What did it really mean to face death in the Roman arena? 🏛️

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill talk with historian and bestselling author Dr Harry Sidebottom about his new nonfiction book, Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind.

Drawing on archaeology, ancient texts, and years of research, Harry reveals the brutal truth behind the Roman obsession with violence — and what gladiatorial combat tells us about their society, politics, and psyche.

🔥 In this episode:
⚔️ Who the gladiators really were — and what drove them to fight.
🏛️ How Rome’s arenas shaped identity, power, and the idea of civilisation.
📖 The difference between myth and reality in our understanding of gladiators.
🗡️ What modern audiences can learn from Rome’s fascination with death and spectacle.

If you’re fascinated by ancient Rome, gladiators, or the mindset of empire, this episode is essential listening.

📚 Get the book Those Who Are About To Die here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781529154009
🔗 All podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

What happens when a medieval manuscripts scholar teams up with a bestselling thriller writer? You get The Tales of the Lawless Land — a gripping historical adventure series set in the chaos of the 14th century.

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill sit down with Beth and Boyd Morrison, the brother–sister duo behind the swashbuckling adventures of Gerard Fox and Willa.

We talk about:
⚔️ Writing medieval action with thriller pacing
📜 The impact of the Black Death & the Hundred Years’ War
⛪ Excommunication, faith, and survival in the Middle Ages
🔎 Researching manuscripts, relics, and real historical locations
🗡️ Why Gerard Fox is like a “medieval Jack Reacher”

If you love historical adventure, medieval history, or the thrill of Templar secrets, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen & subscribe everywhere: Rock, Paper, Swords Podcast Links

Support the podcast:

https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordshttps://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast

🔥 Meet Tacfarinas — the forgotten African rebel who defied Rome under Emperor Tiberius.⚔️ Archaeologist Dr Joanne Ball reveals how his guerrilla war shook the empire and rivals Arminius and Spartacus.https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport us on Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🍺 Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordsWas Tacfarinas Rome’s forgotten rebel? In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill are joined by Dr Joanne Ball (archaeologist, historian, and author of Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome).We explore the extraordinary story of Tacfarinas, a Numidian soldier-turned-rebel who defied the Roman Empire under Emperor Tiberius. From guerrilla warfare in North Africa to comparisons with figures like Arminius and Spartacus, Tacfarinas nearly destabilised Rome’s control of the region for nearly a decade.Dr Ball reveals how archaeology, ancient sources, and modern research bring his story to life — and how Rome underestimated this desert fighter again and again.🔹 Topics covered:Tacfarinas and his revolt against RomeRoman North Africa under TiberiusComparisons with Arminius, Verus, and SpartacusGuerrilla tactics vs Roman legionsFolk memory and the legacy of Tacfarinas todayIf you love Roman history, rebellions, and the untold stories of Rome’s enemies, this episode is for you.📚 Guest: Dr Joanne Ball – archaeologist, Roman battlefield specialist, author of Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome🎙 Hosts: Matthew Harffy (Bernicia Chronicles) & Justin Hill (Shieldwall, Viking Fire)👉 Subscribe for more on Rome, Vikings, medieval warfare, and historical fiction. Support us on Patreon for bonus episodes!#Tacfarinas #RomanHistory #AncientRome #JoanneBall #Arminius #Tiberius #Spartacus #RomanEmpire #NorthAfrica #RockPaperSwords