I had initially wanted to do a podcast. I soon realized that with the birth of my son, I would barely have enough time to research and write an episode, let alone take care of all the audio work involved. I found myself mildly dejected. The easy solution was what you’ve seen here…a history blog that’s as random as I am.
Miniature of the Trojan Horse, from the Vergilius Romanus, a manuscript of Virgil’s Aeneid, early 5th century.
As has been implied, I do listen to a lot of history podcasts. I thought it would be nice to give a mention to some of my favorites, as they’ve inspired me to get this blog rolling. In no particular order….
The History of English Podcast
Kevin Stroud does a great job of explaining the history of the language we all use on a daily basis. It begins with it’s Indo-European roots, follows it through Latin, Greek and the early Germanic languages. An excellent listen.
The granddaddy of them all. This is the podcast I would want to make if I could. Well, that would be plagiarism, but you get my point. Carlin’s series on the Mongol conquest of the known world is epic beyond compare.
Scott Chesworth explains civilization from it’s early Mesopotamian beginnings on to the onset of classical civilization. Scott’s smooth dulcet tones guide you along.
One of my favorite subjects, The Crusades are brought to life by Sharyn Eastaugh. She uses first hand sources when possible and the battle between Christian and Muslim forces for control of the Holy Land explodes in your ears.
“Steep Street ancient road to Prior’s Hill”, Bristol. Image by unkown engraver
Fin Dwyer tackles Irish history. After my last visit to Ireland, I realized that it was the country I had spent the most time in that I didn’t really know its history. There’s a quick remedy way to change that.
Lars Brownworth is your host as you follow the Norman nobility through their conquest of England and Sicily and various other intrigues and escapades. A quintessential tale of a duchy punching above its weight.
This is the podcast my father would listen to if he understood how to use a computer…or an iPhone…or a walkman… Zach Twamley looks at war, not from a nuts and bolts technical point of view, but from the eyes of the diplomat and statesmen.
Robin Pierson has the voice of 100 angels and picks up where the History of Rome left off. Byzantium bridges the Classical and Middle Ages and Pierson takes great care in bringing you on that journey.
Who doesn’t like the Papacy. There’s so much intrigue, backstabbing and double-crossing that it’s like a daytime soap opera, but in your history book. Stephen Guerra is your host.
Yesterday Unhinged 
Two from BBC Radio 4 I’d thoroughly recommend are In Our Time http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/iot and A History of the World in 100 Objects http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/ahow