Exploring Historical Perspectives on Society and Literacy

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:

Differences Between Civilizations

Non-Abrahamic Societies and Linear Time

Egalitarian Impulses Across Civilizations

Classical Civilization vs Modern West

Literacy in Ancient Rome

Greek Philosophy and Religion

Political Cycles in Ancient Greece

The American Founding Fathers and Political Theory

Pre-modern Feminism in Ancient Civilizations

Cyclical Progression of Political Forms

Immigration and Cultural Clashes in Ancient Civilizations

Environmental Degradation in Ancient Mediterranean

Archaeology in Ancient Babylon

Social Breakdown in Ancient Civilizations

Modern China as a Hybrid Civilization

California's Unique Cultural Landscape

Emerging Religions in Modern America

Religion's Impact on Society and Nature

Obscure Civilizations: The Nuragic Civilization

The Khmer Civilization and Southeast Asian History

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