A.D. History Podcast

In this newest installment of A.D. History, Paul and Patrick examine Roman Emperor Hadrian, his eponymous wall that’s stood the test of time demarcating England and Scotland, and it’s remarkable impact. As well introducing a remarkable Chinese - yet little known in the West - renaissance man, Zhang Heng. Zhang’s incredible applied intellect, coupled with his innovative gifts are quite literally felt to this very day!

This episode of A.D. History is sponsored by NordVPN. Go to https://NordVPN.com/adhistory and use code ADHISTORY to get 68% off a 2-year plan plus 1 additional month free. Learn how a VPN works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCWNRzoQGis. The Kama Sutra is a greatly misunderstood book today; a true history almost unknown. We also explore an architectural marvel of the Pantheon.

Support A.D. History on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adhistorypodcast For the first episode of the A.D. History Podcast's second season, hosts Paul K. DiCostanzo and Patrick Foote sit down with the host of The History of Ancient Greece Podcast (THOAG) Ryan Stitt; to discuss the relationship between Ancient Greece and Rome during the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire Period. Yet kicking off this episode, Patrick delves into the little known Hopewell Tradition of ancient North America. Additionally, the A.D. History Podcast is launching its new crowd funding campaign on Patreon!

After completing the First Century A.D., Paul and Patrick reflect on all the subjects they wanted to cover - but ultimately did not make it to the final cut. Among the various events and figures in this episode, the Vietnamese Trung sisters, the great fire of Rome, the destruction of Pompeii, and more receive the spotlight!

Emperor Trajan was thought the equal to Augustus, thought one of the “Five Good Emperors,” lead as a full departure from the despotic Domitian, and brought Rome to it’s territorial apex. Yet as emperor, it was Trajan’s shocking and unprecedented common touch with the Roman people that set him apart. Further a field from Rome in Central Asia, the Kushan Empire by the end of the first century was still a young power, but quickly gaining strength and wealth, serving as the nexus for all the overland Silk Road routes. With their growing influence and power, it is now at the end of the First Century that the Kushans make their first, formal diplomatic contact with the Han Dynasty in China. Email: adhistorypodcast@tgnreview.com

For this episode of A.D. History, Paul and Patrick revisit Roman Britain. In so doing, Patrick examines potential Roman ambitions to cross the Irish Sea, as well as the waning ambitions of Rome to not conquer and occupy the area which encompasses modern day Scotland. Furthermore noted educational YouTube creator, contributor to the Washington Post and National Review J.J. McCullough joins this installment as a special guest. Rome, Ireland and Scotland Roman Britannia during the volatile “Year of the Four Emperors” and since saw more relative stability than many other provinces of the empire. With most local rebellion quelled south of the modern day Scottish border, the rest of the British isles underwent significant Romanization. In essence, much of the desired Roman framework for ruling was operating quite smoothly at this juncture. Indeed, Romanization is a key element to understanding the long term framework of Roman power itself. Romanization in Roman Britain Roman power was often predicated on the concept of soft power, best defined as a means of macro influence to other peoples by way of a given entities culture, ideas, and general philosophies of life. In Roman Britain, the empire saught to incorporate the people’s within its territory – namely the native ruling aristocrats – to pledge their loyalty to Rome in exchange for things like Roman citizenship, a cherished prize. In so accepting such an arrangement, those with Roman citizenship could be politically active – voting – in the Roman world. As well as being able to trade with other Romans, entering contracts, and enjoying legally recognized marriages. Not all who were subject to Roman power were citizens, and to enjoy that status was a major boon for those that possessed it. Though Rome was considered a more hard power undertaking across the Irish Sea. Rome Sizing Up Ireland Gnaeus Julius Agricola was Roman governor of Britannia, who is credited for the significant expansion of Rome’s territory in the British Isles. During his tenure, Agricola gave serious consideration to the Roman invasion of Ireland. Agricola, tempted by the possibility of taking Ireland, seriously considered crossing the Irish Sea with a unit of 5,000 legionnaires to conquer the emerald isles. Yet ultimately refrained from doing so, given the immense difficulties such an operation would require. In addition to seeing the arithmetic of the cost-benefit analysis in this situation. * Introducing the A.D. History Podcast * Caligula: Truly a Mad Emperor? & Roman Conquest of Britain  * Historical Jesus: What Do We Know? & Founding the Kushan Empire Domitian’s Despotism Domitian was the youngest son of Vespasian, and younger brother of Titus. Domitian served the pose as Emperor, and the last such member of the Flavian dynasty to do so. In this segment Paul explores how Domitian – a man never expected to become emperor – blew aside the vestiges of the republican facade in Rome, and transformed its political institutions into a bald-faced despotism. Indeed, it is during this time that many scholars mark the total and unambiguous end to Rome’s republic. Write to the A.D. History Podcast at adhistorypodcast@tgnreview.com

