The Fall Of The Roman Empire

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Ever wondered why the Roman Empire fell? Find out in this podcast from British historian, Nick Holmes, as he tells the extraordinary story of Rome's decline and fall, and how its legacy is still central to the world we live in today.

Nick Holmes

Apr 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
every other week NEW EPISODES
21m AVG DURATION
122 EPISODES
1 SEASONS

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Latest episodes from The Fall Of The Roman Empire

The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 23 "The Rise of Christianity"

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2022 15:19

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Roman Empire was the rapid rise of Christianity in the late third and fourth centuries. While much attention has been focused on the roles of emperors, like Diocletian, who persecuted the Christians, and Constantine, who championed them, in this episode, we'll look at one of the questions which has always puzzled historians - what were the underlying reasons for the spread of Christianity in Roman society?

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 24 "Constantine's Conversion"

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2022 18:44

The Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity shortly before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312 is seen as a landmark event in not just the history of the Roman Empire but of Christianity, and indeed of the entire world. But what really happened? Find out in this episode.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 25 "Constantinople"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2022 17:32

The Emperor Constantine is probably best remembered for his conversion to Christianity. But his founding of the city of Constantinople was another landmark event that was to shape the entire future of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 26 "The Booming Fourth Century"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2022 17:56

If you'd met a fourth century Roman and asked them what they thought of their emperor, Constantine, you might have expected them to talk about Christianity or Constantinople, but instead, they would probably have shown you a gold coin called the 'Solidus' which was to become the dollar of both the ancient and medieval worlds.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 27 "The Sons of Constantine"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2022 23:21

Constantine's reign was a watershed moment for the Roman Empire - with his conversion to Christianity and the founding of Constantinople. But what happened when he died? Find out in this episode!

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 28 "Return of the Persians"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 19:00

After Constantine's death, political instability returned to the Roman Empire as his three sons jostled for power. But just as disturbing was the resurgence of a powerful Persia led by the formidable new King of Kings, Shapur II.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 29 "Rebellion in the West"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2022 20:38

In the middle of the fourth century, the emperor Constantius II faced not just a revitalised Persia in the east, but the agony of civil war as Magnentius, a popular general in the Rhine army, seized power in the west.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 30 "Julian in Gaul"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2022 22:12

Julian the Apostate was one of the most extraordinary emperors in all Roman history. Find out in this episode how the bookish young man began his ascent to power.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 31 "The Battle of Strasbourg"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2022 22:29

In late August, 357, Julian, the new Caesar in Gaul, watched as a massive German army, 35,000 strong, crossed the Rhine to face him outside Strasbourg. Julian was heavily outnumbered with a Roman army of only 13,000 men. But he decided to fight what would become one of the most famous battles in Roman history: the Battle of Strasbourg.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 32 "Julian the Philosopher King"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2022 22:30

Julian the Apostate is best remembered for his epithet 'the Apostate', referring to his anti-Christian policies. But what was he really like and how did he want to change the Roman Empire? Find out in this episode.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 33 "Julian and Persia"

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2022 18:47

In March 363, the emperor Julian led a vast army east to fight Persia. Why did he want to risk his own future and the future of the Roman Empire by taking on its most powerful adversary? Find out in this episode.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 34 "Julian's Destiny"

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2022 25:24

In March 363, the emperor Julian led one of the largest Roman armies ever seen into Persia. He thought his destiny was to be the next Alexander the Great. Things didn't work out quite as he'd hoped.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 35 "Keeping the Show on the Road"

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2022 23:38

After Julian's death on campaign in Persia in AD 363, his successors struggled to stave off growing barbarian invasions in the west and Persia's new-found dominance in the east. They did their best to keep the show on the road but the cracks in Rome's armour were beginning to show. Indeed, for the emperor Valentinian, it all proved too much when he literally burst a blood vessel and died in a fit of anger while negotiating with the German tribe, the Quadi.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 36 "The Huns are Coming"

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2022 21:54

In AD 376, a huge host of Goths, maybe 200,000 strong, appeared on the banks of the river Danube. But this was not the usual raid for plunder. Instead, the Goths appealed for asylum on Roman territory from a terrifying new enemy - the Huns.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 37 "War with the Goths"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2022 23:06

