The History of Rome

History of Rome Tour May 2013!

We've finally nailed down dates for the next History of Rome Tour: May 25-June 5, 2013. I hope you'll come along. They're super fun!

http://www.historyofrometour.com/

While I'm here I may as well give you an update on when the next project might launch. The good news is that I know what I am going to do and have started gathering material. The bad news is that it'll be a little while. I'm in the middle of pursuing a Master's Degree at the moment and between that and the family there is not a lot of time left over for podcasting. I am aiming to be wrapped up with the program in August 2014. I know that sounds like a long way off, but it's really not. It's only 18 months away (and two of those months are February, which hardly even count). I'll be back before you know it.

See you in Rome,

Mike

 

History of Rome Legacy Project- Volunteer Needed (I)

History of Rome Legacy Project- Volunteer Needed (I) Volunteer(s) Found!

Update: Think we've got this one squared away. Will need more volunteers in the future though. Stay tuned...

Unable to leave well enough alone I have begun work on a project to secure the legacy of The History of Rome in perpetuity. It will wind up being years in the making, but I am making it as we speak.

What I need right now is a volunteer from the audience who is a) A proficient Latin speaker B) Able to record audio at home C) Willing to turn around a small project quickly. 

Does this sound like you? Email me with the subject line: I WILL SPEAK SOME LATIN FOR YOU. You'll recieve credit as "Pronunciation Consultant". Neat!

Elliott supervising the project:

Elliott William Duncan!

Born May 22. 10 lbs 12 oz (!!). We love him so much.

Aint he rad?

Podcast Squared Interview

Hello all!

I've just been alerted to the fact that an interview I did with Podcast Squared a few weeks ago is now posted. We talk about the end of The History of Rome, podcasting theory and the proper legionary formation to deal with angry hippos. Interview starts at minute 25.

http://podcastsquared.com/2012/05/08/podcast-squared-97-the-fall-decline-of-a-podcast/

I also blew a golden opportunity to plug friend-of-the-show Scott Chesworth's new podcast on the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia.

http://ancientworldpodcast.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

 

179- The End

The history of The History of Rome...Why the Western Empire Fell when it did...Some thoughts on the future...Thank you, goodnight.  

179- The End

178- Not With A Bang But A Whimper

In the last few years of the Western Empire a series of Emperors came and went. The cycle finally ended in 476 with the exile of Romulus Augustulus. 

178- Not With A Bang But A Whimper

177- The Burning Ships

In 468 the two halves of the Empire combined forces to dislodge the Vandals from North Africa.They failed spectacularly.

177- The Burning Ships

 

176- The Quote Unquote Emperor

From 461-465 the Western Empire was ruled by Ricimer through a puppet Emperor named Libius Severus. Not everyone in the west was supportive of the new regime. 

176- The Quote Unquote Emperor

175- Trying to Take It All Back

From 457-461, Majorian marched around trying to reassert Imperial authority over the provinces while Ricimer remained in Italy. 

175- Trying to Take It All Back

174- The Sack of Rome Part II

Following the death of Valentinian III there was an Imperial power struggle in the West. In the midst of this struggle, the Vandals sacked Rome in 455 AD. 

174- The Sack of Rome Part II

173- The Broken Bow

In the early 450s a string of deaths changed the political dynamic of Roman world. Between 450 and 455 Galla Placidia, Aelia Pulcheria, Atilla the Hun, Flavius Aetius and Valentinian III would all die- leaving the stage wide open for the next generation of leaders. 

Also, an announcment. 

173- The Broken Bow

172- Showdown

In 451 Atilla the Hun invaded the West. He was repelled by a coalition of forces lead by the General Aetius. 

Maps! (whoops!)

Also some great links from listener Jamie:

Here's a good account of the Battle of Chalons by military historians Dr. Aryeh Nusbacher and Dr. Saul David on a BBC show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdxNGFX1yvY

Start the video at 2 minutes, here is the full show if you like it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7HnELFSW84

There are other battles too, a handly list is here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Commanders

And listener Tony:

Check out a replay of the Battle of Chalons here:

http://www.fanaticus.org/wadbag/ChalonsHistoricon04/index.html

Thanks guys!

172- Showdown

171- The Gathering Storm

After placating Atilla with yet another indemnity, Theodosius II fell from his horse and died in 450, leaving the Eastern throne vacant.

171- The Gathering Storm

170- Atilla Cometh

In the 440s, the Huns began to direclty attack the Roman Empire. 

170- Atilla Cometh

169- Huns and Vandals and Goths, Oh My

In the 430s the Romans dealt with increasingly agressive and confident barbarian tribes living both inside and outside the traditional borders of the Empire. 

169- Huns and Vandals and Goths, Oh My