, I love when you have historian on, especially non modern ones. I love post Civil war but ancient history is my favorite

[@DMU386]

Just got done with real a good deep dive on the French Revolution, Napoleon etc… if you haven’t i strongly recommend. His rise and fall story from start to finish is absolutely fuckin insane. You won’t be disappointed 👍🏽

[@PhonkEcho]

@@DMU386 He was just a figurehead who dressed pretty while regular men died. Regular people are just sheep

[@historyrepeat402]

@@PhonkEcho you need to look into Napoleon a little deeper if that’s all you think of him.

[@PhonkEcho]

@@historyrepeat402 He got thousands killed. Same thing happened in WW1, Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan. My point is that the egos of these generals get thousands of men killed for absolutely no reason.

[@Conorp77]

​@@PhonkEchoplease read before you speak.

[@koend4694]

Almost 4 hours of talking and I wasn't even bored for a minute. Keep going Lex!

[@DarwinRodriguez-e6f]

4hr discussion on Ancient Rome: *Automatically jumps to #1 in my all time favorite podcasts

[@johnnymcgregor]

Super pumped for this. I loved professor Aldrete courses on The Great Courses. He's legit a fantastic teacher.

[@carloszarate2471]

This is, without question, the comprehensive Ancient Rome podcast we’ve been waiting for. We’ve gotten snippets on Rogan and other places, but this is truly all encompassing. From A-Z. Incredible job by both Greg and Lex

[@theoross-johnsrud4540]

One of my favorite bits of this podcast is when Gregory is talking about hand gestures and emotion. When he started talking about that I started watching the video and the whole time he's describing the roman system of emotional gesturing, he is himself gesturing that way to instruct those same emotions.

[@Kyle-ls7gp]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Mark-dz8zf]

Like words that have survived into modern language. It would be interesting to know how many hand gestures are still in use with similar meaning

[@theoross-johnsrud4540]

@Mark-dz8zf I would imagine that there would be a "lineage" to them in the same way language morphs. Almost like an etymology of gestures.

[@FloydofOz]

I recommend John McWorter’s book on the history and evolution of human language. The audio book is amazing. He explains how languages form and change over time.

[@moonspirit5764]

Such a good point!

[@jozekpavcnik7977]

What an expert conversationalist the guest is, incredible. The depth of his knowledge and ability to compress the information and then present the points so briliantly. Incredible.

[@Puppies-z9h]

Going to curl up in a dark room and close my eyes to listen to this. So excited for it lol.

[@PhonkEcho]

Might as well do some bicep curls

[@thomasburke3013]

@@PhonkEcho it’s a dawg tho

[@ghostrecon3214]

Haha i was outside shovel digging post holes in the sun listening to this.

[@chrisderidder4087]

Dawg​s must be buff to protect@@thomasburke3013

[@omerefe9361]

As a Turkish man, living on ancient civilizations's soil of Anatolia; i listened every word of this podcast carefully. Now started to search for Prof. Aldrete's books. Thank you Lex.

[@Morning-doom]

I’ve dreamed of visiting your country to visit all your ancient historical sites along with your friendly people and delicious cuisine 🙋‍♀️❣️

[@greeceundiscovered9670]

⁠@@Morning-doomthose archeological sites aren’t “Turkish”. Just keep that in mind.

[@jbatts834]

Living on stolen land kinda like the Israelis

[@djura6303]

One day the holy city of Constantinople will be in the hands of its rightful owner.

[@genovayork2468]

​@@greeceundiscovered9670 They are Turkish, Greekoid.😂😂

[@Portcityline]

Can we get another 4 hours of this man please

[@cmcmcmcm2354]

This was S tier. Favorite episode in a very very long time. Not just because it's a popular topic, Gregory is truly an expert of his field. He represents big H History with a fascinating perspective of historical minutia and excellent communication to express big ideas in terms people can understand.

[@Sonomaoutdoorescapes]

This is probably my favorite Lex podcast thus far. Been listening since the beginning. Simply amazing

[@krusher74]

The hour of Trump dribble was a low point, glad to see this bounce back.

[@Sonomaoutdoorescapes]

@@krusher74 I agree but having the young Turks guy on also was a brilliant move. I love the question he asked trump about power corruption. It literally gave me chills

[@chazzbranigaan9354]

​@@krusher74found the male lesbian

[@Dixout1991]

I’ve watched professor Aldrete’s lecture series on the Roman Empire - he is excellent at explaining the history in such a consumable way.

[@ramoner.clarke2578]

The way he lights up when talking about Roman history…this guy is really doing what he loves

[@charlesreaddy6585]

What a great podcast and guest ! Loved learning about ancient Rome ! Please do more guests about history !