In the summer of AD 376, a vast mass of Goths, maybe 200,000 men, women and children, appeared on the river Danube, begging for asylum. They were fleeing from the Huns. The eastern emperor, Valens, was at that moment preparing for war against the Persians. What should he do? The next few years would prove decisive for the future of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 38 "The Battle of Adrianople"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2022 24:32

On the 9th August, AD 378, the eastern emperor Valens rode north from Adrianople to give battle to the Goths. The outcome of this conflict would prove decisive in the history of the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 39 "Usurpers and Arians"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2022 21:11

After its disastrous defeat at the Battle of Adrianople, you might think the late Roman Empire had enough problems already. But in Theodosius' reign, the Romans decided to add a few more in the form of civil wars and a bitter theological dispute.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 40 "Theodosius the Not So Great"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2022 23:39

The emperor Theodosius I is sometimes called 'The Great'. But if he was so great why was the city of Rome sacked by the Goths only fifteen years after his death? Find out in this episode.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 41 "The Roman Empire Divided"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2022 24:02

When the emperor Theodosius died in 395, he left the empire to his two young sons, Arcadius in the east, and Honorius in the west. It proved to be an unhappy legacy.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 42 "Drifting into the Fifth Century"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 21:06

At the end of the fourth century, the Roman Empire lacked strong emperors and was ruled by Stilicho in the west and Eutropius in the east. As it drifted into the fifth century it was drifting towards disaster.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 43 "Stilicho Triumphant"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2022 24:56

In the early fifth century, Stilicho led the Roman armies in the west to victory after victory over the Goths, giving new hope to the empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 44 "All Gaul A Single Funeral Pyre"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2022 23:52

In December AD406, catastrophe struck the Roman Empire as a huge force of Germanic barbarians crossed the Rhine. Could Stilicho, the Roman general and hero of two wars with the Goths, save the empire?

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 45 "The Road to Disaster"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2022 27:48

In AD 408, Stilicho's fall from power was as spectacular as his rise had been. Alaric took advantage of this to invade Italy and lay siege to Rome. The western Roman Empire was rapidly imploding.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 46 "The Sack of Rome"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2022 24:57

In AD 410, Alaric the Visigoth sacked Rome. It was the first time in 800 years that the city had fallen. Find out in this episode why and how it happened.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 47 "The Decline of the Roman Army"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2022 26:04

Why didn't the Roman army defend the city of Rome better when it was sacked in AD 410? Many historians blame the internal conflict within the empire. But the Roman army was also in terminal decline. Find out why in this episode.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 48 "Was Climate Change Rome's Real Killer?"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2022 17:03

In this episode, we reflect on the reasons for the sack of Rome in AD 410, and ask whether climate change on the steppe-lands of Asia was the ultimate cause?

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 49 "Restoring the Roman Name?"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2022 22:14

The year is AD 410. Rome has been sacked. Is this the end of the western empire? Not yet. And the next few years will be full of surprises.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 50 "All Quiet on the Eastern Front"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2023 25:23

In this episode, we find out what was happening in the eastern half of the Roman Empire after the sack of Rome in AD 410. And it won't be long before an eastern army arrives in Ravenna.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 51 "The Rise of Aetius"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2023 22:37

In AD 425, the six-year-old Valentinian III became emperor of the west. Another child emperor created another power vacuum. His mother, Galla Placidia, would try to hold onto power but could she thwart the ambitions of a Roman general called Aetius?

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 52 "The Fall of Africa"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2023 20:14

In AD 433, Aetius secured his position as the effective ruler of the Western Roman Empire. With the help of the Huns, he defeated the Burgundians and Visigoths. But a disaster was about to strike the Western Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 53 "Attila the Hun"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2023 23:54

In the 430s, a new Hunnic leader rose to power. Soon his name would strike fear into the hearts of the Romans. It was Attila.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 54 "Dinner with Attila"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2023 22:47

In 447, Attila struck the Eastern Roman Empire. It was the largest military engagement for half a century. After peace was agreed, the Romans sent an embassy to have dinner with Attila...and assassinate him!

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 55 "Attila's Bride"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2023 21:10

In AD 450, a Roman princess called Honoria contacted Attila the Hun. She asked him to stop an arranged marriage with a man she disliked. Attila replied: why not marry me instead?

