Listen up! 5 Fascinating Podcasts on Ancient Rome

Podcasts have become one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to learn something new, whether you’re commuting, cooking dinner, or dreaming about your next trip. With hundreds of thousands of podcasts and millions of episodes available, it’s fair to say that almost any subject you can imagine has found its way behind a microphone. From the wildly popular to the wonderfully niche, there’s a podcast for every curiosity. And when it comes to timeless historical topics, the format feels particularly well suited. Epic stories, larger-than-life characters, political intrigue, and dramatic downfalls? So, we’ve rounded up five of the best podcasts on Ancient Rome, perfect for history lovers and armchair travelers!

Probably the most emblematic symbol of Rome – The Colosseum

Podcasts on Ancient Rome

Episodes, series and reviews

If you’re someone who uses a podcast to maximise your commute or multi-task during a work-out, it’s very likely that you’re regularly on the look-out for a quality series to add to your library. And with that in mind, we’ll kick off with the best of the best podcasts on Ancient Rome. A mammoth topic teeming with stories, sagas and spectacles, there are few among us who could claim to know every minute detail, and that’s where the following five podcasts come in. People, it’s time to start downloading!

The History of Rome Podcast

Between 2007 and 2012, Mike Duncan recorded a staggering 179 episodes of the award-winning podcast series The History of Rome.

Motivated by a passion for Roman history and keen to fill a gap in the early podcast landscape, Duncan set out to chronologically trace the rise and fall of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Beginning with Rome’s legendary origins and ending with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the series explores centuries of political intrigue, military conquest, social change, and larger-than-life personalities.

Remarkably accessible in format, with most episodes running between 15 and 30 minutes, The History of Rome attracted widespread acclaim for Duncan’s clear storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to make complex historical events easy to follow.

More than a decade after its conclusion, the podcast remains one of the most influential history podcasts ever produced, continuing to attract new listeners and earning praise for introducing an entire generation to the story of Ancient Rome.

View of the Colosseum’s interior arena

The Fall of Rome Podcast

Hosted by historian Patrick Wyman, The Fall of Rome is a fascinating deep dive into the forces that shaped the decline and transformation of the Roman Empire.

Rather than focusing solely on battles and emperors, Wyman explores how modern fields such as genetics, climate science, forensic archaeology, network theory, and globalization studies have reshaped historians’ understanding of one of history’s most significant turning points. The result is a fresh and often surprising perspective on the fall of the Roman world.

Drawing on the latest academic research while remaining highly accessible, Wyman has earned widespread praise for his clear storytelling, engaging delivery, and ability to bring complex historical debates to life for a modern audience

The Super Sites of Rome include the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum.

The Partial Historians Podcast 

Hosted by Dr. Fiona Radford and Dr. Peta Greenfield, better known to listeners as “Dr Rad” and “Dr G”, The Partial Historians  has been delighting Roman history enthusiasts since 2013.

Combining rigorous scholarship with plenty of humour, the podcast explores the people, politics, religion, myths, and everyday life of Ancient Rome in an engaging and accessible way. Whether discussing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the role of the Vestal Virgins, or lesser-known figures such as Volero Publilius, the hosts have a talent for making complex historical topics both entertaining and easy to follow.

With well over 150 episodes and a loyal international audience, The Partial Historians has become one of the most respected podcasts on Roman history. Regular interviews with fellow historians, archaeologists, and subject specialists add further depth, offering listeners fresh perspectives on the ancient world.

Insider Tip:  If you really want to immerse yourself in Ancient Roman life, take our Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour and walk in the footsteps of the gladiators or visit the home of Caesar Augustus on our VIP tour!

One of the best views in Italy, the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius…

Emperors of Rome Podcast

Emperors of Rome is hosted by Matt Smith and Dr. Rhiannon Evans and, as the name suggests, focuses on the rulers of the ancient Roman Empire. 

With more than 250 episodes and counting, the podcast takes listeners through the lives, politics, triumphs, scandals, and legacies of Rome’s emperors, often exploring broader themes in Roman society, culture, religion, and warfare along the way. Most episodes run for around 30 – 40 minutes, making them detailed enough for history enthusiasts while remaining accessible for casual listeners.

The combination of expert historical insight, engaging storytelling, and the natural rapport between the hosts has earned Emperors of Rome a devoted following. Its popularity also helped inspire Matt Smith’s companion podcast, When in Rome, which explores the people, places, and landscapes that shaped the Roman world. (See below).

Casa di Augusto, Rome – known to me and you as Caesar´s Palace

When in Rome Podcast

Launched in 2015, When in Rome  has become a favourite among listeners eager to explore the ancient world beyond emperors, battles, and political intrigue.

Hosted by Matt Smith, this podcast on Ancient Rome is an exploration of “place and space in the Roman Empire”, examining how geography, culture, architecture, religion, and daily life shaped the Roman world. Through in-depth conversations with historians, archaeologists, and leading academics, each episode sheds light on a different aspect of life across the empire.

The interview-based format allows experts to share the latest research in an accessible and engaging way, helping listeners connect with the people and places that defined Ancient Rome. Whether exploring distant provinces, forgotten communities, or iconic landmarks, When in Rome offers a fascinating perspective on the empire and its enduring legacy.

Insider Tip: For travelers planning a trip to Italy, this one may also be the most practical podcast on this list. Its focus on places, archaeological sites, and everyday Roman life, giving valuable context for visits to the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pompeii, Ostia Antica, and Hadrian’s Villa, transforming the ancient ruins into vivid stories and living history.

The “bikini girls” at Piazza Armerina, Sicily

FAQs – Podcasts on Ancient Rome 

Do I need any background knowledge to enjoy Ancient Rome podcasts?

Not at all. Many Ancient Rome podcasts are designed with beginners in mind and explain key terms, timelines, and historical figures as they go. If you’re brand new to Roman history, it can help to start with early episodes or series that follow a chronological structure. Keeping a simple timeline handy, or even a map of ancient Rome, can also make it easier to place events and locations as you listen.

What’s the best way to listen if I’m short on time?

If your schedule is tight, look for podcasts with shorter episodes or clearly defined story arcs that you can dip into without losing the thread. Downloading episodes in advance is also a smart move, especially if you’re commuting or traveling. Many listeners find that speeding playback up slightly (1.1x or 1.25x) still sounds natural and lets you get through episodes more efficiently.

Can listening to these podcasts enhance a trip to Rome or Italy?

Absolutely. Hearing the stories behind emperors, monuments, and everyday Roman life can transform how you experience historic sites in Italy. Recognizing names, events, or locations you’ve heard about, whether in the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or Pompeii, adds depth and context that guidebooks often can’t match. For many travelers, podcasts are the perfect pre-trip companion for turning ruins into real stories.

If this article about “Podcasts on Ancient Rome” has sparked your curiosity about Rome, there’s no better way to bring Ancient Rome to life than with one of these expertly guided Rome tours. 

Whether you want a classic walking tour of Rome’s highlights, a culinary adventure in Trastevere, or an insider’s visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, these carefully curated experiences are designed to help you see the city from a deeper perspective and create unforgettable memories along the way.

If you’re planning on visiting Rome’s super sites, joining a guided tour can help you uncover the stories, symbolism, and hidden details that many visitors miss. From skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, to immersive Vatican tours and food & wine experiences through authentic Roman neighbourhoods, there’s something for every type of traveller.

Explore ancient history with a local expert, uncover hidden gems in lively piazzas, indulge in iconic Italian cuisine, and make the most of every moment without the stress of planning.