[@christopherbeattie2931]

Are you not ENTERTAINED!

[@yokartik]

Are you not entertained!!!

[@dantemagliari1073]

@@lillol3245I had to log on my phone just to answer this foolishness.. I love these who would hypothetically win questions, but you know the answer to this one bro it’s just even close… fucking Maximus bro. Period. Best movie of all fucking time!

[@brianm9137]

@lillol3245 skibidi toilet

[@daliwongambangi3541]

😂😂😂

[@fantarcro]

We want more historians and archaeologists on the podcast Lex, make it happen.

[@AshtonGleckman]

I just finished all nearly 4 hours of this and feel like it was 15 minutes. This guy is an incredible speaker and made the history of Rome come alive.

[@neilAneerGAmAI]

Gregory Aldrete is an amazing storyteller. He needs to come back on this show. Hands down one of the best episodes ever. The enthusiasm, the quotes, the details, the fun facts. Wow!

[@apatheticattempt]

PLEASE invite him back. VERY well spoken and I love his topics of research. great interview

[@BawlingOuttaControl]

Tony Soprano sure knows his Roman history.

[@mjb6446]

Antony Sopranus

[@dezmonasg6708]

Vitellius

[@aljoschas]

I was looking for this comment.

[@seamusthatsthedog4819]

Lex never had the makings of a varsity historian

[@GamersSanctum]

The fact that he did just a phenomenal job to tell a lot of ancient history in just under 4 hours is amazing. One of the best podcasts that you've done this year!

[@neilAneerGAmAI]

We want this man back in the future! Top 5 ever podcasts on Lex Fridman

[@tibicostea2029]

As a student and fan of ancient Rome, this episode is such a treat for me. Thank you Lex.

[@the_master_of_cramp]

This is one episode of yours that I really hung to every word of your guest. Excellent and super interesting explanations and story telling by Gregory!

[@Daniela_Explored]

I have been home recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained on the job while a museum director. Lex, your gentle voice, avoidance of loud unexpected noises and long form conversations with great minds from all sides and dislike has been a miracle. Insomnia has been a gift as I have learned so much while being lulled to sleep be your beautiful.voice and thoughts. ❤❤❤ please keep creating this content!

[@elite_fitness]

Hope you get better soon

[@FrancescoMarelli84]

Get well Daniela ❤

[@curls9032]

Could listen to this guy all day, his enthusiasm is contagious.

[@Balkanlegija]

Almost 4 Hours Roman History and here it is already 1 AM. Will be a long night

[@Berjozka]

OK men, it's all giggles and chuckles, but it's time to think about Roman Empire today! Thank you, Lex, for such an interesting guest!!

[@Gogubutelie]

Amazing! Many years ago, I started enjoying history and its because of this man. Thank you, professor!

[@LazizHusanov-z3f]

I am from Uzbekistan and I love this podcast

[@danielpistola]

This is the kind of podcast I watch 'till the end. There's no agenda. There's no "viral moments"

[@andyandbob]

Lex telling people to watch Hitler speeches came close... 😆

[@surfingbilly9654]

@@andyandbob when was this? i didn't know lex was a fellow noticer.

[@Mackb077]

@@andyandbobcalm down. Extremes bring out extremes. Don’t believe everything they tell you lol. No one wakes up one day and dominates the world without some extreme push.

[@andyandbob]

@@surfingbilly9654 when they were talking about Romans using gestures in their speeches.

[@davidsuich-m7s]

@@andyandbobhighly recommending it too. It was super cringy

[@alexanderstromer5106]

This is by far more interesting and educational than any history lesson I ever had.

[@jerome7491]

Probably best podcast on Rome I've ever heard

[@Heftylefty05]

Ever since Mike Duncan spent 5+ years of his life podcasting this topic, I’ve been absolutely enthralled with Rome and love listening to anything on it. Thanks Lex!

[@TheOdinCrusade]

This is the perfect guest. Tells with exitement about something i thought about 3 times today for some reason.

[@samirkarki192]

As a man, it's my duty to think about the Roman Empire at least once a day.

[@lyledokken2938]

If one can abide limiting it to once a day. 24/7

[@kdshak4904]

Dr Aldrete wears a casio. My kind of role model.

[@leehorne6443]

Lex is the best at asking the most interesting questions,found this podcasts 7days ago and am hooked…from Australia Ian😅

[@TesterBoy]

1:15:26. In Acts 16, the Apostle Paul is on the verge of being unjustly punished and declares that as a Roman citizen he has the right to a trial in Rome

[@tolstiynamek]

Yeah, I also thought he was going to mention Paul. But maybe that was the example in his head, he just didn't want to give too many names.