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 56 "Attila and Aetius"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2023 21:28

The year is AD 451. Attila the Hun is marching on Gaul. There the Roman general Aetius - remembered as 'The Last of the Romans' - is trying to form a grand coalition to save Europe.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 57 "The Battle of the Catalaunian Plains"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2023 22:05

On 20 June, 451, one of the most decisive battles in history took place in Gaul as Attila's invading army was met by a great coalition of Romans, Visigoths, Alans, Franks and others. It was the battle for western Europe.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 58 "The Italian Job"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2023 21:21

After his defeat at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, Attila looked for an easier target than Gaul or Constantinople. In 452, a Hunnic army swept into the Adriatic side of Italy. The Italian job had begun.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 59 "The End of Attila's Empire"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2023 21:07

In AD 453, the eastern Roman emperor, Marcian, dreamed an angel brought him a broken Hunnic bow. Two days later, news reached Constantinople that Attila the Hun was dead. Now, his great empire began to unravel.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 60 "Cutting Off Your Right Hand"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2023 21:17

On the 21 September 454, one of the most extraordinary events in all of Roman history happened. Aetius, the hero of the Western Empire, was stabbed to death by the emperor Valentinian III.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 61 "The Sack of Rome Part II"

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2023 20:46

The year is AD 455. The Vandals are at the gates of Rome. The emperor, Petronius Maximus, has been ripped to pieces by the Roman mob. Is this now the end of the western empire?

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 62 "The Last Hope of the West"

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2023 22:53

After the Vandals sacked Rome in AD 455, it looked as if the Western Roman Empire might be finished. But a new emperor seized power. His name was Majorian. He was the last hope of the West.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 63 "The Virtual King of Italy"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2023 21:09

In 461, Ricimer executed the emperor Majorian. He would become the virtual king of Italy.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 64 "The Fire Ships"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2023 21:11

In 468, the eastern emperor Leo launched an invasion fleet to recapture Carthage from the Vandals. It was one of the greatest military expeditions in Roman history.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 65 "Not with a Bang but a Whimper"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2023 22:43

We are now counting down the days to the official end of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476. But there are plenty of twists and turns still to come.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 66 "Once Upon A Time In Noricum"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2023 21:12

In this episode, we look at what life for ordinary people was like as the western empire fell. And one extraordinary document has survived to tell us a fascinating tale.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 67 "Awaking A Sleeping Giant"

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2023 24:50

Before we begin the story of the great Age of Justinian, let's return to Attila the Hun. What was his role in paving the way for Justinian? You may be in for a surprise!

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 68 "The Rise of the Ostrogoths"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 23:27

The Western Empire has fallen. In the East, Rome stands firm despite the failure of its expedition to recover North Africa. But a new power is emerging: the Ostrogoths.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 69 "The Great Survivor"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2023 24:39

After the defeat at Carthage in 468, the eastern empire was looking precarious. But a new emperor, Zeno, would ensure both its and his own survival.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 70 "The New Diocletian"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 25:07

Anastasius is not one of Rome's most famous emperors but his achievements were critical to the growing strength of the eastern empire. It would be no exaggeration to say he was 'The New Diocletian'.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 71 "Oh No! The Sasanians Are Back"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2023 24:41

Anastasius was one of the most important but often ignored of the eastern Roman emperors. In his reign, to paraphrase Gregory of Tours: 'A great many things happened, some good, some bad.' In this episode, we look at one that was decidedly bad for the Romans - the return of the Sasanians.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 72 "Wars of Religion"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2023 24:10

In this episode, we continue with one of the most remarkable but largely forgotten Roman emperors - Anastasius. In his reign, a great religious conflict divided the empire and one that nearly toppled him from power.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 73 "Justin and Justinian"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2023 23:33

In 518, the emperor Anastasius died. According to Procopius, he was succeeded by an illiterate peasant named Justin. Although this did not sound promising, it was the beginning of a new golden age.Link to website nickholmesauthor.com

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 74 "Justinian, Theodora, and the Secret History"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 23:10

Procopius is our main source for Roman history in the sixth century. He praises Justinian, Theodora and above all, Belisarius. But he's also left us with an unpublished document called the Secret History which contradicts everything he said in his other works. What's going on? Find out in this episode. For my website click here.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 75 "Belisarius and the Battle of Dara"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2024 25:11

