General Belisarius was the most famous commander of his generation. In this episode he sacks Naples and reconquers Rome from the Ostrogoths. A daring sneak attack through an aqueduct, a heroic charge against the Gothic army, and a sex scandal that will ruin his reputation are all part of this amazing story. Was his wife…

General Belisarius is the most underrated commander of the Roman Empire. He was the man who reconquered the Roman province of North Africa from the Vandals — and that was just the start of his career. In this episode we cover battlefield tales of single combat with swaggering Persians, and a daring midnight escape by…

Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora rule the Eastern Roman Empire in a tumultuous period. The plague pays a visit to Constantinople, bringing massive death tolls.  They must also contend with treacherous officials, Christians who despise eachother, and a historian determined to damn them. Watch a palace sting operation unfold, and find out how lepers were…

The Nika Riots are some of the bloodiest ever recorded. They unfolded in Constantinople in 532. This insurrection nearly toppled Emperor Justinian, but Empress Theodora makes a speech that changes the course of events. This episode takes you into the Eastern Roman Empire in a period of violence, natural disasters, and social upheaval. From slaves…