This is the fifth and final episode in our special re-edited Rome series—trimmed and tuned for anyone wanting a clear, entertaining binge through early Roman history. Originally part of our larger decade-by-decade show, this arc gives new listeners the perfect entry point: the fall of the kings and the birth of the Roman Republic. Detail and fun like you’ll only get at Fan of History , from Dan the Rome Man. This really is an amazing episode—so many wild things happen! Unlike some other leaders ...
Jul 07, 2025•45 min
This is the fourth episode in our re-edited Rome series—a clean, bingeable path through the city’s legendary and early historical development. Originally part of our larger decade-by-decade podcast, this arc focuses solely on Rome, and this episode marks a turning point: the reign of Servius Tullius and his game-changing reforms. Servius Tullius isn’t just a placeholder king—he’s the guy who transforms Rome. In this episode, we look at the wide-reaching reforms he introduced, from reorganizing R...
Jul 06, 2025•30 min
Episode three of our special re-edited Rome series dives deeper into the monarchy—where assassination, ambition, and unlikely succession plans start shaping Rome into something recognizable. These episodes were originally part of our decade-by-decade podcast, now re-released to let you binge through early Rome without interruption. Lucius Tarquinius Priscus is assassinated by the sons of Ancus Marcius—but don’t worry, his widow’s got a plan. And what better solution than to make that blessed sla...
Jul 05, 2025•28 min
In order to prepare for episode 219 we are releasing all our previous Roman History episodes. This is episode two in our re-edited Rome series, giving new listeners a clean way to follow the early rise of the Eternal City. Originally part of our decade-by-decade podcast, we’ve re-released this arc as a Roman binge-track—one myth-soaked, war-filled episode at a time. Was Rome an Etruscan city? A Greek one? Or even... just a plain old Latin city? It’s a dream come true for Dan, who taps into his d...
Jul 04, 2025•37 min
In order to prepare for episode 219 we are rereleasing all our Roman History episodes... We kick off our special Rome series with the legendary origins of the Eternal City—Romulus, Remus, and all the myth-soaked drama that follows. From wolves and war to kings and augurs, we trace the early stories and semi-historical shadows of Rome’s first rulers, leading up to the reign of Tarquinius Priscus around 590 BCE. Dan leads the way (with great enthusiasm), and this episode sets the stage for everyth...
Jul 04, 2025•37 min
In preparation for episode 219 we have decided to release remastered episodes of all the Roman history we have covered. This will be episode 147, 163, 168, 172 and 199. These episode cover all of Roman history until right before the Roman Kingdom falls in episode 219. We hope that you enjoy this series. Our very detailed coverage of Rome will continue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 03, 2025•1 min
The year is 508 BCE, and Athens is a mess. Tyrants have fallen, Sparta’s been meddling, and the aristocrats can’t agree on lunch—let alone a constitution. Enter Cleisthenes with a bold idea: hand power to the people. In this episode, Bernie and Dan walk through the real, chaotic, and sometimes violent birth of Athenian democracy. This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory Custom ...
Jun 25, 2025•35 min
Dean Kinzer of Kinzer Coins joins Bernie to talk about the world of ancient coin collecting—how surprisingly accessible it is, what to look for, and why these tiny pieces of metal are gateways to massive historical stories. You don’t have to be a museum to hold the past in your hand. https://www.kinzercoins.com/ You will put the Buy me a Coffee and rest in right? If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory or https://buymeacoffee.com/...
Jun 17, 2025•54 min
Athens in the 510s BCE was on the edge of transformation. As tyranny collapsed, rival aristocrats scrambled to shape the city’s future. In this episode, we follow the dramatic events that set the stage for democracy—including one unexpected turning point that changed everything. This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory Custom Printed Shirts in 3 days! Go to graveyardprinting.co...
Jun 10, 2025•31 min
Long before the Greeks launched triremes or the Egyptians built reed boats, ancient Southeast Asians were already mastering the sea. In this episode, Bernie and Dan dive into new archaeological findings that challenge the entire timeline of technological progress. Stone tools, deep-sea fish bones, and microscopic plant fibers tell the story of a forgotten seafaring culture—one that may have built boats, caught tuna, and navigated open waters 40,000 years ago. Were the world’s first sailors islan...
