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.
I guess this means no History of the USA podcast
Posted by: Chris | March 25, 2012 at 01:09 PM
Thanks for everything Mike. It's been an amazing podcast and I look forward to seeing what you decide to work on in the future!
Posted by: Kevin | March 25, 2012 at 01:16 PM
Thanks for the awesome podcast. While the best arguments say the Roman Empire ends with Justinian I, good look with the kid and thanks for all the fun.
Posted by: Ben | March 25, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Congratulation, and good luck being a father - Its going to be strange not looking forward to my Monday Morning, listening to the newest History of Rome.
Posted by: Robert | March 25, 2012 at 01:43 PM
We all knew this day would come
Thank you So much for your time and Efforts Mike loved every single second of it
Congrats on becoming a Dad
hopefully if we are all lucky this podcast can be turned into a Book that we can all purchase and read
(hopefully this discussed idea is still plausible for you)
Posted by: robert | March 25, 2012 at 02:13 PM
on a side note if you have a boy Which Emperor are you going to name him after (if that's okay with mrs history of rome of course)
Posted by: robert | March 25, 2012 at 02:15 PM
Just dropping a line of thanks. Listened all the way through, and have gone back to listen over favorite parts at other times, and will dip back into it again in the future. Best of luck with your own little piece of history.
Posted by: mike d | March 25, 2012 at 02:17 PM
Many thanks for your efforts in the production of this Podcast, and a hearty comhghairdeas on the impending birth of your first child. Good Luck, and all the best to you in the future.
Posted by: Seán Ó Hóireabhárd | March 25, 2012 at 03:16 PM
Your voice has traveled with me through living in NYC and San Antonio, road trips back and forth from Texas to St. Louis and will continue to keep me company when tHoR Jr. is graduating high school. I've listened to the podcasts straight-through three times and will probably revisit them yearly as they provide me with so much joy.
Thank You Mike for this incredible work, and congratulations to you and Mrs. tHoR on the arrival of Baby tHoR Jr.
Posted by: Josh Rowan | March 25, 2012 at 03:56 PM
Thanks so much Mike. All the best with being a father.
Posted by: Dave Horrocks | March 25, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Tibi Gratulamur!
Posted by: Max | March 25, 2012 at 04:35 PM
Mike, thanks for everything. Really, you've done some the best historical writing I've ever heard/read, and I've done a lot. The humor and humanity you've brought to the experience has made it that much more engaging. Really, I think you're something like a Roman Walter Cronkite: everyone looks at you as a friend they invite into there home.
That said, it had to end at Romulus Augustus, going with the Byzantines would have made it into something like The Simpsons: somewhat comforting to see, but really more a sad reminder of what once was.
If I may be bold, a request: any chance we can get a final Q&A show like the 100th episode? And maybe an occasional "Christmas Special" ala British television where there's one off episodes on aspects of Roman culture?
Enjoy your adventures in fatherhood, we all know you'll be a great one.
Posted by: Casey | March 25, 2012 at 05:39 PM
I don't know what to say. Sad that the podcast will end so soon, but very happy for the both of you. You have done amazing work. My heartfelt thanks for everything
Posted by: Bob | March 25, 2012 at 06:31 PM
I am sad now...Oh well. Good luck with the baby. I have two children and I cannot imagine trying to take a twenty minute nap let alone doing a quality podcast with a small child to take care of. Congratulations Mike, and thanks.
Posted by: justin | March 25, 2012 at 06:49 PM
It's too bad the podcast will be ending. But congratulations on the kid! I hope you continue to bless us with your talents on some other project in the future.
Posted by: Alice | March 25, 2012 at 07:08 PM
Congratulations Mike (and Mrs. Mike)!
Thank you again. I've loved listening from the very beginning, and I think you've created something wonderful here. And you've made the right decision -- Romulus Augustulus is the sensible stopping point for this series. The sadness in losing your regular podcasts is offset by anticipating what new things you will do.
Posted by: Jonathan | March 25, 2012 at 07:43 PM
Mike, congratulations to you and Mrs.The History of Rome on the upcoming birth of your son! It is an exciting time for you both! I hope that you are enjoying your home in Austin.
Though the THoR may be ending, I hope that you will continue the trips to Rome (and hopefully Constantinople again). I was unable to take any of your history tours because I am getting married in April and recently went to Constantinople (Istanbul) in 2009 and Rome in 2010. But, I hope to go back.
Thanks for an excellent podcast! I have listened to THoR since 2008 when I picked up on your podcast shortly after listening to the 12 Byzantine Rulers podcast by Lars Brownworth. I have enjoyed THoR immensely, and it helped to re-stimulate my long dormant interest in Roman history.
Thanks again! Enjoy being married and being a dad!
Posted by: Greg Webb | March 25, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Thanks for everything Mike. It's been an absolutely fantastic ride. Though I really wish you could go to Justinian but as you said this is the perfect time to stop while everything is good. :) Wish you all the best with everything in your life and again,thank you so much for everything.
Posted by: Jiachen Zhao | March 25, 2012 at 08:04 PM
Congratulations! I'm sad to see you go, but I knew this couldn't last forever.
You've spoiled history podcasts for me. I haven't found a one that lives up to the standard the History of Rome has set.
I hope that you'll do another podcast when you have some breathing room.
Posted by: Mandy | March 25, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Congratulations on becoming a father and thanks for dedicating so much time and effort to such a worthwhile endeavour. While I am sad that I won't hear you take us through Justinian, Basil the Bulgar Slayer and the coming of the Ottomans I am sure that your (growing) family will be all the happier for seeing more of you.
Posted by: Milesfromthere | March 25, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Hi,
Just started at the beginning. I'm looking forward to listening all the way through.
Happy fatherhood. Mine is a 16 yo junior in high school. It has been a wild ride.
Posted by: Miles | March 26, 2012 at 12:37 AM
We all knew it would happen one day but I don't think many of your fans have listened to your announcement without a lot of sadness. It's lovely though that the end of one era for you and us is going to be the start of an amazing time for you personally. I first started listening to you when I was pregnant with my first child and now I'm sat writing this whilst holding my second; you've been there for me through night feeds, colic and many a nappy change! Many congratulations to you and Mrs History of Rome, I hope we get to find out whether you've chosen a suitably Roman name for your son? I'll miss waiting for a new episode but will look forward to hopefully one day hearing that you've not been able to stay away from podcasting and have started us on another fantastic journey. Thank you so much Mike and best wishes for the future.
Posted by: Ash | March 26, 2012 at 03:14 AM
What a Roman way to go, following a portent! Perhaps, the kingmaker can appoint the next Caesar, to continue the project until the fall of the Byzantines!
Congratulations on the birth of a child - what a legacy this podcast is for your son!
Posted by: Joseph Steinberg | March 26, 2012 at 03:30 AM
Mazel Tov!
Any chance your many fans will be able to participate in the naming of your heir?
Posted by: Jon | March 26, 2012 at 04:01 AM
Goodbye my freind!
Posted by: Simon C | March 26, 2012 at 05:13 AM