Best Classical Reception Studies Podcasts (2025)

1
Invisible Chains: Human Trafficking in Antiquity with Florence Felsheim 1:16:53

6d ago1:16:53

1:16:53

By An ArchaeoArtist Production

1
Gladiator II with Alexandra Sills 1:19:37

7d ago1:19:37

1:19:37

Rounding out our trilogy of special episodes on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, we are joined by gladiator expert, Alexandra Sills. Alexandra holds a BA in Classical Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London and a MA in The Classical Mediterranean from the University of Leicester. Alexandra’s MA dissertation was awarded the Mark Pluciennik p…

1
Classical Reception of Sexual Violence in Antiquity in Modern Visual Media with Briana King 1:05:37

12d ago1:05:37

1:05:37

In the latest episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia and Dr Briana King return to our discussion into Classical Receptions studies. This time, we go into some of the heavier subject matter that we felt deserved its own episode. Briana joins me to unpack the dark and often overlooked threads of sexual violence in ancient history and its modern r…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part III 1:06:12

21d ago1:06:12

1:06:12

We return for the final instalment on the fall of Veii in 396 BCE. In our previous episode, we witnessed the actual conquest of the great Etruscan city. Now it’s Camillus’ time to bask in the glory! He's a Real Trip Camillus has managed to secure victory for Rome, and one of the advantages now that it’s all over is that sweet, sweet booty. Everyone…

1
Gladiator II with Professor Martin M. Winkler 1:08:42

1M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers! We are back to discuss Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s smash hit Gladiator (2000). Gladiator II is set in the joint reign of Caracalla and Geta. These emperors were brothers in real life, but not the creepy twins shown in the movie. However, let’s not get caught up in historical detai…

1
Digital Archaeology with Florence Felsheim 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

In the latest episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia invites the brilliant Florence Felsheim, a PhD candidate in Classics at the University of St Andrews, for a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of virtual reality (VR), art, and cultural heritage. Together, they explore how technology is transforming the ways we visualize and interpre…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part II 1:20:49

2M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

The Fall of Veii is finally upon us – or perhaps we should say it was finally upon them! After a shameful defeat early in 396, the Romans decided to appoint a dictator. It is time for a Republican hero to burst into the spotlight. Welcome to the stage, Marcus Furius Camillus! Episode 159 – The Fall of Veii: Part II A Hero is Born Camillus is a lege…

1
Special Episode: The Ancient Peace Studies Network with Alice König 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

In part 2 of our collaboration, Zofia guest-hosts the Visualising War and Peace Podcast to interview project founder, Dr. Alice König. In this conversation, Alice she unveils the groundbreaking Ancient Peace Studies Network—the first of its kind dedicated to examining how peace was understood, experienced, and represented across different ancient c…

1
The Far Edges of the Known World with Owen Rees 1:00:07

2M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

We are super excited for this conversation. Owen Rees is the founder of the website badancient.com and we’ve been lucky enough to write a couple of articles over there on some misconceptions about the ancient Romans. So when we heard that Owen had a book coming out, we absolutely wanted to have a chat. Special Episode – The Far Edges of the Known W…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part I 58:30

3M ago58:30

58:30

396 BCE is finally here! Rome and Veii have been locked in a competition for space and resources for quite some time and it seems like the tide is about to turn. The year 396 BCE is perhaps one of the most significant years for Rome’s history in the early republic. Given the events at play, this episode is considering how the year begins and it mig…

1
Special Episode: Ancient war stories and their real-world ramifications with Dr Alice König 1:05:36

3M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

To launch series 4 of Two Friends Talk History, I was very fortunate to interview Dr Alice König, host of the Visualising War and Peace Podcast, for this special crossover episode. Alice has recently co-edited a new book with Nicolas Wiater, on ancient conflict narratives, called Visualising War across the Ancient Mediterranean: Interplay between C…

1
Special Episode - Gladiator II with Dr Lindsay Steenberg 1:16:47

3M ago1:16:47

1:16:47

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers! In case you somehow missed it, the hotly anticipated sequel to Gladiator (2000) hit the cinemas in November 2024. Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius Verus, the child of Lucilla and the hero from the first film, Maximus. Nope, we did not know that was a thing either. Poster for Gladiator II…

1
Special Episode - Enemy of My Dreams with Jenny Williamson 56:52

3M ago56:52

56:52

We were titillated to speak to the scintillating Jenny Freaking Williamson. Jenny is one of the co-hosts of Ancient History Fangirl, which we like to consider part of the unofficial but highly exclusive #ladypodsquad. Jenny and Genn have been on our show before to discuss their fabulous book, Women and Myth, which was released in 2023. However, tod…

