This got me hooked right away and now I understand why people like podcasts. Unfortunately, I have yet to run into a better one like this. Solid voice and voice actors. Rich and unbiased material. Loved it so much I got the book on preorder. Thank you!
So far, I have listened to the two-part Mongol episode and the Byzantium episode. This has been a very engaging, interesting, and informative podcast, but I noted two inaccuracies. First, the host described Constantine’s Edict of Milan as establishing Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. However, the Edict of Milan merely decreed tolerance of Christianity. Christianity as a state religion came later, under Theodosius, with the Edict of Thessalonica. Second, the host conflates the People’s Crusade and the First Crusade, specifically with respect to the pogroms committed by the former in Germany. I suppose it could be a stylistic preference to discuss the two as both part of the First Crusade, especially with limited time, but I would have liked for him to note the distinction.
This is the most beautifully humanizing history show out there. Fall of Civilizations is incredibly compassionate, thoughtful, intentional, and addicting. The format is as close as you can get to Ken Burns in an audio format and manages to surpass his story telling in many ways. The production quality is up there with Radiolab and Throughline: The author narrates between interspersed performances of primary sources by impressive voice actors.
I really don’t know what I could criticize that isn’t based on my greed for more.
It’s pretty good and informative. He makes weird passive aggressive comments about arrogance for different european cultures. I find it odd to single out european cultures like vikings or germanic tribes over other non europeans cultures when every episode is some kingdom murdering and taking the land of another nation. The history of civilization is brutal and the bias isn’t necessary.
This has been my favourite podcast since it began. I have listened and re-listened. This is the most well-researched, fascinating podcast and the narration is impeccable. But WHY the ADS?! They are disruptive, jarring, and so LOUD. This was my go-to bedtime podcast. But the ads have RUINED the peace of the podcast!! Please reconsider them!! :(
This is the first history podcast I’ve listened to that really seems committed to telling full, meted, and researched stories of the places and people it details. Not only that, it’s well-produced and fascinating! I’ll be recommending to anyone who is interested in accurate history that isn’t only reported from one perspective. Bravo and thank you for teaching me something new in every episode!
Great show, well-written, solid history! The host’s voice and inflections are spot-on. Some of the other actors get annoying, such as the whispering American on the Byzantium Ep. Needs to project, and not trail off.
I love the podcast. But now it has loud obnoxious ads. I don’t fault Paul because I know he has to make a living. But I can’t pay for another subscription.
Thank you again Joe Rogan. Currently on Part 2 of mogul episode and enjoying very much .
However, the United Sates never “Invaded” Vietnam. They were there in support of South Vietnamese. Details , details I know .
I’ve been looking for something to get me through these turbulent times. Sick of all the “takes” on politics and the herds of crime shows. Tired of the overdone sound effects and shallow drive by dabbling. This is exactly the opposite. Rich, informative for the layman, and with just the right infusions of music and voices. Thank you! So much good listening ahead.
The Fall of Civilizations podcast is an engaging and well-researched series that delves into the rise and collapse of past societies. The production quality is excellent, and the narration is captivating, making history come alive in a way that few other podcasts manage.
However, despite its strengths, the podcast suffers from noticeable biases in how it presents historical events, particularly in its treatment of slavery and conflict. The narrator seems hesitant to apply the term “slavery” evenly across different groups. When discussing indigenous peoples taking captives, he opts for softer language like “captured” rather than acknowledging the reality that many of these individuals were indeed enslaved. This stands in contrast to how slavery is described in other contexts, creating an uneven and misleading portrayal of history.
If historical accuracy is truly the goal, then all instances of forced servitude—regardless of race or culture—should be acknowledged with the same level of scrutiny. Selective language skews the narrative and diminishes the complexities of history. While Fall of Civilizations remains a fascinating listen, it would benefit from a more balanced and consistent approach to historical realities.
I’m here from Joe Rogan’s recommendation. I must say that this has been the best format of history I’ve ever listened to. I’m genuinely obsessed. Love the soundtrack, poems, stories, and the attention to detail. I’m certainly a fan now.
Three commercial-free hours of dreamy history. Steady British narration, an emphasis on primary sources and poems, sagas, and secret histories, and beautifully crafted storytelling make this a transporting journey of a listen. Informative too! Thank you, Paul.
Without a doubt this podcast and its twin with videos and photos on Patreon is hands down THE BEST. Close your eyes, listen, and be transported in a Time Machine. Sincere thanks to Paul’s parents for having Paul. And sincere thanks to Paul for being Paul. 🙏🏽👍🏽
The research, presentation and production are all stellar. His storytelling format is engaging and provides a background to contextualize everything. Most of the time when I think “oh I want to look that term/person/event up some more”, he goes on to explain exactly what I wanted to learn!
An extremely well-produced, researched and narrated history podcast. Lots of primary sources and cultural reference points like poetry and music that take true advantage of the medium and humanize the subjects in a way very few podcasts are able.
I really wish I could just subscribe and pay through Apple Podcasts as patron is hard to deal with.
Just when I thought my desperate, climbing-the-walls-COVID-pandemia life would bury me alive, I discovered this most intriguing, long form, ad-free, well-researched podcast.
This podcast not only puts this God-forsaken moment into perspective, it takes me out of my loud head for 3 hours at a time with wonderful writing, quality production and enveloping histories.
Also, of note, this podcast does a great job of telling sad and horrific true stories of cruel human activity without traumatizing the listener with excessively detailed descriptions of gore and carnage. (I listen to about 20 hours per week of podcasts so I have to say, the mix of interesting content without traumatic descriptions of violence is, in and of itself, worthy of accolades.)
I became a patron instantly after listening to the episode on the fall of The Aztecs. It’s the first time I have supported any podcast through Patreon.
Five stars and bravo. Excellent work. Thank you.
I cannot underscore enough just how good this podcast is. I have gotten choked up at the end of each episode. I’ve listened to every episode and many more than once. The two-part Mongolian empire episodes are particularly superb. I’m so grateful for this work.
This series is excellent not only for the info (always interesting bits as well as general context), but Paul’s “tone” and delivery are perfect for listeners of this fascinating subject. Hope he doesn’t run out of fallen civilizations too soon…
Just finished the excellent Mongol podcast. Mesmerizing and informative. Strongly recommended. I enjoyed the pace at 1x, but listening at 1.25 is also good.
Mr. Cooper tells wonderful and informative stories. Despite the premise of documenting the fall of societies, Paul recalls compelling stories and personalizes them in a relaxing and soothing way. Well done, sir!
I don’t recall how I came by this podcast. Might have had something to do with a mention on 99% Invisible or Cautionary Tales… Well wherever I heard of it I can only be grateful, because this podcast is INCREDIBLE. Every episode feels like a university lecture from a brilliant professor, who also brought along musicians and voice actors! Stunning! While part of me wishes new episodes arrived more regularly the greater part of me hopes that the quality and depth of the storytelling never decreases, even if that means we only get a couple of episodes a year. THANK YOU.
Cooper! HA! What a name for a man than can completely barrel an empire! Paul’s rich depth of ancient society is inspiring! I want to hang with this nerd (in the best way possible). I can see the distant past thanks to these FoC’s.
Every episode is like a exquisite movie that you cannot help but get lost in and enjoy every minute to it’s perfect crescendo. The book absolutely does this podcast justice.
I have listened and re-listened to these multiple times while driving and there is always something new that I missed the first time. The videos are also incredible!
Solid accent from my man. Pharaohs and pyramids are dope. Glad they went back to their various gods after that crazy monotheist forced them dangerously to neglect them.
