The Partial Historians 🏺
@partialhistorians.bsky.social
After surviving exposure at birth, these unconventional academics realised they were destined to found the greatest Ancient Roman History podcast! 🏛📯⚔️
📘‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ is out now! https://linktr.ee/ThePartialHistorians
📘‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ is out now! https://linktr.ee/ThePartialHistorians
✨New Episode – The Gallic Sack of Rome – Part 2✨
We rejoin the Romans and the Gauls in 390 BCE at the place where the Tiber river intersects with the Alia river. Turns out that when a bunch of Fabians upset the Gauls, those Gauls decide to march south towards Rome…
We rejoin the Romans and the Gauls in 390 BCE at the place where the Tiber river intersects with the Alia river. Turns out that when a bunch of Fabians upset the Gauls, those Gauls decide to march south towards Rome…
November 27, 2025 at 8:02 AM
✨New Episode – The Gallic Sack of Rome – Part 2✨
We rejoin the Romans and the Gauls in 390 BCE at the place where the Tiber river intersects with the Alia river. Turns out that when a bunch of Fabians upset the Gauls, those Gauls decide to march south towards Rome…
We rejoin the Romans and the Gauls in 390 BCE at the place where the Tiber river intersects with the Alia river. Turns out that when a bunch of Fabians upset the Gauls, those Gauls decide to march south towards Rome…
✨ The Tomb of the Haterii ✨
This tomb relief is a special one for the insights it offers about building practices. The crane to the left seems to be the manned by many people (likely enslaved).
This tomb relief is a special one for the insights it offers about building practices. The crane to the left seems to be the manned by many people (likely enslaved).
November 26, 2025 at 7:45 AM
✨ The Tomb of the Haterii ✨
This tomb relief is a special one for the insights it offers about building practices. The crane to the left seems to be the manned by many people (likely enslaved).
This tomb relief is a special one for the insights it offers about building practices. The crane to the left seems to be the manned by many people (likely enslaved).
First of all, we’ve got a brand new episode out later this week 🥳
Second, despite the fact that both of us are dressed up as accurate Roman soldiers (add the asterisks you need here and then move on), we have a serious question for you. Which of us is the Gauls c. 390 BCE in this picture?
Second, despite the fact that both of us are dressed up as accurate Roman soldiers (add the asterisks you need here and then move on), we have a serious question for you. Which of us is the Gauls c. 390 BCE in this picture?
November 25, 2025 at 9:22 AM
First of all, we’ve got a brand new episode out later this week 🥳
Second, despite the fact that both of us are dressed up as accurate Roman soldiers (add the asterisks you need here and then move on), we have a serious question for you. Which of us is the Gauls c. 390 BCE in this picture?
Second, despite the fact that both of us are dressed up as accurate Roman soldiers (add the asterisks you need here and then move on), we have a serious question for you. Which of us is the Gauls c. 390 BCE in this picture?
✨The Triumph of Venus✨
This #MosaicMonday we celebrate Venus in all her 4th Century CE glory! This mosaic shows Venus travelling the sea while supported by two centaur seahorses. The lowest register shows fisherman enjoying the fruits of the sea. Packed with detail, this mosaic is a feast!
This #MosaicMonday we celebrate Venus in all her 4th Century CE glory! This mosaic shows Venus travelling the sea while supported by two centaur seahorses. The lowest register shows fisherman enjoying the fruits of the sea. Packed with detail, this mosaic is a feast!
November 24, 2025 at 8:22 AM
✨The Triumph of Venus✨
This #MosaicMonday we celebrate Venus in all her 4th Century CE glory! This mosaic shows Venus travelling the sea while supported by two centaur seahorses. The lowest register shows fisherman enjoying the fruits of the sea. Packed with detail, this mosaic is a feast!
This #MosaicMonday we celebrate Venus in all her 4th Century CE glory! This mosaic shows Venus travelling the sea while supported by two centaur seahorses. The lowest register shows fisherman enjoying the fruits of the sea. Packed with detail, this mosaic is a feast!
