The Fall of Rome Podcast

Exploring potential divisions and transformative changes in the Roman Empire, including the crises of the third century and the reign of Diocletian. Discussing the empire's structural shifts, power struggles, and its downfall due to military defeats and inflexibility.

Elizabeth Bruenig, Editor at the Washington Post, discusses the life, thought, and relevance of Saint Augustine. Topics covered include his influence on Christian theology and Western culture, his brilliance in capturing the human experience, his controversies and conflicts, his theory on church and state, and his response to blaming Christianity for Rome's fall.

Explore the emergence of barbarian kingdoms after the collapse of the Roman Empire, including their absorption, destruction, and acquisition of kingship. Learn about the powers of kingship and how barbarian kings showcased their authority. Discover the descent from the gods and the establishment of the Merovingian dynasty. Examine the extensive tax system in the late Roman Empire and its impact on governance and the warrior elite.

A wave of migrants known as the Anglo-Saxons transformed eastern Britain into England, rewriting the political, linguistic, and cultural map. The podcast explores the timing, reasons, and actions of the migration, the dynamic nature of the process, and the power struggles and settlements in eastern Britain. It also delves into the emergence of a new order, consolidation, and the violent birth of the Seven Kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England.

Professor Walter Scheidel discusses the lack of recurring empires in Europe, which led to the rise of Europe and the Great Divergence. The podcast explores the factors behind the success of the Roman Empire, the challenges of Mongol state-building in Europe, and the concept and timing of the 'great divergence' between Europe and the rest of the world.

Explore the rise of the Franks in northern Gaul as warlords navigate the disintegration of the Roman Empire, leading to the formation of modern-day France. Learn about the transformation of the region into a playground for warlords and the complex dynamics between the Frankish Kingdom and Roman generals. Discover the militarization, instability, and social-economic conditions in this violent environment as ruling families become the new military aristocrats.

Theoderic, leader of the Ostrogoths in Italy, and his kingdom are discussed, questioning if it was a kingdom or the rebirth of the Western Empire. The rise and fall of the Ostrogoths, Theoderic's rise to power, his rule and relationship with the Eastern Emperor, marriage alliances, failed emperorship, and shifting foreign policy are explored. The significance of the Ostrogothic kingdom as a creative experiment is also highlighted.

Explore the origins, identity, and settlement of the Visigothic Kingdom after the fall of the Roman Empire. Learn about the reign of the Visigoth kings, their battles, and defeat at the hands of the Franks. Discover the evolving identity of the Visigoths and conflicts among Gothic nobles. Dive into the transformation of the Visigothic Kingdom into a powerful force within the Roman Empire.

Explore the factors contributing to the downfall of the Roman Empire including governance issues, economic decline, military weakening, and diminishing loyalty towards the Emperor. Learn about the challenges of taxes and military in the 5th century, and how the evasion of taxes had political consequences. Discover why the Roman political system fell due to economic decline, a weakened military, and a lack of legitimacy.

Explore the major figures and events of the calamitous fifth century that led to the complete fall of the Roman Empire. From the challenges of constructing political narratives to the battles on the Catalonian Plains, Attila's invasions, and the downfall of Avitus, this podcast dives into the chaotic events and introduces the emergence of new barbarian kingdoms.