When Julius Caesar dies, he leaves in his will for his adoptive son Octavius to ascend as his heir. Caesar the August comes to Rome, but finds that there are many plots surrounding him in the world of Roman politics. John Williams's epistolary novel AUGUSTUS covers the political rise and life of Octavius Caesar the August through letters, journal entries, and memoirs from those that surrounded him. From close friends and family, to bitterest enemies and schemers, John Williams's novel brings out this interesting period of history in a unique way. We're asking the tough questions: What would you do to cover for you child? What would a modern Marc Antony look like? Would you help some one that was floating down a river? Jason Crockett joins us as we ask these and more on this week's episode.

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Resources for today's episode:

Augustus by John Williams

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Episode ID: 1000756702388

GUID: 69821e2ac8310ac486f5d411

Release Date: 23/03/2026, 11:30:00