1
Special Episode – Storylife with Professor Joel P. Christensen 1:07:37

4M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

We are thrilled to sit down in conversation with Professor Joel P. Christensen to discuss some of the ideas explored in his forthcoming book Storylife: On Epic, Narrative, and Living Things (Yale University Press). Special Episode – Storylife with Professor Joel P. Christensen Joel Christensen is Professor of Classical Studies at Brandeis Universit…

1
From Delphi, With Love 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

In 398, the Romans received some worrying signs from the gods, and now we return with a special message for them: From Delphi, With Love. Episode 157 – From Delphi, With Love In 397 BCE, the Romans were waging war on all fronts. On top of their ongoing siege at Veii, they were contesting their hold on Anxur with the Volscians, and their colony at L…

1
Special Episode – Totally Chaotic History with Dr Emma Southon 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

Are you ready to have a Totally Chaotic time? We certainly hope so, as we are thrilled to welcome Dr Emma Southon back on the show for the FOURTH TIME (not the third, as incorrectly said by Dr Rad). Emma has released her first children’s book, which was co-authored with Greg Jenner and illustrated by Rikin Parekh. Special Episode – Totally Chaotic …

1
Kidnapped! 56:48

5M ago56:48

56:48

In 398 BCE, the Romans were still enmeshed in their siege at Veii. Whilst the Romans waited, worrying portents started to appear. What did they all mean? Episode 156 – Kidnapped! The most concerning portent was a sudden increase in the levels of the lake in the Alban Woods. It was positively spooky. An embassy was despatched to visit the Delphic Or…

1
Special Episode - Gods and Mortals with Liv Albert 56:01

6M ago56:01

56:01

We love it when we get to chat with some of our podcast friends, and this week we got to catch up with the hilarious Liv Albert from ‘Let's talk about myths, baby!' to talk about relationships between gods and mortals. Please be warned, this episode does contain references to sexual assault. Special Episode – Gods and Mortals with Liv Albert The lo…

1
Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire with Ulysses Press 24:37

6M ago24:37

24:37

We sit down with Casie Vogel, VP Publisher at Ulysses Press to talk about the process of bringing an ancient Roman history book into the world and some of the cheeky details about the past that Casie learnt along the way. To celebrate the publication of ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire' this special episode is even in video form! https://vide…

1
The Final Cheeky Preview - Last Man Standing: Masada 28:02

6M ago28:02

28:02

We are thrilled to release the final cheeky preview from our new book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire. The final chapter from our ‘With a Rebel Yell' bonus material is entitled ‘Last Man Standing: Masada'. This bonus episode is coming out on the very same day that our book officially hits the shelves. Huzzah! The Final Cheeky Preview – Last …

1
A Feast for the Gods 42:59

6M ago42:59

42:59

Our new book ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ has nearly landed! Pre-order your copy via Ulysses Press! It’s happening – the Romans enter the fourth century! In this episode, we compare and contrast the ancient source accounts for the year that was 399 BCE. Rome and Veii are still locked in a siege, with Roman forces outside the gates of the…

1
Another Cheeky Preview - Zenobia's Winning Strategy 20:21

7M ago20:21

20:21

Welcome to another cheeky preview from our new book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire. This chapter is a bit of a contrast to our first one on Spartacus. We turn from a rebel from the lowest ranks of society to one from the elite. We are journeying from the Roman Republic to the mid-Empire. Aaaaand we are travelling from Italy to the provinces…

1
The Fifth Century BCE in Review 1:22:42

7M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

The fifth century BCE in Rome is the century that saw the idea of the republic flourish and falter only to flourish again. The plebeians rose up to fight for their rights and to enjoy the fruits of their hard work on the battlefield. The patricians held on to their prestige and power with a vice-like grip and Rome began to expand their influence in…

1
Special Episode - Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) 1:43:11

8M ago1:43:11

1:43:11

We are in shock that it has taken us this long to cover the cult classic that is Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979). We have Rslaugesen over on Patreon to thank for pointing out this glaring oversight. Once we got started, it was hard for us to stop talking about the Life of Brian. British comedy was a staple of our childhoods and Monty Python was…

1
The Partial Recap - 400s BCE 26:52

8M ago26:52

26:52

The 400s BCE have been a rollercoaster for Rome. It certainly seems to have been a decade of big changes, both in terms of foreign policy and on the domestic front. Join us for the highlights for the last decade of the fifth century BCE! The Partial Recap – 400s BCE Want to hear the full story? Head to Episode 144: Where in the World is Carventum? …

1
A Cheeky Preview - With a Rebel Yell: Spartacus 26:17

8M ago26:17

26:17

We are SO excited to share a snippet of our new book with you! That's right, we have a whole section entitled ‘With a Rebel Yell' that will be bonus digital content on the Ulysses Press website and so we thought, why not read it as well? Today, we kick it all off with the section on the rebellious gladiator, SPARTACUS. Ah, this is where it all bega…