[@tolstiynamek]

@LifeandMore7033 It depends on what you mean by 'Romans'. The idea of biographical stories is clearly older than Rome - see the Story of Sinuhe, written in Ancient Egypt back in Middle Kingdom (and based on the even earlier biographies of Egyptian courtiers written in their tombs). Biblical biographies also predate most of Roman literature. However, it is true that the authors of the Gospels are clearly hellenized people writing in Greek, though the part with direct Jesus quotes may be a translation of earlier records in Aramaic or Hebrew. But it does not mean that they were Romans as in citizens of Rome or even Italians. They could have been (and probably were) hellenized Jews. Their hellenistic culture by that time included knowledge on how to live in a Roman-dominated Mediterranean.

[@MARCOZR1]

I love how Lex is actually amazing at interviewing people. Letting the guest speak and share and expand on the follow up questions that arise from conversations. JRE on the other side cant wait to tell you about bjj, cold plunge, sauna or deer meat…

[@AnnCronin-ds6pu]

lol or these day too often stoned

[@leighsimmons2663]

This guy is a master of his craft and a great speaker. What a combo!

[@micheleanderson7894]

This is the best podcast I've ever heard. It's another great example of Lex allowing his guest to shine. Dr. Aldrete is a magnificent teacher. This was like a firehose of interesting facts that led me to subscribe to TGC for more lectures. Just the best!

[@patrickcrowley821]

Been thinking about this all day

[@Lexaxel33]

Underrated comment

[@Palo_Duro]

I'm embarrassed to say I know little about ancient Rome, this interview helped me understand and point me in directions to explore. Thanks very much.

[@joshm9504]

Professor Aldrete has a couple of series about ancient Rome on the Great Courses channel. One is about the Roman period from the founding up until the republic collapses, and the other one is about the Roman Empire. Both are exceptional.

[@steph7614]

@@joshm9504Where do you watch the Great Courses? I remember watching one on Amazon Prime, it seems pricey.

[@raphaelmaciel9773]

Thanks, Lex! I would very much appreciate more historians being brought in, it really sparks my interest!

[@michaeljfigueroa]

Yep

[@ohdehhan]

Same

[@Michael-uu9jn]

Fax

[@michaeljfigueroa]

@@Michael-uu9jn who uses fax machines nowadays?

[@1314special]

This is somehow the most enjoyable podcast for me on this channel so far. The Roman Empire story is somehow so fascinating and this man tells it so passionately.

[@ishaaandatta908]

Dr. Aldrete's storytelling is unparalleled in this one👏👏

[@michaelk.260]

One of my favourite episodes by far. The history podcasts are the best! I could listen to Dr. Aldrete for hours

[@rakim126]

Got all pumped up from listening and banged a quick 120 pushups in honor of the romans

[@HumanBeing_Youtube]

😂🙌🏻

[@Omar2788]

As an Algerian, I think Hannibal is hugely underrated, even at home.

[@kingmann3452]

Not just in Algeria, but Hannibal is hugely underrated worldwide because Caucasians are still very mad

[@gheddafiduck8239]

@@kingmann3452Bs even in Italy Hannibal is extremely admired and respected

[@alexduina3726]

just coming back from a short 2-day trip to Rome: this video couldn’t be more timely 😊

[@chadlaflamme7942]

Just got back from Rome myself. My first time there.. so much to see! I wish I would have seen this before the trip, but it's fun to see pictures of statues I saw with a completely new perspective.

[@djy5645]

How was it ? I go for 5 days soon.

[@chadlaflamme7942]

@djy5645 It was amazing for me. We did most of the normal things.. took a tour of the coliseum, did a walking tour through town and saw the Trevi fountain and the pantheon. Did a tour in the Vatican, and my favorite.. took a day trip to Pompeii, and hiked up mount vesuvius. I think my wife might have overbooked us, and a couple tours I would have probably preferred just seeing the sites at my own pace, but all our tour guides were very nice. Depending on where you're staying.. you can save a lot of money taking the metro train, there are stops everywhere around the city and it saves a lot of money on transportation, just takes a minute to get familiar with, but the metro is safe and people are respectful (in my experience). Mostly it's just mind blowing how many amazing sites there are just scattered throughout the city. It's like.. and there's a section of a wall that was built in 200 AD... in that guys back yard lol. They preserved so much history.

