Dr Owen Rees

Dr. Owen Rees, a lecturer in applied humanities and author of The Far Edges of the Known World, discusses the expansive nature of ancient history beyond classical centers like Greece and Rome. He challenges misconceptions shaped by urban bias, highlighting the diverse agency of peripheral peoples. The conversation reveals how ordinary objects, like cooking pottery, tell stories of cross-cultural interaction, while exploring how dominant cultures historically portrayed outsiders. Rees emphasizes the significance of embracing these complexities to understand a richer, more inclusive view of antiquity.

Dr. Owen Rees, an Ancient Greek historian and expert on Scythian culture, takes listeners on a journey through the intriguing world of the Scythians, known as the horse-riding barbarians of the north. He discusses their unique cultural traits, including the remarkable role of warrior women reminiscent of Amazons. The conversation also explores Bilsk, a significant Iron-Age settlement, and the complex relationship between the Scythians and Greeks, revealing fascinating trade dynamics and cultural exchanges that shaped perceptions of these enigmatic people.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Owen Rees, an expert on ancient world history, uncovers how the Greeks and Romans viewed their neighbors through a lens of fear and superiority. He dives into the mythical accounts of Amazons and wolf-men, reflecting their cultural misunderstandings. The conversation explores the complexities of cultural identity at empire frontiers and reveals how these historical perspectives shape modern views on 'us versus them.' Dr. Rees also highlights the rich narratives that challenge traditional historical boundaries.

Owen Rees, an ancient historian and lecturer, dives into life at the boundaries of ancient civilization. He challenges the notion of borders being merely barbaric, showcasing vibrant multicultural hubs through archaeological findings. Discover tales of an enterprising sex worker in Egypt and gambling soldiers at Hadrian’s Wall. Rees reveals how trade and cultural exchanges formed complex societies and redefines history by highlighting marginalized voices. His insights transform our understanding of how diverse communities thrived beyond the perceived edges of civilization.

Owen Rees, an ancient historian and lecturer at Birmingham Newman University, explores the vibrant multicultural exchanges at the edges of ancient civilizations. He reveals how borderlands like Naucratis and Hadrian's Wall were not just frontiers but thriving hubs of intermarriage and cultural blending. Rees discusses the significance of sites like Megiddo in trade and the communal identities shaped by events like the Lake Turkana massacre. With fascinating insights into daily life and the unique characters of these regions, Rees redefines our understanding of the ancient world.