1
The Plebeians Push into Power 55:01

9M ago55:01

55:01

We jump into the year 400 BCE which has more excitement than you may have anticipated. Could this be the year we have evidence for a plebeian break-through into the important magisterial position of military tribune with consular power? Episode 153 – The Plebeians Push into Power Now, as always with this period of Rome’s early republican history, w…

1
Special Episode - Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford 1:06:03

9M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In our latest special episode, we welcomed the talented LJ Trafford to the show to discuss her latest book, Ancient Rome’s Worst Emperors (2023). Special Episode – Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors You may very well have encountered some of LJ’s wonderful earlier works, including her historical novel series: The Four Emperors. These books cover a turbu…

1
Episode 152 - Victory at Last! 49:09

10M ago49:09

49:09

Whilst 401 BCE was a tense year inside ancient Rome, we can assure you that there will be a plebeian win to close the year. Victory at last! Episode 152 – Victory at Last! Surrounded by Enemies The Romans were facing war with several enemies, thanks to Capena and the Falerii joining their conflict with Veii. And they weren’t going to take the loss …

1
Special Episode – Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger – Part 2 1:10:55

10M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

Neil returns to discuss more about some of the major sites of interest in the regal period of Rome. We recommend his podcast Ancient History Hound to you. You can also find out more details about Neil's work at his website: The Ancient Blogger. Special Episode – Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger – Part 2! When Life Gives …

1
Factional Foibles 59:37

11M ago59:37

59:37

We jump into the year of 402 BCE and Rome and Veii are tooth and nail in siege mode. In addition to this, Rome is rapidly approaching the end of the 5th century BCE, a date that is meaningful for historians and scholars but less significant for the Romans who understood the years through the names of the magistrates more than being overly intereste…

1
Special Episode - Ovid's Metamorphoses with Professor Stephanie McCarter 1:05:59

11M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

It is not often that we get to say that there is a new translation of a classical text that has taken the world by storm. But that was exactly what happened when Professor Stephanie McCarter released her 2022 translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. We were honoured that Professor McCarter agreed to talk to us about the mysterious Ovid and her process …

1
Episode 150 - Rhetorical Fireworks 1:31:04

12M ago1:31:04

1:31:04

It is 403 BCE and we’re about to be blinded by some rhetorical fireworks. The situation between Rome and Veii is getting more serious. Episode 150 – Rhetorical Fireworks We've Got Chills, They're Speechifying! As the Romans prepare for a long siege, the suggestion was casually made that the soldiers will need to remain in winter quarters. The Roman…

1
Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger - Part 1 1:19:13

1y ago1:19:13

1:19:13

We are thrilled to sit down with Neil, The Ancient Blogger and host of the Ancient History Hound podcast to explore space and place in the Roman regal period. Neil, or ancientblogger as he's more commonly known, studied ancient history at degree level and then completed an MA in Classical Civilisation. Though he has a full time job he spends most o…

1
The Brief Life and Times of Servius Romanus 46:24

1y ago46:24

46:24

Who is Servius Romanus you might ask? Well, in this episode we’re about to find out. But when we tell you it’ll be brief – we are telling only the truth! On the back of the putative introduction of pay for Roman soldiers in 406 BCE (a much disputed idea in scholarship), Rome is facing challenges from their neighbours. These challenges are coming fr…

1
Special Episode - Augustus' Mausoleum with Dr Victoria Austen 1:06:35

1y ago1:06:35

1:06:35

It is not often that we are fortunate enough to get to chat to one of our amazing guests a second time, but sometimes the gods are just that kind. We sat down to speak to the one and only Dr Victoria Austen about Augustus’ mausoleum. Special Episode – Augustus' Mausoleum Dr Victoria Austen holds a MA and PhD from King’s College London. She has lect…

1
It's All About the Money, Honey! 1:08:56

1y ago1:08:56

1:08:56

Money, money, money! We’re in 406 BCE and although its well before ABBA's pop hit, let's this be a small hint of things to come. Rome finds itself in a bit of a tricky situation. Not only are they navigating the fallout of their conflict with the Volscians, but with the long running tensions with Veii seem to be coming to a head. Episode 148 – It's…

1
Special Episode - The Roman Military with Dr Bret Devereaux 1:33:40

1y ago1:33:40

1:33:40

This is a very exciting special episode all about the Roman military. We were incredibly fortunate to speak to an expert in the field about the Roman army in the early and middle republic. Special Episode – The Early Roman Military with Dr Bret Devereaux Dr Bret Devereaux is a historian specialising in the ancient world and military history. He hol…

