While Rome Burns
28 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -1,956 years since the destruction of Rome by the Great Fire of 64 AD a podcast has emerged to tell you the stories from the ancient world of bad luck, inept leadership, and horrible disasters. Sit back, relax and let me tell you a story: While Rome Burns.
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Episodes
Episode 212 - The Eastern Mediterranean After the Collapse
December 16, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 19.8 MBThe lands of the Eastern Mediterranean lay in ruins. The Kingdoms of the Hittites, Egypt, Alashiya and Greece lay in ruins or have been reduced in size and influence. The population has declined and the region is more fractured than it has been in centuries. Yet out of this destruction will flourish many new kingdoms, civilizations and people who will change the course of human history. In this episode we will briefly survey the civilizations that rose up in place of the kingdoms that fell a...
Episode 211- Egypt Repels the Sea People
December 02, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 20.3 MBRameses the III waits on the banks of the Nile Delta. Before him is a sea of boats containing hordes of warriors known today as The Sea Peoples. A confederation of various peoples fleeing devastation in their own lands has brought that devastation to the peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean. Standing upon the banks, Rameses the III readies his soldiers and prepares for battle. Sit back… relax… And Let me tell you a story… While Rome Burns **Episode Transcript** While Rome Bur...
Episode 210 - The Reasons for the Collapse
November 18, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 20.3 MBThe destruction that rampaged across the Eastern Mediterranean region during the end of the Bronze age around the 12th Century BCE was a world-shattering event with implications reaching into our modern day. But what were the underlying causes that led to the invasions and internal rebellions that caused the Bronze Age to come crashing down? Were the causes related to the environment? Economics? Disease? Famine? A combination of all of these? In this Episode, we will finally visit the theori...
Episode 209 - The Collapse Begins
November 04, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 15.3 MBAt the height of the Bronze Age in the Eastern Mediterranean, it seemed like the civilizations in the region couldn’t have a better existence: food was abundant, trade was rampant, and the gods were pleased. It seemed as if the prosperity of the Bronze Age would continue on into forever. But as the winds of change began to flow over the near east, the entire world that these civilizations knew came crashing down. In today’s episode, we will explore the invasion of the Sea Peoples that starte...
Episode 208 - Elsewhere in the World
October 21, 2021 07:00 - 13 minutes - 24 MBWe’ve been exploring the late bronze age in and around the eastern Mediterranean. But around the world, there were other magnificent civilizations with individuals living out their existences, oblivious of the activities going on half a world away. In this episode we will take a brief look at some of these civilizations from around the world. We will see how life was lived around the world while the Eastern Mediterranean fell into obscurity. Sit back… Relax… and let me tell you a story… ...
Episode 207 - The Mycenaean Greeks
October 07, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 21.5 MBMany of us are introduced to ancient Greece through the works of Aristotle, Plato and Homer. We learn about the teachings of Socrates and the plays of Aristophanes as the foundations of classical Greek studies. Few really learn of the era that preceded Ancient Greece. This mountainous peninsula and collection of islands would play such a major role in the development of western civilization that it’s hard to believe it had such modest beginnings. As we look at the Mycenaean Greek culture it’...
Episode 206: The Mystery of Alashiya
September 23, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 21.3 MBSo far we have explored the most well documented kingdoms and empires of the ancient near east: The Hittites, Egyptians, and Assyrians. We have demonstrated how complex the political, economic and military networks were that tied these various powers together in the region and how these powers made up one of the world’s first known global network. Now our story takes us to an unknown land and a little known kingdom. A kingdom whose origins and even its physical location are a hotly debated t...
Episode 205: Assyria Rising
September 09, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 21.3 MBAn obscure city on the western banks of the Tigris river sits abandoned and in ruins today. Its stone arches and other scattered ruins are all that remain of a once thriving and populous city. It was from this city that a powerful nation state would rise up during the late bronze age to rival the powers of the Hittites in the North and the Babylonians to the South. In today’s episode, we examine the Middle Assyrian Empire in the late bronze age. Sit back… Relax… And let me tell you a sto...
