When we look at history, we tend to focus on grand things like great leaders and great battles.
In reality, what makes for successful empires is often the mundane: stable laws, an uncorrupt civil service, or, for large sprawling empires, a system of roads.
Roads were one of the secrets to the success of Rome, and they proved useful for centuries, even after ... Show More
Today
Satellite Internet: How It Works
When the Internet was first launched, it was only available on a few computers at a few research institutions. Over the last 50 years, internet access has expanded to cover more institutions and more computers. Eventually, it was available in our homes and even in our pockets. Re ... Show More
16m 16s
Yesterday
Geronimo: The Last Great Native American Resistance Leader
Few figures in American history embody resistance and resilience quite like Geronimo. A leader of the Apache who defied both Mexican and U.S. forces, his name became synonymous with courage and defiance. But beyond the myths lies a complex story of survival, conflict, and cultura ... Show More
14m 57s
Mar 25
The Dark Origins of Fairy Tales, Part 2
Walt Disney Animation Studios has crafted dozens of the most popular children’s movies ever made. These stories shimmer with whimsical magic, showcase bold characters, and burst with joyous conclusions, where the hero triumphs and everyone celebrates a happily-ever-after. However ... Show More
14m 17s
Aug 2024
The Fall of Roman Britain
<p>By 410 AD, over 450 years after Julius Caesar first landed on its shores, the Romans had formally withdrawn from Britain. Burdened by military threats and political upheaval on the continent, the empire began to contract in on itself. The Romano-Britons were left to fend for t ... Show More
36m 10s
Oct 2025
358. History of Rome (English Vocabulary Lesson)
When you imagine the city Rome, what comes to mind? Maybe the Colosseum, the Vatican, one of the largest empires in history, or delicious pasta? Rome isn’t just Italy’s capital; it’s also one of the most influential cities in human history. In today’s Thinking in English episode, ... Show More
21m 16s
Jul 2025
The Roman Conquest of the Hellenistic World
<p>For most of its history, Rome barely bothered with the Greek east. Then, quite suddenly, Rome exploded onto the scene, laying low the two most powerful Hellenistic warrior-kings of the past century. Within ten years, Rome became the undisputed hegemonic power of the Mediterran ... Show More
43m 35s
Sep 2024
Love, Betrayal, and the Battle for Rome (Replay)
HISTORY This Week returns with new episodes starting September 16th! In the meantime, listen to a favorite classic from the archives.
September 2, 31 BCE. Two camps prepare for battle off the coast of Greece. On one side is Octavian, Julius Caesar’s heir apparent. On the other, ... Show More
40m 48s