In this episode, we meet one of Rome's greatest generals who will change the course of history. His name is Belisarius.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 76 "The Road to Nika"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 25:20

Despite Belisarius' victory at Dara in 530, dissatisfaction was growing with Justinian which would soon lead to rebellion.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 77 "Nika"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2024 25:00

In January 532, the Nika riots in Constantinople shook the world and nearly overthrew the emperor Justinian. Find out what happened here. Link to my website for free resources - nickholmesauthor.com

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 78 "Next Stop Carthage"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2024 27:06

The Nika riots ripped the heart out of Constantinople and nearly toppled Justinian. Desperate to restore his authority, Justinian looked west to the Vandal kingdom of Carthage which was experiencing its own problems.To find maps, blogs and a free ebook check out my website nickholmesauthor.com

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 79 "Victory in Africa"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 25:52

In June 533, Belisarius sailed for North Africa to reconquer Carthage. Most people thought he would fail...Please do visit my website nickholmesauthor.com for books, podcast episodes, maps, blogs and a free ebook!

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 80 "The Last Vandal King"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2024 25:07

On 15th September, 533, Belisarius captured Carthage from the Vandals. But the Vandal king Gelimer was mustering all the forces he could for a last desperate battle. Interested in finding out more about Roman history? Visit my website nickholmesauthor.com for maps, blogs and a free ebook!

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 81 "Trouble in Paradise"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 27:58

Belisarius conquered the Vandal kingdom in North Africa in just six months. But it would take 15 years to bring peace to this new province of the Roman Empire. Find you why in this episode. Also, find a free ebook, maps and blogs at my website nickholmesauthor.com. Link here for my exciting new book 'Rome and Attila' only just out!

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 82 "The Kingdom of the Ostrogoths"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 22:01

After Belisarius' triumph in North Africa, Justinian turned his gaze to Italy and the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths. But what was that Kingdom like? Find out here.For a free ebook, maps, blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com.For my latest book, Rome and Attila, click here.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 83 "The Siege of Rome"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 28:00

In the summer of 536, Belisarius crossed the straits of Messina and marched on Rome. His army numbered 6,000 and he faced at least 30,000 Goths. It would be his greatest test.Check out my website nickholmesauthor.com for a free ebook, maps and blogs.Find my latest book, 'Rome and Attila', on Amazon.com here.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 84 "Divided We Fall"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 25:51

After Belisarius' heroic defense of Rome in 537-538, it looked as if there might be a rapid end to the Gothic war. But no. The Roman high command was wracked by internal division that would prolong the war and lead to the tragic sack of Milan.Check out my website nickholmesauthor.com for a free ebook, maps and blogs.Find my latest book, 'Rome and Attila' on Amazon.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 85 "The Hollow Victory"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2024 24:10

In May 540, Belisarius captured Ravenna from the Goths and took prisoner the Gothic king Wittigis. But before he could destroy the Gothic kingdom completely, he was recalled to Constantinople to face the invading Persians. In the next few years, a new Gothic king - Totila - would retake most of Italy.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 86 "The Sack of Antioch"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 26:11

In May 540, the unthinkable happened. The Persian shah, Chosroes, burned the Roman Empire's second city, Antioch, to the ground and butchered or enslaved its inhabitants. How did this catastrophe happen? Find out here!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 87 "The Day the Sun Died"

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 23:09

In the year 536, something very strange happened on planet Earth. The sun was dimmed and temperatures plummeted. This was followed by another apparently inexplicable event. A pandemic of unparalleled proportions struck the eastern Roman Empire. What was going on?? Find out in this episode!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 88 "Burying the Dead"

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 21:21

In the summer of 541, bubonic plague struck the Roman Empire. Known as the Justinianic Plague, it would be just as bad as the Black Death that 800 years later devastated Medieval Europe. Find out what happened here!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 89 "Belisarius is Back!"