✨Hephaestus and Thetis✨
This #FrescoFriday we drop in on Hephaestus who has just finishes forging the armour for Achilles. Thetis, Achilles’ mum, is right on hand for the pick up! This piece is held in the MAN Napoli.
#AncientRome
This #FrescoFriday we drop in on Hephaestus who has just finishes forging the armour for Achilles. Thetis, Achilles’ mum, is right on hand for the pick up! This piece is held in the MAN Napoli.
#AncientRome
November 21, 2025 at 8:07 AM
✨Hephaestus and Thetis✨
This #FrescoFriday we drop in on Hephaestus who has just finishes forging the armour for Achilles. Thetis, Achilles’ mum, is right on hand for the pick up! This piece is held in the MAN Napoli.
#AncientRome
This #FrescoFriday we drop in on Hephaestus who has just finishes forging the armour for Achilles. Thetis, Achilles’ mum, is right on hand for the pick up! This piece is held in the MAN Napoli.
#AncientRome
✨Augustus in colour✨
The Prima Porta Augustus is one of the most famous sculptures of ancient Rome. Earlier depictions of the sculpture noted the remnants of colour but the craze for cleaned statuary meant much detail was lost to the casual gaze.
#AncientRome #History
The Prima Porta Augustus is one of the most famous sculptures of ancient Rome. Earlier depictions of the sculpture noted the remnants of colour but the craze for cleaned statuary meant much detail was lost to the casual gaze.
#AncientRome #History
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
✨Augustus in colour✨
The Prima Porta Augustus is one of the most famous sculptures of ancient Rome. Earlier depictions of the sculpture noted the remnants of colour but the craze for cleaned statuary meant much detail was lost to the casual gaze.
#AncientRome #History
The Prima Porta Augustus is one of the most famous sculptures of ancient Rome. Earlier depictions of the sculpture noted the remnants of colour but the craze for cleaned statuary meant much detail was lost to the casual gaze.
#AncientRome #History
✨Augustus and Victory✨
Augustus strikes an heroic nude pose while he and a winged Victory attend to a military trophy. Augustus is further distinguished by being attended by an eagle. Beneath the military trophy is a bound figure who represents those conquered.
#ReliefWednesday #AncientRome
Augustus strikes an heroic nude pose while he and a winged Victory attend to a military trophy. Augustus is further distinguished by being attended by an eagle. Beneath the military trophy is a bound figure who represents those conquered.
#ReliefWednesday #AncientRome
November 19, 2025 at 9:34 AM
✨Augustus and Victory✨
Augustus strikes an heroic nude pose while he and a winged Victory attend to a military trophy. Augustus is further distinguished by being attended by an eagle. Beneath the military trophy is a bound figure who represents those conquered.
#ReliefWednesday #AncientRome
Augustus strikes an heroic nude pose while he and a winged Victory attend to a military trophy. Augustus is further distinguished by being attended by an eagle. Beneath the military trophy is a bound figure who represents those conquered.
#ReliefWednesday #AncientRome
If you see us together in a museum, always assume we’ve taken very silly photos together. This is our PSA.
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
If you see us together in a museum, always assume we’ve taken very silly photos together. This is our PSA.
✨A cat amongst the birds ✨
Amongst the treasures held by the MAN Napoli is this beautiful scene from ancient Capua. A pigeon and two parrots eagerly attend the bird bath, but watch out for that cat!
#MosaicMonday #AncientRome
Amongst the treasures held by the MAN Napoli is this beautiful scene from ancient Capua. A pigeon and two parrots eagerly attend the bird bath, but watch out for that cat!
#MosaicMonday #AncientRome
November 17, 2025 at 7:48 AM
✨A cat amongst the birds ✨
Amongst the treasures held by the MAN Napoli is this beautiful scene from ancient Capua. A pigeon and two parrots eagerly attend the bird bath, but watch out for that cat!
