I Was Human First — Crownless: Forgotten Voices of Rome

Crownless,  is a special episode inspired by J. H. M. Carlisle’s groundbreaking book Crownless: Forgotten Queer Histories of Imperial Rome. In this conversation, Luigi Pascal Rondanini and Eve Hamilton explore the hidden stories of Sporus, Hierocles, Pythias, and others whose lives shaped the empire from the shadows.With Carlisle’s words as a guide, the episode blends history, literature, and personal reflection to uncover how power, identity, and survival intertwined in the Roman world — and why these struggles still matter today. Expect thoughtful dialogue, haunting stories, and the reclaiming of voices that deserve to be heard.