The roots of the coronation ritual are fabulously ancient: certain elements of the ceremony are vestiges from the later Roman Empire, others have their origins in the Old Testament and ancient Egypt. The liturgy used can be traced back to the 10th century, and the very idea of kings taking part in rituals comes from Charlemagne.
In light of the first Britis ... Show More
Sep 6
703. Roman Civil War: Marching on the Senate (Part 3)
What shocking, unprecedented act did Sulla commit with his legions after having his ambitions frustrated once more by his bitter rival, the tribune Marius? How did Marius escape capture and death? And, would Marius retaliate…? Join Tom and Dominic as they unfold the mounting riva ... Show More
1h 13m
Sep 2
702. Roman Civil War: The Barbarian Invasion (Part 2)
What was the ancient city of Rome actually like in the first century BC? Who was Lucius Cornelius Sulla, another great, but aristocratic, Roman general who would clash with Gaius Marius in a totemic struggle termed the Social War? And, who were the terrifying Germanic tribes amas ... Show More
1h 18m
Aug 30
701. Roman Civil War: Rise of the General (Part 1)
Who was Gaius Marius, one of the two men who would shape the fate of Rome in the first century BC? Why was his road to fame, fortune, and political greatness, from total obscurity, so dangerous? And, would Marius be the man to face down the existential threat facing the empire du ... Show More
1h 13m
Sep 2023
A History of Royal Funerals
1,000 of burying the Kings, Queen and other English royals. From Medieval monarchs who were rushed to their graves, and occasionally exploded, to The Tudors and Stuarts whose people lined up to see life-like wax effigies of their recently deceased monarchs. And I'll unpack the fu ... Show More
35m 5s