Chapter 13: Grudge Match, and Affairs in Alexandria and Africa

In this episode, Julius Caesar’s civil war against Pompey Magnus and the Optimates continues, and a decisive victor is decided. We also glimpse at life in Ptolemaic Egypt, and introduce Queen Cleopatra. We see the civil war she’s embroiled in, who she allies with to win her throne, and how that affects the Roman Republic.

Our essential question to keep in mind throughout the episode is: What did Pompey need to win the Civil War, and maintain power after, if he won? And what did Caesar need to win the Civil War, and maintain power after, if he won?

Suicide is a prevalent theme in this episode, and is mentioned a lot at the end of the episode. In one instance, a historical figures suicide is descriptive, and some may consider it graphic. This is in no way meant to glorify suicide, but so we can understand why this historical figure did what he did, and how that affected others. If you would like an edited MP3 of this episode with less descriptive elements, you can contact the show by emailing dotrrpod@gmail.com.

The US National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 if you feel like you need support.

Intro/Outro Music: “Into Uncertainty’’ from Jay Man - OurMusicBox. Thumbnail made with Bannersnack. “Smooth and Sexy R&B”

Death of the Roman Republic (DOTRR) is an educational podcast, and any clips from other media is used to transform and elevate its educational content, using modern media to help people relate to a 2000 year old story. (Speaking as a not-Fair Use expert), DOTRR seeks to use Fair Use, in transforming media clips used for educational purposes, and in that Death of the Roman Republic will never make a profit (no advertisements, Patreon, etc.).

*2024 update - Google Podcasts is apparently shutting down, I am attempting to upload to podcast to Spotify. Fingers crossed this works, I nonetheless have an always will do this for fun, and do not seek to make any profit, and use media to elevate education (without outdated memes and references) through transformative means.