The Reading Party Podcast

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humor and wordplay while also acknowledging the film's lighthearted approach to storytelling, despite the presence of outdated stereotypes.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.

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.

In this episode of The Reading Party, hosts Megan and Lexie dive into the world of Roman history with esteemed guests Dr. Peta Greenfield and Dr. Fiona Radford, co-hosts of The Partial Historians podcast. With their expertise in Classics and Ancient History, they explore the iconic 2000 film Gladiator, discussing its impact and cultural significance. Dr. Radford shares her specialization in reception studies, particularly Roman film, as they reflect on how Gladiator shaped their generation. Tune in for an insightful conversation that bridges cinema and history, and get insights from seasoned podcasters who have been engaging audiences with ancient Rome for over a decade.

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.

Join Megan and Lexie for a wrap up of season two!

In the season finale of The Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie dive deep into the final chapters of "Desert God" by Wilbur Smith. They discuss the inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and unsatisfying conclusions in the book, questioning the choices made by the author. Despite the captivating writing style and beautiful descriptions, they express disappointment in the lack of resolution and the abrupt ending. Join them as they analyze the plot, characters, and historical inaccuracies, offer a critical review of "Desert God”, and explore the complexities of blending mythology and history in fiction.

In this episode of the Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie dive into the world of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia as they discuss the book "Desert God" by Wilbur Smith. Join them as they dissect the historical inaccuracies, character developments, and plot twists in this fifth installment of the Egyptian series. From the over-sexualization of characters to the questionable lore inconsistencies, Megan and Lexie provide a critical yet engaging analysis of the book.Grab your favorite beverage and snacks as they spill the tea on the adventures of Taita, Mem, and the princesses in this epic journey through ancient lands. Tune in to explore the themes of misogyny, racism, and fantastical elements in this historical fantasy novel.If you're a fan of ancient history, fantasy, or just enjoy a good book discussion, this episode is a must-listen. Join Megan and Lexie on their adventure through the pages of "Desert God" and get ready for some intriguing insights and lively commentary on this captivating tale.

In this episode of the Reading Party Podcast, hosts Megan and Lexie are joined by Dr. Roselyn A. Campbell to discuss the animated movie "The Prince of Egypt" set in ancient Egypt. Dr. Campbell, a subject matter expert, shares insights and expertise on bioarchaeology, the historical/cultural aspects of the film, and provides a captivating exploration of ancient Egyptian stories. Tune in for a lively discussion filled with tea-spilling and historical analysis on this engaging episode!

Join your friendly neighborhood Ancient Historians, Megan and Lexie, as they unpack the fast-paced plot and questionable historical accuracy of the book Pharaoh by Wilbur Smith on today’s episode of The Reading Party Podcast!