In this most recent installment of the A.D. History Podcast, Paul and Patrick discuss the dramatic destruction by Roman forces of Jerusalem’s Second Temple in 70AD, as well as the Siege of Masada Fortress in 73AD. The Romans also conversely play a part in epic construction, namely of the Flavian Amphitheater, better known today as the world famous Roman Colosseum completed in 80AD.  Second Temple of Jerusalem Destruction In Judaism, the destruction of the Second Temple by Roman forces in 70AD is a seminal event in Jewish history. Under the command of the Roman general Titus, both the Second Temple and Jerusalem itself were sacked. Though not de jure, the event effectively signifies the beginning of the near 2,000 years long Jewish diaspora from the lands that were once the Israelite Kingdom. With the Temple’s destruction, it also inadvertently ushered in a structural change to Judaism overall. When the Temple was no more, the hereditary Priests that served many roles in Judaism of the time, began to see their importance and influence lessen. Specifically in losing their singular role for the sacrifice during Passover. Unlike many cut and dry descriptions of the process, the Priests influence and societal role did not evaporate overnight. Yet from 70AD, it began an extended process that lead to the rise of Rabbinical Judaism, which is the arrangement that exists to this day.  Siege of Masada Fortress The immense Siege of Masada fortress in 72AD, while not the final gasp of Jewish resistance against Roman rule, was the final act of the First Jewish-Roman War. The 767 Sicarri zealots led by Eleazar ben Ya’ir, we’re laid siege upon by the forces of Lucius Flavius Silva. Silva enjoyed an advantage of at least 10:1 between his Roman legion X Fretensis, and auxiliaries provided by local allies. Masada itself was originally a pair of palaces built by Herod the Great into the top of a mountain decades prior, which was further fortified in the 30’s AD. It served as ideal defensive infrastructure, especially when considering the treacherous “snake path” which gravely complicated the approach of any offensive. To solve this problem, the besieging Romans built their own earthworks on the shallowest approach of the mountain leading up to the Masada fortress. Taking many months to complete, the Romans created the path for their battering ram. After which when they penetrated the meters thick outer wall, causing the defenders to retreat into the aforementioned palace. At which time, all but seven women and children, committed suicide rather than die by the sword of the Romans. • Caligula: Truly a Mad Emperor? & Roman Conquest of Britain | 41AD – 50AD • Historical Jesus: What do we Know? & Founding the Kushan Empire | 31AD – 40AD • Murder of Germanicus Cold Case & Strabo’s the Geography | 21AD – 30AD Constructing the Roman Colosseum The construction of the Roman Colosseum in most respects is the product of earlier Roman disarray. During the late 60’s/early 70’s AD, the Roman political landscape was in great upheaval. Nero’s suicide creates a political crisis leading to the period known as the time of the four emperors. This culminates in Vespasian emerging as the Princeps, and founding the Flavian dynasty. Yet after several years of minor civil wars to arrive at this juncture, Vespasian sought to rehabilitate the Empire in the eyes of its citizens.