May 21, 2025•16 min
It’s a wild ride through the 510s BCE in Greece—where legends fall and the ground starts to shift beneath the ancient world. We kick things off at the Olympics of 512, where a new champion takes all three footraces and Milo of Crotone suffers his final Olympic defeat. But Milo isn’t done—he goes to war, becomes a symbol of Crotone’s might… and eventually meets a famously gruesome end. Meanwhile, Pythagoras is tossed from the city he helped shape, and over in Athens, murder sets democracy in moti...
May 13, 2025•33 min
We march into the Persian Empire with Xenophon and Alex Petkas to break down the opening of Anabasis—a story of betrayal, survival, and leadership born from failure. This isn't just ancient military drama; it’s a mirror for modern challenges: how to lead when no one else will, how to make decisions in chaos, and how to earn trust in a world of uncertainty. https://www.costofglory.com/ Retreat info https://greece.costofglory.com/ This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you like ...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min
“If they are free men, they are the basest cravens in the world; but if they are slaves, none would love their masters more.” — Herodotus, on the Ionians A Persian army on the run. A desperate warning from the Scythians. And a group of Greek tyrants who choose despotism over defiance. In this episode, we follow the moment Darius I almost lost it all—plus Megabazus’ ruthless conquest of Thrace and the Persians’ first awkward dinner with Macedon and a guy named Alexander. Great episode... don't mi...
Apr 29, 2025•40 min
Introducing the first ever LazRus Podcast by the creative genius Aniello Dougherty - who is also a teenager! Something different. Something New. Check it out and let us know what you think. This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory or https://buymeacoffee.com/whatsnewinhistory Custom Printed Shirts in 3 days! Go to graveyardprinting.com and enter coupon code FANOFHISTORY2025 for...
Apr 23, 2025•7 min
The Vengeance of Wu Zixu: Blood Feud in the South The Spring and Autumn period just got personal. Wu Zixu watched his family fall at the hands of King Chu—and now, serving King Helü of Wu, he’s coming for payback. This episode dives into the explosive campaigns against Chu in the 510s BCE, with a certain strategist named Sun Tzu lurking at the edge of the battlefield. Revenge, war, amphibious assaults, and the art of patience—this is Part 2 of the chaos of the 510s. And Dan has some classic line...
Apr 16, 2025•24 min
We follow a mysterious figure named Zhuan Zhu, chosen by a rebellious prince to carry out a job that could change the future of Wu. There’s a banquet. There’s a blade. And you’ll want to hear what happens next. This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min
A volcanic eruption in 79 CE buried a villa. Two thousand years later, an AI read its scrolls. In this episode of What’s New in History, we dive into the jaw-dropping breakthroughs that let artificial intelligence peek inside the carbonized scrolls of Herculaneum—and actually read the ink no human eyes could see. Ancient philosophy meets cutting-edge code in one of the most exciting historical reveals of our time. ARTICLE LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uVTWmvm0p-dwpmFd55IkNx8ICwkGaAQC...
Mar 26, 2025•18 min
Darius the Great wasn’t just a king—he was the architect of the Persian Empire. In the 510s BC, he faced two major challenges: conquering the Scythians, and organizing the largest empire the world had ever seen. But what happens when you try to conquer an enemy that never stands still?In this episode, we break down his Scythian campaign against these nomadic warriors , and then we turn to how Darius revolutionized taxation, governance, and infrastructure, ensuring his empire would last for centu...
Mar 19, 2025•55 min
Rome left us roads, aqueducts, and massive temples—but they also left us a mystery. The Roman Dodecahedron is one of the most bizarre artifacts of the ancient world—found across Europe but with zero explanation. No Roman texts mention it. No art depicts it. And no two dodecahedrons are exactly alike. So what the hell were they used for? In this episode, Garry Stevens and I pull apart the theories, test the possibilities, and maybe even solve the mystery. Tune in to hear our take on the strangest...
Mar 12, 2025•25 min
Darius is firmly in charge of the Empire, so what's next? Well go get a bunch of wives for one! Dan takes us through the beginning of Darius' reign of this HUGE empire. Another thing to think about... are we seeing the true birth of the "Axial Age"? Buddha and his disciples are AMAZINGLY CLOSE to the Persian Empire if not actually part of it. Zoroastrianism is the religion of the empire... how can those ideas not spread? Throw in Greeks and Jews and wow is this a melting pot of ideas! This is a ...
