Rome. The civilization that gave us roads, aqueducts, democracy-adjacent governance, and approximately four thousand years worth of historians absolutely losing their minds over it. Seriously, no empire in the history of human civilization has been dissected, romanticized, argued over, and dramatically retold more than Rome, and yet here we all are, still not done talking about it. And honestly? Fair enough.
When your empire’s drama includes backstabbing senators, unhinged emperors who think they’re gods, gladiators, orgies, more civil wars than you can shake a toga at, and a fall so spectacular that historians are still arguing about why it happened, you deserve the eternal spotlight. The good news is that a heroic collection of history nerds (bless every single one of them) have dedicated hundreds, sometimes thousands, of hours to podcasting about the whole glorious mess so that you can feel deeply educated about a civilization that collapsed over 1,500 years ago. Here are the best podcasts about Roman history that will have you confidently saying “well, actually, Augustus was technically never emperor” at your next dinner party.
The Fall Of The Roman Empire
Have you ever been curious about the collapse of the Roman Empire? In this podcast, British historian Nick Holmes explores the remarkable tale of Rome’s gradual decline and ultimate downfall, shedding light on how the empire’s lasting legacy continues to shape the modern world we know today.
Rome Retold
A historical podcast in which Nick Holmes retells the story of the Roman Empire and examines its continuing relevance in the present day.
Roman Emperors: Totalus Rankium
Nick Holmes ranks each of the emperors who ruled over Rome throughout the course of the empire’s history, well, more or less.
The March of History: Julius Caesar
Trevor Fernes chronicles the dramatic life of Julius Caesar, tracing his journey from struggling nobleman to military genius and political giant, against the backdrop of a Roman Republic tearing itself apart.
The Partial Historians
Dr Rad and Dr G, otherwise known as Dr Fiona Radford and Dr Peta Greenfiel, guide listeners through the ancient Roman world, covering Roman history year by year, interviewing global experts, and exploring Rome’s place in popular culture.
Plutarch’s Greeks and Romans Podcast
Inspired by Plutarch’s ancient biographies, this podcast explores the lives of over 50 of the most influential figures in Greek and Roman history, from mythical founders like Theseus and Romulus to legendary conquerors such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar.
Works of Tacitus
Tacitus chronicled Roman history from A.D. 14 to 96, and though much of his work has been lost, what survives reveals a sharp political mind, one that warned against dynastic ambition, called for stronger institutional checks on power, and championed capable leadership over inherited rule. Gordon’s translation and accompanying Discourses bring these ideas to life, connecting Tacitus’s ancient insights to the early 18th-century British world.
The History of Rome
A completed weekly podcast in which the full history of the Roman Empire is traced, from Aeneas’s first arrival in Italy to the exile of Romulus Augustulus, the final Emperor of the Western Roman Empire.
The Fall of Rome Podcast
Invasions, political turmoil, economic ruin, mass migration, and widespread destruction, the collapse of the Roman Empire has long fascinated historians. Now, advances in genetics, climate science, forensic science, network models, and globalization studies are transforming our understanding of this pivotal moment in human history. PhD historian and specialist Patrick Wyman breaks down the latest historical research in clear, accessible language.
The Pax Romana Podcast
Historian Colin Elliott brings Roman history to life on the weekly Pax Romana Podcast, covering everything from the assassination of Julius Caesar and the Age of Augustus to Nero’s Great Fire, the rise of Christianity, and the turbulent third century AD.
Ancient History Hound
A podcast dedicated to the ancient world, exploring the histories of Greece, Rome, and other cultures from antiquity, with content suited to listeners of all levels of knowledge and experience.
T&J: A Roman Empire Love Story
A limited series podcast exploring sixth century Byzantium through the lens of one of history’s greatest love stories, the remarkable relationship between Empress Theodora and her husband, Emperor Justinian.
The History of Byzantium
A podcast that charts the history of the Byzantine Empire from 476 AD through to its fall in 1453.
Emperors of Rome
A podcast series in which Dr Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith examine the rulers of the ancient Roman Empire, guided by Tacitus’s famous observation: “Great empires are not maintained by timidity.”
Cost of Glory
Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, brings Plutarch’s Parallel Lives to modern audiences, dramatically retelling the stories of the statesmen, generals, and founders whose lives have captivated and inspired readers for nearly 2,000 years.
Autocrat – A Roman History Podcast
A lighthearted and wide-ranging journey through Roman history and mythology, filled with tangents and fascinating distractions, with the ambitious aim of covering everything from the Theogony to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and beyond, all in the spirit of fun.
Life Of Caesar
A long-form podcast exploring the lives of the emperors and figures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and the period that followed.
Western Civ
A brisk journey through the history of western civilisation, tracing its development from the ancient Near East and classical Greece and Rome, through the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and beyond, to the eventual rise of European and American global dominance.
Do you know of another podcast about the Roman Empire that you think should be on this list? Let me know
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