Best Partial Historians Podcasts (2025)

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Central Italy and the Emergence of Rome with Dr Francesca Fulminante 41:38

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11d ago41:38

41:38

We are thrilled to sit down with Dr Francesca Fulminante to chat all about the development of settlements in central Italy from the Bronze Age to the Archaic Period of Rome. Dr Fulminante shares insights from her recent monograph: The Rise of Early Rome – Transportation Networks and Domination in Central Italy, 1050-500 BCE (2023) (Cambridge Univer…

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Central Italy and the Emergence of Rome with Dr Fulminante 41:37

11d ago41:37

41:37

We are thrilled to sit down with Dr Francesca Fulminante to chat all about the development of settlements in central Italy from the Bronze Age to the Archaic Period of Rome. Dr Fulminante shares insights from her recent monograph: The Rise of Early Rome - Transportation Networks and Domination in Central Italy, 1050-500 BCE (2023) (Cambridge Univer…

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Episode 165 - Surf the Celtic Wave 1:22:22

1M ago1:22:22

1:22:22

391 BCE is jam-packed with action, but the event that stands out is the arrival of the Gauls in centre stage. It’s time to surf the Celtic Wave! Revenge is Sweet… and Easy The year began well for the Romans as they recovered from the pestilence that had caused such havoc the year before. Finally, they were strong enough to take down the Sappinates …

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Surf the Celtic Wave 1:22:21

1M ago1:22:21

1:22:21

391 BCE is jam-packed with action, but the event that stands out is the arrival of the Gauls in centre stage. It’s time to surf the Celtic Wave! Revenge is Sweet… and Easy The year began well for the Romans as they recovered from the pestilence that had caused such havoc the year before. Finally, they were strong enough to take down the Sappinates …

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Cleopatra (1963) - Cleopatra and Antony 1:23:20

2M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

In this special episode, we tackle the second half of the 1963 epic, Cleopatra. In the first part of this double-header, we tried to keep our focus on Cleopatra and Caesar and the initial challenges faced by #TeamCleo. However, today we get to delve into the second half of the movie when Cleopatra and Antony get it on. This means we finally get to …

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Special Episode – Cleopatra (1963) – Cleopatra and Antony 1:23:21

2M ago1:23:21

1:23:21

In this special episode, we tackle the second half of the 1963 epic, Cleopatra. In the first part of this double-header, we tried to keep our focus on Cleopatra and Caesar and the initial challenges faced by #TeamCleo. However, today we get to delve into the second half of the movie when Cleopatra and Antony get it on. This means we finally get to …

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Episode 164 - A Campaign in No Way Memorable 55:55

3M ago55:55

55:55

392 BCE, the year that went down in history for “a campaign in no way memorable”. Ah, that Livy, he paints quite a picture, doesn’t he? All About the Consuls The campaign in question involved our consuls for the year. Yep, consuls! The plebeians were still in a blissful mood after receiving some of the land from Veii in the previous year and so the…

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A Campaign in No Way Memorable 56:04

3M ago56:04

56:04

392 BCE, the year that went down in history for “a campaign in no way memorable”. Ah, that Livy, he paints quite a picture, doesn’t he? All About the Consuls The campaign in question involved our consuls for the year. Yep, consuls! The plebeians were still in a blissful mood after receiving some of the land from Veii in the previous year and so the…

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Special Episode – Cleopatra 1963 – Cleopatra and Caesar 1:31:24

3M ago1:31:24

1:31:24

Cleopatra was released in 1963 and has gone on to herald the end of the golden age of the historical epic in Hollywood. Known as one of the most expensive films to ever be made, its troubled production and the on screen connection between Taylor and Burton have both cemented its place in cinematic history. A Troubled Production We have a look at so…

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Cleopatra 1963 - Cleopatra and Caesar 1:31:23

3M ago1:31:23

1:31:23

Cleopatra was released in 1963 and has gone on to herald the end of the golden age of the historical epic in Hollywood. Known as one of the most expensive films to ever be made, its troubled production and the on screen connection between Taylor and Burton have both cemented its place in cinematic history. A Troubled Production We have a look at so…

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Episode 163 – Camillius’ Conniptions 1:14:54

4M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

We’re still in the year 394 BCE and we’ve seen Camillus has had a run in with the Falsican Schoolmaster. In this episode we move on further into the action of 394 BCE and look at 393 BCE as well. Is Camillus learning how to keep a low profile? He is praised from his success over the Faliscans and he doesn’t rush for a triumph this time. But the cha…

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Camillius’ Conniptions 1:14:54

4M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

We’re still in the year 394 BCE and we’ve seen Camillus has had a run in with the Falsican Schoolmaster. In this episode we move on further into the action of 394 BCE and look at 393 BCE as well. Is Camillus learning how to keep a low profile? He is praised from his success over the Faliscans and he doesn’t rush for a triumph this time. But the cha…

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Shirts Off for Virtus! 1:05:03

5M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

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…

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Shirts Off For Virtus 1:05:07

5M 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…

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Fulvia with Dr Jane Draycott 1:08:34

5M 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…

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Fulvia with Dr Jane Draycott 1:08:30

5M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

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…

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Episode 161 – ¿Por Qué No Los Dos? 1:01:26

6M 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…

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¿Por Qué No Los Dos? 1:01:26

6M 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…

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Gladiator II with Alexandra Sills 1:19:37

6M 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…

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Gladiator II with Alexandra Sills 1:19:38

6M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

Rounding out our trilogy of special episodes on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, we are joined by gladiator expert, Alexandra Sills. Special Episode – Gladiator II with 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…

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Episode 160 – The Fall of Veii: Part Three 1:06:13

6M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

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…

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

6M 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…

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

7M 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…

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Special Episode - Gladiator II with Professor Martin Winkler 1:08:43

7M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

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…

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

7M 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…

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The Fall of Veii: Part II 1:20:50

7M ago1:20:50

1:20:50

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…

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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…

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The Fall of Veii: Part I 58:30

8M 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…

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The Fall of Veii: Part I 58:31

8M ago58:31

58:31

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…

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

9M 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…

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Special Episode - Gladiator II with Dr Lindsay Steenberg 1:16:48

9M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

10M 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…

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

10M 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…

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Episode 157 - From Delphi, With Love 59:28

10M 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…

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From Delphi, With Love 59:28

10M 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…

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Special Episode – Totally Chaotic History with Dr Emma Southon 53:16

11M ago53:16

53:16

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 …

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

11M 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 …

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Episode 156 – Kidnapped! 56:49

11M ago56:49

56:49

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…

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Kidnapped! 56:48

11M 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…

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

12M 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…

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

12M 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…

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

12M 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! You can also…

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

12M 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…

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

12M 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 …

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The Final Cheeky Preview - Last Man Standing: Masada 28:03

12M ago28:03

28:03

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 …

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A Feast for the Gods 43:00

12M ago43:00

43:00

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…

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A Feast for the Gods 42:59

12M 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…