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The Partial Historians 🏺
@partialhistorians.bsky.social
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After surviving exposure at birth, these unconventional academics realised they were destined to found the greatest Ancient Roman History podcast! 🏛📯⚔️

📘‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ is out now! https://linktr.ee/ThePartialHistorians
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✨Dr G in print✨

It’s always an exciting day to see your work make it to print! I’m thrilled to have contributed to an exploration of gender concepts in ancient Rome to help researchers dipping into the subject for the first time.
Book cover for ‘A CULTURAL HISTORY OF GENDER IN ANTIQUITY’ Edited by Alastair J. L. Blanshard. Published by Bloomsbury. Inside title page from ‘CHAPTER 4: Politics and War’ by PETA GREENFIELD AND ALASTAIR J. L. BLANSHARD
February 6, 2026 at 9:41 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Titus was the second Flavian emperor and had a huge influence on imperial Rome. The Flavians were the second dynasty of the imperial period - Titus’ reign was short, but significant.
Image of the Arch of Titus. Text reads ‘Special Episode - The Emperor Titus with Marc Hyden’
February 5, 2026 at 10:02 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Ever wondered what Roman religion was like *before* they meet the Greeks? This is a fascinating side to early Roman history and we chat about what we do know and what we can know when it comes to truly Roman practices in relation to the gods.
Image is a fresco depicting two Lares flanking a genius. A snake depicted beneath the figures approaches an altar. This artefact comes from the House of the Vettii, Pompeii.
February 5, 2026 at 7:28 AM
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This beautiful but fragmentary relief depicts a theatre mask. Dating to the first century CE, the provenance of this relief is unknown, but the artistry cannot be denied. The intricate curls and waves of the hair add a sense of drama to the subject.

#ReliefWednesday #AncientRome #History
This relief fragment shows part of a face and hair of a woman thought to be a theatre mask. The hair is wavy and pulled back but loose curls fall over the shoulder. The figure also appears to wear a garland of some kind. From the Getty, object number 71.AA.291.
February 4, 2026 at 8:03 AM
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✨Gladiators!✨

If you’re in the UK and have been keen to catch us in the National Geographic documentary ‘Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World’ you’re in luck as it’s out now!
Image is a promotional poster for the documentary showing a gladiator helmet laying on the sands of the arena.
February 3, 2026 at 10:13 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Mosaic glass beads were used for jewellery in the eastern provinces of the Roman empire. These beads are thought to date to the first century CE and most were part of a necklace.
A grid of nine glass beads with faces on them. Question reads: “On a scale of squished glass mosaic bead face, how are you feeling today?” Image of a necklace made of glass beads with faces on them.
February 2, 2026 at 8:40 AM
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✨Mars, the god of war ✨

Ancient frescoes hint at the sometimes delicate colouration of statuary. There are polychromatic elements to the cloak and helmet of Mars, but he does look very pale…
Description from World History Encyclopaedia: ‘Mars, the Roman god of war, is painted standing on a plinth in this fresco from Pompeii. In a typical pose, he has a spear, shield and crested helmet. (House of Venus, Pompeii).”
January 30, 2026 at 9:31 AM
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✨The Athlete✨

Depictions of elite athletes were a mainstay of ancient Greek sculpture and the form was also highly prized by the Romans.
Rear view of the statue of an athlete. Description from The Getty: “An over-life-size statue missing both arms just below the shoulder, as well as the lower parts of each leg. The remains of marble struts are preserved in the center of the chest and along the lower right ribs. The figure’s elongated body and soft facial features displays the proportions and style developed by the Greek sculptor Lysippos of Sikyon (active about 370–315 B.C.)...This fragmentary figure is in the pose of an athlete scraping oil from his back after a competition.” Front view of the statue of an athlete. Description from The Getty: “An over-life-size statue missing both arms just below the shoulder, as well as the lower parts of each leg. The remains of marble struts are preserved in the center of the chest and along the lower right ribs. The figure’s elongated body and soft facial features displays the proportions and style developed by the Greek sculptor Lysippos of Sikyon (active about 370–315 B.C.)...This fragmentary figure is in the pose of an athlete scraping oil from his back after a competition.”
January 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM
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✨Exceptional Elephants✨

These two gorgeous elephants are thought to have once faced each other in an architectural setting, but the provenance is mostly unknown.
Description from The Getty: “Two rectangular architectural panels with plain moldings, each with the depiction of an elephant in relief. Both pieces are cut and chipped on their inner ends in such a way as to suggest that the elephants faced each other in an architectural setting. Small rectangular cut-away areas appear above the end of the trunk of each elephant. They stride across the panels with their trunks curled in a salute and with fringed ceremonial blankets on their backs. Incised crosshatching is used to convey the roughness of the hide. Unknown artist/maker (Roman); Pair of Architectural Reliefs with Elephants, A.D. 80–100; Italian marble; The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 71.AA.463.” Description from The Getty: “Two rectangular architectural panels with plain moldings, each with the depiction of an elephant in relief. Both pieces are cut and chipped on their inner ends in such a way as to suggest that the elephants faced each other in an architectural setting. Small rectangular cut-away areas appear above the end of the trunk of each elephant. They stride across the panels with their trunks curled in a salute and with fringed ceremonial blankets on their backs. Incised crosshatching is used to convey the roughness of the hide. Unknown artist/maker (Roman); Pair of Architectural Reliefs with Elephants, A.D. 80–100; Italian marble; The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 71.AA.463.”
January 28, 2026 at 7:44 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
Where else could you listen to over 188 hours of ancient Roman history (and counting!)? We’ve been podcasting for many years and we’re thrilled to be still enjoying ancient Rome together and sharing it with you ☺️