Episode 204: Hittites- An Empire of War and Stone
August 26, 2021 07:00 - 12 minutes - 22.7 MBAn overview of the Hittite Empire and the power they wielded in central Anatolia during the Bronze Age. **Episode Transcript** Cover Art by Igor Nunes. Find more of his work at whyccan.artstation.com or on twitter at Twitter.com/whyccan. Background music provided by Monplaisir. Find more of their work at Loyaltyfreakmusic.com
Episode 203: A Kingdom in the Desert
August 12, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 16.3 MBThe Rise of the New Kingdom of Egypt and a brief overview of the history of Bronze Age Egypt. **Episode Transcript** Cover Art by Igor Nunes. Find more of his work at whyccan.artstation.com or on twitter at Twitter.com/whyccan. Background music provided by Monplaisir. Find more of their work at Loyaltyfreakmusic.com
Episode 202: The Law, The Gods and The Stars
July 29, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode we will explore some of the major cultural achievements of the bronze age: writing, legal codes, religion and astronomy. **Episode Transcript** While Rome Burns is part of the 1up Podcast Network. Find more of our shows at 1upPodcasts.com. Cover Art by Igor Nunes. Find more of his work at Whyccan.artstation.com or contact him on twitter at Twitter.com/Whyccan Background music provided by Monplaisir under a public domain dedication. Find more of their work at loyaltyfreak...
Episode 201: A New Age
July 15, 2021 18:02 - 12 minutes - 23 MBThis season our podcast will explore a single event in history by analyzing the technology, people, and situations that led to the late Bronze Age Collapse in the near east. We begin with a look at what defines the Bronze Age and what technology these civilizations had which contributed to the prosperity and success of many of these empires during this era. **Episode Transcript** Cover Art by Igor Nunes. Find more of his work at Whyccan.Artstation.com or contact him on Monplaisir Music an...
ANNOUNCEMENT: 2021 People's choice podcast awards
July 08, 2021 18:06 - 44 seconds - 1.33 MBWhile Rome Burns is up for the People's Choice podcast awards in the History category. Go to https://www.podcastawards.com/ register to nominate and then nominate While Rome Burns in the history category. We appreciate all the support we can get! Thank you!
Episode 113: The Rise and Fall of Agrippina the Younger
January 03, 2021 08:00 - 16 minutes - 26.6 MBWe started this season with a look at the Great Fire of Rome and put forward some of the theories regarding whether or not Nero was indeed to blame for the Great Fire. We also covered the death of Nero and the end of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. We shall now end season 1 of While Rome Burns with a portrait of the woman who gave birth to Nero. We will take a look at her unlikely rise to power in the imperial court and her tragically sad downfall at the hands of her own son. Today’s story is ab...
Episode 112: The Vespers of 88 BCE
December 20, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 21.9 MBThe ancient world was full of acts of Viciousness, barbarism, and cruelty. During war time, cities were burned, pillaged, plundered and their people were either butchered or sold into slavery. Human cruelty, it seems, is one thing that all societies have shared throughout time. One such instance of cruelty occurred in 88 BCE in the kingdoms surrounding the southern coast of the Black Sea. A tale of betrayal, murder, and unnecessary war awaits us. Today’s story is about The Vespers of 88 BCE....
Episode 111: Saitō Musashibō Benkei 1155 - 1189 CE
December 06, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 16.6 MBToday’s story is a story of a legendary warrior. A mountain of a man who was known for his ferocity, strength, and extreme loyalty. The story of a warrior, who did not let his devotion to his lord waiver, even when facing certain death. Our story is also about the period of history of Japan that this warrior found himself in and how he ultimately became entangled with one of the clans that would eventually rise to power. Today’s story is the story of Benkei Saito Musashibo. Sit Back, Rel...
Episode 110: The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius 79 CE
November 22, 2020 21:53 - 11 minutes - 17.9 MBFew natural disasters are as terrifying as the eruption of a Volcano. Molten lava, pyroclastic flows, ash in the air, fires, and noxious fumes are all dangers that can impact civilizations all around the cataclysm, even miles away, towns and cities can be impacted. In 79 CE, the cities that occupied the areas around Mount Vesuvius had no idea what dangers were lurking deep in the Earth or what fate had in store for the people living in those cities. Today’s story is about the Eruption of Mo...
Episode 109: The Assassination of Julius Caesar
November 17, 2020 00:15 - 12 minutes - 20.3 MBThe Assassination of Julius Caesar It’s a story we are all familiar with. A story of loyalty, betrayal, idealism, and cynicism. The date of the event is forever burned into the collective consciousness. Plays have been written about it, movies and T.V. shows have reenacted the events, and historians have been fascinated by the factors that led to the historic event that took place on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E. Today’s story is about the assassination of Julius Caesar and the impa...
Episode 108: Tsunami of the Malian Gulf 426 BCE
November 04, 2020 23:39 - 9 minutes - 14.4 MBThe world is a capricious place. The shifting of the crust beneath our feet reminds us that we are all guests of this planet, at the mercy of the power and strength of forces beyond our comprehension or control. In 426 BCE, during the Peloponesian War, a Tsunami struck the coasts of the Malian Gulf and had a lasting impact on Greece. Sit Back, Relax, and Let me Tell you a Story… While Rome Burns. While Rome Burns is part of the 1up Podcast Network. Find more of our content, including tr...