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 28:38

In 540, the Persians sacked Antioch. It was one of the greatest disasters in Roman history. But in 541, Belisarius was back from Italy. Could he now reverse the situation on the eastern front?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 90 "Three Hundred Heroes"

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024 25:18

In 544, Belisarius returned to Italy to fight the Goths. It was his last campaign and the end of his career. But many years later, he was asked by the emperor Justinian to don his armor one more time and save the empire from a new foe!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 91 "Those Doomed to Suffer"

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 27:33

In the early 550s, with its economy and population recovering from the effects of the Justinianic Plague, Justinian launched a new offensive to subdue the Ostrogoths in Italy. This time the Roman army was well resourced and success looked likely. But would the cost of victory be worth it?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 92 "The Wolves from the North"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 23:45

Justinian's wars of reconquest in the west left much of the Roman Empire weakly defended. Nowhere was this more evident than along the Danube frontier where new enemies were massing to pillage the empire and slaughter its inhabitants. They were the wolves from the north.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 93 "Anatomy of a Regime"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 25:07

In this episode, we look at society and religion in the age of Justinian. And we discover something that's been hidden in the sands of Egypt for 1,500 years.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 94 "Did Justinian Make or Break the Roman Empire?"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2024 23:45

Did Justinian make or break the Roman Empire? Find out in this episode!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 95 "The Mad Emperor"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 25:06

In 565, Justinian died and he was succeeded by his nephew, Justin II. How would he cope with the over-extended empire Justinian had created?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 96 "Hello, Goodbye"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 24:50

As the emperor Justin II descended into madness, Tiberius II stepped into his shoes. His reign would be short but eventful.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 97 "The Big Break"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 21:26

In 590, the emperor Maurice got his big break. Civil war in Persia opened up the possibility of an entirely new world.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 98 "The War in the West"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 21:28

Having secured peace with Persia in 592, the emperor Maurice could switch his army to the desperate situation on the western front. The Roman fight-back was in full swing.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 99 "Worse Things Will Happen"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 22:45

We've reached a turning point in late Roman history. In 602, a Roman army officer called Phocas overthrew the emperor Maurice and began a tyrannical and bloodthirsty reign that would imperil the empire.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 100 "A New Hero"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 24:01

The emperor Phocas' reign was one of the most tyrannical and bloodthirsty in all of Roman history. In North Africa, a young general rebelled against him. His name was Heraclius. He was to become the last great Roman emperor.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 101 "The Darkest Hour"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 25:00

When Heraclius seized the throne from Phocas, you might think the Romans had got lucky. But no! The first few years of his reign were nothing short of disastrous as the Persians advanced into the heart of the empire. Ask Me Anything - EP. 6 "Therapy, Medication + Mental Health"The podcast where we answer IT ALL! Watch or Stream on Youtube and all streaming platformsListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 102 "The First Crusaders"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 24:14

In 615, the Roman Empire was on its knees. The Persians had conquered most of Syria and the Levant and were poised to invade Egypt, the empire's richest province. But from the ashes of defeat would arise a new army, led by the emperor Heraclius, determined to avenge the fall of Jerusalem. Centuries later, they would be called the First Crusaders.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 103 "The Best Form of Defence"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 23:39

The year AD 622 was a difficult one for the Roman Empire and its emperor, Heraclius. Surrounded by the Avars in the west and the Persians in the east, the position looked hopeless. But Heraclius was a truly remarkable emperor and soldier. And he knew what the best form of defence was.If you're looking for a good read over the Christmas Holidays, check out my latest book 'Justinian's Empire' at Amazon US and Amazon UK. And if you speak German, please take a look at the German translation of 'The Roman Revolution' (first book in my series on 'The Fall of the Roman Empire') just published on Amazon.de.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 104 "The Siege of Constantinople"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 27:22

The Roman Emperor Heraclius faced his gravest challenge yet in AD 626 as the Avars and Persians closed in on the capital city, Constantinople. But the year ahead would be full of surprises.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 105 "Heraclius Triumphant"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 24:55

Heraclius was one of the greatest of all Roman Emperors and soldiers, and in 628-30 he secured a complete victory over Rome's oldest enemy - Sasanian Persia.Create Harmony This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life's blessings and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 106 "Muhammad's Revolution"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 24:13

As Rome and Persia fought the last war of antiquity, they scarcely noticed a revolution was taking place in Arabia. A revolution led by a man named Muhammad.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 107 "The Battle of Yarmuk: Rome's Greatest Defeat"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 21:57

