The Toldinstone Podcast

Delve into the fascinating world of the Romans in this podcast as they explore the material history of the Roman world on Twitter, discuss the challenging situations faced by historical figures, highlight captivating stories and relatable artifacts, challenge misconceptions about gladiator battles, and explore the lasting influence of the Romans on our world.

Dr. Brett Devereaux, a historian, analyzes the Siege of Gondor in The Lord of the Rings, debunking unrealistic portrayals. He discusses the mechanics and logistics of the siege, comparing it to real historical sieges. The podcast also explores the effectiveness of cavalry charges in warfare and the inspiration that J.R.R. Tolkien drew from late Roman and Byzantine history. The importance of conveying historical periods with accuracy and the clash between ancient beliefs and modern people are also discussed. Finally, the podcast explores the admiration of martial values in ancient civilizations like Sparta and Rome.

In this inaugural episode of the Toldinstone Podcast, Professor Bryan Ward-Perkins outlines the archaeological evidence for the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, and explains why the fall of Rome was so catastrophic.