A history of Romania

In this podcast, we'll follow the peoples of Romania from ancient times to the present. Before we begin, though, let me share a bit of what you can expect from the story.

The first narrative episode looks at the geography of present-day Romania, then follows the first nomadic peoples that arrived in the area, explains how they became a sedentary tribe called the Getae, and explores their society.You can find the map on the podcast website.

The Greeks arrive on the shores of the Black Sea and found colonies to trade with the Getae. War soon comes to the region, however, as the Persian Empire marches an army right through the territory of the Getae on its way to battling the Scythians. You can find the map for the episode here.

A skilled Getic ruler named Dromichaetes fends off Greek invasions during the chaotic period following the collapse of Alexander the Great's empire.

Burebista unites the Dacian tribes and forges the most powerful kingdom in Europe, leading to both collaboration and conflict with the Roman Republic.You can find the map for this episode here.

The Dacians prosper and develop a vibrant civilization centred around their capital of Sarmizegetusa.

War erupts between the Dacians and Romans, and after a series of setbacks, the Dacians elect a new king to lead them to victory.

Trajan leads an invasion of Dacia to annex the kingdom, and the Dacians fight with everything they have to maintain their independence.Here's the map for the episode.

Having dismantled the Dacian kingdom, Trajan creates a new province out of its territory and encourages colonists from across the empire to make the land their own.You can find the map for this episode as well as some scenes from Trajan's Column here.