Episode Details

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 origins
13:46 – Caesar in Britain, Boudica’s revolt & power politics
22:17 – Eastern vs Western Rome, bankers, Pompey & conquest
33:45 – Rome copying Greece, Corinth destroyed & Homer’s legacy
42:62 – Greek poets, mythology origins & decoding ancient texts
55:38 – Greek gods, afterlife beliefs & myth vs Christianity

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