In August 636, near the Yarmuk river in modern-day Syria/Jordan, a battle was fought between the new Islamic Caliphate and the Roman Empire that would change the course of history. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 108 "The Last of the Sasanians"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 20:29

After defeating the Romans at the Battle of Yarmuk in 636, the first Islamic Caliphate turned its attention to Persia. The fighting there would be even more decisive than against the Romans. For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 109 "Climate, Plague and Catastrophe"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 22:43

In this episode, we revisit the 'Late Antique Little Ice Age' and the Justinianic Plague, and consider whether these contributed to the rise of Islam in the seventh century AD.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 110 "Green Arabia"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 21:33

In this episode, we look at climate history and ask whether the rise of Islam was helped by more favorable climatic conditions during the Late Antique Little Ice Age?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 111 "The Fall of Egypt"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 25:55

Roman Egypt was not only the Roman Empire's wealthiest province, it was also one of the earliest bastions of Christianity. Therefore, its rapid fall to the armies of Islam has long baffled historians. Discover the surprising story of how division, betrayal and sheer bad luck caused a turning point in history.Catholic FoundersThe #1 Podcast for Catholic EntreprenuersListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 112 "Greek Fire"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 26:58

In the first half of the seventh century AD, the rise of Islam seemed unstoppable. How could Byzantium survive? Luck and the invention of a medieval flame-thrower would help!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 113 "Byzantium's Greatest Victory"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 24:15

The Arab siege of Constantinople in 717/718 was one of the greatest turning points in all of history. Discover why in this episode.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 114 "The Missing Link"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 22:11

Why did Arabia rise so rapidly in the seventh century AD to become the dominant global superpower? In this episode, we look at a fascinating new theory.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. For German listeners, find the German translation of the first book in my series on the 'Fall of the Roman Empire', Die römische Revolution, on Amazon.de. Finally check out my new YouTube videos on the fall of the Roman Empire.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 107 "The Battle of Yarmuk: Rome's Greatest Defeat"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 21:57

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 106 "Muhammad's Revolution"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 24:13

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 105 "Heraclius Triumphant"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 24:55

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 104 "The Siege of Constantinople"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 27:22

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 103 "The Best Form of Defence"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 23:39

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 102 "The First Crusaders"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 24:14

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 101 "The Darkest Hour"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 25:00

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BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT - 'Justinian's Empire' Book 4 in The Fall of the Roman Empire

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 2:34

I thought you might be interested to know that my latest book called ‘Justinian's Empire' is out now on Amazon in ebook and paperback. It will be with other distributors later and also available in audiobook probably within the next six months. It's about the triumph and tragedy of Justinian's reign. Triumph because Justinian's general, Belisarius, recovered North Africa and Italy from the barbarians. Justinian also created a new law code that would endure to this day. And he built extraordinary monuments, like the iconic Hagia Sophia in modern Istanbul, rivalling the great buildings of Ancient Rome. But all that glitters is not gold. There was also tragedy in his reign, with a mini ice-age that caused famine and bubonic plague. I also suggest Justinian was a ruthless opportunist, and his western conquests drained the empire's wealth and critically weakened its army.So, rather than restoring Rome's greatness did he in fact pave the way for its catastrophic collapse less than a century after his death? Of course, if you've been listening to my podcasts much of this will be familiar to you. But I hope the book offers more than the podcast – it has nine maps and 17 pictures, a chronology, list of emperors, an index in the paperback version, and the content is not just a transcript of the podcasts, it's more detailed with some additional material and a more carefully evaluated conclusion.I think the ebook is also really good value at only $4.99 in the US and £3.99 in the UK – probably cheaper than a cup of over-priced coffee! – and certainly cheaper than most other books on the Roman Empire. Paperback is obviously more expensive since I can't control the printing costs.The links to Amazon US and Amazon UK are in the notes to this and I do hope you'll take a look, and if you do buy it and you're feeling generous why not leave a review? I'd love to hear your feedback.Thanks again for your time and talk to you again on the 7th December when we continue with Heraclius' epic struggle against the Persians.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 100 "A New Hero"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 24:01

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 99 "Worse Things Will Happen"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 22:45

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 98 "The War in the West"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 21:28

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 97 "The Big Break"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 21:26

