Channel Title: toldinstone Channel Description: I'm Garrett Ryan. I earned a PhD in Greek and Roman history, and taught at a few universities before leaving academia. These days, I spend most of my time writing, traveling, and - of course - making videos about ancient history. Every Friday (and sometimes also on Tuesday), I post a video about the Greeks or Romans. Some of my videos explore ancient buildings and cities. Others answer frequently-asked questions, tour famous museums, or delve into ancient mysteries. All my videos aim, in some small way, to bring the past to life. If you enjoy this channel, you might be interested in my book "Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans." Check out toldinstone.com for more interesting tidbits about the classical world, and feel free to email questions or comments to toldinstone@gmail.com. Thanks for watching! <video> Why 24 Roman Statues Were Found in a Hot Spring | Old News Ep.1 Description: This first episode of "Old News" explores the latest archaeological discoveries in Tuscany, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. For more content and commentary, join the Toldinstone Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:20 San Casciano dei Bagni 2:02 Pompeii 3:32 Herculaneum </video> <video> How Christianity Almost Vanished in 303 AD Description: Diocletian's Great Persecution, which began in 303 AD, was the most systematic Roman attempt to destroy Christianity. This video explores why the persecution happened, what it reveals about the late Roman Empire, and why it ultimately failed. For my series "Rome in Review" and more Toldinstone content, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Travel with Toldinstone: https://toldinstone.com/trips/ Check out my other channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:22 Diocletian and Roman religion 2:52 The Persecution of Decius 4:18 The Great Persecution begins 5:49 Later phases 7:31 Edicts of toleration 8:16 Consequences </video> <video> Could the Romans have built the Great Pyramid? Description: If the Romans had built the Great Pyramid, they would have finished the job much more quickly. Upgrade your workspace today! Use the code C730 to get $30 off the C7 Max ergonomic chair: https://bit.ly/4ijH5wv For my series "Rome in Review" and other content, visit my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Travel with Toldinstone: https://toldinstone.com/trips/ Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:38 Roman reactions to the pyramids 1:18 Imagining a Roman pyramid 1:52 Workers and materials 2:50 Design 3:20 I talk about office chairs 4:42 Arches and concrete 6:00 Quarries and iron tools 6:59 Lifting the stones 7:48 Efficiency and feasibility 8:28 Historical scenarios </video> <video> Secrets of the Herculaneum Papyri Description: The Herculaneum papyri, scrolls buried and charred by Vesuvius, are the most tantalizing puzzle in Roman archaeology. I recently visited the Biblioteca Nazionale in Naples, where most of the papyri are kept, and discussed the latest efforts to decipher the scrolls with Dr. Federica Nicolardi. My interview with Dr. Nicolardi: https://youtu.be/gs1Z-YN1aQM My new book, "Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines" is now available! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Insane-Emperors-Sunken-Earthquake-Machines/dp/1633888932 Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Please consider supporting toldinstone on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:40 Opening the scrolls 1:47 A visit to the library 2:38 A papyrologist at work 4:00 The Vesuvius Challenge 4:46 What the scrolls say 5:40 Contents of the unopened scrolls 6:28 The other library 7:12 An interview with Dr. Nicolardi </video> <video> Why the Roman and Greek Gods were Different Description: This video explores the many differences - some subtle, others dramatic - between the Greek and Roman gods. For more new content, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:41 Greco-Roman polytheism 1:28 The Olympian Gods 1:52 Greek vs. Roman 2:47 Universal and local gods 3:15 Foreign gods 4:36 Deified concepts 5:40 Views of the Olympians 6:34 Explaining differences 7:26 Belief and practice </video> <video> Why isn't Roman Concrete used today? Description: Roman concrete redefined the limits of architecture. But could it be used to build a modern skyscraper? Find more Toldinstone content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Chapters: 0:00 The origins of concrete 1:25 Building with Roman concrete 2:49 Why the Romans didn't build skyscrapers 3:33 A hypothetical modern project 4:20 The "Insula" method 5:23 The "Colosseum" method 7:17 Possible, not comfortable </video> <video> Three (more) Forgotten Roman Megaprojects Description: This video explores another three forgotten Roman megaprojects: the colossal gold mines at Las Médulas, Spain; the Anastasian Wall, Constantinople's outer defense; and Rome's artificial harbor at Portus. You might also be interested in my video on the longest Roman aqueduct: https://youtu.be/-t7vBwsDkwM?si=55iUXnk5UUjUfNLG The first Roman megraprojects video: https://youtu.be/SHDnfz8EKSs?si=JT71ktC0K5lG2QPk My new book, "Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines" is now available! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Insane-Emperors-Sunken-Earthquake-Machines/dp/1633888932 Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Please consider supporting toldinstone on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Las Médulas 3:13 The Anastasian Wall 5:24 Portus </video> <video> Rome's Mountain of Ancient Garbage Description: Rome's Monte Testaccio, the ancient world's largest garbage dump, is estimated to contain 53 million broken amphorae. Support Romanis Magicae on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kaijusandcowboys/romanis-magicae-2 I'd like to thank Through Eternity Tours for helping me access Monte Testaccio. My new book, "Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines" is now available! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Insane-Emperors-Sunken-Earthquake-Machines/dp/1633888932 Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Please consider supporting toldinstone on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:17 Spanish olive groves 2:03 From olives to oil 3:47 The voyage to Portus 5:15 The emperor's oil 6:15 Up the Tiber 7:09 Romanis Magicae 8:02 The warehouse district 9:30 Monte Testaccio 11:12 Significance of a dump 11:46 Visiting Monte Testaccio </video> <video> Roman Tombstones and Epitaphs Description: This video explores the strange world of Roman epitaphs, which tell us a great deal about life - and death - in the ancient world. My video on the tomb of the youthful poet Quintus Sulpicius Maximus: https://youtu.be/xXaIExMpdkI?si=jpBRo0Tm4oOg-6ur For more content, visit my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Check out my other channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:34 Patterns of commemoration 1:27 Tomb design 2:53 Components of the epitaph 4:25 Odd jobs 5:17 Members of the imperial household 5:57 Military careers 6:45 Remarkable women 7:15 Untimely demises 7:40 Curses and exhortations </video> <video> Finding an Apartment in Ancient Rome Description: Thanks to Helix Sleep for sponsoring this video. Helix is offering Toldinstone fans an exclusive discount: 27% off your mattress purchase, plus two free pillows. To take advantage of this offer, visit: https://helixsleep.com/toldinstone and use the promo code HELIXPARTNER27. This discount ends after Labor Day, but you’ll still get 20% off using my link. Offers subject to change. #helixsleep To watch "Rome in Review" and my other exciting new content, check out the Toldinstone Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone My new book, "Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines" is now available! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Insane-Emperors-Sunken-Earthquake-Machines/dp/1633888932 Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:52 Good and bad apartments 1:49 The insulae of Ostia 2:41 Helix 4:07 The Garden Houses 4:56 Decoration 5:25 Amenities 5:57 Owning and renting 6:41 Rent prices 7:36 Fire and other hazards 8:42 The last insulae </video> <video> How much weight could a Roman bridge carry? Description: This video explores the remarkable strength and durability of Roman bridges. Find more Toldinstone content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:25 Wooden bridges 1:42 Building a stone bridge 3:30 Exceptional bridges 4:13 Strength and durability 5:00 Calculating capacity 6:02 Roman bridge vs. freight train </video> <video> Getting Elected in Ancient Rome Description: The chief officials of the Roman Republic were chosen through one of history's most chaotic electoral systems. Watch my new series "Rome in Review" on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Travel with Toldinstone: https://toldinstone.com/trips/ Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:33 The Roman Republic 1:33 Cursus honorum 2:08 Comitia Centuriata 2:58 Comitia Tributa 3:49 "Optimates" and "Populares" 4:22 Campaigning 6:19 Political graffiti 7:06 Romanis Magicae 7:51 Election day 9:11 The end of elections </video> <video> It's time for a change Description: To access "Rome in Review" and all my other exciting new content, visit: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Thanks for watching! </video> <video> Roman Historian Reacts to Gladiator II Description: This video discusses the historical accuracy of Gladiator II - and why historical accuracy matters. For more more movie reviews, check out my "Rome in Review" series on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone Travel with Toldinstone: https://toldinstone.com/trips/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:40 Plot summary 1:34 Caracalla and Geta 3:23 Macrinus 4:02 The city of Rome 4:50 Trouble in the arena 6:45 Restoring the Republic 7:15 Hollywood's Ancient Rome 8:17 Assessing Gladiator II </video> <video> Bars and Restaurants in Ancient Rome Description: The tabernae of ancient Rome were bars and fast-food restaurants. But they were also places for non-elite Romans to socialize, play games, and bet on chariot races. My new book, "Insane Emperors, Sunken Cities, and Earthquake Machines" is now available! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Insane-Emperors-Sunken-Earthquake-Machines/dp/1633888932 Check out my other YouTube channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast Please consider supporting toldinstone on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/toldinstone If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone https://www.instagram.com/toldinstone/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20993845.Garrett_Ryan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:16 The bars of Pompeii 2:32 Fine dining 3:09 Wines on tap 4:02 Bar food 5:23 Open all night 6:03 Barmaids 6:37 Dives 7:22 Bad reviews 7:54 Where everybody knows your name </video>

Contacts and Links

Description

I'm Garrett Ryan. I earned a PhD in Greek and Roman history, and taught at a few universities before leaving academia. These days, I spend most of my time writing, traveling, and - of course - making videos about ancient history.

Every Friday (and sometimes also on Tuesday), I post a video about the Greeks or Romans. Some of my videos explore ancient buildings and cities. Others answer frequently-asked questions, tour famous museums, or delve into ancient mysteries. All my videos aim, in some small way, to bring the past to life.

If you enjoy this channel, you might be interested in my book "Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans."

Check out toldinstone.com for more interesting tidbits about the classical world, and feel free to email questions or comments to toldinstone@gmail.com.

Thanks for watching!

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