34 Best Roman Empire Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

A podcast telling the story of the Roman (Byzantine) Empire from 476 AD to 1453. www.thehistoryofbyzantium.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Barbarians, political breakdown, economic collapse, mass migration, pillaging and plunder. The fall of the Roman Empire has been studied for years, but genetics, climate science, forensic science, network models, and globalization studies have reshaped our understanding of one of the most important events in human history. PhD historian and specialist Patrick Wyman brings the cutting edge of history to listeners in plain, relatable English.Binge all episodes of The Fall of Rome ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-fall-of-rome-podcast/ now. more

'Great empires are not maintained by timidity.' - Tacitus. A podcast series looking at the rulers of the ancient Roman empire, by Dr Rhiannon Evans, Dr Caillan Davenport and Matt Smith. more

A weekly podcast tracing the history of the Roman Empire, beginning with Aeneas's arrival in Italy and ending with the exile of Romulus Augustulus, last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Now complete! more

A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes. New episodes every Sunday and Thursday. From History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets. History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™ Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

This history of the Byzantine Empire is a lecture series written and presented by Mr. Lars Brownworth, author of the book 'Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization'. (in bookstores and on Amazon.com) He has traveled extensively from the furthest reaches of the Byzantine Empire all the way to its heart at Constantinople. Join him for an engaging look at the history of the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of 12 of its greatest rulers. For more information, including video of Mr. Brownworth's Smithsonian Lecture on Byzantium, please visit http://www.12byzantinerulers.com/ more

Rating all the emperors of Rome in the history of the Roman Empire (sort of)

Join veteran podcasters Ray Harris (The World War II Podcast) and Cameron Reilly (The Napoleon Bonaparte Podcast) as they go on a journey to discover the true story about the Caesars. WARNING: This podcast contains jokes, rude words and references to politics and religion. People easily triggered by such things should not listen. You poor snowflakes. more

The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch's Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization. The cost of glory is always great. Visit costofglory.com to find out more. more

Natalie Haynes takes a fresh look at the ancient world, creating stand-up routines about figures from ancient Greece and Rome. more

A regular podcast series about place and space in the ancient Roman Empire. 'I found Rome built of sun-dried bricks; I leave her clothed in marble.' - Augustus. more

Conversations with experts in the history of Byzantium and surrounding fields, hosted by Anthony Kaldellis.

Join Dr Rad and Dr G as we discuss, spar, and laugh our way through different aspects of the ancient Roman world! Our main series 'From the Foundation of the City' follows Roman history year by year from the traditional foundation date of 753 BCE. We also interview academics and specialists from around the globe for their insights into history and the representation of Rome and the ancient Mediterranean in popular culture. Dr Fiona Radford is an expert on Rome on film and wrote her thesis on Kubrick's Spartacus. Dr Radford is exponent of not only Ancient History, but also Reception Studies. Dr Peta Greenfield is an expert on the Vestal Virgins. Dr Greenfield's research interests include: religion and politics in Rome, the late republic and Augustan period, and the role of women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Mary Beard unearths the lives of the Ancients. Join Mary as she discovers the real lives of people from the ancient Greek world and the Roman empire. more

Welcome to Echoes of Empires. If you're looking for a podcast about history, you've come to the right place! Because you'll find over a hundred episodes here about the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Arab Caliphates, Charlemagne's Empire, the Dark Ages, the Crusades and I'm adding to them all the time. WANT A FREE EBOOK? Then head directly to my website www.nickholmesauthor.com. more

Exploring the lives and times of lost Roman heroes, from Aeneas to Constantine the XI, the Marble Emperor, and ranking them for their cool hero-ness…. more

The Ad Navseam podcast, where Classical gourmands everywhere can finally get their fill. Join hosts Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle for a lively discussion of Greco-Roman civilization stretching from the Minoans and Mycenaeans, through the Renaissance, and right down to the present. more

This podcast complements the toldinstone YouTube channel with interviews of scholars and creators working on the most exciting topics in ancient history. more