#MosaicMonday #AncientRome
Amongst the treasures held by the MAN Napoli is this beautiful scene from ancient Capua. A pigeon and two parrots eagerly attend the bird bath, but watch out for that cat!
#MosaicMonday #AncientRome
✨The Seasons✨
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
November 14, 2025 at 6:43 AM
✨The Seasons✨
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Block 10, Regio IX of Pompeii to enjoy some of the details from the blue room unveiled during archaeological work in 2024. The room is thought to have been a sacrarium — “a shrine devoted to ritual activities and the storage of sacred objects”.
✨Bring on the good fortune✨
This #PhallusThursday we celebrate with this tuff stele from Pompeii that depicts a large phallus inside a temple. If you ever wondered if the Romans attributed divine power to the phallus, wonder no more!
#AncientRome
This #PhallusThursday we celebrate with this tuff stele from Pompeii that depicts a large phallus inside a temple. If you ever wondered if the Romans attributed divine power to the phallus, wonder no more!
#AncientRome
November 13, 2025 at 6:45 AM
✨Bring on the good fortune✨
This #PhallusThursday we celebrate with this tuff stele from Pompeii that depicts a large phallus inside a temple. If you ever wondered if the Romans attributed divine power to the phallus, wonder no more!
#AncientRome
This #PhallusThursday we celebrate with this tuff stele from Pompeii that depicts a large phallus inside a temple. If you ever wondered if the Romans attributed divine power to the phallus, wonder no more!
#AncientRome
✨The Two Princes✨
Gaius and Lucius or Britannicus and Nero? The identity of these two young men depicted in heroic nude at Aphrodisias is up for debate, but that we’re looking at imperial youths is clear. The figure on the left holds the orb of the world—a clear sign of rule.
#ReliefWednesday
Gaius and Lucius or Britannicus and Nero? The identity of these two young men depicted in heroic nude at Aphrodisias is up for debate, but that we’re looking at imperial youths is clear. The figure on the left holds the orb of the world—a clear sign of rule.
#ReliefWednesday
November 12, 2025 at 7:53 AM
✨The Two Princes✨
Gaius and Lucius or Britannicus and Nero? The identity of these two young men depicted in heroic nude at Aphrodisias is up for debate, but that we’re looking at imperial youths is clear. The figure on the left holds the orb of the world—a clear sign of rule.
#ReliefWednesday
Gaius and Lucius or Britannicus and Nero? The identity of these two young men depicted in heroic nude at Aphrodisias is up for debate, but that we’re looking at imperial youths is clear. The figure on the left holds the orb of the world—a clear sign of rule.
#ReliefWednesday
Here’s Bellerophon in all his heroism!
This #MosaicMonday we recognise the glorious artistry of this second century CE mosaic that depicts Bellerophon riding Pegasus while killing the Chimera.
This #MosaicMonday we recognise the glorious artistry of this second century CE mosaic that depicts Bellerophon riding Pegasus while killing the Chimera.
November 10, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Here’s Bellerophon in all his heroism!
This #MosaicMonday we recognise the glorious artistry of this second century CE mosaic that depicts Bellerophon riding Pegasus while killing the Chimera.
This #MosaicMonday we recognise the glorious artistry of this second century CE mosaic that depicts Bellerophon riding Pegasus while killing the Chimera.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to the tomb of Gaius Vestorius Priscus, Pompeii.
This scene is part the inner west wall of the tomb and depicts gladiators squaring off. It seems reasonable to suppose this fresco captures a fight held in honour of the departed Gaius Vestorius Priscus.
This scene is part the inner west wall of the tomb and depicts gladiators squaring off. It seems reasonable to suppose this fresco captures a fight held in honour of the departed Gaius Vestorius Priscus.
November 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
This #FrescoFriday we travel to the tomb of Gaius Vestorius Priscus, Pompeii.
This scene is part the inner west wall of the tomb and depicts gladiators squaring off. It seems reasonable to suppose this fresco captures a fight held in honour of the departed Gaius Vestorius Priscus.