In this newest installment of A.D. History, Paul and Patrick dig into the all import arrival of Buddhism in China, noted in official Han Dynasty record’s as occurring in 65AD. They also explore the unique role of Halley’s Comet in the First Jewish-Roman War occurring in Jerusalem during 66AD.  Buddhism & Han Chinese Culture Buddhism’s arrival in China circa 65AD is a seminal historic landmark in the development of Han Chinese culture over the last 2,000 years. Buddhism’s role in fusing with Confucianism and Taoism creates a uniquely Han Chinese belief system that exists to this day. Yet, what exactly is Buddhism? What is Buddhism? Buddhism since it’s inception in circa 500BC, has taken many distinct forms of which there are numerous sects – Zen Buddhism or Tibetan Buddhism, for example. Yet every sect of Buddhism derives initially from the experiences and teachings of the first Buddha, Gotama Sidhartha. Gotama Sidhartha was in all likelihood the son of elected ruling oligarchs, and born into the Shakya clan. Gotama’s exact place of birth is believed by historians to be located in small city-state in the northeast portion of the Indian subcontinent. Likely in close proximity to either modern Nepal or Tibet. Gotama’s story – as taught in Buddhism – begins with him born into a very sheltered court life, in which he wanted for nothing. As Gotama began reaching adulthood, he sought out answers to many question he knew were not possible to answer in that setting. Gotama departed his place of origins during what Buddhists call “the four sights.” The four sights in question include seeing the effects of old age, destitution, dearth, and ultimately coming into contact with an ascetic monk to begin Gotama‘a great journey. Once reaching the enlightenment he sought, Gotama laid down the major Buddhist tenants of the “Four Noble Truths” and the “Eightfold Path.” These tenants, as understood by Buddhists, layed the foundation for other Buddhists to themselves reach enlightenment.  How did Buddhism Arrive in China: The Legend The traditional story for how Buddhism ultimately took root in China directly involves the Han Chinese emperor, Ming of Han. As an extreme curious and learned monarch, Ming is said to have experienced a dream that he saw as a vision, where an unknown man composed entirely of gold with an aura around his head, went and sat down in the middle of Ming’s imperial court. When Ming went to question this figure, the unknown man levitated directly upwards in the sky, and flew off in a flash. Ming concurred with his imperial cohorts, where one mentioned in this west of China – there was a figure enshrined completely in gold – who was called the Buddha, was gaining in popularity. Ming acting upon this information, sent official emissaries to find teachers of this following, and bring them back to the imperial court.  How did Buddhism Really Arrive in China? Most scholars today, looking beyond the aforementioned long taught story, believe Buddhism first started diffusing into China’s then western regions by way of the Silk Road. Some scholars reckon that the origin of Buddhism in this case was directly emanating from the Kushan Empire, which contained the major arteries of Silk Road trading routes at the time. In doing so, it slowly began a major two millennia long cultural fusion in China. * Murder of Germanicus Cold Case & Strabo’s the Geography | 21AD – 30AD * The Death of Wang Mang, Caeser Augustus & the Roman Republic | 11AD –...

The Celtic Iceni tribe’s resistance lead by Queen Boudicca against Roman dominance in ancient Britannia remains a founding pillar for modern British pride. The collaboration of Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes is far less known. Even less known is Hero of Alexandria’s inventing the Aeolipile, a proof of concept that is believed to be civilization’s first known steam engine. Paul and Patrick explore the very different courses of action taken in ancient Britain regarding Roman domination. Foremost contrasting the immense fight to repel Roman occupation by Boudicca, against the outright cooperation and aid provided by Cartimandua. As well as looking at the Aeolipile, debating whether this overlooked concept at the time, under different circumstances, could have jump started the industrial revolution centuries before it actually did. Cartimandua: A Case Study in Collaboration Throughout history, there have been many facts in which a leader or peoples manage outright occupation by a foreign power. There are few examples as demonstrative in their contrast as that of Queen Boudicca of the Iceni, and Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes. Theirs is a story that bares out many times in recorded history. Cartimandua herself proves an interesting political case study, as her rule of the Brigantes was outright and total – given that she did not derive power from a king concurrently sitting on the throne with her. Cartimandua inherited the Brigantes throne from her late father, in circa 43AD. The Brigantes realm itself encompassed modern day Yorkshire, but is believed to have extended as far as modern Liverpool and Newcastle. Cartimandua’s appeasement and collaboration with Roman rule most significantly began in 51AD, when she turned over to Roman authority King Caratacus of the Catuvellauni tribe who had fled into her protection after defeat at the hands of Roman legions. Cartimandua’s decision created significant animosity in her own people against her rule. Furthermore after leaving her husband Venutius for his armor bearer, Venutius acting upon his person scorn and her collaboration mustered a significant rebellion against Rome – a rebellion only temporarily quelled by Cartimandua due to requesting Roman military assistance. Venutius managed to survive this defeat, and in 69AD rose up again to successfully depose Cartimandua when Roman assistance was unavailable due to other ongoing conflicts in the empire. Boudicca: A Case Study in Resistance Queen Boudicca of the Iceni undertook a very different course of action with the Romans, strongly contrasting that of Cartimandua. The Iceni were a fellow Celtic tribes who’s domain centered in East Anglia. The Iceni under her husband King Prasutagus initially formed a pact with the Romans, making the Iceni a client kingdom. Prasutagus in his death in 61AD, saw the Romans betray the aforementioned pact – occupying the Iceni realm over Boudicca’s protest. Boudicca and her daughter were forcibly taken into Roman custody, where they were brutally tortured. Upon Boudicca’s release, she raised an army of an estimated 200,000 troops. Before her eventual defeat and suicide, Boudicca razed the Roman provincial capital in modern Colchester, and Londinium (London) itself. * Caligula: Truly a Mad Emperor? & Roman Conquest of Britain | 41AD – 50AD * Historical Jesus: What Do We Know? & Founding the Kushan Empire | 31AD – 40AD *