#AncientRome #History #Podcast 🏺🎙️
January 27, 2026 at 6:08 AM
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✨Paris and Helen✨

In this scene from the ‘House of Jason’ in Pompeii. We see Eros in a doorway apparently having engineered the meeting of Paris and Helen in Sparta. What happens next will shock you!
Image description: Paris sits in a chair in front of the palace at Sparta and meets Helen. Eros is depicted in the door of the palace. Originally part of the frescoes in the so-called ‘House of Jason’ at Pompeii, this fresco is now held by the MAN Napoli, inv. 114320.
January 23, 2026 at 9:21 AM
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✨The Gallic Sack of Rome - Part 4✨

We return to our mini-series on the events purported to be happening in 390 BCE. As the Gauls settle in for the siege, the Romans find themselves confined to the Capitoline Hill. It’ll take a honking turn though when Hera’s sacred geese get imvolved!
Image description: Colour lithograph after a now lost painting by Henri-Paul Motte (1883) depicting Juno's sacred geese warning the Romans while the Gauls approach the Capitol in 390 BCE.
January 22, 2026 at 7:52 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Pan riding an ithyphallic mule✨

The Greek god Pan was connected with flocks and shepherds so it perhaps only fitting that he is depicted here upon a mule, who is faithfully rendered complete with phallus.
The relief shows Pan astride a mule walking past a column. Before them is a tree with an excited dog attempting to reach a small figure of Priapus who is bearded and holding a cornucopia.
January 22, 2026 at 6:15 AM
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✨Cheeky Kitty✨

This #MosaicMonday celebrate the ancient cats and the birds in this glorious artwork. Such panels are thought to depict abundance and the suggestion of ingredients for a banquet.
In the upper register, the cat is depicted with a partridge in its mouth, with not a pear tree in sight! The lower register depicts two ducks, identified as a male Eurasian Teal, and a Common Shelduck. They are joined by some smaller birds, some fish, and shellfish.
January 19, 2026 at 7:43 AM
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✨Roman Triumphs✨

We sat down with Liv to talk all things Roman triumph, from the way the triumph developed over time to how the visual symbols of triumph have been repurposed by western culture ever since.
Image: ‘Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!’ Logo with part of episode title visible: “Conversations: Celebrating Imperial Violence, Roman Triumphs and Triumphal Arches w/ the Partial Historians”.
January 18, 2026 at 4:51 AM
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✨Diana✨

The goddess of the hunt prepares her bow and arrow in this scene from the Villa Arianna in Stabiae and now held by the MAN Napoli.

Image credit @chapps.bsky.social
Image is a fresco section depicting a female figure preparing to draw her bow. The figure is dressed in cream and yellow hues with velificatio which is a often a visual signal that the figure is a divinity, in this case the goddess of the hunt, Diana. Image credit to Stephen Chappell via Wikimedia Commons.
January 16, 2026 at 8:10 AM
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✨A monument of Delos ✨

If you’ve ever wondered where the Roman fascination for phalluses came from, look no further than Delos. The Greek island is home to some monumental phallic sculptures dedicated to the god of wine and revelry, Dionysus.
Photo of a large stone phallus (now partially broken) on top of a tall rectangular plinth with an animal (a cockerel?) with the head of a phallus. Image credit to the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World via Flickr.
January 15, 2026 at 9:31 AM
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✨Book Highlight✨

Our podcast is predicated on reading widely and engaging with the sources and sometimes that means going beyond our usual suspects writing about early Rome like Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus!

#AncientRome #Historians #Italy #Podcast
Book highlight: Italy before Rome by Katherine MacDonald. A collation of sources from Italic cueltures, such as Etruscan and Oscan that provide insights into thoughts and practices before the rise and dominance of Rome. Historians rating: five stars because we love engaging with ancient sources! This is a curated collection of ancient sources drawing upon a variety of the Italic languages beyond Latin. The book comes with maps for orientation as well as a detailed timeline to support a coherent appreciation of the evidence. The challenge of what Italic cultures were like prior to the rise of Rome is partly to do with language - we simply don’t have a full vocabulary or grammar for some of these languages. The other challenge is survival of evidence. This book seeks to open up the world of pre-Roman Italy with translations of evidence from treaties, tombs,and more.
January 13, 2026 at 9:07 PM
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✨The Chariot Race✨

This chariot race is part of the famously large mosaic found in Britain called the Horkstow mosaic. Featuring all the thrill of chariot racing including the spina (central island) and the metea (turning points). Happy #MosaicMonday indeed!