This scene is part the inner west wall of the tomb and depicts gladiators squaring off. It seems reasonable to suppose this fresco captures a fight held in honour of the departed Gaius Vestorius Priscus.
✨New Episode - The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 1✨
We’re about to embark on a stunning period of Rome’s history in the middle Republic. We begin with some of the important details from the latter part of 391 BCE which will have flow on effects for 390 BCE!
#AncientRome #Podcast
We’re about to embark on a stunning period of Rome’s history in the middle Republic. We begin with some of the important details from the latter part of 391 BCE which will have flow on effects for 390 BCE!
#AncientRome #Podcast
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
✨New Episode - The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 1✨
We’re about to embark on a stunning period of Rome’s history in the middle Republic. We begin with some of the important details from the latter part of 391 BCE which will have flow on effects for 390 BCE!
#AncientRome #Podcast
We’re about to embark on a stunning period of Rome’s history in the middle Republic. We begin with some of the important details from the latter part of 391 BCE which will have flow on effects for 390 BCE!
#AncientRome #Podcast
This #ReliefWednesday we celebrate Hecate, the goddess of the crossroads and transitions.
This is a votive relief to Hecate and the inscription warns against defacement of the place where the relief was located. Presumably the relief was originally located in a sanctuary to the goddess.
This is a votive relief to Hecate and the inscription warns against defacement of the place where the relief was located. Presumably the relief was originally located in a sanctuary to the goddess.
November 5, 2025 at 7:49 AM
This #ReliefWednesday we celebrate Hecate, the goddess of the crossroads and transitions.
This is a votive relief to Hecate and the inscription warns against defacement of the place where the relief was located. Presumably the relief was originally located in a sanctuary to the goddess.
This is a votive relief to Hecate and the inscription warns against defacement of the place where the relief was located. Presumably the relief was originally located in a sanctuary to the goddess.
Watch this space! There’s a brand new episode coming your way later this week. Could the Romans be anymore entangled with the Gauls? Of course they could!
#AncientRome
#AncientRome
November 4, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Watch this space! There’s a brand new episode coming your way later this week. Could the Romans be anymore entangled with the Gauls? Of course they could!
#AncientRome
#AncientRome
✨Caracalla’s athletes✨
Among the decorations of the Baths of Caracalla is s sequence of mosaics depicting athletes. The fascination with the bodily prowess of the athlete comes to the fore in such moments. Today these mosaics are held in the Musei Vaticani collections.
#MosaicMonday
Among the decorations of the Baths of Caracalla is s sequence of mosaics depicting athletes. The fascination with the bodily prowess of the athlete comes to the fore in such moments. Today these mosaics are held in the Musei Vaticani collections.
#MosaicMonday
November 3, 2025 at 7:15 AM
✨Caracalla’s athletes✨
Among the decorations of the Baths of Caracalla is s sequence of mosaics depicting athletes. The fascination with the bodily prowess of the athlete comes to the fore in such moments. Today these mosaics are held in the Musei Vaticani collections.
#MosaicMonday
Among the decorations of the Baths of Caracalla is s sequence of mosaics depicting athletes. The fascination with the bodily prowess of the athlete comes to the fore in such moments. Today these mosaics are held in the Musei Vaticani collections.
#MosaicMonday
🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃
May the spirits be settled and placated and the night sit lightly upon you. This blackbird is our pick for #FrescoFriday and #Halloween
May the spirits be settled and placated and the night sit lightly upon you. This blackbird is our pick for #FrescoFriday and #Halloween
October 31, 2025 at 7:15 PM
🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃
May the spirits be settled and placated and the night sit lightly upon you. This blackbird is our pick for #FrescoFriday and #Halloween
May the spirits be settled and placated and the night sit lightly upon you. This blackbird is our pick for #FrescoFriday and #Halloween
Is it even podcasting about ancient Rome if there hasn’t been any swordplay or silly shenanigans?
#AncientRome #History
#AncientRome #History
October 30, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Is it even podcasting about ancient Rome if there hasn’t been any swordplay or silly shenanigans?