In this episode, Paul and Patrick are excited to introduce A.D. History’s first special guest sporting the third chair, Kristen E. Strubberg. Kristen is TGNR’s Found and Editor-in-Chief, as well as a professional medical clinical researcher with a background in Neuroscience. Kristen will help provide a clearer possible view into Emperor Caligula’s long suspected struggle with mental illness. Patrick will also dive deep into another major piece of world history, exploring Emperor Claudius’s conquest of ancient Britain in 43AD/44AD. Caligula: A Modern Political Psychological Profile Emperor Caligula, born Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus in 12AD, was one of nine children of the Roman folk hero Germanicus and his wife Agrippina. During his earliest years, Caligula spent time with his parents who were stationed on the Rhine, when his father Germanicus was appointed commander of all Roman legions stationed on the Germania frontier. The name “Caligula” was in fact a nickname given to him at this time as the young lad, after his mother Agrippina had the encampment’s tailor outfit him in a legionaries uniform. Caligae are the famed battle sandals worn by Roman legions, and his nickname – Caligula – is translated from Latin to English as “bootykins” or “little boots.” Both he and his nickname are testament to his being viewed by the stationed legions as an unofficial mascot. This nickname “Caligula,” which he most certainly did not answer to as an adult, is of ominous contrast when compared to his notoriously unpredictable and violent nature upon assuming power. Caligula the Unknown? Caligula is one of the most infamous rulers in human history, best known for his violent whims, mercurial disposition and immense self aggrandizement . Yet outside of that, Caligula is a highly fleeting figure for historians, who know so little about him. Following Caligula’s assassination by the Praetorian Guard in 41AD, Caligula’s enemies took extensive measures to try and erase him from their history. For all intents and purposes, his enemies did a very good job of doing just that. In fact, the greatest amount of information about Caligula known to historians are the events surrounding his assassination. Caligula & His Long Suspected Mental Illness Caligula is believed by many to have suffered from some form of mental illness, given his penchant for wildly unpredictable behavior. With so little good historical information available about Caligula, specifically during his time as Emperor, it is difficult to provide sufficient specifics about him in general. However, this lack of good information is in some ways very similar to the lack of good information regarding modern rulers – a situation not at all dissimilar in some respects to a figure like Kim Jong Un. This episode attempts building a modern political psychological profile as they’re constructed for modern world leaders. In using the approach of Dr. Jerrold Post, a foremost political psychology expert known best for creating said profiles for the U.S. State Department and intelligence arms, coupled with Kristen’s unique insight – despite the relative dearth of information – she helps guide creating a similar understanding of Caligula 2,000 years later. Who is Kristen E. Strubberg? Kristen E. Strubberg is TGNR’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief. Kristen initially founded TGNR in late 2013, seeking to create a news source that reported positive news of significant substance. In addition to providing expert contribution of various individuals in numerous subjects, through the medium of the highest quality printed word.

