Best Diocletian Podcasts (2025)

1
Ludi Apollinares 22:30

2d ago22:30

22:30

Plague getting your people down? Suffering from a mysterious ailment? Perhaps a festival of Apollo is what you need. A simple festival with games, plays and feastings could be enough to sway Apollo in your favour. Or at least, distract your city for a while. Episode CCXLIV (244) Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, L…

1
The Council of Nicaea - The Pax Romana Podcast 85 27:37

6d ago27:37

27:37

In 325 AD, a gathering of bishops in a small town near Constantinople changed the course of Christianity and the Roman Empire forever. Known as the Council of Nicaea, this wasn’t just a theological debate—it was a collision of imperial power and religious authority. At its heart was Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor, whose dream of…

1
UPDATE ON NEXT SEASON - THE DARK AGES 4:10

11d ago4:10

4:10

Apologies for the long radio silence, I’ve been busy with other projects but now I want to update you on the next and final season in this podcast which I’m super excited about because it will cover what I regard as one of the most fascinating parts of the story of the fall of the Roman Empire – i.e. what happened after the fall? Now, we all know t…

1
Constantine's Conversion to Christianity - The Pax Romana Podcast 84 23:30

14d ago23:30

23:30

Was Constantine's conversion to Christianity genuine? How did it reshape Roman politics and culture? Evidence from Lactantius and Eusebius suggests a sincere conversion, with a divine vision sparking his faith, though political pragmatism shaped its expression. His actions, like the Edict of Milan and church-building, wove Christianity into Roman i…

1
The House That Crassus and Pompey Built 29:49

20d ago29:49

29:49

After the death of Crassus his powerful name, his fortune, and his family’s honour survived. In this episode we’ll trace the life of the Crassi yet to come, and how the family comes together with an old rival. Episode CCXLIII (243) Part V of Crassus Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)…

1
The Fall of the Tetrarchy and the Rise of Constantine - The Pax Romana Podcast 83 19:37

21d ago19:37

19:37

The Third Century Crisis prompted Diocletian’s Tetrarchy in 293 AD--a bold four-ruler system to restore order. Then, in 303, Diocletian inaugurated the Great Persecution of Christians. Religion and politics intersected when Diocletian abdicated in 305, setting in motion a chain of events which prompted a succession crisis and empowered a new usurpe…

1
Why the Military Replaced Rome's Elites - The Pax Romana Podcast 82 16:58

28d ago16:58

16:58

What happens when a society’s protectors turn on its elites? Why did the Roman military, with its fierce loyalty and unity, eclipse the wealthy senators of the Pax Romana? How did Rome’s own soldiers, alienated and rootless, turn into “barbarians” within? Peter Turchin's insights offer some useful food for thought. ⁠⁠Donate: https://www.paypal.com/…

1
Diocletian's Edict on Maximum Prices - The Pax Romana Podcast 81 21:41

1M ago21:41

21:41

Diocletian’s Edict on Maximum Prices was a bold attempt to combat hyperinflation. It was sold with moralizing rhetoric--not unlike rhetoric in favor of anti-price-gouging laws or wage and price controls in modern states. Diocletian blamed greed instead of addressing currency issues. Did the Price Edict work? ⁠Donate: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/paym…

1
The Militarization of the Roman Empire - The Pax Romana Podcast 80 21:35

1M ago21:35

21:35

The Roman Empire under Diocletian saw sweeping changes that reshaped its core. Provinces were reorganized and multiplied to tighten administrative control. The bureaucracy swelled, with tens of thousands of officials managing the sprawling empire. Peasants were bound to the land they worked, securing a steady flow of taxes and labor. Meanwhile, the…

1
Glory and Gold 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

Crassus had power, he had money, but he still felt something was missing. With an army and a province in the east, he sets off to win the glory he had always been denied Perhaps it lay in Parthia. Episode CCXLII (242) Part IV of Crassus Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient History, La Trobe University)…

1
The Tetrarchy - The Pax Romana Podcast 79 21:34

2M ago21:34

21:34

Diocletian a low-born Illyrian, rose to emperor in a period of crisis. Instead of waiting for another civil war to erupt, he appointed Maximian to co-rule with him, and handle the problematic western empire. But as problems with invading armies and usurpers continued, Diocletian took the dramatic step of appointing additional emperors in AD 293, es…

1
Crassus and the Triumvirate 35:11

2M ago35:11

35:11

As Crassus gathered more power and wealth his success was aided by two allies. One, Julius Caesar, had received financial aid from Crassus for many years. The other, Pompeius Magnus, was at the best of times a bitter rival. Together they formed the triumvirate - more powerful together than apart. Episode CCXLI (241) Part III of Crassus Guest: Assoc…

