In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explore the fascinating world of Ancient Europe, from the mysterious megalith builders to the warring Celtic tribes. Listen as they uncover how waves of migration, technological advances, and cultural shifts shaped the continent. Learn how archaeology, genetics, and mythology reveal stories of ancient battles, complex trade networks, and forgotten civilizations that laid the foundation for modern European society.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:19) Mesopotamians and indigenous Europeans

(06:20) Negative psychological pins from the 20th century

(10:51) Hunter gatherer confederacy and the spread of agriculture

(14:57) Hunter gatherers vs farmers lifestyle

(19:45) Threats to modern populations: Supply chain issues, disease, war

(20:18) Population fluctuations in ancient Europe

(24:28) Social contracts vs theocracies

(32:44) Ancient Europe during the last ice age

(40:11) Genetic differences across Europe

(46:25) The transition from bronze age to iron age culture

(53:15) Europe in 500 BC and the dominance of the Celts

(56:00) The Celtic military strategy and its limitations

(1:00:09) The Roman conquest of Gaul and the German migrations

(1:06:55) The Baltic Origins of Homer's Tales

(1:11:42) The Roman Empire and the Germanic peoples

(14:56) The Slavic expansion into Eastern Europe

(17:11) The importance of paternity protection in societal cohesion

(1:18:07) Book recommendations

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. "Ancestral Journeys" by Jean Monko
2. "Who We Are and How We Got Here" by David Reich