x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Ancients

A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.New episodes every Sunday and Thursday.From History Hit, the world"s best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow"s History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds

history

All Episodes

40:16

Roman Emperors with Mary Beard

The Ancients ·

2023/09/28

When examining the role of the Emperor within the Roman Empire, it is often easier to focus on the individual rather than the role itself. With contrasting personalities such as Marcus Aurelius and Caligula occupying the position, it becomes challenging to identify commonalities among Roman emperors. But when you examine the role itself and the responsibilities involved - it might be easier to find commonalities between the individuals than first believed.In this episode, Tristan welcomes Professor

en

33:44

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Mysteries of Qumran

The Ancients ·

2023/09/24

Part 1/2. Potentially one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever, the Dead Sea Scrolls - also known as the Qumran Scrolls - are a set of Jewish Manuscripts from nearly 2000 years ago. Found in a cave at the edge of the Dead Sea, the scrolls offer value insight into what life was like nearly two millennia ago - but what exactly are these scrolls - and do they tell us anything about a man called Jesus?In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Dr Jodi Magness from the University of North

en

50:07

Ramesses the Great

The Ancients ·

2023/09/21

One of the greatest Pharaohs from Ancient Egypt, Ramesses II is renowned for commissioning some of the most iconic architecture and art from ancient Egypt. But not only was he a great builder and commissioner, he's responsible for the first recorded peace treaty in history, the first recorded diplomatic marriage in history, and a number of monumental victories. So who was Ramesses II - and why is his legacy so enduring?In today's episode, Tristan is joined by Dr Peter Brand from University of

en

47:02

Harappan Civilisation

The Ancients ·

2023/09/17

The Harappan civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley civilisation, was an ancient urban civilisation that thrived in the Indus River valley in South Asia around 4000 years ago. Known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and incredible culture - it played an integral role in ancient History. But with a script that still remains undeciphered to this day - what do we actually know about the Harappan civilisation?In this episode, Tristan welcomes archaeologist Disha Ahluwalia to

en

1:06:32

The Roman Legionary

The Ancients ·

2023/09/14

When you picture ancient Roman Soldiers, an image of battle-hardened warriors equipped with iron breastplates, large rectangular shields and mighty helmets will no doubt come to mind. Immortalised in cinematic classics like 'Gladiator' or HBO Period Dramas - the depictions of Roman legionaries tend to all look the same on the surface. But how accurate is this bloodthirsty, armour clad vision - and how did the actual Roman legionaries change across the centuries?In this episode Tristan welcomes best

en

44:06

Liangzhu: Cradle of Chinese Civilisation?

The Ancients ·

2023/09/10

Where do you begin to understand the origins of Chinese civilization? Located near the Yangtze River, the treasures of the Liangzhu culture can be found, a civilisation that dates back to the Neolithic. Today, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Yijie Zhuang from University College London to unearth the fascinating finds and archaeology that help us piece together the story of this important culture.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly

en

50:14

Medusa

The Ancients ·

2023/09/07

This episode contains references to sexual assault.Medusa stands as one of the most iconic yet misconstrued figures of Greek mythology.Recognised as one of the three Gorgons, she is notoriously portrayed with serpentine hair and petrifying eyes that turn onlookers to stone. Her life is famously ended by Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus. Popular culture often reduces her to a monstrous caricature, even using her name interchangeably for all Gorgons. But how much of this aligns with ancient records,

en

43:32

Origins of Olive Oil

The Ancients ·

2023/09/03

When you think of inventions that helped change the course of history, it's doubtful Olive Oil makes the list. Originating thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean or further east - it's now probably in your kitchen cupboards, or donning the shelves of supermarkets. But how did Olive Oil come to be, and how did the processes behind making it help advance numerous civilisations?In this episode Tristan welcomes Curator of the British Museum's Ancient Levant and Anatolia department, Jamie Fraser, to

en

40:59

Pompeii: The Eruption of Vesuvius

The Ancients ·

2023/08/31

This episode contains references to scenes that some listeners may find distressingIn 79 AD, ancient armageddon hit Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius erupted, freezing in time a town and its inhabitants.Nearly 2000 years on, Pompeii's story continues. In the last episode of our special mini series, we're exploring the stages of the eruption, how the town was buried, and how it was eventually found nearly 1500 years later.Hear from our only eyewitness account, Pliny the Younger, on what the tragedy looked

en

53:42

Maya Sacrifice & Warfare

The Ancients ·

2023/08/27

With a history stretching back thousands of years, it’s about time that the Ancients started looking at the extraordinary Maya civilisation in Central America. Even with a range of sources that survive, many aspects of these ancient peoples remains debated and shrouded in mystery. This is especially true when studying warfare and the whole idea of ‘sacrifice’. What were the rules of engagement for the ancient Maya? What was the purpose of warfare? How did they define winning? And what would happen

en

39:51

Homo floresiensis: Early Human ‘Hobbit’

