The Roman Black Banquet

The Roman Black Banquet

From A Popular History of Unpopular Things by Kelli Beard

October 19, 2025 · 34 min · Season 1 · Episode 72

About this episode

Kelli discusses Rome's first Black Banquet hosted by Emperor Domitian in 89 CE, exploring various aspects of Roman history.

Join Kelli as she talks about Rome's first ever Black Banquet, hosted by Emperor Domitian in 89 CE. Today's episode covers some Roman history including the creation of the Colosseum, the Flavian Dynasty, Cynicism and Stoicism, Memento Mori, and Domitian's spooky banquet - so scary, his guests fled in terror, fearing for their lives! Happy early Halloween, APHOUT fans <3 Referenced Sources: C. Suetonius Tranquillus, The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, first composed in 121 CE. https://pe...

People in this episode

Host: Kelli Beard

Topics covered

  • Roman history
  • Black Banquet
  • Emperor Domitian
  • Flavian Dynasty
  • Cynicism
  • Stoicism
  • Memento Mori

Keywords

  • Black Banquet
  • Emperor Domitian
  • Roman history
  • Colosseum
  • Flavian Dynasty
  • Cynicism
  • Stoicism
  • Memento Mori

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Lives of the Twelve Caesars

Places: Rome

More episodes of A Popular History of Unpopular Things

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the A Popular History of Unpopular Things podcast page.