Dr. Zosia Archibald, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool specializing in Thracian archaeology, takes listeners on a journey through the world of the ancient Thracians. They were skilled cavalry experts and riches creators, influencing Greek mythology and the Iliad. Discover the stunning Panagyurishte Treasure and the enigmatic head of Seuthes III. Archibald highlights their complex relationships with Greek culture and their resilience amid external pressures, shedding light on an often-overlooked chapter in Eastern European history.
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insights INSIGHT
Thracians in Homer
The Thracians were allies of the Trojans and enemies of the Greeks, according to Homer.
This reflects early Greek curiosity about the northern, unknown territories of Europe.
insights INSIGHT
Greek Sources on Thracians
Greek writings offer diverse perspectives on Thracians, from heroic figures to slaves.
Thucydides, with personal connections to Thrace, provides valuable insights into their political role.
insights INSIGHT
Resources of Thrace
Thrace possessed rich agricultural land and valuable mineral resources like silver, iron, and gold.
These resources contributed to the economic prosperity of the region and attracted interest from other powers.
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Anabasis, also known as The March of the Ten Thousand, is Xenophon's most famous work. It recounts the events of 401 BCE when ten thousand Greek mercenaries joined the army of Cyrus, the younger brother of the Persian King Artaxerxes II, in an attempt to seize the throne. After Cyrus' death in the Battle of Cunaxa, Xenophon played a crucial role in leading the Greek soldiers on a perilous journey through northern Iraq and eastern Turkey to the Black Sea. The narrative highlights themes of leadership, panhellenism, and the integration of Socratic teachings and values. The story is told in simple and direct prose, making it a vivid and engaging account of one of the great adventures in human history[2][4][5].
The Iliad
Homer
The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector[1][3][5].
They were ancient masters of cavalry, creators of dazzling treasures, and the ancestors of the legendary Spartacus, but who exactly were the Thracians?
Join Tristan Hughes and Dr. Zosia Archibald in today's episode of The Ancients as they uncover the fascinating world of the Thracians, an extraordinary people that lived in the rugged mountains of eastern Europe. From their vital role in Greek mythology and Homer's epic poem The Iliad to archaeological wonders like the Panagyurishte Treasure and the bronze head of Seuthes III, they explore how this overlooked ancient culture shaped Eastern Europe from the Bronze Age to Roman times.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.
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