The Ancients ·

2023/08/24

An extinct species of archaic human, Homo floresiensis has been discovered solely in one, very specific location - the Indonesian island of Flores. Nicknamed 'the hobbit' due to its diminutive stature (and discovery coinciding with a certain film franchise), this hominid is something of an enigma in the story of human evolution. Both amazing and confusing experts in equal measure since it's discovery more than a decade ago - have we been able to learn anything new in recent years?In this episode

en

37:16

Sex Work in Pompeii

The Ancients ·

2023/08/20

This episode contains some strong language references to sexual content.Pompeii is shrouded in myths and legends about it's vibrant, after hours, night life. With theories of carved stone penis' pointing towards brothels, frescoes of graphic images, and bawdy graffiti immortalising individual's experiences - there's a lot to unpack when it comes to Sex in Pompeii. But what can we decipher from the archaeology about the lives of sex workers in Pompeii - and are their experiences universal, even

en

44:58

Attila the Hun: Terror of Rome

The Ancients ·

2023/08/17

Returning to one of the most infamous names in history, what happened to Attila the Hun after the devastation he caused in the Balkans - and where did he turn his attention to next? One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history, Attila turned his sights on the West - but what happened after he took his army towards the Western Roman empire, and who was his new arch-enemy?In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through the next deadly instalment of

en

39:42

Gladiators of Pompeii

The Ancients ·

2023/08/13

This episode contains some references to graphic violence.Gladiators are one the most enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, and Pompeii is no exception.In the second episode of our special series on Pompeii, we're separating fact from fiction with the help of Pompeii's leading experts. We'll be taking you to the heart of gladiatorial life, from the Amphitheatre, to the training barracks, and finding out what life was like. Who could become Gladiators? Who were the most famous ones? What were the

en

44:11

Attila the Hun: Scourge of God

The Ancients ·

2023/08/10

One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history - Attila the Hun's legacy has persevered over centuries. His consolidation of the Hunnic tribes helped play a significant role in shaping the ancient geopolitical landscape of 5th century Europe and Asia - ultimately helping him to invade the Western Roman Empire. But where did Attila the Hun come from, and what was his early royal life like?In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through this tumultuous

en

35:34

Pompeii: Life Before the Eruption

The Ancients ·

2023/08/06

The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries on earth. Frozen in time since 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, its story is one that continues today.In episode one of this special series, Tristan Hughes takes you into its bustling streets: from markets to homes, experience the vibrancy and intricacies of Pompeian life. Meet one of the city's most impressive residents and unearth the textures of everyday existence in a world paused in time, only to be rediscovered

en

38:50

Cyrus the Great

The Ancients ·

2023/08/03

The ancient Persian ruler who founded the Achaemenid Empire, known for his benevolent governance and conquests - Cyrus the Great was a giant of history. History remembers him as someone who conquered numerous lands, established a legendary empire, respected local customs, and allowed religious freedom for his subjects. But what does the archaeology tell us - and was he really that great?In this episode Tristan welcomes Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones back to the podcast, to delve into this ruler's life

en

50:39

Chichén Itzá

The Ancients ·

2023/07/30

One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is home to monumental pyramids, temples, and is a treasure trove of archaeological findings. Built in the early 5th century by the Maya, it has provided invaluable insight into Maya civilisation; from discoveries of sporting arenas to ancient feathered serpents, it's allowed an image of Mayan daily life to be created. But what specifically does Chichen Itza tell us about Mayan society - and what can it tell us about the collapse of Mayan

en

50:29

Poseidon: God of the Sea

The Ancients ·

2023/07/27

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, Poseidon is one of the most iconic Olympians.In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Seth Pevnick, Curator of Greek and Roman art. Together, they untangle the various myths that describe Poseidon, his children, most notably Theseus and Polyphemus, as well as how the people of Ancient Greece used him to make sense of the world around them.Senior Producer was Elena GuthrieScript was written by Andrew HulseVoice over was performed by Lucy

en

47:54

Stonehenge

The Ancients ·

2023/07/23

Stonehenge. The most iconic prehistoric monument in the world. And yet its story is still so enigmatic.In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Sue Greaney to shine a light on Stonehenge’s prehistoric story. Together they explore this monument's creation and early evolution during the Neolithic c.5,000 years ago, as well as the story behind the people who built it.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned

en

507 results

Similar Podcasts

The Old Front Line

Paul Reed

Today In History with The Retrospectors

The Retrospectors

جنود خلدهم التاريخ

ALSUMOOD PODCAST

Film History - Daily

Inception Point Ai

Madonna - Biography Flash

Inception Point Ai