Best Ancient Blogger Podcasts (2025)

1
Shirts Off For Virtus 1:05:07

5d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

In this episode, we continue to follow the adventures of that most amazing of Romans: Marcus Furius Camillus! This is one of his real shining moments of virtus. Although the Romans have just conquered Veii, there was tension on those mean city streets. The patricians and plebeians were locked in a disagreement over what they should do with this new…

1
Festivals in ancient Rome: January 25:55

17d ago25:55

25:55

Ever wonder how the Romans set out their year and what they got up to in January? This is the first of a miniseries about festivals in ancient Rome. In this episode I take a brief look at how the Romans developed their calendar (or Fasti). Then it's time to chat about two fesitvals celebrated in January and a bit about the name of the month. Episod…

1
Fulvia with Dr Jane Draycott 1:08:34

19d ago1:08:34

1:08:34

In our latest special episode, we were positively tickled to be able to chat to Dr Jane Draycott about her latest historical biography Fulvia: The Woman who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome (published with Atlantic Books). For the uninitiated, Fulvia is one of the more notorious characters from the Late Roman Republic. If you’ve heard of her, it…

1
¿Por Qué No Los Dos? 1:01:26

1M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

It’s 395 BCE and we explore the events that are the result of the epic year of 396 BCE. The Romans ended 396 BCE on a high with their military success against the southern-most city of the Etruscans, Veii. But is all well in the Roman world? That may depend on which god you talk to… An incomplete victory? The defeat of Veii leaves the northern peop…

1
Gladiator II with Alexandra Sills 1:19:37

2M ago1:19:37

1:19:37

Rounding out our trilogy of special episodes on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, we are joined by gladiator expert, Alexandra Sills. Alexandra holds a BA in Classical Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London and a MA in The Classical Mediterranean from the University of Leicester. Alexandra’s MA dissertation was awarded the Mark Pluciennik p…

1
Film review: The Return with Lottie Luke. 51:27

2M ago51:27

51:27

Join me and guest Lottie Luke as we discuss The Return, a film about Odysseus, well, returning to Ithaca. How did the film differ from the Odyssey poem and what were our general thoughts? As you might imagine there is reference to some nasty stuff - just be aware. You can find Lottie Luke as @myclassicsportal on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. There…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part III 1:06:12

2M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

We return for the final instalment on the fall of Veii in 396 BCE. In our previous episode, we witnessed the actual conquest of the great Etruscan city. Now it’s Camillus’ time to bask in the glory! He's a Real Trip Camillus has managed to secure victory for Rome, and one of the advantages now that it’s all over is that sweet, sweet booty. Everyone…

1
Ancient Sicily (pt7). Dionysius I: Poetry and Politics. 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Bad poetry, bad behaviour and a bizarre use for heated walnut shells. In this episode I pick and and finish with Dionysius I of Syracuse. It's quite a rollercoaster with a dramatic finish. Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com and if you a reading this then be a star and rate and review. Thanks to all those who keep coming back for more, your kin…

1
Gladiator II with Professor Martin M. Winkler 1:08:42

3M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers! We are back to discuss Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s smash hit Gladiator (2000). Gladiator II is set in the joint reign of Caracalla and Geta. These emperors were brothers in real life, but not the creepy twins shown in the movie. However, let’s not get caught up in historical detai…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part II 1:20:49

3M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

The Fall of Veii is finally upon us – or perhaps we should say it was finally upon them! After a shameful defeat early in 396, the Romans decided to appoint a dictator. It is time for a Republican hero to burst into the spotlight. Welcome to the stage, Marcus Furius Camillus! Episode 159 – The Fall of Veii: Part II A Hero is Born Camillus is a lege…

1
The Far Edges of the Known World with Owen Rees 1:00:07

3M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

We are super excited for this conversation. Owen Rees is the founder of the website badancient.com and we’ve been lucky enough to write a couple of articles over there on some misconceptions about the ancient Romans. So when we heard that Owen had a book coming out, we absolutely wanted to have a chat. Special Episode – The Far Edges of the Known W…

1
Podcast update! 3:01

4M ago3:01

3:01

Don't worry, nothing serious but just to keep you in the loop. The next episode will be out mid-April. Apologies for the delay but it's not always easy to schedule regularly when you are a solo podcaster who has a full time job and other commitments. It'll be worth the wait - trust me! Till then why not check out the podcast back catalogue? You can…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part I 58:30

4M ago58:30

58:30

396 BCE is finally here! Rome and Veii have been locked in a competition for space and resources for quite some time and it seems like the tide is about to turn. The year 396 BCE is perhaps one of the most significant years for Rome’s history in the early republic. Given the events at play, this episode is considering how the year begins and it mig…

