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15 Minute Drama: How to Survive the Roman Empire, by Pliny and Me

Kieran Hodgson

Nigel Barrett

Joanna Scanlan

Mia Soteriou

Matthew Gravelle

Kate McAll

Hattie Naylor

15 Minute Drama: How to Survive the Roman Empire, by Pliny and Me: Episode 3

How to Survive the Roman Empire, by Pliny and Me

Episode 3

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, How to Survive the Roman Empire, by Pliny and Me, Episode 3

Pliny has an unnerving visit from his fellow lawyer, and arch-rival, Regulus.

Venta's position in the household is challenged when they visit Pliny's former mother-in-law and her servant singles Pliny out for special treatment.

Venta has now been Pliny's servant and scribe for four months. They've been happy months, despite living under the unstable Emperor Domitian. But as time goes on, news of arrests and executions begins to circulate. Doris the cook sees portents of evil everywhere, especially in the entrails of small animals. The uneasiness only gets worse when Pliny receives a visit from his fellow lawyer, and arch-rival, Regulus. Then Pliny makes a trip to Comum to open a new library he has built for his old home town. When he drops in on his former mother in law, and is given preferential treatment from one of her slaves, Venta too begins to worry about his future.

Hattie Naylor's drama is based on real letters written by Pliny to his family and friends nearly two thousand years ago.


Music composed by Pete Flood and performed by Pete Flood (percussion), Laura Cannell (recorder, crumhorn), Rhodri Davies (harp), and Paul Sartin (oboe, cor anglais)

Historical Consultant: Dr Peter Jones
Sound: Nigel Lewis
Production Coordinator: Eleri McAuliffe

Produced and Directed by Kate McAll.

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Hattie Naylor's series is based on real letters written by Pliny in the 1st century AD

Hattie Naylor's drama series is based on real letters written by Pliny to his friends and colleagues in the 1st century AD

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15 Minute Drama

How to Survive the Roman Empire, by Pliny and Me

Episode 3

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