The Dark Ages Podcast

The Dark Ages

Welcome to the home of The Dark Ages Podcast. Exploring the world that came after the Roman Empire. It’s the history they skipped.

Listen to the Latest Episodes:

No, the Dark Ages Podcast is not dead, new episode drops tonight! 90% of the population of Europe was made up of rural peasants. By the end of Roman rule in the West, only some of those peasants had been fully Christianized. This episode is about the efforts by the Church to spread its message to the peasantry, and how it changed in the process.

  • 67. Totila and the Ostrogothic Resurgence

    In Belisarius’ absence, the Byzantine’s greed and incompetence create a space for the Ostrogoths to launch a comeback. Under their new leader, Totila, they enjoy stunning success in a series of battles and sieges that…

  • 66. When the General’s Away…

    We return to Italy, where Belisarius had the Ostrogoths on the ropes… until he didn’t. Leadership failures on both sides result in a renewal of…

  • Announcing the Dark Ages Podcast Store

    http://darkagespod-shop.fourthwall.com I’m pleased to announce the launch of the Dark Ages Podcast Store, going live March 3rd, 2026. If you’re looking to support the Dark…

  • 65. Church and People

    The episode explores the grassroots efforts of Christianization in sixth-century rural society, highlighting bishops’ struggles to convert peasants amidst lingering pagan practices. While initially focused…

  • 64. Church and State

    The year was 577. The place, the church of Saint Peter the Apostle, in Paris. The interior was dim, the bright sun outside reduced to dust-spangled shafts from the windows along the south wall. It was noisy, a hubbub of…

  • 63. Slay, Queen

    This episode explores the tumultuous life of Queen Brunhilda of Austrasia, covering her political maneuvers, influences, and eventual downfall. Despite her initial successes alongside her…

  • 62: Widow and Regent

    This second part of Queen Brunhilda’s biography explores her role as regent for her son Childebert II after significant upheavals, including the murder of her…

  • The Sandby borg Massacre

    Hello and welcome to this bonus episode of the Dark Ages Podcast: Sandby Borg. So I know you were all expecting the second part of…