logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2007
11m 49s

001- In the Beginning

MIKE DUNCAN
About this episode

Welcome to The History of Rome, a weekly series tracing the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Today we will hear the mythical origin story of Rome and compare it with modern historical and archaeological evidence. How much truth is wrapped up in the legend? We end this week with the death of Remus and the founding of Rome.

Up next
Feb 2010
002- Youthful Indiscretions
Last time we discussed the events that lead to the birth of Rome, covering the arrival of Aeneas in Italy and the story of the twins Romulus and Remus. Today we will cover the remainder of Romulus's life, his questionable morality and ultimate disappearance from the world of men. 
11m 51s
Feb 2010
003a- The Seven Kings of Rome
This week we cover the first three of Romulus's successors to the throne: Numa Pompulius, Tullus Hostilius and Ancus Marcius, who they were and what affect they had on the evolution Roman law and culture. 
16m 1s
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
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2022
The Origins of Rome
<p>Known as the Eternal City, ancient Rome was one of the greatest civilisations in human history, but how did it come about?</p><br><p>With a turbulent history of Kings, civil wars and imperial desires - Rome has an incredible history. But who founded it? Were Romulus and Remus ... Show More
44m 33s
Dec 2021
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 1 "Introduction"
<p>Welcome to the Fall of the Roman Empire! Ever wondered why and how the Roman Empire fell? Then you&apos;ve come to the right place! This episode explains how the show works and starts at the very beginning of Rome&apos;s rise to power since we need to know what Rome was to und ... Show More
16m 42s
Apr 2023
The Great Fire of Rome
<p>In July 64AD, the Great Fire of Rome tore across the city, and ultimately burnt two thirds of Rome to ashes before it could be bought under control. A devastating event that can still be seen in the archaeology today, it ultimately led to the first persecution against the earl ... Show More
41m 58s
Apr 2023
The History of the City of Rome
Coming up on this episode of Talking History: we're exploring entertainment, culture, religion and society in Ancient Rome, with Dr Jonathan Coulston, Senior Lecturer at the School of Classics at The University of St Andrews; Dr Rebecca Usherwood, Assistant Professor in Late Anti ... Show More
52m 25s
Sep 2023
The Legacy of Rome
<p>Rome has attracted aspiring conquerors and leaders for millennia, not just as a great metropolis, but as an idea. It has long been a symbol of military might and universal power, defined by political and religious authority as well as great feats of engineering that would leav ... Show More
23m 24s
Oct 2022
Colosseum
<p>Nicknamed the 8th wonder of the ancient world, the Colosseum still stands in splendour today. Located in the heart of Rome, nestled at the bottom of the Palatine Hill, neighbouring the ancient Roman Forum - the Colosseum is nearly 2000 years old. But who is responsible for thi ... Show More
43m 49s
Jan 2022
The Birth of the Roman Empire
<p>16 January 27 BC is a date sometimes associated with the beginning of the Roman Empire. It was on that day that Octavian received the name Augustus, effectively becoming the first emperor of Rome. Augustus ordered the gates of Janus to be closed, marking an end to the period o ... Show More
50m 18s
Jun 2023
Ravenna and the Fall of Rome
<p>The fall of the Western Roman Empire stands as one of the most monumental moments in ancient history, symbolising the end of centuries of Roman dominance in the Mediterranean. However, amidst the crumbling of Rome, the city of Ravenna emerged as a prominent center, eventually ... Show More
52m 49s