1
127 - Ghost, Havukruunu, Drudkh, Behemoth and Ambush 33:45

2M ago33:45

33:45

Join Duel and Richard as they review new singles from Ambush and Behemoth as well as full album reviews for: Drudkh - "Shadow Play" Ghost - "Skeleta" Havukruunu - "Tavastland" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Diocletian's Rise - The Pax Romana Podcast 78 20:54

2M ago20:54

20:54

Turmoil resumed following Emperor Aurelian’s assassination in AD 275. Rapidly changing emperors, barbarian invasions and internal strife defined the years 275-284. Within this chaos, Diocles, a low-born Dalmatian soldier, seized power in 284. But instead of joining the long list of warlords that only temporarily won power before falling in civil wa…

1
What are the Best Roman History Books? - The Pax Romana Podcast QA10 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

Students often ask me for Roman Empire book recommendations. Listeners have as well. It is easy to find popular histories, but here I discuss eleven excellent hidden gems--books that are great for the causal reader, but robust enough that I’ve used them in my research and teaching. These aren’t popular titles, but they’re brilliantly crafted by lea…

1
Was Seneca a True Stoic or Fraud? - The Pax Romana Podcast 19:15

2M ago19:15

19:15

Lucius Annaeus Seneca, the 1st-century Roman Stoic, sparks endless debate. His works, like Letters to Lucilius and On the Shortness of Life, preach virtue, simplicity, and resilience. Yet, Seneca amassed a fortune of 300 million sesterces, owned lavish villas and advised Nero. Critics call him a hypocrite. His Stoic writings inspire, but do they al…

1
Who is My Favorite Roman Emperor? - The Pax Romana Podcast 18:36

3M ago18:36

18:36

Listeners and students have asked me who my favorite Roman emperor is. Lists of the "best" emperors often highlight giants like Augustus, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius—undeniably impressive for their conquests and governance. But my favorite, for personal reasons, is a man overlooked by many historians and dismissed by the writers of his time. A blue…

1
Crassus vs Spartacus 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

In the tales of Hollywood Crassus will always be the antagonist to the slave hero Spartacus, but is that how would he see himself? A war against slaves is something that no self respecting Roman would like to be pushed into. And yet here we are. Episode CCXL (240) Part II of Crassus Guest: Assoc. Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classic and Ancient Histor…

1
Was Rome's Grain Dole a Benefit or a Burden? - The Pax Romana Podcast 23:20

3M ago23:20

23:20

Ancient Rome--the heart of an empire--was fed by a vast network of ships and storehouses that brought grain from distant lands like Egypt and Africa. The Roman state orchestrated this colossal effort, called the Annona, to feed its citizens, a feat unmatched in the pre-industrial world. But behind this marvel lay a darker story—rural farmers stripp…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 114 "The Missing Link" 22:11

3M ago22:11

22:11

Why did Arabia rise so rapidly in the seventh century AD to become the dominant global superpower? In this episode, we look at a fascinating new theory. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation…

1
Was Jesus a Historical Figure? - The Pax Romana Podcast 17:40

3M ago17:40

17:40

In first-century Galilee, King Herod Antipas’s stable rule provided a relatively peaceful setting for Jesus of Nazareth, born around 4 BC, to emerge as a Jewish preacher, promoting repentance and the kingdom of God. Conversely, Judea faced turmoil under Roman prefects like Pontius Pilate. By around AD 30, Jesus entered Jerusalem, and was crucified …

1
Did Roman Emperors Employ Spies? - The Pax Romana Podcast 15:38

3M ago15:38

15:38

Roman emperors governed a sprawling empire, from Britain to Syria—but how did they maintain control over such vast lands? Did they rely on spies to monitor their enemies and ensure loyalty? Enter the frumentarii, a mysterious group of soldiers originally tasked with grain supply. History reveals they evolved into agents of espionage, assassination,…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 113 "Byzantium's Greatest Victory" 24:15

3M ago24:15

24:15

The Arab siege of Constantinople in 717/718 was one of the greatest turning points in all of history. Discover why in this episode. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in…

1
Did Ancient Romans Trust Their Own Money? - The Pax Romana Podcast 15:24

4M ago15:24

15:24

Did Romans trust their money? Roman officials required legal exchange rates, but not everyone obeyed them--especially when mints adulterated or debased precious metal coinage. Only scant evidence of rebellion survives, but there are hints that show Romans inventing new conventions--some quite elegant. How overt was monetary defiance? Marcus Corneli…

