The Partial Historians

Dr Rad and Dr G explore all things ancient Rome. With source analysis, interviews with experts, and looking at how the ancient world appears in popular culture, we take you you through the sources for ancient Rome while having a good laugh along the way. Dr Rad is an expert on Kubrick's Spartacus and Dr G is an expert on the Vestal Virgins.

Another Cheeky Preview - Zenobia's Winning Strategy

A preview from our upcoming book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire, on the rebellious Queen Zenobia of Palmyra.

10-17
20:21

The Fifth Century BCE in Review

The fifth century BCE saw the idea of the Roman republic flourish and falter only to flourish again. We review the major developments in Rome across the century taking a bird's eye look at the big issues now that we've completed our deep dive!

10-03
01:22:43

Special Episode - Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)

We review the way that Ancient Rome and life in the provinces were portrayed in Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979).

09-19
01:43:12

The Partial Recap - 400s BCE

Join the Partial Historians for a handy summary of what the ancient sources have recorded about events in Rome in the 400s BCE.

09-05
26:53

A Cheeky Preview - With a Rebel Yell: Spartacus

Get a cheeky preview of 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire' with our bonus chapter on the rebellious gladiator, Spartacus.

08-29
26:18

The Plebeians Push into Power

We jump into the year 400 BCE. This is the year we've been waiting for. Drum roll, it's time for a plebeian break-through into power!

08-22
55:02

Special Episode - Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford

We discuss the terrible men who ruled the Roman Empire as we interview the author LJ Trafford about her latest history, Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors.

08-08
01:06:04

Episode 152 - Victory at Last!

Rome is beset with difficulties, including wars, trials, and scandals. But by the end of the year, the plebeians will score an impressive victory in the Struggle of the Orders.

07-11
49:10

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

Let's take a tour of some of Rome's most early structures, including the Tullianum, the Cloaca Maxima, the Circus Maximus, and Ostia!

06-27
01:10:55

Factional Foibles

It's 402 BCE and Rome and Veii are tooth and nail in siege mode. Rome seems to be on the front foot, but can they stay there?

06-13
59:37

Special Episode - Ovid's Metamorphoses with Professor Stephanie McCarter

We interview Professor Stephanie McCarter, the author of a ground-breaking new translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses.

06-06
01:05:59

Episode 150 - Rhetorical Fireworks

Representing the patricians, Appius Claudius fights with the tribunes of the plebs over the terms of military service in Rome's war with Veii. Get ready for some rhetorical fireworks!

05-09
01:31:05

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

The topography of regal Rome was very different to today. We sit down with Neil, the Ancient Blogger, to explore the details.

04-25
01:19:13

The Brief Life and Times of Servius Romanus

Rome contends with the Etruscan city of Veii and the Volscian city of Artena. Will they win the day with the support of Servius Romanus?

04-11
46:25

Special Episode - Augustus' Mausoleum with Dr Victoria Austen

In this episode, we talked about the style and function of Augustus' mausoleum and how it was repurposed over time with Dr Victoria Austen. This unique monument has as much to tell us about later periods as it does about Augustus himself.

03-28
01:06:35

It's All About the Money, Honey!

406 BCE stands out for the assertion that this year is the first time the Roman soldiers receive pay for their service. Show me the money!

03-14
01:08:56

Special Episode - The Roman Military with Dr Bret Devereaux

Dr Bret Devereaux joins us to discuss all things military and the development of the army in the early years of Ancient Rome. How did Rome go from raids to world domination?

02-29
01:33:40

Episode 147 - The Fall of Verrugo

It's 407 BCE and the Romans face a significant military setback at Verrugo. Is Roman dominance at risk? Their enemies may have the upper hand!

02-15
33:48

Episode 146 - Nobody Calls Me Chicken

The Romans have to battle a coalition from Antium, the Volscii and the Aequii. To win, they elect a dictator, but not everyone is pleased.

01-11
57:30

Roman Naming Conventions

We delve into the world of Roman names. How do we understand who’s who? We’re consider the complexities of ancient Roman naming conventions!

01-04
01:09:08

Juju Longo

I looooooove this movie. ❤️

10-26 Reply

Juju Longo

Dr. Rad should make more speeches, that was hilarious! 😂

01-18 Reply

Juju Longo

awesome episode! I love this time of Roman history and the guest was a gem.

12-29 Reply

Katie Louise Tyers

I have just subscribed to your podcast and on looking through the episodes I have noticed that from episode 42 - Lucius Tarquinius -The Early Years (Jan the 9th 2015) to epiisode 64 - Coriolanus, Ultermate Patrician (Oct 17 2016) have been duplicated. Is there any way I can fix this? Thanks Katie

11-13 Reply

Nicki Kenedy

I'm enjoying this podcast, Roman history is a heavy subject and these ladies make it pretty palatable and they're easy to listen to. they obviously know their Roman history!

09-02 Reply

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