In AD 9 Rome lost three legions in an attack made by Germanic tribes. It became an infamous event in Rome's history dealing a huge blow both to its manpower and prestige.

So how had this come to be? In the first of two episodes on this event I'm joined by Dr Jo Ball who is an expert on the Teutoburg Disaster. Dr Ball discusses the battlefield (including her work there) and then we turn to the main characters involved.

What was Rome trying to achieve here and who exactly was Varus, the Roman governor? Finally it's the turn of Arminius - do we know why he betrayed Rome? Dr Ball provides insight at every turn, it's a must listen. Part Two, where Dr Ball unwraps the events of the disaster, will be out soon.

Don't forget to rate and review, it really helps indie podcasters like me.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode of the miniseries on ancient Sicily I pick up with what happened after the Sicilian Expedition. Syracuse was celebrating victory but if they had any ideas that it would all be peaceful they were sorely mistaken. As one empire retreated to lick its wounds another would emerge and at Syracuse an old habit was to return.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com - if you can rate or review please do.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Continuing my miniseries on ancient Sicily I pick up on the two separate incidents where Athens got directly involved in Sicilian affairs towards the end of the 5th century BC.

Was it a good idea and what went wrong? Also, an attempt to describe Syracuse using just your hand. Oh, and a highly consequential eclipse.

If you can rate or review the episode or podcast please do. Episode notes with a transcription, maps and a reading list on

www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Every wonder what a tyrant was, how a tyrant became a tyrant and if there were any benefits in having a tyrant run your city? In this episode I answer these questions as I examine some tyrants from the Archaic period to the mid-5th century BC.

A main source for this episode which I mention is James F McGlew: 'Tyranny and Political Culture in Ancient Greece'.

Make sure to rate or review wherever you can. Visit my website www.ancientblogger.com for more content and find me on TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube as ancientblogger.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Continuing the ancient Sicily miniseries I pick up with what happened to the tryant Thrasybulus in Syracuse in the 460s BC. There's a lot of civil unrest and democracy finally makes an appearance. Elsewhere on the island one of Sicily's most intriguing sons, a man called Ducetius, makes a play for power.

If you're listening where you can leave a review please do!

Episodes notes, including a reading list and transcription on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In the second episode on ancient Sicily I turn to the rise of the tyrants and the changing political situation on the island. Covering the period between 600BC and the mid 5th century BC there is a lot to talk about, it's an episode packed with treachery, conquest and even some poetry.

If you can leave a review wherever you listen to this please do - it really helps. Episode notes including a reading list and full transcription is on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The first of a mini series on ancient Sicily. I begin with a brief sojurn around the island and an overview of the original inhabitants. Then it's onto the Greeks and Phoenicians who founded colonies on the island. I unwrap what form these initially took and what can be inferred from them.

If you can leave a review please do!

Episode notes including a reading list and full transcription on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Ever wonder who the worst Roman Emperors were? Well, LJ Trafford has written a book on this question and we sit down to chat about three candidates I selected from it.

This is LJ's third appearance on the podcast and as ever she was fab to chat to. Have a listen and see if you agree!

If you can rate and/or review on the platform you are using to listen to this episode please do. It really helps.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's that time of the year for a look at the Roman Saturnalia. This was a Roman midwinter festival in which people gave presents, partied and even slaves got time off. In this episode I look into the important themes behind it, what was added, what was changed and how it all fitted together. Plus I take a look at what present options there were and the whole politics of gift giving.

Episode notes including a transcription, readling list and other supporting content at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

My first go at an episode swap and it's with The Delicious Legacy Podcast which explores food throughout history.

In this episode Thomas travels back to ancient Rome to consider what the average Roman ate. He unwraps the workings of a Roman kitchen and how the Romans cooked their food.

Food and ancient history - what's not to love!