In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg are joined by Bismarck Analysis's Samo Burja (podcast host: Live Players) to uncover the hidden threads connecting ancient Babylon to Silicon Valley. Did you know that 2,500 years ago, people complained about information overload just like we do today? Or that some civilizations saw 70% of their population enslaved?
Rudyard and Samo peel back the layers of history, revealing:
- The shocking similarities between ancient Athens and the Taliban
- Why California might be birthing new religions as we speak
- How deforestation toppled empires (and why it matters now)
From psychedelic Greek philosophers to the eerie parallels between Polish-Lithuanian and Cambodian history, this episode is a mind-bending tour of humanity's greatest triumphs and strangest quirks.
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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@SamoBurja (Samo)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:15) Intro
(00:56) Differences Between Civilizations
(02:21) Non-Abrahamic Societies and Linear Time
(04:11) Egalitarian Impulses Across Civilizations
(07:04) Classical Civilization vs Modern West
(09:25) Literacy in Ancient Rome (12:31) Greek Philosophy and Religion
(14:23) Political Cycles in Ancient Greece
(16:07) The American Founding Fathers and Political Theory
(18:56) Sponsors: Fundrise | WorkOS
(19:44) Pre-modern Feminism in Ancient Civilizations
(21:37) Cyclical Progression of Political Forms
(24:15) Thomas Jefferson's Views on Revolution
(25:12) Babylonian Empire and Civilizational Trajectories
(27:40) Immigration and Cultural Clashes in Ancient Civilizations
(29:33) Environmental Degradation in Ancient Mediterranean
(32:12) Archaeology in Ancient Babylon
(34:41) Social Breakdown in Ancient Civilizations
(36:42) Modern China as a Hybrid Civilization
(38:54) California's Unique Cultural Landscape
(42:20) Emerging Religions in Modern America
(46:57) Religion's Impact on Society and Nature
(48:26) Regional Differences Within America
(50:43) Obscure Civilizations: The Nuragic Civilization
(52:21) Higher and Lower Civilizations
(53:06) The Khmer Civilization and Southeast Asian History
(55:05) Wrap
