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 Support the show For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.com
Dec 2023
Justinian, Theodora, and the Secret History
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 But he's also left us with an unpublished document called the Secret History which contradicts everything he said in his other works.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? Fi ... Show More
23m 10s
Aug 2023
Attila the Hun: Terror of Rome
<p>Returning to one of the most infamous names in history, what happened to Attila the Hun after the devastation he caused in the Balkans - and where did he turn his attention to next? One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history, Attila turned his sights on the West ... Show More
44m 58s
Aug 2025
BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT - 'The End of Antiquity' Book 5 in The Fall of the Roman Empire
Although I’m no longer making new episodes of this podcast, I thought you might be interested in my latest book, called The End of Antiquity, which relates particularly well to the content in this podcast since it’s about the rise of Islam in the seventh century AD and the collap ... Show More
1m 53s
Aug 2023
Attila the Hun Part 1: The Sword of Mars
We’re in south-eastern Europe in the 400s AD. The once mighty Roman Empire is riven in two. And on the Great Hungarian Plain a fearsome enemy is rising. The Huns’ king, Attila, will become a terrifying, iconic figure. A byword for plundering and pillaging. The archetypal warlord. ... Show More
58m 36s
Apr 2025
Attila the Hun, Part 1 of 2
We’re in south-eastern Europe in the 400s AD. The once mighty Roman Empire is riven in two. And on the Great Hungarian Plain a fearsome enemy is rising. The Huns’ king, Attila, will become a terrifying, iconic figure. A byword for plundering and pillaging. The archetypal warlord. ... Show More
57m 10s
Apr 2025
Attila the Hun, Part 2 of 2
We track Attila’s progress as he rampages through Gaul. A family bust-up sparks an extraordinary alliance, as Attila gets engaged to the Roman Emperor’s sister. With the Huns storming deep into Western Europe, their king is on a collision course with his old friend Aetius. Will t ... Show More
50m 26s