Linked by History

Send us a textWhile most people familiar with Lucilla (150 - 182 AD) know her from the Gladiator Cinematic Universe, she differed significantly in real life from her movie character. Enchanted by power and all of its trappings, this one-time Roman empress blended nobility and greed in a unique combination.Just an example: whereas she and Maximus Decimus got along swimmingly in Gladiator, the actual Lucilla strongly disliked her second husband (who was quite similar to Maximus). Maximus's honorable nature captivated movie Lucilla, but real Lucilla disparaged her second husband's lack of ambition. But I wouldn't go so far to say Marcus Aurelius's daughter was a bad person. I mean, she's certainly better her brother, Commodus, and I'd argue was easily the best kid that Rome's philosopher emperor produced.The thing is: people are complex creatures. Lucilla's life story is defined by woe and her resilience to rise above it. After all, how would you turn out if you lost half a dozen siblings, both parents, your husband, and your empress title all before turning 30?Mull it over while listening to this Linked by History episode about Lucilla of Rome.Want to read more about this episode's characters or aren't sure about their spelling? Here's a list of this episode's major characters:Lucilla - our protagonistMarcus Aurelius - One of Rome's most revered emperors and Lucilla's fatherFaustina the Younger - Loving mother of LucillaLucius Verus - Lucilla's first husbandCommodus - Lucilla's brother...unfortunately for herCreditsHost: C.J. WeissMusic: Bobby Hall

Send us a textWhat happens when you raise a boy as a warrior from birth, then give him the reins to conquer all the neighboring tribes and kingdoms on your border? He develops into one of the greatest champions of one of the world's most peaceful religions, Mahayana Buddhism.Obviously.Kanishka the Great (79 - 150 AD) may have earned more credit than he deserved, but there's no doubt his influence in shaping the Silk Road altered history in a profound way.Want to read more about this episode's characters or aren't sure about their spelling? Here's a list of this episode's major characters:Kanishka - our protagonistAshvaghosha - revered Buddhist monk in Kanishka's inner circleCreditsHost: C.J. WeissMusic: Bobby Hall

Send us a textWhat do you get when you combine a naturalist with a disciplined soldier? None other than Pliny the Elder (23 - 79 AD). With a work ethic few could match, he produced tome after tome of insights into the natural world. He did all of this while primarily working as either a soldier, lawyer, or governor until meeting his end in Pompeii. Ever dedicated to the empire, the only thing Pliny loved more than Rome was natural science.Want to read more about this episode's characters or aren't sure about their spelling? Here's a list of this episode's major characters:Pliny the Elder - our protagonistPublius Pomponius Secundus - Pliny's mentor a good friendPliny the Younger - The Elder's nephew and adopted son Emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian - Ordered list of Emperors during Pliny's lifeCreditsHost: C.J. WeissMusic:  CreditsHost: C.J. WeissMusic: Bobby Hall

Send us a textAdherent to Confucianism corrupted by absolute power or clever plotter who feigned virtuousness to usurp the throne? The life of Wang Mang (45 BC - 23 AD) was full of contradictions. He lived a virtuous life throughout his early years, staying in the good graces of his aunt, Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun. Her influence over the young Western Han emperors who succeeded her husband paved the way for Wang Mang's clever coup.Whereas a more virtuous man aided their rulers, Wang Mang took advantage of their inexperience. This ultimately gave rise to the Xin dynasty, which would last for a grand total of 14 years before Wang Mang was deposed. He went from beloved by all to detested by the realm.The writing may have been on the wall early, as he forced many (and perhaps all) of his sons to commit suicide. He cheated on his wife constantly. He forced his daughter to marry as a child, then killed off her husband shortly after. Are these the actions of great Confucian practitioner?Nope.But the question is: was he like this from the beginning or did power corrupt him? Think about that as you listening to Linked by History's episode about Wang Mang, the first and only emperor of China's Xin dynasty.Want to read more about this episode's characters or aren't sure about their spelling? Here's a list of this episode's major characters:Wang Mang - our protagonist(Future) Empress Ping - Wang Mang's daughterWang Zhengjun - Empress (for a time) and Wang Mang's auntEmperor Ai - 2nd Successor to Zhenjun's husbandChunyu Zhang - political rival of Wang MangPrincess Dowager Fu (AKA Grandma Fu) - Emperor Ai's grandmother CreditsHost: C.J. WeissMusic: Bobby Hall