Roman warfare: everything you wanted to know

HistoryExtra podcast

HistoryExtra

History

4.3 • 4.7K Ratings

🗓️ 5 July 2025

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Did the Roman legions actually wear red? How often was their famous 'tortoise' formation actually used? How did military leaders maintain control of an army spread across such a massive empire? And what exactly was it that made that army so formidable? Speaking to Emily Briffett, Dr Adrian Goldsworthy answers listener questions on the ancient superpower's attitude to warfare, as well as its tactics, strategy and logistics. If you’re interested in finding out more about Roman military history, Adrian recently appeared on History's Greatest Battles to chart five epic clashes of the Roman empire – from naval showdowns and brutal sieges to disastrous defeats and tales of betrayal. Listen to that now: pod.link/1794311126 The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	The Monopoly game at McDonald's is back. There's over two million pounds worth of cash prizes to be won.
0:06.5	And a chance to get your hands on some epic prizes. Go on. It's your go.
0:13.0	18 plus UK ends 21st of October. Selected menu items. At may be required. May depend on winning moment.
0:18.4	See macdre rules.co.com.uk. Here's the truth about AI.
0:22.2	AI is only as powerful as the platform it's built into.
0:25.8	Service Now puts AI to work for people across your business,
0:29.6	removing friction and frustration for your employees,
0:32.8	supercharging productivity for your developers,
0:35.7	providing intelligent tools for your service agents to make
0:38.4	customers happier, all built into a single platform you can use right now. That's why the world
0:44.5	works with ServiceNow. Visit ServiceNow.com slash UK slash AI for people.
0:51.4	Race the rudder. Raise the sales, raise the sales!
0:55.2	Captain, an unidentified ship approaching, over.
0:57.9	Roger that. Wait, is that an enterprise sales solution?
1:03.0	Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors.
1:05.6	With LinkedIn ads, you can target the right people by industry, job title and more.
1:09.2	Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today.
1:12.5	Spent 200 euro on your first campaign and get a free 200 euro credit for the next one.
1:16.3	Go to LinkedIn.com slash xXX to claim your offer.
1:19.1	Terms and conditions apply.
1:21.1	There are some things you should always check, like the hygiene rating on your local takeaway,
1:27.3	the setting on your razor, and whether the party
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from HistoryExtra, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of HistoryExtra and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.