202 Decades of Western History

202 Decades
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A series making sense of the past 202 decades of Western History. Each episode examines a single decade of history, from 1 AD to the present day.

  1. MAR 12

    220 - 229 AD: Sassanids Rise, Severans Fall

    The Parthian Empire falls to the House of Sassan. A new Persian Empire rises from its corpse, ready to challenge Rome for the right to rule Syria and beyond. With internal instabilities and aggressive neighbors, Rome would need a strong, stable ruler. Instead they got a teenager. Follow the series on X: https://x.com/202decades?s=21

    59 min

  2. MAR 12

    210 - 219 AD: Universal Citizenship

    The Roman conquest of Caledonia fell apart when Emperor Septimius Severus died. His feuding sons, Caracalla and Geta, divided the government and nearly the whole Empire between them. They each tried to finish the other off, but Caracalla schemed most successfully. He exterminated his brother and wiped his memory from the public record. As sole emperor, Carcalla issued a decree granting every free person in the empire Roman Citizenship. Despite this momentous proclamation, his reign was cut short by an assassin's blade. The Severan Dynasty will be interrupted by his successor, Macrinus. But this won't be the last time a relative of Severus and Caracalla resides in the imperial palace in Rome. Follow the series on X: https://x.com/202decades?s=21

    59 min

  3. 10/30/2025

    200 - 209 AD: The Severan Dynasty

    Septimius Severus returned to Rome after his conquests in the east. Huge celebrations greeted him as he entered the Eternal City. Out of all the governors who attempted to replace Commodus, Severus now stood alone as Roman Emperor. Actually ruling the Roman Empire was very different from conquering it, though. Severus did not enjoy the administration burden of ruling. He stepped back from his duties and delegated wherever possible. His jurists, Papinian, Ulpian, and Paulus, became some of the most important contributors to the history of legal theory. His Praetorian Prefect, Plautianus, ran the empire and amassed concerning levels of power. His wife, Julia Domna, played the role of matronly and virtuous Augusta while sponsoring the great minds of her day. His sons, Caracalla and Geta, feuded with each other constantly in an escalating cycles of competition. After 6 years of inactivity, Severus decided his family could use the invigorating influence of going on a campaign. With Britain struggling with Caledonian raids, it was the natural destination. Severus left Rome, never to return. Part 1: Rome Alone (04:17) Part 2: Legally Dawned (18:50) Part 3: Meet the Severans (28:02) Part 4: Family Vacation (41:57)

    51 min

  4. 09/11/2025

    The Second Century: Trends & Neighbors

    In this second end of century episode, we discuss the process of "provincialization" which came to fruition during the 2nd century. We also check up on two neighbors of Rome: The Parthians of Persia and the German tribes across the Rhine and Danube Rivers. Both of these neighbors will present an even greater danger to Rome in the 3rd century, than they did in the 2nd. Understanding the long term causes of their new aggression towards, and success against, Rome will be useful.

    43 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    The Second Century: Summary and Superlatives

    Do you remember what happened during the Second Century? If it's all a little foggy, you're in luck. Here's a summary of the 10 decades of the Second Century, as well as a few superlatives. Who was the best emperor of the century? Who was the worst? And why was it Commodus? Subscribe to the Substack for this series: https://202decades.substack.com/

    34 min

  6. 06/23/2025

    190 - 199 AD: The Year of the Five Emperors

    The fall of Commodus brought civil war back to the Roman World. In a single year, five men were hailed as emperor: Pertinax, Julianus, Niger, Albinus, and Severus. All but one met violent ends. Two died in Rome, one died trying to escape from Antioch, and one took his own life as his enemies streamed into Lugdunum. The sole survivor of these wars will found a new dynasty and lurch Rome toward military dictatorship.

    1h 8m

  7. 05/07/2025

    180 - 189: The Problem with Commodus

    As Marcus Aurelius finally passes from the scene, his son, Commodus, takes over as Roman Emperor. Surely, the son of the Philosopher King will share his fathers stability, sobriety, and dedication... right? This decade we see a revolving door of advisors rise and fall as Commodus dallies. The senate is continually unhappy but remains impotent. Anxiety rises across the empire as inflation, military desertions, and dissatisfaction spread.

    38 min

  8. 02/10/2025

    170 - 179 AD: The Marcomannic Wars

    Marcus Aurelius transforms himself from a bookish philosopher to a master of war as he holds back the onslaught of the Marcommanic coalition. For the first time in centuries, Italy is threatened. Barbarians raid within a dozen miles of Rome. Slowly and painfully, Marcus and his army drive back the invaders. Just as he seems to be achieving a final peace, a betrayal in the east of the empire draws his attention away. 1. Roman Rain (02:20) 2. Cassius (23:01) 3. Miscellaneous Meditations (38:25) [Exclusive to Patreon] 4. Marcommania (42:45)

    53 min
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A series making sense of the past 202 decades of Western History. Each episode examines a single decade of history, from 1 AD to the present day.

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