Rome & Empire with Darius Arya Digs Darius Arya, archaeologist, TV host

Diocletian is the third century emperor that brought the Empire back from the brink of collapse.  After generations of uncertainly, his will, administration, military prowess and ruthless drive established a new period of calm that rippled through the Roman empire.  Just consider the tetrarchy ruling system, new management of provinces, Edict of Prices, and Great (Christian) Persecution! And when it was all said and done he retired in his bespoke fortified villa that became the core of the later town of Split, Croatia.  So richly preserved that it is a noted UNESCO site and also the location for many a scene in Game of Thrones.  Walk the streets of this historic site and explore the archaeology, art, and ancient history beneath with Darius on his recent visit! 

Season 8 of Game of Thrones is upon us! So Darius travels to King's Landing & the real-life grandeur of Dubrovnik.  Darius explores Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep on GOT), walks along the city's 2km walls, looking for Cersei.  Luckily, local guide & GOT expert Ivan Vuković of Dubrovnik-tourist-guides.com reveals the city's history and tons of insider knowledge on GOT8. They also discuss overtourism that threatens the city more than Daenerys' dragons!  Adriaticluxuryhotels.com made the stay in ancient Ragusa even more amazing! 

The assassination of Julius Caesar is one of history's most famous murders in history.  Darius talks with author and historian Barry Strauss, who has written the definitive book on Caesar's last days.  Darius also walks in real time from Julius Caesar's house (Domus Publica) in the Forum past all of the famed archaeological sites of Ancient Rome to the location of his assassination in the Curia of Pompey, part of the modern archaeological site of Largo Argentina.  You've never experienced the Ides of March like this! 

Who were the most important emperors in ancient Rome, for better and for worse?  There are so many to choose from- and Darius explores Rome's best and worst rulers with author Professor Barry Strauss on the launch of his newest book: 10 Caesars!  So let's explore from Augustus to Constantine, and Darius always has an eye on the emperors' impact on Rome itself.  

Who doesn't like olive oil?  It's an essential component of the (once again wildly popular) Mediterranean diet.  So, it's high time to really learn the ins and outs of what defines "excellent" olive oil. Darius turns to a world class expert, Johnny Madge (johnnymadge.com), who lives in the Sabina region (and is a frequent visitor to Rome).  He is a true olive oil expert and world traveling judge of olive oils from Italy to Japan! So sit back and soak up his words of wisdom that will resonate with you wherever you are in the world, on your next trip to the store in search of the good stuff for your recipes! 

Darius travels to southeast Sicily, to the late Baroque city Modica, to explore the legendary home of Italy's best chocolate.  There is no better place than Antica Dolceria Bonajuto to learn about why chocolate found its home here.  Darius enters the kitchen with Pierpaolo Bonajuto (his family has been making chocolate here since 1880- 6 generations) and discusses tradition and evolution.  You'll fantasize about the food (chocolate, cannoli and more) for the whole week.  So dig in and put Modica on your next Sicily trip!