
The Toldinstone Podcast
This podcast complements the toldinstone YouTube channel with interviews of scholars and creators working on the most exciting topics in ancient history.
Latest episodes

Sep 22, 2022 • 52min
3 – Why the Romans Still Matter
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.

Sep 9, 2022 • 1h 2min
2 – The Lord of the Rings and Ancient Rome
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.

10 snips
Aug 24, 2022 • 42min
1 – Why the Fall of Rome Set Europe Back 1,000 Years
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.