About this episode
FULL EPISODE: https://youtu.be/0eaXEWx3uhQ
GARRETT's LINKS:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@toldinstone
WEBSITE: https://toldinstone.com/
An ancient history expert breaks down some of the strangest surviving traces of the Roman Empire — from Egyptian obelisks in Vatican City to Greek inscriptions hidden in Rome, and from Byzantine continuity to the Roman foundations of London itself.
The conversation explores:
How an Egyptian obelisk ended up in St. Peter’s Square
Why Latin inscriptions still shape Rome’s public spaces
Greek religious and cultural influence embedded in the city
Why the Byzantine Empire was effectively Rome’s long “intermission”
How Britain collapsed after Rome left — and why London exists at all
This isn’t about ruins.
It’s about continuity — and how Rome never really disappeared.
***TIMESTAMPS***
00:00 – Rome’s obelisks, Greek influence & London’s Roman origins13:46 – Caesar in Britain, Boudica’s revolt & power politics22:17 – Eastern vs Western Rome, bankers, Pompey & conquest33:45 – Rome copying Greece, Corinth destroyed & Homer’s legacy42:62 – Greek poets, mythology origins & decoding ancient texts55:38 – Greek gods, afterlife beliefs & myth vs Christianity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
