The Dark Ages Podcast

Mar 02 2025 56 ep. 32 mins 223
The Dark Ages Podcast artwork

The history of Europe from 376 and beyond the Fall of Rome. Barbarian invasions, kings, queens, and saints, myths and legends. It’s the history they skipped.

  History  Education  Society & Culture
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Origo Gothica

Oct 04 2021 31 mins  
The Goths, Part One. The Goths appear on the Roman border and quickly become a force to be reckoned with. This episode deals with the Goths origins, early history, conflicts with Rome in the third century, and some things about their culture. Who was a Goth when he was at home? (Spoiler, he didn't wear black or think much about vampires.) This episode covers a period from about 100

Athanaric & Fritigern

Oct 08 2021 43 mins  
The Goths, Part 2 c. 264-378 CE The Goths face challenges at home and abroad. An ambitious Roman Emperor seeks to shore up his reign at their expense. Religious controversy and rivalry threatens internal stability. But the greatest challenge arises in the East, and the Goths must abandon their way of life. The Lord's Prayer in Gothic Map of the Adrianople Campaign Music: "The Brito

Alaric the Bold

Oct 14 2021 32 mins  
The Goths, Part 3 378 - 408 CE The Gothic Wars end in stalemate as Goths and Romans try to come to terms with new realities. A new leader appears to push for dignity and power for his people, who will take the fight into the heartland of the Roman world. Map of Alaric's invasion of Greece Map of Alaric's First Invasion of Italy Bust of Eutropius Music: "The Britons" by Kevin MacLeo

The Sack of Rome

Oct 21 2021 28 mins  
The Goths, Part 4 408-410 CE The death of Stilicho leaves Alaric and the Visigoths high and dry. Negotiations break down, and Alaric takes drastic action. The Sack of Rome of 410 is pointed to as one of the points where the Roman Empire fell and the resonance of the event would be felt down through the centuries. Music : "The Britons" by Kevin MacLeod freepd.com "Rulers of our La

Five Kings and a Reckoning

Oct 28 2021 35 mins  
The Goths, Part 5 410 - 451 CE The Visigoths move out of Italy, into more years of privation. Along the way there's a royal marriage, long marches, sieges and naval blockades. Ultimately the Goths find what they've been looking for for nearly half a century - a home. But there's another, even greater test on the horizon, and a chance to face an old enemy. Music: "The Bretons" By Ke

The Whirlwind of Nations - The Huns Part 1

Nov 04 2021 37 mins  
c. 370 - 395 CE Where had the Huns come from? Who were they? How did they fight? What made them so scary? I'll look for answers in this episode, and may even find some. Information on cranial modification is here and here An image of the patera is here Music "The Bretons" By Kevin MacLeod freepd.com

All the Sun Shines Upon - The Huns Part 2

Nov 26 2021 33 mins  
395 - 435 CE Contact with the wealth of the Roman empire gradually changes the Huns and sets the stage for their most famous ruler. Map of Roman Provinces Music "The Bretons" By Kevin MacLeod freepd.com

Atilla Invictus - The Huns Part 3

Dec 31 2021 34 mins  
435 - 446 CE The scourge of God rises from the Hunnic horde. The Romans have to deal with him while also facing earthquake, flood, and plague. Straight up not having a good time, bro. Map of the Roman road network. Another map of the geography of the Balkans in late antiquity. Music "The Bretons" By Kevin MacLeod freepd.com

The Vandals Part 1

Jan 20 2022 34 mins  
c. 200 BCE to 408 CE I introduce the Vandals with a cold. The Vandals don't have a cold, I have a cold. So, sorry about that. The Vandals rose up next door to the Goths, with whom they would have a complicated relationship. This episode tracks their early migration into Gaul and then Spain, and talks a little bit about what their home life would have been like. There's also a bonus

King of Africa - The Vandals Part 2

Feb 04 2022 39 mins  
408 - 439 CE The Vandals, along with their allies, the Alans and Suevi, ravage Spain before moving into Africa. There, under the leadership of their king Gaiseric, they will achieve something no other Barbarian tribe has yet accomplished. Map of the Vandal Invasion of Spain Roman Provinces of Africa The Peutinger Tabula Music Title: "The Britons" by Kevin MacLeod http://www.freep