Podcasts have revolutionized how we learn and engage with information, offering a flexible and convenient way to explore a wide range of topics.
If you’re a history buff or just curious about the ancient world, plenty of outstanding podcasts cover Rome’s fascinating and complex history.
From entertaining and casual conversations between friends to in-depth interviews with renowned scholars, these podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and insights into one of the most intriguing civilizations in human history.
Whether you’re looking to brush up on your Roman history or dive deep into specific aspects of this ancient culture, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best Roman history podcasts to suit your interests and preferences. So, sit back, relax, and let these podcasts transport you to the world of ancient Rome.
1. The History of Rome Podcast
If you’re looking for a comprehensive podcast that covers the entire history of Rome, look no further than “The History of Rome” hosted by Mike Duncan.
Since its debut in 2007, this foundational podcast has chronicled the rise and fall of Rome, starting with the legendary founding by Romulus and continuing through the Republic and Empire until the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
With 179 episodes, each roughly 20 minutes long, this podcast offers an engaging and detailed narrative of Roman history. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual listener, “The History of Rome” is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a thorough and entertaining exploration of this fascinating civilization.
2. The History of Byzantium Podcast
If you’ve enjoyed “The History of Rome,” you won’t want to miss “The History of Byzantium,” hosted by Robin Pierson.
Picking up where “The History of Rome” left off in 476 AD, this podcast explores the often-overlooked history of the Eastern Roman Empire, which continued to rule Constantinople for nearly 1000 years until its fall in 1453.
Like its predecessor, “The History of Byzantium” follows a similar format and offers an in-depth exploration of this fascinating era. Robin takes listeners through significant events such as plagues, the rise of the Arabs, and the Crusades, highlighting their impact on the modern Eastern Mediterranean.
With over 240 episodes already posted and an ongoing series, “The History of Byzantium” provides a wealth of information for history enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in the Byzantine Empire or simply looking to expand your historical knowledge, this podcast is an excellent choice to deepen your understanding of this critical period in world history.
3. The Rest Is History Podcast
Are you looking for a history podcast that covers a wide range of topics, including the ancient Roman world? Check out “The Rest is History,” co-hosted by modern historian Dominic Sandbrook and classicist Tom Holland.
While not exclusively focused on Rome, this podcast offers a fascinating exploration of various historical topics, each episode running approximately 45 minutes.
Several episodes delve into Roman history, with episode 56 providing a particularly captivating discussion on Nero. The co-hosts often invite expert guests to join the conversation, with episode 105 featuring the renowned classicist Mary Beard.
With a perfect blend of expert analysis and a laid-back style, “The Rest is History” offers an enjoyable and engaging listening experience for history buffs and casual listeners.
With over 200 episodes available and new ones added every week, there’s no shortage of exciting topics to explore.
4. In Our Time Podcast
For an in-depth exploration of various historical topics, look no further than “In Our Time,” hosted by Melvyn Bragg.
Originally a BBC 4 radio series since 1998, this podcast offers episodes lasting around 45 minutes and features a panel of expert guests. While not exclusively focused on Roman history, the Roman episodes are particularly informative and insightful.
Like “The Rest is History,” “In Our Time” offers a fascinating discussion on various historical topics. Bragg’s experience as a host produces insightful and probing questions that encourage guests to share their expertise.
Whether you’re a history buff or a casual listener, this podcast is an excellent choice to expand your knowledge on a particular topic.
With almost 1,000 episodes released and the series ongoing, “In Our Time” offers a wealth of information and an engaging listening experience for those interested in history and beyond.
5. The Fall of Rome Podcast
“The Fall of Rome,” hosted by history Ph.D. holder Patrick Wyman, offers a unique and in-depth examination of the factors that led to the decline and fall of the western half of the Roman Empire.
With a specific focus on this fascinating period, Wyman has 31 episodes dedicated to the topic, each typically lasting around 45 minutes.
By narrowing in on this niche area, Wyman can comprehensively explore the various and complex factors that contributed to Rome’s fall. This approach offers a valuable learning experience for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this pivotal historical period.
Following the success of “The Fall of Rome,” Wyman launched “Tides of History,” a podcast with a broader historical scope that also covers various aspects of Roman history. These two podcasts offer a comprehensive and engaging look at this fascinating period.
6. Roman Emperors: Totalus Rankium Podcast
If you’re in the mood for a more lighthearted and conversational take on Roman history, look no further than “Totalus Rankum.”
Hosted by Rob and Jamie, this podcast launched in 2016 and offers a unique approach to the topic: each episode focuses on one Roman Emperor and then ranks them in terms of their historical significance.
With a fun and engaging style, Rob and Jamie offer a refreshing perspective on the fascinating world of ancient Rome. Season one of the podcast comprised 95 episodes, typically lasting over an hour. Season two is still ongoing, with plenty more content to enjoy.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an entertaining and easy-to-listen podcast, ‘Totalus Rankium’ is a great choice for exploring the world of Roman Emperors and their legacies.
7. Hardcore History Podcast
Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History” is widely regarded as one of the most extensive and in-depth history podcasts out there. While the time between episodes can be lengthy, the resulting content is always worth the wait.
The podcast consists of various series diving into different topics throughout history. Two of the series focus specifically on the Roman Empire. “The Celtic Holocaust” is a six-hour exploration of Julius Caesar’s invasion and pacification of Gaul, while “Death Throes of the Republic” offers a 13-hour deep dive into the fall of the Roman Republic, spread across six parts.
It’s worth noting that Carlin’s style is not for everyone – he tends to focus more on military aspects of history and is not shy about including graphic details. However, for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Rome, “Hardcore History” is an absolute must-listen.
