Show Notes
“Everything resounded with the confused noise of terrifying threats and shrieks of despairing anguish blended with the wailing of women and children.” - Livy
Later this year, I will launch a podcast that will run separately from History on Fire, and it will be entirely dedicated to Roman history. Today, I’ll give you a little taste of what’s coming up. In this episode, I’ll share with you a tale from approximately the 390s BCE: it’s the story of Rome’s triumph over its Etruscan rival Veii, before disaster strikes in the forms of a tribe of Gauls sacking the city. Among today’s offerings: the myth of Sisyphus, the dictatorship of Marcus Furius Camillus, the massacre at Veii, the sin of hubris, Nemesis knocking at Rome’s door, the downfall of Rome’s hero, the Italian Celts, Gauls migrating because of wine, the botched diplomatic mission at Clusium, Taoist advice, Tolkien, the origin of panic, Rome’s elders facing the Gauls, the sacred geese, “Woe to the vanquished.”
If you feel generous and enjoy History on Fire, please consider joining my Patreon to access plenty of bonus content.
All the links to History on Fire social media can be found at our LinkTree, including:
HOF YouTube, Substack, Instagram, TikTok.
JAPAN TOUR! Let’s head out to Japan in Oct 2026. All the details at Geek Nation Tours.
My daughter’s links: https://linktr.ee/isabellahanbolelli
Throughout history, people have used mushrooms (such as Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga) for their medicinal properties. My friends started Purest Mushrooms where they offer some of the best quality mushrooms you can find on the market at affordable prices. Use code historyonfire at checkout for a discount.
Bison is some of the healthiest meat you could possibly eat. Get yours at Dakota Pure Bison. History on Fire listeners get a discount by using the code HOF10 at checkout.
This episode is supported by Arizona State University. Learn more about how ASU supports all learners through all stages of life.
My friend James Pieratt is one of the world’s top functional training experts, and a record-breaking hybrid athlete. Use the code WH25 for a 25% discount on all of his training programs at Wild Hunt Conditioning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from History on Fire
“Marat posed a difficult challenge for Lafayette—a difficult challenge for any free society. Lafayette was committed to the principle of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but here was a journalist using fanatical lies and scurrilous accusations to incite the population to mass murder.” Mike Duncan
“[Italians are]… of questionable value from a mental, moral, or physical standpoint.” Anthropologist George Dorsey writing for the Chicago Tribune in 1910.
“Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split.” Robert E. Howard.
Government That Doesn't Suck is a Rewind Studios original podcast from the creators of History That Doesn't Suck, hosted by Professors Lindsey Cormack and Greg Jackson. Each episode digs into the surprising story of an American institution — from the origins of the internet, to the National Park Service, to the GI Bill, and so much more. You'll hear the stories behind them, plus a conversation with an expert who knows it inside and out. New episodes release every other Monday. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I ask you why we must tear ourselves apart for this small question of religion?” from the movie Elizabeth