1
Special Episode - Gladiator II with Dr Lindsay Steenberg 1:16:47

4M ago1:16:47

1:16:47

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers! In case you somehow missed it, the hotly anticipated sequel to Gladiator (2000) hit the cinemas in November 2024. Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius Verus, the child of Lucilla and the hero from the first film, Maximus. Nope, we did not know that was a thing either. Poster for Gladiator II…

1
Special Episode - Enemy of My Dreams with Jenny Williamson 56:52

5M ago56:52

56:52

We were titillated to speak to the scintillating Jenny Freaking Williamson. Jenny is one of the co-hosts of Ancient History Fangirl, which we like to consider part of the unofficial but highly exclusive #ladypodsquad. Jenny and Genn have been on our show before to discuss their fabulous book, Women and Myth, which was released in 2023. However, tod…

1
Pliny the Younger 30:16

5M ago30:16

30:16

In this episode I cover the life of Pliny the Younger and his famous letters. In his writings he gave a eye witness account of the eruption of Vesuvius and pondered how to deal with Christians. As well as looking into these instances I talk about what his letters tell us about him and the world he lived in. Whatever platform you are using - leave a…

1
Special Episode – Storylife with Professor Joel P. Christensen 1:07:37

5M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

We are thrilled to sit down in conversation with Professor Joel P. Christensen to discuss some of the ideas explored in his forthcoming book Storylife: On Epic, Narrative, and Living Things (Yale University Press). Special Episode – Storylife with Professor Joel P. Christensen Joel Christensen is Professor of Classical Studies at Brandeis Universit…

1
From Delphi, With Love 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

In 398, the Romans received some worrying signs from the gods, and now we return with a special message for them: From Delphi, With Love. Episode 157 – From Delphi, With Love In 397 BCE, the Romans were waging war on all fronts. On top of their ongoing siege at Veii, they were contesting their hold on Anxur with the Volscians, and their colony at L…

1
Minisode: Gifts. 14:21

6M ago14:21

14:21

(please note that there is reference to suicide and murder as per the myths involved). In this minisode I pick out some examples of gifts in ancient Mesopotamia and Greece where the outcome wasn't as planned or it just went plain wrong. Let me know what you think by leaving a review or getting in touch. You can find me as @ancientblogger on social …

1
Special Episode – Totally Chaotic History with Dr Emma Southon 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

Are you ready to have a Totally Chaotic time? We certainly hope so, as we are thrilled to welcome Dr Emma Southon back on the show for the FOURTH TIME (not the third, as incorrectly said by Dr Rad). Emma has released her first children’s book, which was co-authored with Greg Jenner and illustrated by Rikin Parekh. Special Episode – Totally Chaotic …

1
Ancient Sicily (pt6). Dionysius I: Countering Carthage. 37:00

6M ago37:00

37:00

It's time for Dionysius I to face Carthage. How would he deal with an unstoppable force coming his way? Lots to talk about including a surprise wedding (or two). Please rate and review where you can! Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

1
Kidnapped! 56:48

7M ago56:48

56:48

In 398 BCE, the Romans were still enmeshed in their siege at Veii. Whilst the Romans waited, worrying portents started to appear. What did they all mean? Episode 156 – Kidnapped! The most concerning portent was a sudden increase in the levels of the lake in the Alban Woods. It was positively spooky. An embassy was despatched to visit the Delphic Or…

1
Special Episode - Gods and Mortals with Liv Albert 56:01

7M ago56:01

56:01

We love it when we get to chat with some of our podcast friends, and this week we got to catch up with the hilarious Liv Albert from ‘Let's talk about myths, baby!' to talk about relationships between gods and mortals. Please be warned, this episode does contain references to sexual assault. Special Episode – Gods and Mortals with Liv Albert The lo…

1
Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire with Ulysses Press 24:37

7M ago24:37

24:37

We sit down with Casie Vogel, VP Publisher at Ulysses Press to talk about the process of bringing an ancient Roman history book into the world and some of the cheeky details about the past that Casie learnt along the way. To celebrate the publication of ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire' this special episode is even in video form! https://vide…

1
The Final Cheeky Preview - Last Man Standing: Masada 28:02

7M ago28:02

28:02

We are thrilled to release the final cheeky preview from our new book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire. The final chapter from our ‘With a Rebel Yell' bonus material is entitled ‘Last Man Standing: Masada'. This bonus episode is coming out on the very same day that our book officially hits the shelves. Huzzah! The Final Cheeky Preview – Last …

1
Curse tablets and figurines. 38:35

8M ago38:35

38:35

In this Night of the Livy Dead Halloween special I discuss the types of curses which made it onto tablets and figurines from antiquity. Starting with ancient Egypt and ending in the later Roman period I look into what they were used for, who they were used against and what it tells us about how people were living. As you might imagine it can get ve…

1
A Feast for the Gods 42:59

8M ago42:59

42:59

Our new book ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ has nearly landed! Pre-order your copy via Ulysses Press! It’s happening – the Romans enter the fourth century! In this episode, we compare and contrast the ancient source accounts for the year that was 399 BCE. Rome and Veii are still locked in a siege, with Roman forces outside the gates of the…

1
Another Cheeky Preview - Zenobia's Winning Strategy 20:21

8M ago20:21

20:21

Welcome to another cheeky preview from our new book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire. This chapter is a bit of a contrast to our first one on Spartacus. We turn from a rebel from the lowest ranks of society to one from the elite. We are journeying from the Roman Republic to the mid-Empire. Aaaaand we are travelling from Italy to the provinces…

1
The Fifth Century BCE in Review 1:22:42

9M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

The fifth century BCE in Rome is the century that saw the idea of the republic flourish and falter only to flourish again. The plebeians rose up to fight for their rights and to enjoy the fruits of their hard work on the battlefield. The patricians held on to their prestige and power with a vice-like grip and Rome began to expand their influence in…

1
Guest Episode - The Partial Historians on Spartacus. 27:56

9M ago27:56

27:56

This is a guest episode which features the Partial Historians and is all about Spartacus. To celebrate their upcoming book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire, Dr Radford recorded an episode on that famous gladiator turned rebel. Here it is and I hope you enjoy. I was on their podcast earlier this year, a two parter all about Regal Rome and some…

1
Special Episode - Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) 1:43:11

9M ago1:43:11

1:43:11

We are in shock that it has taken us this long to cover the cult classic that is Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979). We have Rslaugesen over on Patreon to thank for pointing out this glaring oversight. Once we got started, it was hard for us to stop talking about the Life of Brian. British comedy was a staple of our childhoods and Monty Python was…

1
The Teutoburg Disaster with Dr Ball: Part Two. 1:01:36

9M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In the second episode on the Teutoburg Disaster Dr Ball gets into the sometimes harrowing details of the fate which befell those Romans in AD 9. We discuss the sequence of events and weigh up what the sources said, and didn't say, about it all. Don't forget to rate and review and thanks for listening! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).…

1
The Partial Recap - 400s BCE 26:52

10M ago26:52

26:52

The 400s BCE have been a rollercoaster for Rome. It certainly seems to have been a decade of big changes, both in terms of foreign policy and on the domestic front. Join us for the highlights for the last decade of the fifth century BCE! The Partial Recap – 400s BCE Want to hear the full story? Head to Episode 144: Where in the World is Carventum? …

1
A Cheeky Preview - With a Rebel Yell: Spartacus 26:17

10M ago26:17

26:17

We are SO excited to share a snippet of our new book with you! That's right, we have a whole section entitled ‘With a Rebel Yell' that will be bonus digital content on the Ulysses Press website and so we thought, why not read it as well? Today, we kick it all off with the section on the rebellious gladiator, SPARTACUS. Ah, this is where it all bega…

1
The Plebeians Push into Power 55:01

10M ago55:01

55:01

We jump into the year 400 BCE which has more excitement than you may have anticipated. Could this be the year we have evidence for a plebeian break-through into the important magisterial position of military tribune with consular power? Episode 153 – The Plebeians Push into Power Now, as always with this period of Rome’s early republican history, w…

1
The Teutoburg Disaster with Dr Ball: Part One. 44:19

10M ago44:19

44:19

In AD 9 Rome lost three legions in an attack made by Germanic tribes. It became an infamous event in Rome's history dealing a huge blow both to its manpower and prestige. So how had this come to be? In the first of two episodes on this event I'm joined by Dr Jo Ball who is an expert on the Teutoburg Disaster. Dr Ball discusses the battlefield (incl…

1
Special Episode - Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford 1:06:03

10M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In our latest special episode, we welcomed the talented LJ Trafford to the show to discuss her latest book, Ancient Rome’s Worst Emperors (2023). Special Episode – Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors You may very well have encountered some of LJ’s wonderful earlier works, including her historical novel series: The Four Emperors. These books cover a turbu…

1
Ancient Sicily (pt5). Revenge & Ruin. 33:18

11M ago33:18

33:18

In this episode of the miniseries on ancient Sicily I pick up with what happened after the Sicilian Expedition. Syracuse was celebrating victory but if they had any ideas that it would all be peaceful they were sorely mistaken. As one empire retreated to lick its wounds another would emerge and at Syracuse an old habit was to return. Episode notes …

1
Episode 152 - Victory at Last! 49:09

11M ago49:09

49:09

Whilst 401 BCE was a tense year inside ancient Rome, we can assure you that there will be a plebeian win to close the year. Victory at last! Episode 152 – Victory at Last! Surrounded by Enemies The Romans were facing war with several enemies, thanks to Capena and the Falerii joining their conflict with Veii. And they weren’t going to take the loss …

1
Special Episode – Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger – Part 2 1:10:55

12M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

Neil returns to discuss more about some of the major sites of interest in the regal period of Rome. We recommend his podcast Ancient History Hound to you. You can also find out more details about Neil's work at his website: The Ancient Blogger. Special Episode – Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger – Part 2! When Life Gives …

1
Ancient Sicily (pt4). The Sicilian Expedition. 39:31

12M ago39:31

39:31

Continuing my miniseries on ancient Sicily I pick up on the two separate incidents where Athens got directly involved in Sicilian affairs towards the end of the 5th century BC. Was it a good idea and what went wrong? Also, an attempt to describe Syracuse using just your hand. Oh, and a highly consequential eclipse. If you can rate or review the epi…

1
Factional Foibles 59:37

1y ago59:37

59:37

We jump into the year of 402 BCE and Rome and Veii are tooth and nail in siege mode. In addition to this, Rome is rapidly approaching the end of the 5th century BCE, a date that is meaningful for historians and scholars but less significant for the Romans who understood the years through the names of the magistrates more than being overly intereste…

1
Tyrants in ancient Greece. 28:07

1y ago28:07

28:07

Every wonder what a tyrant was, how a tyrant became a tyrant and if there were any benefits in having a tyrant run your city? In this episode I answer these questions as I examine some tyrants from the Archaic period to the mid-5th century BC. A main source for this episode which I mention is James F McGlew: 'Tyranny and Political Culture in Ancien…

1
Special Episode - Ovid's Metamorphoses with Professor Stephanie McCarter 1:05:59

1y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

It is not often that we get to say that there is a new translation of a classical text that has taken the world by storm. But that was exactly what happened when Professor Stephanie McCarter released her 2022 translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. We were honoured that Professor McCarter agreed to talk to us about the mysterious Ovid and her process …

1
Ancient Sicily (pt3). Democracy & Ducetius. 31:54

1y ago31:54

31:54

Continuing the ancient Sicily miniseries I pick up with what happened to the tryant Thrasybulus in Syracuse in the 460s BC. There's a lot of civil unrest and democracy finally makes an appearance. Elsewhere on the island one of Sicily's most intriguing sons, a man called Ducetius, makes a play for power. If you're listening where you can leave a re…

1
Episode 150 - Rhetorical Fireworks 1:31:04

1y ago1:31:04

1:31:04

It is 403 BCE and we’re about to be blinded by some rhetorical fireworks. The situation between Rome and Veii is getting more serious. Episode 150 – Rhetorical Fireworks We've Got Chills, They're Speechifying! As the Romans prepare for a long siege, the suggestion was casually made that the soldiers will need to remain in winter quarters. The Roman…

1
Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger - Part 1 1:19:13

1y ago1:19:13

1:19:13

We are thrilled to sit down with Neil, The Ancient Blogger and host of the Ancient History Hound podcast to explore space and place in the Roman regal period. Neil, or ancientblogger as he's more commonly known, studied ancient history at degree level and then completed an MA in Classical Civilisation. Though he has a full time job he spends most o…

1
Ancient Sicily (pt2). Tyrants and Tragedy. 36:12

1y ago36:12

36:12

In the second episode on ancient Sicily I turn to the rise of the tyrants and the changing political situation on the island. Covering the period between 600BC and the mid 5th century BC there is a lot to talk about, it's an episode packed with treachery, conquest and even some poetry. If you can leave a review wherever you listen to this please do…

1
The Brief Life and Times of Servius Romanus 46:24

1y ago46:24

46:24

Who is Servius Romanus you might ask? Well, in this episode we’re about to find out. But when we tell you it’ll be brief – we are telling only the truth! On the back of the putative introduction of pay for Roman soldiers in 406 BCE (a much disputed idea in scholarship), Rome is facing challenges from their neighbours. These challenges are coming fr…

1
Special Episode - Augustus' Mausoleum with Dr Victoria Austen 1:06:35

1y ago1:06:35

1:06:35

It is not often that we are fortunate enough to get to chat to one of our amazing guests a second time, but sometimes the gods are just that kind. We sat down to speak to the one and only Dr Victoria Austen about Augustus’ mausoleum. Special Episode – Augustus' Mausoleum Dr Victoria Austen holds a MA and PhD from King’s College London. She has lect…

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