In this most recent addition of A.D. History, Paul K. DiCostanzo and Patrick Foote dive into the study of historical Jesus regarding his adult life, public ministry and crucifixion. Paul and Patrick also break ground of the lesser known Kushan Empire, the Central Asian power that served as dual gatekeeper and buffer state for both the ancient Far East and West.  What do historians know about the life of Jesus of Nazareth? In the study of history, Jesus of Nazareth is a figure of great interest. Yet the study of his life through the historian’s lens is very different than that of a theologian or religious studies scholar, however none are mutually exclusive to the others – sharing some similarities. In this segment Paul and Patrick seek to explore various aspects of Jesus in regards to history, how he would have been viewed at that juncture, and where these events fit in the bigger picture.  Most credible scholars relating to the study about Jesus of Nazareth as a historical figure concur on a few key points regarding the events of his lifetime. Foremost, historians believe he was born under unknown circumstances between 1BC and 4AD. Moreover, Jesus was also a single figure, raised in the Jewish tradition, likely spoke in part several common languages used in 1st Century Roman Palestine such as ancient Aramaic. Jesus’ well known movement in the form of a public ministry, lasted three years occurring between 28AD and 33AD. Furthermore Jesus was sentenced to death under Roman authority by Pontius Pilate, and died by crucifixion on-or-near Passover in Jerusalem in his early 30’s. Historians aside from these aforementioned points enjoy far less certainty or consensus about the details of Jesus of Nazareth’s life. Titus Flavius Josephus and Roman historian Tacitus serve as the best early, non-Christian sources making unambiguous and meaningful reference to Jesus’ life, his following during his life, and the growth of Christianity after his death.  Josephus, a former Roman slave and hellenized Jew, makes first mention of Jesus’ life and fate in his noted history of Judaism leading to the first century in Antiquities of the Jews, believed by scholars to be written in the mid 90’s AD. Tacitus in writing The Annals during the 120’s AD, also mentions Jesus in his recounting of Emperor Nero using Roman Christians as scapegoats, wrongly blaming and subsequently torturing them for the famous great fire of Rome in 64AD. Paul and Patrick also explore various contentious archeological findings that might shed further light on major figures depicted prominently within the four gospels of the Christian New Testament; such as the Roman governor of First Century Roman Palestine, Pontius Pilate. As well as Joseph ben Caiaphas, the head of the Sanhedrin – a body tasked with matters pertaining to governing the Jews on issues deemed within their scope of local autonomy by Rome. * The World of Baby Jesus & Rise of Wang Mang | 1AD – 10AD * The Death of Wang Mang, Emperor Augustus and the Roman Republic | 11AD – 20AD * The Forgotten Declaration of Independence Signers Who Lost Everything for Signing Kushan Empire: The Gatekeeper for the Eastern and Western Worlds In the ancient world of this period and region, history is often dominated by the Roman and Han Chinese juggernauts. Yet these two powers never shared a common border, and their spheres of influence end on the periphery of Central Asia.

In this newest installment of A.D. History, Paul K. DiCostanzo and Patrick Foote probe one of the most debated murder cold cases in history of the Roman living legend Germanicus. Paul and Patrick also examine the only known surviving such work of its time, Strabo’s much celebrated The Geography. The Geography in its detailed accounting provides a comprehensive work that not only outlines what the Greco-Roman sphere knew about the greater world, but also provides singular insight into how the Romans viewed their own place in that ancient world through Strabo’s eyes.  The Death of Germanicus: Murder Most Foul? Germanicus, the Roman soldier-statesman, stands as one of the most beloved and revered figures by ancient Romans. Born in 15 BC, Germanicus’ given name was likely Nero Claudius Drusus. Germanicus’ father was also called Nero Claudius Drusus; who himself was the adopted stepson of Emperor Augustus, as well as the elder brother to the Emperor Tiberius. Drusus and his death at a rather young age lead to Germanicus being adopted by Tiberius, in addition to being a most favored step-grandson to Augustus.  Germanicus due to his immense talent, battlefield achievements, and most unusual personal character for a Roman of his time or societal class, was thought by his fellow Romans as their Alexander the Great. Germanicus was indeed a legend in his own time; known not only for his stoicism, but his bravery, palpable loyalty, self effacement, lacking all pretensions, and his bold demeanor that unwaveringly lead from the front. His untimely demise in 19AD at age 34 in Syria is alleged to have been murder. Germanicus’ suspected murder, it’s most likely culprits, circumstances, purported means and lack of hard evidence has lead this to become an effective cold case now lasting over 2,000 years. The official Roman narrative implicating and convicting Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, then governor of Roman Syria at the time of Germanicus’ alleged murder – namely by poison – is at best problematic. The cold case is wrought with innuendo, paranoia, wild accusations, and circumstantial evidence – which is no evidence at all. Indeed, conspiracy is remarkably difficult to prove in many modern western legal systems, and Piso’s conviction today could never come to pass based on the paltry evidence available.  Paul and Patrick breakdown this immense history, taking a much closer look at the suspects believed most likely by the Roman people of the time, using the famous Agatha Christie trope, “who dunnit?” Strabo’s The Geography: What did the Romans know about the greater world? The Geography, or the Geographica, by Greco-Roman historian Strabo is a 17 volume work that outlines the greater ancient world from a Greco-Roman perspective. Strabo’s work not only outlines the greater geographical knowledge of the known world in great detail, but categorically describes the various disparate people’s that inhabit it. The Geography is most unique because no other like work is known to have survived into modernity, unlike his other work Historical Sketches or Historica Hypomnemata. Strabo, the chronicler of this work, died in 24 AD at age 87. Strabo, son of a wealthy family, originally hailed from ancient Anatolia, in Amaseia Pontus under King Mithridates VI. Strabo’s family notably threw in their lot with the Romans, prior to Amaseia’s incorporation into the Roman Empire under Pompey in 70BC. The Geography and it’s vast importance to scholars of antiquity provides the most important insight of all, a first hand look into exactly how the Romans viewed themselves and their place in their world. For all intents and purposes, there is no greater historical windfall which surpasses gaining that contemporaneous understanding.

