On the back of a 5km march in Roman armour for the Rise UK charity (here's my JustGiving) I look at marching in the Roman empire including some fancy stats and how the reforms of Marius affected the legionary in this respect. Want to know how many Mars bars a legionary would work off? Who was Marius' favourite X-Men character? The important questions finally covered... Steve Kaye's fine work can be found  here. You might also want to refer to my website article with some of the figures (here). Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)  

Marius and Me: marching in Roman armour

I'm all about ancient history and this podcast covers ancient Greece, Rome and other cultures from antiquity. From mainstay topics through to the more niche and aimed at all levels of knowledge I think you'll find something good to listen to. Why not have a browse? It would be great to have you join me.

More content, including episode notes, on my ancient history website www.ancientblogger.com

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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).

Ancient Sicily (pt3). Democracy & Ducetius.

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).

Ancient Sicily (pt2). Tyrants and Tragedy.

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).

Ancient Sicily (pt1). New neighbours.

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).

Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford

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).

Marius and Me: marching in Roman armour

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