Experience the dramatic life of Julius Caesar and the fall of the Roman Republic in this gripping biographical history podcast hosted by Trevor Fernes. Step into the heart of Ancient Rome and witness the rise and fall of one of history's most iconic figures, Julius Caesar. This deep-dive podcast takes listeners on a meticulously researched journey through the Roman Republic's most pivotal era, an age of political intrigue, military conquest, and the ambitions of powerful men who reshaped history. Follow Julius Caesar's extraordinary ascent from impoverished noble, navigating the treacherous waters of Roman politics and Senate power struggles, to his rise as a brilliant military commander and transformative statesman. His story is not only one of personal ambition, it's the story of a civilization in flux, a society on the brink of collapse, and a republic unraveling under civil strife and imperial ambition. This podcast explores Julius Caesar's legendary military campaigns, beginning with the Gallic Wars, a defining chapter showcasing his unmatched strategic brilliance and relentless ambition. Experience the epic Battle of Alesia, where Caesar's leadership secured victory over Vercingetorix and the Gauls. This triumph cemented his reputation as one of ancient Rome's greatest generals and expanded the Roman Republic's reach, solidifying its dominance across ancient Europe. After the conquests in Gaul, the story shifts to rising political tensions in Ancient Rome, setting the stage for civil war. As Caesar's rivals grew increasingly intractable (driven by fear, ambition, and a hatred of Caesar personally) he faced a stark choice: cross the Rubicon or submit to prosecution. Caesar chose the Rubicon, unleashing chaos across the Roman Republic and propelling the conflict toward the climactic Battle of Pharsalus, where Caesar's forces confronted Pompey Magnus in a decisive clash that would determine the Republic's fate and cement Caesar's dominance. But battlefields are only part of this history. The March of History immerses listeners in the tangled web of alliances, betrayals, and conspiracies that signaled the Roman Republic's collapse. Alongside Julius Caesar, explore the ambitions and legacies of Ancient Rome's most influential figures: Cicero, the brilliant orator and defender of republican ideals; Pompey Magnus, Rome's golden boy and celebrated general turned reluctant adversary of Caesar; Cato the Younger, the immovable object to Caesar's unstoppable force; Mark Antony, the charismatic hedonist and formidable battlefield commander; and Brutus, whose betrayal on the Ides of March remains one of history's most infamous acts of treachery. And, of course, Cleopatra, the enigmatic Egyptian queen whose alliances with Caesar and Antony shaped personal destinies and Rome's future. This podcast offers more than a retelling of historic events, it's an exploration of power, ambition, betrayal, and human frailty. The struggles, political moves, and military strategies of this era reveal timeless lessons on leadership, governance, and human nature. Each episode draws from ancient sources and modern historians to provide rich context and insightful analysis. Quotes from classical writers and respected scholars breathe life into the narrative, while detailed commentary deepens the events that shaped Ancient Rome. For those captivated by Roman history, military strategy, and Ancient Rome's fall, this podcast offers a truly immersive experience. The March of History delivers a powerful exploration of one of history's most pivotal eras. If you're fascinated by the rise and fall of empires, the clash of brilliant minds, and the strategies that shaped Ancient Rome, this podcast is a must-listen. Join us as we uncover the epic story of Julius Caesar, the political chaos of the Roman Republic, and the transformation that gave birth to the Roman Empire... a legacy that still echoes through history. more

History for the Brave!

I'm all about ancient history so why not join me as I explore Greece, Rome and other cultures from antiquity. I cover a range of topics which are suitable for all levels of understanding. Have a scroll through and start listening. Find me on Instagram, TikTok, X and Bluesky as @ancientblogger. There's also the @ancientblogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hi! more

The assassination of Julius Caesar 2,000 years ago unleashed a wild era of Roman emperors, dark conspiracies, intense battles, economic booms and busts and profound religious shifts. Was this truly the Roman Empire's golden age? On the weekly Pax Romana Podcast, Historian Colin Elliott brings gripping stories from Roman history to life. Dive into history starting in episode 1 , or pick your poison from our catalogue: the birth of the empire in the Age of Augustus, Nero's Great Fire, the rise of Christianity, the wisdom and wars of Marcus Aurelius or the military chaos of the third century AD. more

Interviews with scholars, academics, historians and authors about Julius Caesar and Ancient Rome.

A podcast about Roman history, chronicling the events, and people, that led to the downfall of the Roman Republic, and its transformation into the Roman Empire. A system of government that elected leaders with term limits who could check and balance each other, destroyed itself. This failed Roman Republic, would be replaced by the Roman Empire, ruled by one man. Listen to learn why! more

The history of Europe from 376 and beyond the Fall of Rome.Barbarian invasions, kings, queens, and saints, myths and legends.It's the history they skipped. more

A relaxed journey through Roman history and mythology, hopefully with plenty of tangents, sidebars and interesting distractions along the way. Our goal- even if it ends up being unrealised- is to journey from the Theogony all the way to the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and beyond. This show is just for fun, and we hope you have fun with it too! more

Build Like a Roman is a podcast about how the Roman world was built.Focusing on materials, craft, and construction, each episode explores the practical realities of Roman building — from stone, brick, and mortar to the organisation of labour and technical skill behind surviving structures.Short, focused episodes introduce core building materials before diving deeper into how buildings were made, maintained, and understood in the Roman world.For students of archaeology, history, and art history — and for anyone interested in how ancient buildings actually came into being.North Africa and Western Asia are home to a multitude of Roman buildings. Some still used on a daily basis, others in ruins, but that's typically not the fault of the original builders. The fact that these still exist at all after 2,000 years or more is a testament to skill and creativity of the original builders.There are some great Podcast which look at Roman politics, history, and architecture, however in this Podcast, we focus on Construction history, that being building materials, techniques and and the people who did the work!From structures to frescos, we'll cover it all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Plutarch's Greeks and Romans is a podcast inspired by Plutarch's ancient collection of biographies of famous Grecians and Romans. Plutarch was both a Greek and a Roman citizen living during the Pax Romana - the Golden Age of the Roman Empire. Our podcast will explore 50+ persons Plutarch believed were most influential in the rise of Greek and Roman civilization, from legends such as Theseus and Romulus to conquerors like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Plutarch had no shortage of great people and stories to tell us about about these people who shaped their times and ours! Ryan & Chris more

An educational podcast that recounts the history of the Roman Empire and discusses its importance today.