In the rapid changing landscape of world history occurring in 11AD to 20AD, Paul K. DiCostanzo and Patrick Foote dive into the shocking rule and fall of Wang Mang’s Xin Dynasty, and give a closer look into the death throws of the Roman Republic under the rule of Augustus and rise of Tiberius. Xin Dynasty China: Socialism with Ancient Chinese Characteristics? Wang Mang in the second decade of the 1st century AD begins to enact his very unusual vision for China, in what appears in form as proto-socialism. Yet is that really what Wang creates? Wang during his short time in power turns an early feudal Chinese society on it’s head, showing an apparent deep ideological vision for life under his rule that historians still don’t fully understand. Wang’s time a top the ancient Chinese world proved a cautionary tale for many rulers, as Patrick paints the portrait of how this very unusual period imploded in very short order.  Caesar Augustus & the Roman Republic on it’s Death Bed The death of the Roman Republic is a long studied portion of history, for the purposes of how a seemingly democratic republic falls into one man dynastic rule. Caesar Augustus, also known as Octavian, is the model for every Roman Emperor that succeeds him to the fall of Rome itself. Augustus almost singlehanded made himself an independent force upon the Roman state. In gaining power, achieving one man rule slowly through the guise of republican constitutionality, creates Augustus’s dictatorial rule without offending Roman animosity for the concept of monarchy. * D-Day: What if the Allied Invasion of Normandy Failed? * The Forgotten Declaration of Independence Signers Who Lost Everything for Signing * How did Hitler Fool Stalin so Badly with the Invasion of the USSR? | WW2 Brain Bucket Reader Q&A Tiberius as the ultimate named successor assumes the role reluctantly, following Augustus’s marching orders to consolidate the empire to avoid yet another civil war. Yet, Tiberius’s story is a tragic one. As well as at times downright strange. Write to the A.D. History Podcast at adhistorypodcast@tgnreview.com Sources: * Beard, Mary. SPQR, 2015. * Frankopan, Peter. The Silk Roads, 2016. * Goldsworthy, Adrian Keith. Augustus: First Emperor of Rome. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2014. * Evans, Rhiannon & Smith, Matt. Emperors of Rome Podcast. Episodes 9, 10, 11. Latrobe University, 2014.

