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 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 an innate interest in the subject and keen to fill the Roman-shaped void which existed in the podcast arena at the time, the best-selling author set about chronologically detailing key events which played out between the birth of the Roman Kingdom and the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Exceptionally succinct in its format – most episodes span between 15 and 25 minutes – the podcast attracted widespread acclaim, with listeners praising Duncan’s attention to detail and compelling delivery when documenting the evolution of the civilization.

While relaying the stories and sagas of the time, Mike maintains a unique grip on his listenership – the results of which can be seen in the glowing reviews which continue to populate charts and forums seven years after the final episode of the series aired.

View of the Colosseum’s interior arena

The Fall of Rome Podcast

Hosted by historian Patrick Wyman, The Fall of Rome is a deep dive into the various components which ultimately facilitated the collapse of the Roman Empire.

By analysing the Roman Empire through a modern lens, the host examines how factors including genetics, climate science, forensic science, network models, and globalization have influenced our understanding of the ancient civilization.

Like Mike Duncan’s contribution to the canon, Patrick has been widely lauded for his engaging and entertaining delivery.

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 – or ‘Dr Rad’ and ‘Dr G’ as they have been known to refer to themselves – The Partial Historians is currently nearing its 100th episode.

Launched in 2013, The Partial Historians manages to convey the complexity of the ancient culture in an exceptionally playful and lighthearted manner. Whether describing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, discussing the role of the Vestal Virgins or detailing the story of Volero Pubilis, the hosts are fully committed to bringing their listeners ‘along for the ride’.

Indeed, there are few aspects of Ancient Rome that these two historians haven’t felt compelled to dissect and discuss, with regular contributions from special guests equally as invested in the life and times of the Ancient Romans.

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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.

Currently on the 128th episode, the podcast takes the listener through the life and times of various emperors across multiple episodes, with few episodes exceeding 40 minutes in length.

The approach to the subject matter in addition to the rapport between the hosts and the contribution provided by special guests has earned Emperors of Rome a loyal following, with many fans instantly subscribing to Matt’s subsequent podcast When in Rome.

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

When in Rome Podcast

Launched in 2015 and with three seasons under its belt, When in Rome has proven incredibly popular among anyone interested in wading the waters of the ancient past.

The monthly podcast is, as Matt explains in the introduction to each episode, an exploration of ‘place and space in the Roman Empire’.

When in Rome follows a one-on-one format, with Matt conducting in-depth interviews with historians, academics and experts in the field. Together they deliver a compelling narrative, devoted to bringing Ancient Rome to life.

A firm favourite with listeners, fans pledged over $10,000 on Kickstarter in order to ensure the creation of the 4th season – a clear reflection of the public’s enthusiasm for the podcast.

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.

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From skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to immersive Vatican Museum experiences and food & wine walking tours through authentic Roman neighborhoods, Walks of Italy offers something for every traveler and interest level. 

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. 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 expertly guided tours are designed to help you see the city like a local and create unforgettable memories.