Episode 108:Tsunami of the Malian Gulf 426 BCE
November 04, 2020 23:39 - 9 minutes - 14.4 MBThe world is a capricious place. The shifting of the crust beneath our feet reminds us that we are all guests of this planet, at the mercy of the power and strength of forces beyond our comprehension or control. In 426 BCE, during the Peloponesian War, a Tsunami struck the coasts of the Malian Gulf and had a lasting impact on Greece. Sit Back, Relax, and Let me Tell you a Story… While Rome Burns. While Rome Burns is part of the 1up Podcast Network. Find more of our content, including tr...
Episode 107: The Battle of Yongqiu 756 CE
October 11, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 24.5 MBIn 8th century CE China, The An Lushan rebellion rose up in opposition to the wildly successful Tang dynasty. As the rebellion advanced from small rebellion to overwhelming opposing state, it seemed as if the Tang dynasty and the accompanying golden age, was over. But for some loyal soldiers of the Tang dynasty, losing hope and faith in their Emperor was an unacceptable position. Our story today is a story of brilliant tactics, loyalty, and just a bit of brashness. Our story is about The Bat...
Episode 106: The Plague of Athens 430 BCE
September 27, 2020 18:20 - 13 minutes - 21.8 MBWe live in uncertain times. The fear of the Pandemic has gripped the world, it has taken friends, family, coworkers, and strangers alike. It has caused businesses to fail, schools to be shuttered and our whole way of life has beenturned on its head. It feels like the world is ending. But its not ending, its transforming and changing before our very eyes, as pandemics have changed societies and civilizations throughout history. One such pandemic was the Plague of Athens in 430 BCE. This plagu...
Episode 105: The Death of Alexander the Great
September 13, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 23.6 MBThe world has known few conquerors like Alexander the Great. In just a few short years after rising to power, he had laid claim to much of the known world, known to him and his people that is. Alexander marched his armies across Greece, Persia, and even into India. But for all of the glorious and bloody military triumphs Alexander had led, he was still, like so many other leaders, defeated by the mortality of his own body. Sit Back... Relax... And let me tell you a story... While Rome B...
Episode 104: The Siege of Jerusalem, 70 CE
August 30, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 34.5 MBA rebellion stirs in the heart of Judea. The son of the New Roman Emperor seeks to show his worth. Outside the walls of Jerusalem, thousands of Legionaries post up for a final assault on the holy city. A rebellion and the very survival and way of life of the Jewish people hangs in the balance. There are lessons to be learned here. Sit Back, relax, and let me tell you a story… While Rome Burns. **Episode Transcript** While Rome burns is part of the 1up Podcast Network. Find more of our ...
Episode 103: The Great Antioch Earthquake of 526 CE
August 16, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 22 MBWe as humans enjoy the security of solid earth beneath us. We step out of our door each day certain that the ground beneath our feet will be there. But mother nature loves to remind us that while humans may think of themselves as masters of the natural world, we are merely another species at the mercy of this planet's tectonic plates. But do not worry. The ground is still stable here: So sit back, relax, and let me tell you a story... While Rome Burns. Today's background music is “Before th...
Episode 102: The Battle of Red Cliffs
August 02, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 30.1 MBThe Battle of Chi Bi was one of the most decisive battles during the fall of the Han dynasty and the lead up to the Three Kingdoms era and is one of history's greatest examples of the underdog snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. On one side, an invading army ranging between 200,000 and 800,000 soldiers on the other side a coalition of 50,000 troops. Come with me as we explore the circumstances around the Battle of Red Cliffs. Sit back, relax, and let me tell you a story... While Rome ...
Episode 101: The Great Fire of Rome
July 19, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 29.7 MBA quiet summer night in Rome. The year is AD 64. Windy weather and Dry conditions. The perfect setting for the arsonists that move through the city, setting alight The Eternal City. The identity of those arsonists has remained lost to the sands of time. But in this first installment of While Rome Burns, perhaps we will understand just how disastrous these anonymous arsonists acts truly were. Sit back, relax, and let me tell you a story, While Rome Burns. While Rome Burns is part of the 1up ...
TRAILER: While Rome Burns Season 1
July 10, 2020 00:34 - 49 seconds - 1.32 MBJuly 19th, 2020. 1,956 years since the destruction of Rome by the Great Fire of 64 AD a podcast has emerged to tell you the stories from the ancient world of bad luck, inept leadership, and horrible disasters. Sit back, relax and let me tell you a story: While Rome Burns. While Rome Burns is part of the 1up Podcast Network. Find more content by going to 1upPodcasts.com. Cover Art by Igor Nunes. You can contact him for commissions on twitter @Whyccan. Find more of his art by going to Whyc...