1
Crassus and the Social Wars 30:55

4M ago30:55

30:55

Marcus Licinius Crassus was an influential politician in the late Roman republic, famous for the wealth he accrued and the power that he held. An ally of Caesar and a rival of Pompey, he rose to prominence during the social wars, but would never get the military glory he believed was his owed. Episode CCXXXIX (239) Part I of Crassus Guest: Assoc. P…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 112 "Greek Fire" 26:58

4M ago26:58

26:58

In the first half of the seventh century AD, the rise of Islam seemed unstoppable. How could Byzantium survive? Luck and the invention of a medieval flame-thrower would help! For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find …

1
Was the Assassination of Julius Caesar Justified? - The Pax Romana Podcast 19:29

4M ago19:29

19:29

On March 15, 44 BC, Julius Caesar, appointed dictator for life, was assassinated by senators led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius. Caesar’s dictatorship, his military conquests, populist reforms and unprecedented power seemed like the style of monarchy the Republic was meant to guard against. The conspirators against Caesar justified the killing …

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 111 "The Fall of Egypt" 25:16

4M ago25:16

25:16

Roman Egypt was not only the Roman Empire's wealthiest province, it was also one of the earliest bastions of Christianity. Therefore, its rapid fall to the armies of Islam has long baffled historians. Discover the surprising story of how division, betrayal and sheer bad luck caused a turning point in history. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check …

1
Why Did Rome Conquer Gaul? - The Pax Romana Podcast 17:10

4M ago17:10

17:10

In 58 BC, Julius Caesar embarked on a campaign that transformed Gaul—modern France, Belgium, and beyond—into a Roman province . What propelled this conquest? Strategic fears had long haunted Rome, from the Gallic sack of the 390s BC to Germanic pressures across the Rhine. Economic prospects tantalized as well. Yet Caesar’s ambition loomed largest, …

1
Excavating Pompeii 39:26

4M ago39:26

39:26

Pompeii has been excavated for hundreds of years, and in that time techniques, practices and philosophies have changed. We’re now finding out a lot more about the city and the people who lived there, and there’s still more to find out. The When in Rome podcast is now fundraising for an upcoming series 8. Please give your support. Guest: Dr Sophie H…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 110 "Green Arabia" 21:33

4M ago21:33

21:33

In this episode, we look at climate history and ask whether the rise of Islam was helped by more favorable climatic conditions during the Late Antique Little Ice Age? For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the Germ…

1
When Did Rome First Build a Navy? - The Pax Romana Podcast 21:44

4M ago21:44

21:44

Rome’s early Republic leaned on its legions, with no real navy to speak of—until Carthage, a sea-dominating empire, sparked the First Punic War in 264 BC. Exposed and outmatched, Rome turned the tide in 261 BC, reverse-engineering a captured Carthaginian ship to craft a fleet of quinqueremes. Armed with ingenious corvus boarding bridges, Rome's new…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 109 "Climate, Plague and Catastrophe" 22:43

4M ago22:43

22:43

In this episode, we revisit the 'Late Antique Little Ice Age' and the Justinianic Plague, and consider whether these contributed to the rise of Islam in the seventh century AD. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, fin…

1
Aurelian and the Restoration of the Roman Empire - The Pax Romana Podcast 77 21:40

4M ago21:40

21:40

Aurelian—a gritty Balkan soldier—seized a crumbling Roman Empire in AD 270. His five-year reign still stuns: how did he crush Germanic hordes, topple Zenobia’s Palmyrene Empire and reunite the Gallic Empire under Roman rule? But Aurelian was more than a conqueror. He constructed miles of walls around Rome, and erected a massive temple to Sol Invict…

1
The Breakup of the Roman Empire - The Pax Romana Podcast 76 16:57

5M ago16:57

16:57

As a lethal plague tore through Rome, Persian king Sapor I struck the Empire’s east, capturing Emperor Valerian—a staunch senator and fierce Christian persecutor—after his bold counterattack failed. Internal strife and external foes shattered Rome into three warring realms: the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires rose amidst the chaos. Would the third cen…

1
Imperial Dining (with Mary Beard) 40:28

5M ago40:28

40:28

The simple act of dinner took on a new dimension for the Emperors. In an place where every meal could be a performance, an Emperor used the chance to reward and impress, intimidate and strike fear, and sometimes all at once. Having dinner with the Emperor was always a great honour, but sometimes you were risking your life. Episode CCXXXVIII (238) G…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 108 "The Last of the Sasanians" 20:29

5M ago20:29

20:29

After defeating the Romans at the Battle of Yarmuk in 636, the first Islamic Caliphate turned its attention to Persia. The fighting there would be even more decisive than against the Romans. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German …

