The Western Traditions Podcast

Episode III.08 - Introduction to the Roman Republic

In the eighth episode of the Roman series of the Western Traditions Podcast, we embark on a journey back to 509 BC when the Roman Republic was born from the ashes of monarchy. Discover how the Senate, patricians, and consuls shaped the nascent Republic amid a tumultuous landscape of political intrigue and warfare. We delve into the military might of early Rome, its societal structure, and the legislative foundation laid by the Twelve Tables. Brimming with tales of valor, justice, and social evolution, this episode unveils the resilience and strategies that propelled a small city-state toward greatness.

Episode XII.05 - The First Lesson

How to teach the first lesson of the Western Traditions curriculum.

Episode I.01 - The General Prologue

The introduction to the Western Traditions podcast. The Great Books of the Western World and the Bible. The great men and women of western civilization.

Episode III.07 - The Roman Kingdom

The seven kings of Rome. Numa Pompilius succeeds Romulus. The line of kings ends with Tarquinius Superbus. Some background on Roman institutions, practices and vocabulary.

Episode III.06 - The Foundation of Rome

The story of Romulus and Remus. With the capture of the Sabine women, Rome expands territorially and biologically. The birth of the glory of Rome.

Episode XIB.008 - Genesis 10 and 11

The Table of Nations. The Tower of Babel. Introduction to Abram. Genealogy and numerology in the Bible. God brings diversity to humanity.

Episode XII.004 - The Study Method III: Introduction to Outlines

Using outlines to enhance study.

Episode III.05 - Roman Mythology II: Ovid’s Metamorphoses

Our souls are deathless, but nothing retains its own form. Thus speaks Pythagoras in this long and winding tale that combines ancient myth and history. Through a Roman lens, we read of Jupiter, Juno, Neptune, Hercules, Ulysses and more, coming right down to the advent of the Roman Empire.

Episode III.04 - Roman Mythology I: Roman Religion

The gods through the eyes of the earliest Romans. The Indo-European religious inheritance. Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Minerva. The precision and discipline of Roman religious practice. The ties to early Christianity.

Episode XIB.007 - Genesis 6:1-9:29

God chastises the world with the Flood. Only Noah and his family are spared. A breakdown of symbols and morality in the flood narrative.