Mar 05, 2025•34 min
From Republic to Autocracy, How Ancient Rome Warns Us About Democracy’s Fragility Alex Petkas is a writer, entrepreneur, and the host of Cost of Glory, a podcast celebrating Western Civilization's eminent heroes. With a PhD in Classics from Princeton University, he transitioned from academia to alternative media, where he empowers professionals and entrepreneurs through educational programs and leadership retreats. Alex’s mission is to translate profound insights from Greco-Roman leaders and phi...
Feb 26, 2025•51 min
We wrap up the Roaring 520s BC with a stellar cast of characters: The Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Darius and more! Tying up loose ends in China, a young Confucius meets the wise old Taoist sage Lao Tzu and the foundation of Chinese thought is birthed right here. And in Greece if one brother wasn't such a hot-head the movie "the 300" may never have been written and one of the most iconic and dramatic events of the ancient world may never have happened. Check out this episode for all the fun, fact...
Feb 19, 2025•37 min
Most high school students are busy with math and history—but Michael Hoffen took it a step further and learned ancient Egyptian! In this episode, we talk with the teen author of Be a Scribe!, a beautifully illustrated book that follows young Pepi’s journey to becoming a scribe. Michael shares how his passion for hieroglyphs began in middle school, why he chose to write this book, and what we can all learn from the scribes of ancient Egypt. https://www.beascribe.com/ This is a podcast by Dan Hörn...
Feb 12, 2025•30 min
In 524 BC, the unthinkable happened—four capitals in ancient China were engulfed in flames on the same day. But this wasn’t a random disaster; it was foretold. In this episode, we uncover the prophecy, explore the political intrigue surrounding the fires, and spotlight Zichan of Zheng, "Exemplary firefighting plan" saved his state from devastation. But did he save the turtle? Was it divine punishment or a clever conspiracy? Let’s find out! This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski If...
Feb 05, 2025•36 min
One of our favorite recurring guests, Gil Kidron, has another podcast about movies and we had a wild time discussing the 1956 classic movie "The 10 Commandments" starring Charlton Heston, Yule Brenner, John Derrick and directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Amazing movie. Great discussion. Don't miss it! Links to "As Depicted on Film" spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/72b4ZP8s0Ed7qvnn4gveeA Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/as-depicted-on-film/id1458014104 The 10 Commandments movie https://...
Jan 29, 2025•30 min
The 520s BC in China were anything but quiet. With states like Qi and Jin vying for influence, leaders like Zichan rising to prominence, and strange omens hinting at disaster, this decade laid the groundwork for one of the most extraordinary events in Zhou history. Join us as we unravel the decade’s intrigue and ambition where a father steals his son's hottie bride, an evil minister schemes and schemes, while a revenge plan is hatched. Good stuff... don't miss it! Links: https://en.wikipedia.org...
Jan 22, 2025•36 min
In this cross-podcast collaboration recorded in Barcelona, we explore the universal appeal of virgin and unusual birth myths. With Gil from Podcast of Biblical Proportions and Garry from History in the Bible, we connect the dots between mythic figures like Mithras, Buddha, and Jesus. Is the story of Jesus’ birth an exception—or part of a larger pattern in human storytelling? The answer may surprise you! Support What's New in History by buying us a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/WhatsNewInHistory Custo...
Jan 15, 2025•34 min
In the glittering Aegean of the 520s BC, Polycrates of Samos was a man of unmatched ambition and cunning—a tyrant who ruled the seas and defied the odds. But every rise has its fall. In this episode, we follow Polycrates’ journey to his gruesome end, a story of hubris, betrayal, and the inevitable downfall of the man who thought he could cheat fate. Herodotus link: https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Herodotus/3B*.html This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you ...
Jan 08, 2025•37 min
An ancient Passover letter might not be what it seems. New research suggests it could reflect Zoroastrian influences, reshaping what we know about Judaism’s origins. Join me and Gil Kidron of A Podcast of Biblical Proportions as we uncover this fascinating cross-cultural connection. Support What's New in History by buying us a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/WhatsNewInHistory Custom Printed Shirts in 3 days! Go to graveyardprinting.com and enter coupon code FANOFHISTORY2025 for 11% off Links https://ww...
Jan 01, 2025•38 min
Dan and Bernie return to Greece in the 520s BC where Kimon "The Booby" gains an Olympic title but loses his head. Did he win by running like an insane person in full hoplite gear? You'll just have to listen to find out! Quasi Moon Name - Vote Here https://radiolab.org/quasi-moon This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. If you like what we do you can support the Fan of History project on https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http:/...
Dec 27, 2024•28 min
