Being Roman with Mary Beard

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From a slave to an emperor, Mary Beard reveals the real people of the Roman Empire.

Beneath the starched togas and the pungent fug of gladiator sweat there are real Romans waiting to be discovered. Mary Beard uncovers fascinating untold stories from the Empire.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Being Roman with Mary Beard: 5. Battling Bureaucrats

6: Love in the Borderlands

5. Battling Bureaucrats

BBC Radio 4 - Being Roman with Mary Beard, 5. Battling Bureaucrats

Meet the frustrated office manager trying his best to run an empire.

What does it take to run an empire? Armies and slaves, of course, but also bureaucrats. Meet Roman Egypt's very own David Brent, desperately trying to hold together an empire.

What does it take to run an Empire?  Armies and slaves, of course, but also bureaucrats.  At its height the Roman Empire employed thousands of men charged with keeping Rome and its provinces fed, watered and content.  This was no easy job.  A remarkable set of papyrus scrolls reveals the life of Roman Egypt's very own David Brent, preparing for a a visit from the fearsome Emperor Diocletian.

Infuriated by hopeless staff and venal local politicians and continuously harassed by his superiors, Apolinarius of Panopolis becomes increasingly desperate as Diocletian approaches and the tension cranks up.  Mary Beard follows Apolinarius's story to reveal the messy realities of Roman administration.

Producer: Alasdair Cross

Expert Contributors: Colin Adams, Liverpool University and Margaret Mountford

Cast: Apolinarius played by Josh Bryant-Jones

Special thanks to Jill Unkell and the Chester Beatty collection, Dublin

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Being Roman with Mary Beard

5. Battling Bureaucrats

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