world of 1AD to 10AD has its own very rich story to tell. In this initial episode of the A.D. History Podcast, co-hosts Paul K. DiCostanzo and Patrick Foote begin where AD – Anno Domini – itself begins, with the birth of the baby Jesus of Nazareth, best known as Jesus Christ. Episode 1 also goes farther afield, looking into China’s Han Dynasty, and the rise of the Machiavelli before Machiavelli – Wang Mang.  The World of Baby Jesus Paul paints a portrait of the very turbulent world baby Jesus was born into between 1BC and 4AD, expounding on the complex history that encompasses 1st Century Roman Palestine. Examining the perspective of both the Romans who ruled and the Jews who lived in 1st Century Roman Palestine, this first episode explores the historical seeds of so much of the conflict that will arise during Jesus’ public ministry three decades later.  The Rise of Wang Mang, Duke of Anham, & A Fractured Han Dynasty In the second segment, Patrick dives into the lesser known history of China’s Han Dynasty in the 1st Century AD. The Han Dynasty managed to rule for hundreds of years, but not continuously. Through the power play machinations of the nobleman Wang Mang, Duke of Anhan, Wang laid the framework for his very own house of cards. Monarchy and Dynasty are a far more delicate institution than they often appear. For a Han Dynasty with its emperors continually dying young and childless, Wang Mang found his unique opening. His story is a classic tale of methodically accumulating power, how its exercised when acquired, and how it effects those who finally attain it. * Introducing the A.D. History Podcast * D-Day in Perspective: What if the Allied Invasion of Normandy Failed? * “Name Explain”: How YouTube’s Patrick Foote Made Etymology Cool Again Anna Domini is voiced by Anna Chloe Moorey. Sources: * Beard, Mary. SPQR, 2015. * Frankopan, Peter. The Silk Roads, 2016. * Von Wahlde, Urban C., Gnosticism, Docetism, and the Judaisms of the First Century: The Search for the Wider Context of the Johannine Literature and Why It Matters (The Library of New Testament Studies), 2016 * Kotkin, Stephen. Stalin, 2014. * Kotkin, Stephen. Stalin, Vol. II, 2017. * Montefiore, Simon, Sebag, Jerusalem, 2011. * “Hyper History, MANG WANG 45BC – AD 23 Chinese Statesman”, n.d. * https://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/ppersons2_n2/wangmang.html. * Theobald, Ulrich. “Wang Mang 王莽 and the Xin Dynasty 新 (8-23 CE)”, n.d. * http://www.chinaknowledge.de/History/Han/personswangmang.html. * Bielenstein, Hans, H.A. “Wang Mang EMPEROR OF XIN DYNASTY”, n.d. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wang-Mang. * Dash, Mike. “Emperor Wang Mang: China’s First Socialist?”, n.d. https://www.smithsonianmag.

New York City, NY/London, England UK – Have you ever wondered about all the history you’ve missed? The amazing figures that are seemingly forgotten, incredible events passed over, or what a picture of true world history actually looks like? Or how history played out in the eyes of those who lived it and made it? The A.D. History Podcast explores the last two thousand years of world history, in an innovative new way. Co-hosts Paul K. DiCostanzo and Patrick Foote examine the past two millennia, beginning in 1 AD, progressing forward chronologically ten years every episode until reaching the modern day. Within each ten-year installment, the A.D. History Podcast aims to share incredibly important, but often overlooked historic events and figures from around the world in a prospective fashion; trying to see history through the eyes and in the world of those who lived it. By identifying these sometimes lesser known, but in no way less significant aspects of history, the A.D. History Podcast seeks to identify the many disparate threads that weave the fuller, richer tapestry of history from around the world. What is the A.D. History Podcast? In partnership with TGNR, Patrick Foote, creator of the popular YouTube Channel Name Explain, and TGNR Managing Editor Paul K. DiCostanzo are launching the new A.D. History Podcast. The show is a monthly, 60 minute, two segment program examining the last 2000 years of world history in detail, decade-by-decade beginning in 1AD. “With all the amazing history podcasts in production today, none have attempted to explore history in this large a scope of time, while also doing so at this close of range; providing an unprecedented level of detail from that long ago,” said Paul K. DiCostanzo, A.D. History Podcast co-host. “The A.D. History Podcast is a very ambitious undertaking, seeking to uncover the fascinating, but mostly overlooked details of our past which are virtually unknown to a modern audience – despite their importance. Especially doing so with a strong emphasis on historical context, and exploring it through the perspective of the figures who experienced it.” Beyond exploring history in this new fashion, the show seeks to connect to their audience through an incredible avenue enjoying exponential growth.  A.D. History Podcast: Exploring History Through a Growing Medium Podcasting is by far one of the most popular platforms for audiences to engage with their content of choice, and the A.D. History Podcast looks to tell it’s story through this dynamic platform. Patrick Foote, a very notable creator of original educational content see’s first hand how people are now seeking new information: “I feel newer media outlets like podcasts and YouTube are allowing new kinds of content that simply wouldn’t be able to exist before the advent of the world wide web. Take my channel Name Explain, I don’t think it would be able to exist as a 30 minute television show or anything like that. In recent years, ‘Edutainment’ content has seen a huge boom on these platforms, and thanks to it people are learning new things in ways they really never have done before. With A.D. History, we hope to attract more people to not just snippets of history, but to give them a complete understanding of how the world was shaped and changed over the last 2000 plus years. An epic retelling of our own history!” Messrs. DiCostanzo and Foote see the A.D. History Podcast, and podcasting in general, as an ideal forum for their deep dive into history, and reaching likeminded listeners in their new journey. Yet it is important to understand who Patrick Foote and Paul DiCostanzo are, and just how they arrived at their new undertaking of this new show. * ...