In this final episode of season 3 of The Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie are discussing the 2016 film “Ben-Hur”. They share their thoughts on the film’s historical accuracy, the anachronisms in costume and set design, and the unexpected presence of Jesus in the narrative. From the dramatic chariot race to the film's ultimate message of forgiveness and redemption, they analyze what worked and what didn't in this modern retelling of a classic tale.

The film "Ben-Hur" (2016) attempts to weave together historical and biblical narratives, creating a complex tapestry that can both engage and frustrate viewers. The story centers on Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish man living in Roman-occupied Judea, and his adoptive brother Masala, who becomes a Roman officer. This setup inherently invites a blend of historical context and biblical themes, particularly with the inclusion of Jesus as a character.

Join Megan and Lexie as they navigate their way through historical inaccuracies, a confusing and frustrating amount of biblical tropes, and a welcome appearance of the wonderful Morgan Freeman.

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In this episode of The Reading Party, Megan and Lexie are joined by Dr. Victoria Austen to dive into the 2014 action-adventure film "Pompeii," starring Kit Harington. Join them as they explore the film's unique blend of romance, action, and historical disaster, all set against the backdrop of the infamous volcanic eruption.

Dr. Victoria Austen, an expert in the classics, shares her insights on Roman gardens, social history, and the reception of the ancient world in modern media. We discuss everything from the film's portrayal of Roman identity to the accuracy of its volcanic eruption depiction. Expect a lively discussion filled with humor, critical analysis, and plenty of questions about the social dynamics at play in the film. Whether you're a fan of ancient history or just curious about how Hollywood interprets it, this episode is sure to entertain and inform!

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In this episode of the Reading Party podcast, Megan and Lexie dive into the 2011 film "The Eagle," adapted from Rosemary Sutcliffe's 1954 novel "The Eagle of the Ninth." Joining us is special guest Lindsay Allason-Jones, the historical consultant for the movie. Lindsay shares her extensive background in Roman Britain, having previously served as the Director of Archaeological Museums for Newcastle University, where she focused on Hadrian's Wall. She recounts how the filmmakers sought her expertise and the unique circumstances of their initial meeting. The episode highlights the filmmakers' long-standing passion for the source material and their collaboration with experts to bring authenticity to the cinematic portrayal of Roman Britain. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends history, literature, and film!

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On this episode of The Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie offer an in-depth exploration of the animated film "Asterix versus Caesar," originally titled "Astérix et la Surprise de César," which was released in 1985. This film is an adaptation of the beloved French comic series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, a significant part of French culture since its inception. Megan and Lexie provide an insightful exploration of "Asterix versus Caesar," emphasizing the differences between the French and English versions, particularly in character names and cultural references. The discussion highlights the challenges of translating humor and wordplay while also acknowledging the film's lighthearted approach to storytelling, despite the presence of outdated stereotypes. This analysis enriches the understanding of the film and invites viewers to appreciate the nuances of language and culture in adaptations.

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In this episode of the Reading Party podcast, Megan and Lexie dive into the 2007 fantasy historical adventure film, The Last Legion. Set against the backdrop of the fall of the Roman Empire, the movie intertwines legendary elements such as the last Roman Emperor, Excalibur, Merlin, and King Arthur, creating a captivating narrative that blends historical fantasy with medieval Britain. "The Last Legion" ultimately serves as a unique cinematic experience that combines the fall of the Roman Empire with the enchanting world of Arthurian legend. While it is rife with historical inaccuracies, the film's charm lies in its ability to entertain and engage viewers with its fantastical elements. The blending of these two distinct narratives creates a story that, while not true to history, captures the imagination and invites audiences to explore the myths that have shaped our understanding of the past.

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Lexie and Megan are back for season 3! Welcome back to the Reading Party Podcast! In this exciting episode of our Rome Centric Season 3, we have not one, but two special guests: ancient historians Aaron Irvin and Jeff Stevens both experts on the Roman Empire, as well as consultants for Starz series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”. Join us as we dive deep into the world of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," focusing on episodes five and six.

In this episode, we recap the intense journey of Spartacus, a Thracian warrior turned gladiator, as he fights for survival and seeks to reunite with his wife. We discuss the brutal realities of gladiatorial life, the historical accuracy of the show's portrayal of the pits, and the complex social hierarchies within the ludus.

Aaron and Jeff share their insights on the historical context of gladiators, the motivations behind characters like Varro, and the significance of the show's representation of violence and sexuality. We also explore the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with modern sensibilities in storytelling.

Whether you're a fan of the series or just curious about ancient Rome, this episode is packed with fascinating discussions and expert analysis. Don't miss out!

Guests:

Aaron Irvin: A professor at Murray State University specializing in ancient Rome, Egypt, the ancient Near East, and ancient Greece. He contributed to the Spartacus series during his grad school years at UCLA.

Jeff Stevens: An ancient historian at the University of Missouri and the director of undergraduate studies. Like Aaron, he worked on the Spartacus series as a grad student at UCLA and is currently involved in archaeological digs in Italy.

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