#AncientBluesky
Description from the Hull Museums Collection: “The mosaic panel at the bottom is unique in Britain and shows an eventful chariot race. The racecourse is indicated by the 'spina' or central island, and the 'metae' or turning posts. The four chariots may represent the four factions in the Roman racing world, each conventionally distinguished by the colour of the charioteers' tunics. The scene is laid out rather like a comic strip. One chariot has lost a wheel and overturned, pitching out the charioteer. An attendant dismounts to rescue him, while another lassos runaway horses. The charioteer who has successfully rounded the end of the 'spina' on the left gives his horses free rein, while the team approaching the other end are reined in for the turn. This scene, so full of action, movement and drama has to be one of the most engaging yet found in Romano-British art.” Description from the Hull Museums Collection: “The mosaic panel at the bottom is unique in Britain and shows an eventful chariot race. The racecourse is indicated by the 'spina' or central island, and the 'metae' or turning posts. The four chariots may represent the four factions in the Roman racing world, each conventionally distinguished by the colour of the charioteers' tunics. The scene is laid out rather like a comic strip. One chariot has lost a wheel and overturned, pitching out the charioteer. An attendant dismounts to rescue him, while another lassos runaway horses. The charioteer who has successfully rounded the end of the 'spina' on the left gives his horses free rein, while the team approaching the other end are reined in for the turn. This scene, so full of action, movement and drama has to be one of the most engaging yet found in Romano-British art.” Description from the Hull Museums Collection: “The mosaic panel at the bottom is unique in Britain and shows an eventful chariot race. The racecourse is indicated by the 'spina' or central island, and the 'metae' or turning posts. The four chariots may represent the four factions in the Roman racing world, each conventionally distinguished by the colour of the charioteers' tunics. The scene is laid out rather like a comic strip. One chariot has lost a wheel and overturned, pitching out the charioteer. An attendant dismounts to rescue him, while another lassos runaway horses. The charioteer who has successfully rounded the end of the 'spina' on the left gives his horses free rein, while the team approaching the other end are reined in for the turn. This scene, so full of action, movement and drama has to be one of the most engaging yet found in Romano-British art.” Description from the Hull Museums Collection: “The mosaic panel at the bottom is unique in Britain and shows an eventful chariot race. The racecourse is indicated by the 'spina' or central island, and the 'metae' or turning posts. The four chariots may represent the four factions in the Roman racing world, each conventionally distinguished by the colour of the charioteers' tunics. The scene is laid out rather like a comic strip. One chariot has lost a wheel and overturned, pitching out the charioteer. An attendant dismounts to rescue him, while another lassos runaway horses. The charioteer who has successfully rounded the end of the 'spina' on the left gives his horses free rein, while the team approaching the other end are reined in for the turn. This scene, so full of action, movement and drama has to be one of the most engaging yet found in Romano-British art.”
January 12, 2026 at 9:19 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
✨Work at the Fullonica✨

This brilliantly coloured fresco is part of a series preserved on a pillar from the Fullonica Veranius Hypsaeus in Pompeii. The workers are putting out cloth for drying. Today this piece can be seen in the MAN Napoli (inv. 9974).

#FrescoFriday #AncientRome #History
Three figures are shown against a bright orange-red background. The one to the right is sitting down holding fabric while the other two are standing while holding a piece of fabric between them. Lines for cloth to hang up are visible above them.
January 9, 2026 at 8:57 AM
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✨The dance of the maenads✨

This is one of four reliefs depicting maenads dancing held by the Museo del Prado. The exceptional detail and sense of flowing movement is simply exquisite.
This relief depicts a maenad dancing wildly with her head thrown right back and her flowing gown swishing around her from the movement. She holds a thyrsus in her right hand, an object often connected with Dionysos in iconography.
January 8, 2026 at 7:12 AM
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To say it’s been a big year is nearly an understatement. So many of the difficult events across the globe remind us of how important it is to hold on to your humanity and show compassion and care for our fellow human (and non-human) travellers in this life. Be the change you can in the ways you can.
Dr G and Dr Rad smiling together.
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 AM
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9. Dr Rad underwent surgery and is now in possession of a cochlear implant. We’re truly thankful for the technology that allows this kind of intervention to be possible and even more grateful for Dr Rad’s recovery.
9. Dr Rad underwent surgery and is now in possession of a cochlear implant. We’re truly thankful for the technology that allows this kind of intervention to be possible and even more grateful for Dr Rad’s recovery.
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
8. We released 22 episodes of the podcast! This including some fantastic guests AND we began our mini-series on the Gallic Sack of Rome…
8. We released 22 episodes of the podcast! This including some fantastic guests AND we began our mini-series on the Gallic Sack of Rome.
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 AM
partialhistorians.bsky.social
7. In October we celebrated the release of ‘Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World’ with Nat Geo. Still pinching ourselves about being involved in this project!
7. In October we celebrated the release of ‘Gladiators: Warriors of the Ancient World’ with Nat Geo. Still pinching ourselves about being involved in this project!
January 7, 2026 at 9:26 AM