When you think about ancient gladiators, you likely have a certain vision that comes to mind: slaves forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of bloodthirsty Romans.
But much of what we think we know about gladiators is actually wrong.
Today on the show, Alexander Mariotti will separate the just-as-fascinating fact from popular-culture-derived fi ... Show More
Jun 2
Built to Walk — How Modern Shoes and Weak Feet Are Holding You Back
Walking is one of the most powerful health tools we have. It improves cardiovascular fitness, boosts mood, sharpens cognition, and can even be a predictor of how well you'll age. But all those benefits depend on something we rarely think about until it starts hurting: our feet.Fo ... Show More
58m 51s
Nov 2025
A day in the life of a gladiator
If we were to step back in time on to the blood-soaked sand of the Roman gladiatorial arena, what would we uncover about society, power and entertainment in the ancient civilisation? Speaking to Rachel Dinning, historian Harry Sidebottom guides us through 24 hours in the arena, r ... Show More
33m 31s
Aug 2024
Commodus: The Gladiator Emperor
<p>Known as one of Rome's worst emperors, Commodus is famed for both his infamy and bravado. Ascending the throne as a teenager, he dressed up as Hercules, fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum, and renamed Rome after himself. But who was the real Commodus? And was he really as ... Show More
54m 44s