1
Episode 147 - The Fall of Verrugo 33:47

1y ago33:47

33:47

Back in 409 BCE, the Romans had captured the fortifications of Verrugo from their Volscian foe. Unfortunately, in this episode we must discuss the bloody fall of Verrugo. Episode 147 – The Fall of Verrugo The Romans had seized Verrugo after Carventum was retaken by the Aequians, allies of the Volscians. Verrugo was located in Volscian territory to …

1
Episode 146 - Nobody Calls Me Chicken 57:29

1+ y ago57:29

57:29

In this episode, the people of Antium start provoking the Aequians and the Volscians into war with Rome by calling them COWARDS. How else could they respond but to say, “Nobody calls me chicken!” Episode 146 – Nobody Calls Me Chicken! With the Antiates, Volscians and Aequians ganged up against them, the Romans decide it’s time for a dictator! Not a…

1
Roman Naming Conventions 1:09:07

1+ y ago1:09:07

1:09:07

It's here! We delve into the wonderful world of Roman names. How do we understand who’s who? How did the Romans understand who was who? We’re here to consider the complexities of Roman naming conventions. Special Episode – Roman Naming Conventions We look into some of the key elements of the Roman naming conventions of the Republic and the Early Im…

1
Poverty in Late Antiquity with Carlos Machado 43:41

1+ y ago43:41

43:41

In this episode, I interview Dr Carlos Machado from the University of St Andrews about the social perceptions and realities of poverty in the Late Antique period. Dr Machado is a Roman historian whose work focuses on aspects of urban space in the Late Antique Roman world, from elite building, honorific monuments, and domestic spaces; he is now work…

1
Episode 145 - Power to the Plebs 1:04:54

1+ y ago1:04:54

1:04:54

We've all been waiting for YEARS for this… more power to the plebs! Yes, you heard us correctly. For once, the patricians will not get exactly what they want. Episode 145 – Power to the Plebs Icilii, Icilii, Icilii It is 409 BCE and another exciting year in the conflict of the orders (allegedly). The plebeians were enraged when elections were held …

1
The Partial Recap – 410s BCE 19:35

1+ y ago19:35

19:35

What a confusing decade the 410s have been. It's definitely time for a Partial Recap! We run through what the ancient sources tell us about this decade. The Partial Recap – The 410s BCE Want to get all the details? Jump in at Episode 140: The Commonwealth of Slaves. Sound Credits Our music was composed by Bettina Joy de Guzman. Transcript Dr Rad – …

1
Where in the World is Carventum? 1:01:46

1+ y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Carventum enters the annalistic narrative of Rome and raises some questions. But in order to get there, we need to consider what Rome faces in 411 BCE. And it seems that the Roman elite are having a run on consuls recently, which, if we follow Livy, means that the plebeians continue to be locked out of the highest magistracy… Episode 144 – Where in…

1
Special Episode – A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women with Dr Emma Southon 1:16:17

1+ y ago1:16:17

1:16:17

In this special episode we sit down with Dr Emma Southon to discuss her brand new book A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women. This is the Roman antidote to all those fabulous reimagining of Greek myth by delving into the very real and very fascinating lives of some of the women who lived under the Romans. Special Episode – A History of the Roma…

1
Special Victims Unit 59:17

1+ y ago59:17

59:17

In this episode we tackle the years 413 and 412 BCE. These years come hard on the back of the murder of the patrician Postumius. Rome is facing challenges that seem to be bound up in the spolia in times of war and the broader annalist focus on the idea of the Struggle of the Orders which has been the defining feature of the early republic in Livy a…

1
Athletics and Honour with Giorgos Mouratidis 26:59

1+ y ago26:59

26:59

In this episode, I conduct an in-person interview with the Assistant Director of the British School at Athens, Dr Giorgos Mouraditis. Giorgos' research focuses on athletic self-representation in inscriptions from the Hellenistic and Imperial periods. Listeners will be familiar with the British School of Athens from the last episode when I met with …

1
A Wrongheaded Man 1:12:21

1+ y ago1:12:21

1:12:21

In this episode, we tackle the years 415 and 414 BCE and the downfall of Postumius, a very wronghead man. Episode 142 – A Wrongheaded Man Did you remember to RSVP for the war? In 415 BCE, the Romans were gearing up for war with Veii and the Aequians… but neither of their dance partners turned up! It takes two to tango and in this case, neither the …

1
Special Episode - Disney's Hercules (1997) 49:35

1+ y ago49:35

49:35

This may be the best podcast episode you’ve ever heard, and that’s the gospel truth. We’re munching on protein bars and raw chicken as we discuss Disney’s Hercules (1997) with Professor Alastair Blanshard. Statue of Hercules in Shrewsbury – a copy of the Farnese Hercules. Hercules leans wearily on his club, which is covered by his lionskin. Carryin…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Classical Reception Studies Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen