The Fall of Rome Podcast - Podcast Rankings and reviews

It’s like a college level course in Roman history minus the tuition fees. Very thankful to podcasters like this one who offer this level of quality research and education to us all for free. Highly recommend this show. A+

This was exactly what I wanted: an accessible perfectly detailed account of the fall of Rome. I learned a ton. Thank you!

One of the more meaty history pods I’ve heard in a while. Great to hear Wyman give an overview of scholarly debates, without going too far down those rabbit holes. I am now on team Goth, with two thumbs down for the Vandals.

I started with Season One, Episode 6 because I am reading a book that is set in 7th Century Britain and thought this podcast might provide good background information. It does, and it also has me hooked on learning more about the history of the Fall of Rome! Three cheers, and 5 stars.

I really wanted to like this podcast since I am fascinated by this time period and The Romans. The use of fictional characters to layout the history is so unnecessary and mundane, it completely distracts from significant events. I found myself trying to follow the characters and conceptualize his discriptions rather than focus on all of the moving parts during this time period. In addition, the author often stumbles and stammers his way thru the narration, and throws academic jabs at what I surmise are his doubting peers. It just dragged on and on to the point of exhaustion. By the 4th episode I had to jump off. This history can be very exciting, and by not focusing on the emperors and politicians points of view, I found myself lost in the daily activities of people - what they wore, how they lived. This was interesting, but not for this series. That is more a study in culture versus the overall socioeconomic/political conditions that shredded this dynasty. I would give this one a hard pass.

History buffs looking for an excruciatingly detailed telling of the Roman Empire may be satisfied with this show. Lots of research was done for sure. Unfortunately, the quality of the actual show is lacking when compared to presentations made by contemporaries. Noizer has a fantastic podcast about Napoleon. The narration is professionally recorded with a talented performer. Music and sound effects are used to bolster the information and the occasional expert interview is woven in for additional context and balance.

This podcast pales in comparison. It sounds like a graduate student reading from their notes preparing for a doctorate thesis presentation. Stiff readings that are poorly recorded. You can hear the script. The vocal quality is sibilant and thin. I can here the reflections of the room it was recorded in. Obviously not a professional recording studio.

Podcasts have really matured in the last 10 years. Unfortunately this one sounds like it was made 11 years ago.