[@alexduina3726]

@@djy5645amazing actually… i am Italian and I was super impressed… it is actually overwhelming as there are so many things to see… one suggestion, not so popular but truly amazing: Palazzo Venezia… check it out…😮

[@chadlaflamme7942]

@djy5645 Well.. I wrote a long response, but it was randomly removed for some reason. I'll try to keep it short.. my trip was amazing. Highlights for me.. walking tour through the city visiting the Trevi fountain, the Panthion, and a few other attractions. A tour through coliseum and surrounding areas, and a day trip to Pompei to hike mount vesuvius. Also the Vatican. I enjoyed all of it.. there's just so much to see everywhere in Rome. What I regret a little.. overbooking too many tours vs just walking through areas at our own pace to take in the sights. Even though all our tour guides were great. I also recommend using the metro train to get around, depending on where you're staying you can get just about anywhere in Rome on the metro, cuts a lot of transportation cost and it's fairly easy to learn if you're used to taking a subway. Hope you enjoy your trip!

[@ryanicus]

I love these ancient historian guests. More of this please

[@henfarasubtitrare9764]

This man is such a great story teller.

[@JerAylesAyler]

Around 10 years of age, I bumped into a book 📕 entitled, “A Fay in the Life of a Roman.” This interview was Fascinating! Thank you 🙏 #LexFridman ❤

[@gs7828]

As an Italian it's cool to see this renewed focus on Rome online. There have been many docu series on KZbin on Roman society, but discussions are always more fascinating.

[@oskarskalski2982]

I don't think Roman Empire have ever fell out of favour.

[@SammyCee23]

I wish Italians made more Roman Empire films or TV shows. It's always Americans or British folks doing those, and it just don't look and sound right

[@kevindownes9474]

@@SammyCee23ngl I am a fan of Romans talking in English accents for some reason lol

[@Wombat_Astronaut]

What up Paesano

[@luap89]

That's me waking up late tomorrow - Love this kinda stuff

[@Solingen1000]

12 more hours please

[@danice7873]

Wow! I can’t believe I’m watching my favorite college professor from back in the day. Every class with him was captivating.

[@DanBarry851]

Hearing him describe the Roman Republic at it's height sounds incredibly familiar to this day and age with the rich consolidating wealth & ownership of land and regular people feeling like they haven't seen any benefit from an incredible amount of wealth & success that has been generated.

[@cristian.margarit]

Most of the high-education institutions teach roman history, it is unavoidable for people not to picture themselves as roman nobles, kings, emperors, generals etc. Greetings from Romania :)

[@BellBeakerBloke]

Also mass immigration from the Middle East was key to the formation of the Empire. The Republic was primarily a nation state for Italic ethnicities. Migration made that impossibke

[@joecool9739]

​@@BellBeakerBloke Mass immigration from the Middle-East? You do realize that the Middle-East was much more rich and culturally advanced than Rome was...right? You do realize that by the time Rome came about the Middle-East was full of Greeks and Greek-hybrids...right?

@@joecool9739 What are you yapping about?

[@joecool9739]

Dont worry about it

[@nicolaiandersen1402]

For anyone who loves Romes history, is interested in Rome and/or just curious about the old times, I could not recommend the podcast "The History of Rome" by Mike Duncan enough! Its a masterpiece with so many amazing stories, and you get a ao much greater deep dive into all of the things and topics they talk about here. I've probably listened to the whole thing 3 times by now and I still enjoy everything about it. 10/10

[@primod.f.2797]

What an episode! Congratulations for the topic and for the delivery!

[@dineshkrishnakumar]

Best masterclass in presenting a subject matter in a very interesting manner. We all know famous personalities from Ancient Rome individually, but Gregory's narration gives us the full timeline and shows where these personalities fit in. Amazing podcast, Lex

[@idarlison]

Penn Jillette teaching about the Roman Empire is the best thing this week.

[@jashan1344]

This is one of the best episodes in a while! Love it

[@JC-ls6fg]

Oh man, as he was talking about Cicero I just realized that it was no coincidence that there was where Saul Goodman was from. Once again, the writers of BCS never fail to impress with their level of detail.

[@edouardmontfort7816]

Not used to be taught history in such a synthetic and analytical way. Was refreshing. Thanks !

[@paulsiro1775]

Apart from the occasional Egyptian pyramid rabbit holes , my favorite topics in history is the Roman history. Safe to say I enjoyed this thoroughly.

[@LucidityEngine]

Surprised how much I'm enjoying this. I take back my wishy washy comment from before. 2 hours in and I'm glued.

[@LucidityEngine]

2:42:03 in and this has turned into one of my favourite guests.

[@5unny5ide]

This guys missed a bunch about why Ceaser was so popular. Ceaser wasn't popular because of bread and circuses. He legitimately was fixing the lives of the poor and middle. The rich killed him and then rewrote the story on him. Closest thing to Robin Hood until Robin Hood.