logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2022
20m 35s

The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 6 "...

Nick Holmes
About this episode

Marcus Aurelius was the last of the 'Good Emperors'. His son, Commodus, proved to be the exact opposite of his father. A bloodthirsty tyrant, his reign is often seen as marking the beginning of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.

Up next
Jul 5
UPDATE ON NEXT SEASON - THE DARK AGES
Apologies for the long radio silence, I’ve been busy with other projects but now I want to update you on the next and final season in this podcast which I’m super excited about because it will cover what I regard as one of the most fascinating parts of the story of the fall of th ... Show More
4m 10s
Apr 19
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 114 "The Missing Link"
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.com Find my latest book, Justinian's Empire, on Amaz ... Show More
22m 11s
Apr 5
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 113 "Byzantium's Greatest Victory"
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. Fo ... Show More
24m 15s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2010
003b- The Seven Kings of Rome
The last days of the Roman Kingdom were ruled over by the three members of the so-called Tarquin Dynasty: Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius and Tarquinius Superbus. The last proved to be such a tyrant that he was overthrown and monarchy was forever outlawed by the Romans. 
18m 11s
Mar 2010
085- Antoninus the Dutiful
Antoninus's reign is often pointed to as the golden age of the Roman Empire. In many ways the assessment is correct, though unresolved issues would come back to haunt his successors. 
27m 18s
Jul 2016
Episode B32 – The Fourth Caesar
Synopsis:  Severus’ close friendship with Plautianus estranges him from his family.  In his final years, a rebellion in Britannia provides one last opportunity to shape his legacy. “The contemporaries of Severus, in this enjoyment of the peace and glory of his reign, forgave the ... Show More
31m 22s
Feb 2023
Heliogabalus: Rome’s scandalous emperor
The story of the Roman emperor Heliogabalus is filled with sex, death, decadence and religious extremism, but it also touches on some key questions about imperial Rome. What were the limits of political power? How far should a ruler intervene in the life of his subjects? And what ... Show More
38m 58s
Jun 2020
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
In the late 4th century and early 5th centuries two massive largely-Germanic confederations arrived on Roman borders, having been uprooted from their homelands by the Huns. These were the Goths and the Vandals. Both peoples would become prime enemies of the Roman Empires in the E ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 2010
091- Marcus and Lucius and the Parthians
Marcus Aurelius was destined to become Emperor, but his insistence that Lucius Verus share the honor came as a surprise to everyone. 
24m 1s
Nov 2021
Claudio, de bufón a emperador
Despreciado por su propia familia a causa de sus defectos físicos, Claudio se vio marginado del poder por Tiberio y sufrió luego las crueles burlas de Calígula. Pero tras el asesinato de éste los pretorianos, para sorpresa de todos, lo auparon al trono imperial. Con el tiempo, se ... Show More
10m 4s
Jul 2022
The Games to Win Ancient Rome
July 13, 44 BCE. Julius Caesar is dead, stabbed by a trusted friend. With Rome shaken, the Senate meets to decide next steps. They're confronting the brutal power struggle already breaking out among three men: Brutus, the deadly friend; Marc Antony, Caesar's gifted military comma ... Show More
29m 47s
Feb 2021
Marcus Aurelius
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the man who, according to Machiavelli, was the last of the Five Good Emperors. Marcus Aurelius, 121 to 180 AD, has long been known as a model of the philosopher king, a Stoic who, while on military campaigns, compiled ideas on how best to live his ... Show More
52m 36s