Rome's Most Notorious Emperors

Program Details

Some Roman emperors earned their infamy not through victories, but through scandal, excess, and downright bizarre behaviour. In this four-week course, we’ll explore the shocking reigns of figures like Caligula, Nero, Commodus, and Elagabalus—rulers whose antics were so outrageous they’ve become legends. From wild parties to brutal murders, these emperors pushed the boundaries of power and decadence. But were their notorious reputations deserved, or were they the victims of biased ancient sources? Join us as we uncover the truth behind the scandals that shaped their legacies. FEE: This program is free for patrons. SCHEDULE: Four Tuesdays, April 8 to 29 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM FORMAT: This is an online program. A link will be emailed at the time of registration and again one day before the presentation. ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dr. Heather Barkman was born and raised in Manitoba. After receiving her BA and MA from the University of Manitoba, she moved to Ottawa to get her PhD from the University of Ottawa with a focus on women in early Christianity. She then moved back home to Winnipeg and teaches in the Classics and Religious Studies departments at the University of Manitoba. When she's not teaching, she loves baseball, traveling, and having fun with her husband Sid and two children.