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 96 "Hello, Goodbye"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 24:50

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 95 "The Mad Emperor"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 25:06

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UPDATE ON NEXT SEASON - THE END OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 3:49

A quick update on the next season in this podcast, starting on 14th September. It's going to be the most exciting of all - about the collapse of the ancient world in the seventh century AD, and the rise of Islam. A true turning point in history.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 94 "Did Justinian Make or Break the Roman Empire?"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2024 23:45

Did Justinian make or break the Roman Empire? Find out in this episode!For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, Rome and Attila, on Amazon

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 93 "Anatomy of a Regime"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 25:07

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 92 "The Wolves from the North"

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 23:45

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 91 "Those Doomed to Suffer"

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 27:33

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 90 "Three Hundred Heroes"

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024 25:18

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 89 "Belisarius is Back!"

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 28:38

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 88 "Burying the Dead"

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 21:21

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 87 "The Day the Sun Died"

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 23:09

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 86 "The Sack of Antioch"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2024 26:11

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 85 "The Hollow Victory"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2024 24:10

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 84 "Divided We Fall"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2024 25:51

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 83 "The Siege of Rome"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 28:00

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 82 "The Kingdom of the Ostrogoths"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2024 22:01

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 81 "Trouble in Paradise"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 27:58

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 80 "The Last Vandal King"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2024 25:07

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 79 "Victory in Africa"

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 25:52

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 78 "Next Stop Carthage"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2024 27:06

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BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT - 'Rome and Attila' Book 3 in The Fall of the Roman Empire

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 1:57

My latest book, 'Rome and Attila', is now available on Amazon in ebook and paperback, links below. It's about one of the most infamous figures in history—Attila the Hun. He's a household name, but remarkably little is known about him and his popular legend as a brutal tyrant is not necessarily correct. I delve into the primary sources in search of the real Attila and find someone very different from the legend—a complex, captivating personality who despised ostentation, admired bravery and valued loyalty. I also develop a new theory about the military history of this period, suggesting it was Attila's ferocious onslaught against Constantinople that prompted the development of a new and more professional eastern Roman army which formed the basis for the army that Belisarius would later lead to victory when he reconquered much of the west in the sixth-century.Now, of course you've heard about this in the podcast episodes but I hope the book offers much more since it has maps, pictures and it's certainly more than just a transcript of the podcast since it goes into more detail in some areas and also contains more developed analysis and ideas than when I was recording the podcasts. So, think of the podcasts, if you like, as an introduction to the book.Thanks for your time and I hope you enjoy it!Link to buy the book Amazon.comLink to buy the book Amazon.co.uk

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 77 "Nika"

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2024 25:00

In January 532, the Nika riots in Constantinople shook the world and nearly overthrew the emperor Justinian. Find out what happened here. Link to my website for free resources - nickholmesauthor.com

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 76 "The Road to Nika"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 25:20

Despite Belisarius' victory at Dara in 530, dissatisfaction was growing with Justinian which would soon lead to rebellion.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 75 "Belisarius and the Battle of Dara"

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2024 25:11

In this episode, we meet one of Rome's greatest generals who will change the course of history. His name is Belisarius.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 74 "Justinian, Theodora, and the Secret History"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 23:10

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 73 "Justin and Justinian"

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2023 23:33

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 72 "Wars of Religion"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2023 24:10

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 71 "Oh No! The Sasanians Are Back"

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2023 24:41

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 70 "The New Diocletian"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 25:07

Anastasius is not one of Rome's most famous emperors but his achievements were critical to the growing strength of the eastern empire. It would be no exaggeration to say he was 'The New Diocletian'.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 69 "The Great Survivor"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2023 24:39

After the defeat at Carthage in 468, the eastern empire was looking precarious. But a new emperor, Zeno, would ensure both its and his own survival.

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The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 68 "The Rise of the Ostrogoths"

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 23:27

The Western Empire has fallen. In the East, Rome stands firm despite the failure of its expedition to recover North Africa. But a new power is emerging: the Ostrogoths.

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UPDATE: The Road to Justinian

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2023 4:46

Just a quick update on the next season which I'm very excited about because it will cover the reign of the emperor Justinian when his famous general, Belisarius, reconquered much of the west. We'll start on September 16th. See you then!

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