#AncientRome #History
#AncientRome #History
✨The Eleusinian Mysteries✨
Demeter and Persephone flank a young youth thought to be Triptolemos. This beautiful Augustan era rendition based on a Greek relief is our pick for #ReliefWednesday and #ClassicsTober25.
Demeter and Persephone flank a young youth thought to be Triptolemos. This beautiful Augustan era rendition based on a Greek relief is our pick for #ReliefWednesday and #ClassicsTober25.
October 29, 2025 at 7:21 AM
✨The Eleusinian Mysteries✨
Demeter and Persephone flank a young youth thought to be Triptolemos. This beautiful Augustan era rendition based on a Greek relief is our pick for #ReliefWednesday and #ClassicsTober25.
Demeter and Persephone flank a young youth thought to be Triptolemos. This beautiful Augustan era rendition based on a Greek relief is our pick for #ReliefWednesday and #ClassicsTober25.
Detail from the gladiator mosaics housed in the Villa Borghese.
This #MosaicMonday we bear witness to the gruelling stakes of the arena where death was always a possibility.
This #MosaicMonday we bear witness to the gruelling stakes of the arena where death was always a possibility.
October 27, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Detail from the gladiator mosaics housed in the Villa Borghese.
This #MosaicMonday we bear witness to the gruelling stakes of the arena where death was always a possibility.
This #MosaicMonday we bear witness to the gruelling stakes of the arena where death was always a possibility.
✨We are in a documentary - and
it's out now! ✨
We’re part of the National Geographic documentary, “Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World”! Each episode explores the world of the arena by focusing on the story of a particular gladiator, like SPARTACUS! Catch it if you can 🥳
#AncientRome
it's out now! ✨
We’re part of the National Geographic documentary, “Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World”! Each episode explores the world of the arena by focusing on the story of a particular gladiator, like SPARTACUS! Catch it if you can 🥳
#AncientRome
October 26, 2025 at 6:53 AM
✨We are in a documentary - and
it's out now! ✨
We’re part of the National Geographic documentary, “Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World”! Each episode explores the world of the arena by focusing on the story of a particular gladiator, like SPARTACUS! Catch it if you can 🥳
#AncientRome
it's out now! ✨
We’re part of the National Geographic documentary, “Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World”! Each episode explores the world of the arena by focusing on the story of a particular gladiator, like SPARTACUS! Catch it if you can 🥳
#AncientRome
‼️Riot in Pompeii ‼️
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Pompeii to bear witness to the riot that broke out in 59 CE during the games. This scene shows the arena of Pompeii and fighting breaking out into the surrounding streets.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Pompeii to bear witness to the riot that broke out in 59 CE during the games. This scene shows the arena of Pompeii and fighting breaking out into the surrounding streets.
October 24, 2025 at 10:55 AM
‼️Riot in Pompeii ‼️
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Pompeii to bear witness to the riot that broke out in 59 CE during the games. This scene shows the arena of Pompeii and fighting breaking out into the surrounding streets.
This #FrescoFriday we travel to Pompeii to bear witness to the riot that broke out in 59 CE during the games. This scene shows the arena of Pompeii and fighting breaking out into the surrounding streets.
✨Something exciting is coming✨
We’ve been podcasting together for many years, revelling in our love for the ancient world, and poking fun at those Romans along the way. But our expertise as scholars is in main two topics - the Vestals and Spartacus.
We’ve been podcasting together for many years, revelling in our love for the ancient world, and poking fun at those Romans along the way. But our expertise as scholars is in main two topics - the Vestals and Spartacus.
October 23, 2025 at 6:14 AM
✨Something exciting is coming✨
We’ve been podcasting together for many years, revelling in our love for the ancient world, and poking fun at those Romans along the way. But our expertise as scholars is in main two topics - the Vestals and Spartacus.
We’ve been podcasting together for many years, revelling in our love for the ancient world, and poking fun at those Romans along the way. But our expertise as scholars is in main two topics - the Vestals and Spartacus.