A biography of the Queen of Cities in its many incarnations. Today, it is Istanbul, which is a Turkish rendering of the Greek phrase εἰς τὴν πόλιν (eis ten polin), meaning 'in/to the city.' That simply saying, 'The City,' was enough for the hearer to understand Constantinople, speaks volumes. Its history stretches back at least as far as the Megarian Greek arrival in the 7th Century BC . Later, in 330 AD, Constantine the Great proclaimed it the new Roman capital, or Nova Roma. It remained the Imperial capital of the Roman Empire for over a millennium until the Ottoman conquest of 1453 AD. more

A deep dive into the mysteries and incredible history of Ancient Rome.

Enter the World That Gave Birth to Christianity This is the First Century, a podcast devoted to stories from that influential period of history, including Rome, Judea, Christianity, and more. Your host is Dr. Brian Schmisek. Get ready to go back in time and enter a world before computers, the stagecoach, the printing press, or even stirrups for horses were invented. We are about to enter…The First Century. ***** The podcast tells the story of the world in which Christianity emerged —a world shaped by cultures, language, political power, intrigue, religious traditions, theological insight, and the people who lived through one of history's most transformative periods. The narrative draws on classical sources, ancient primary texts, and biblical scholarship, blending, translating, paraphrasing, and consolidating material from authors including Josephus, Suetonius, Tacitus, Philo, Seneca, Cassius Dio, Pliny the Younger, Pliny the Elder, the New Testament, Eusebius, and many other ancient sources (see show notes of each episode for details). Where the historical record leaves gaps, the podcast occasionally incorporates legendary traditions or carefully constructed narrative scenes to help bring the ancient world to life. W e reconstruct the ancient world as a living, unfolding story. W e hear Augustus, Tiberius, Jesus, Paul, Herod, Pilate, Caligula, Messalina, Agrippina, Peter, and others emerge within the same ongoing chronological narrative. Lives intersect, their worlds intertwine, and the development of Christianity becomes part of a much larger story, all rooted in scholarship and the ancient sources. The result is history as an ongoing story of persons, peoples, power, faith, conflict, and ultimately the search for meaning. Share your comments and thoughts under each episode. more

Crime and Punishment of Ancient Rome and Greece is a deep-dive into the legal systems, moral codes, and dark underbelly of the classical world. This isn't just a history of dates and battles; it's a serialized investigation into the real-life dramas that played out in ancient courts, corrupt senates, and violent alleyways.Join us each week as we dissect the landmark cases and forgotten crimes of antiquity. We'll explore the trial of Socrates, the assassination of Julius Caesar, the Vestal Virgins condemned to be buried alive, and the gladiators who fought for their freedom. We'll also uncover the everyday struggles for justice: the merchant suing over a broken contract, the wife seeking a divorce, and the slave fighting for their very humanity.Through ancient texts, historical scholarship, and immersive storytelling, we'll reveal how the concepts we take for granted—trial by jury, the rule of law, and the burden of proof—came to be. You'll discover a world that is both shockingly alien and surprisingly familiar, where the struggle for justice was as raw and vital as it is today.Whether you're a history enthusiast, a true crime aficionado, or simply curious about the foundations of our world, this is the podcast for you. more

Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general who marched war elephants over the Alps, brought the Roman Republic to its knees. This show traces his life from childhood in Carthage, through the Second Punic War (218 201 BCE), to his final years in exile. Lucas and Luna explore the battles of Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae—where Hannibal's double-envelopment tactic annihilated a massive Roman army. They delve into Carthaginian culture, the Barcid family's ambitions in Iberia, the role of Numidian cavalry, and the political machinations of the Roman Senate. The series also covers Scipio Africanus's counter-invasion of Africa, the Battle of Zama, and the Treaty of 201 BCE that crippled Carthage. Why did Hannibal ultimately fail? Was Rome's resilience a product of its republican institutions, or sheer luck? And how did Hannibal's legend shape later military thought, from Napoleon to modern strategy? Join Lucas and Luna as they dissect the man, the myth, and the moment when the ancient world's superpower nearly fell.#HannibalBarca #Carthage #SecondPunicWar #AlpsCrossing #WarElephants #BattleOfCannae #ScipioAfricanus #Rome #AncientHistory #MilitaryHistory #PunicWars #Numidia #BarcidDynasty #Zama #LakeTrasimene #History #WorldHistory #FexingoHistoryKeep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo more