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The Partial Historians

Join Dr Rad and Dr G as we discuss, spar, and laugh our way through different aspects of the ancient Roman world! Our main series 'From the Foundation of the City' follows Roman history year by year from the traditional foundation date of 753 BCE. We also interview academics and specialists from around the globe for their insights into history and the representation of Rome and the ancient Mediterranean in popular culture. Dr Fiona Radford is an expert on Rome on film and wrote her thesis on Kubrick’s Spartacus. Dr Radford is exponent of not only Ancient History, but also Reception Studies. Dr Peta Greenfield is an expert on the Vestal Virgins. Dr Greenfield’s research interests include: religion and politics in Rome, the late republic and Augustan period, and the role of women.

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20 episodes
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August 13 · 1 hr 9 min
Servus: How Slavery Built the Roman Empire with Dr Emma Southon
We interview Emma Southon about her new book, Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire, discussing the emotional experiences of enslaved people.
#176
August 6 · 1 hr 12 min
Throwing the Standard
In 386 BCE, Rome struggles to fight enemies and former allies all at once. Fortunately, Camillus is there to lead them to victory.
July 30 · 59 min
Fatal Second Helen with Josh Cannon
How does the depiction of warfare in ancient Greece stand up to the perspective of a modern veteran? We talk with Josh Cannon to learn more.
July 23 · 56 min
Fulvia with Kaarina Parker
What was Fulvia's life like in the late Republic? Kaarina Parker explores Fulvia's world in her debut novel and we're here to find out more!
#175
July 9 · 53 min
Of Mars and Marshes
The Gallic Sack casts a long shadow over Rome, and 387 BCE sees Rome dedicating a temple to Mars and discuss utilising the Pomptine Marshes.
June 25 · 54 min
The Lost Voices of Pompeii with Dr Jess Venner
We sit down with the creator of 'Life in the Past Lane', Dr Jess Venner, to discuss her new book, The Lost Voices of Pompeii.
#174
June 11 · 54 min
We Built This City on Big Hewn Stones
In 388 BCE, the Romans are trying to regain their position in Central Italy after that terribly embarrassing loss to the Gauls. This is bad news for their neighbours!
May 28 · 1 hr 4 min
The Emperor Julian with Jeremy Swist
Julian the Apostate's rule was short, by his legacy is fascinating. We interview Assistant Professor Jeremy Swist to learn all the details!
#173
May 14 · 51 min
Nobody Beats Camillus
Camillus is a whirlwind of power and Rome's neighbours are nearly powerless to resist. Talk about a comeback from the Gallic Sack!
April 30 · 52 min
Septimius Severus with Dr Simon Elliott
We interview Dr Simon Elliott about his bestselling biographer of the African emperor of Rome. Septimius Severus.
April 23 · 33 min
The Partial Recap - 390s BCE
Join us for a Partial Recap of the 390s BCE where we summarise the major events - at least, according to the ancient sources.
#172
April 16 · 1 hr 6 min
A New Republic?
The Romans are forging a new republic after the Gallic Sack and Camillus is there to guide them through the treacherous waters.
April 2 · 1 hr 27 min
Archaic Roman Religion
In this episode, we discuss aspects of archaic Roman religion, such as the role of nature, early gods, and priesthoods.
#171
March 19 · 1 hr 26 min
The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 6
The Romans need to decide what to do in the immediate aftermath of the Gallic Sack. Will they rebuild or relocate to Veii?
March 5 · 1 hr 10 min
Swords and Cinema with Dr Jeremiah McCall
We interview Dr McCall about the way that the Roman military and ancient warfare has been depicted in Hollywood movies.
#170
February 19 · 1 hr 11 min
The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 5
The sacred geese have attempted to save Rome, but the siege of the Gauls is still not over! What could possibly happen next? We continue our deep dive into the events purported to all take place In 390 BCE.
February 5 · 51 min
The Emperor Titus with Marc Hyden
The life and times of Titus, the second Flavian emperor is an insight into how military conquest and connections can lead to imperial rule...
#169
January 22 · 1 hr 4 min
The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 4
The siege of Rome by the Gauls continues, but there is hope on the horizon! The Roman survivors at Veii and Camillus may come to their rescue - before it's too late.
#168
Dec 18, 2025 · 56 min
The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 3
In Part 3 of our coverage of the Gallic sack of Rome in 390 BCE, we discuss the slaughter of the patricians and the destruction of the city.
Dec 11, 2025 · 43 min
Camillus with Marc Hyden
We interview author Marc Hyden about his biography of Rome's second founder, Marcus Furius Camillus

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