1
The Plague of Cyprian - The Pax Romana Podcast 75 16:56

5M ago16:56

16:56

In AD 249, the Plague of Cyprian swept through the Roman Empire. Named after Cyprian of Carthage, who vividly described its horrors, this plague led to loss of life and increased imperial destabilization during an already turbulent time. Accounts from Cyprian and Dionysius of Alexandria highlight the plague's severity, noting it seemed to threaten …

1
Roman Dining 25:55

5M ago25:55

25:55

For the Romans the simple act of dinner was so much more than a meal. It was an opportunity to socialise and do business, to see and be seen, and in some cases just to show off. Like everything it is steeped in protocol and tradition, but ultimately it emphasised spending time with others - as every good meal should. Episode CCXXXVII (237) Guest: A…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 107 "The Battle of Yarmuk: Rome's Greatest Defeat" 21:57

5M ago21:57

21:57

In August 636, near the Yarmuk river in modern-day Syria/Jordan, a battle was fought between the new Islamic Caliphate and the Roman Empire that would change the course of history. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners,…

1
The Collapse of the Roman Peace - The Pax Romana Podcast 74 17:54

5M ago17:54

17:54

The Crisis of the Third Century began with the assassination of Severus Alexander, leading to Maximinus Thrax's brief and unpopular rule. Maximinus treated Rome like his own personal piggy bank--looting everything from senatorial estates, to local funds for festivals and celebrations. he was assinated in AD 238, also known as the Year of the Six Em…

1
126 - Girlfriend Black Metal and the Kings of Commercial Extremity (Revocation, Behemoth, 16, Saor, Mutagenic Host) 35:09

5M ago35:09

35:09

Duel and Richard are back with yet another reviews pod. On this episode, the boys discuss Revocation - "Confines of Infinity " (Single) Behemoth - The Sh*t ov God (Single) Saor - "Amidst the Ruins" (Album) 16 - "Guides For the Misguided" (Album) Mutagenic Host - "The Diseased Machine" (album) Plus Duel talks about seeing Domhain and Winterfylleth i…

1
125 - Open E Chord Go Brrr- Drudkh, Warbringer, 16, FaithxTractor, The Halo Effect and Cult of the Moon 32:57

5M ago32:57

32:57

Join Richard and Duel as they opine on new singles from Drudkh, 16 and Warbringer. They also give their thoughts on the newest efforts from FaithxTracotr and The Halo Effect. As a special treat, the boys play "Sun Offering" from melodic black metallers Cult of the Moon. Kick 2025 off right! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio…

1
The Collapse of the Roman Monetary System - The Pax Romana Podcast 73 20:08

5M ago20:08

20:08

The Roman monetary system--one of the worlds most stable and trusted monetary systems for nearly 500 years, seems to have collapsed in the third century AD. Rapid debasements made Roman silver coins nearly valueless. This economic instability may have prompted inhabitants of the Roman Empire to stop using currency in some regions. In just the AD 27…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 106 "Muhammad's Revolution" 24:13

6M ago24:13

24:13

As Rome and Persia fought the last war of antiquity, they scarcely noticed a revolution was taking place in Arabia. A revolution led by a man named Muhammad. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German transl…

1
The Crisis of the Third Century AD - The Pax Romana Podcast 72 19:22

6M ago19:22

19:22

Was the third century AD a period of crisis or transformation? The prevalence of war, economic strain and demographic collapse certainly seems compelling. And yet, this same period could be viewed as a transformation where Rome adapted, with power shifting from traditional elites to military figures, and where cultural, religious, and social struct…

1
Could One Senator Have Saved the Roman Empire? - The Pax Romana Podcast 071 31:07

6M ago31:07

31:07

Cassius Dio, a Roman historian and senator, seems to have foreseen the tumultuous times the Roman Empire was about to experience in the Crisis of the Third Century. His proposed reforms come to us through the lens of his famous debate between Agrippa and Maecenas in his epic history of Rome. Dio envisioned a stable, centralized Roman Empire, includ…

1
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 105 "Heraclius Triumphant" 24:09

6M ago24:09

24:09

Heraclius was one of the greatest of all Roman Emperors and soldiers, and in 628-30 he secured a complete victory over Rome's oldest enemy - Sasanian Persia. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German transl…

1
The End of the Severan Dynasty - The Pax Romana Podcast 070 18:17

6M ago18:17

18:17

Alexander Severus, Roman Emperor from 222 to 235 AD, ascended to power under the guardianship of his mother and grandmother. He offered a serious foreign policy--aimed at stabilizing increasingly fragile borders to both the north and east of the Empire. But the Crisis of the Third Century was looming, and Rome's legions apparently no longer wished …

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