undefined

Josephine Quinn

Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge and author of How the World Made the West, brought on as an expert to discuss the ancient history of Gaza and the Philistines.

Top 10 podcasts with Josephine Quinn

Ranked by the Snipd community
undefined
172 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 49min

291. Ancient Gaza: The Philistines (Part 1)

Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge, dives into the rich history of Gaza and the Philistines. She unpacks the significance of Gaza's monopoly on sweet wine during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III and discusses the Bronze Age Collapse that led to the rise of the Philistines. Additionally, Quinn explores biblical narratives of the Philistines, including stories of Samson and David, revealing how these tales reflect local tensions and cultural identities. Join this intriguing journey into ancient urban life!
undefined
114 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 43min

292. Ancient Gaza: From The Assyrians to The Romans (Part 2)

Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge and author, brings her expertise on Gaza and ancient Near Eastern empires. She discusses why the Assyrians spared Gaza while conquering the Levant, the Babylonians' devastation and subsequent Persian administration that granted local autonomy, and Alexander the Great's brutal siege of the city. Quinn highlights Gaza's resilience under Roman rule, transforming into a prosperous trade hub despite repeated sackings.
undefined
51 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 55min

Hannibal of Carthage: fearsome enemy of ancient Rome

Join Professor Josephine Quinn, an expert in ancient history, and comedian Darren Harriott as they delve into the life of Hannibal of Carthage. They explore his daring march over the Alps with war elephants and his brilliant tactics leading to victories at Trebia and Cannae. Discover why Hannibal chose to avoid capturing Rome, his political reforms after the war, and the romantic tale of Sofhanisba, a Carthaginian woman with a significant political role. Their dynamic blend of history and humor makes for a captivating discussion!
undefined
33 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 50min

The Phoenicians: everything you wanted to know

Josephine Quinn, a historian and Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge, dives into the fascinating world of the Phoenicians. These ancient seafarers left a profound legacy, including the development of the alphabet and the establishment of Carthage. Quinn unravels their complex identity and the reasons they’ve been overlooked in history. She highlights their maritime mastery and trade innovations, while also addressing the challenges of understanding their influence amid Greek and Roman narratives. The Phoenicians’ contributions to concepts of ethnicity and heritage are also explored.
undefined
24 snips
May 12, 2025 • 57min

Josephine Quinn: Exploring the Origins of the West

Josephine Quinn, historiadora y profesora en Cambridge, desafía nociones tradicionales sobre la historia. Discute la idea de 'Occidente', sugiriendo que no se limita a Grecia y Roma, sino que abarca múltiples culturas conectadas. También critica la jerarquía de civilizaciones, argumentando que esta visión simplifica la rica interconexión del pasado. Destaca el legado de figuras históricas como Brunhilde y el papel crucial de la interacción cultural en la evolución de las sociedades, cuestionando las narrativas establecidas.
undefined
20 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 51min

Downstream: Everything We’re Told About the History of the West Is Wrong w/ Josephine Quinn

Josephine Quinn, Chair of Ancient History at Cambridge and author of "How the World Made the West," dives into the complexities of Western civilization's history. She challenges the simplistic view of the West as a homogeneous entity, highlighting its rich tapestry woven from diverse cultures and ancient kingdoms. Discussions span from the interconnectedness of civilizations to the implications of technology on societal evolution. Quinn also examines the narratives shaped by historical figures and the impact of modern media on our understanding of the past.
undefined
9 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 29min

Downstream: The Political Possibilities of the Ancient World w/ Josephine Quinn

Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at Cambridge University, dives into captivating discussions about the ancient world and its relevance today. She explores alternatives to democracy and the intriguing reasons behind the Bronze Age's disappearance of writing. The conversation highlights the benefits of teaching ancient languages to combat misinformation. Quinn also draws parallels between the Bronze Age Collapse and modern vulnerabilities, emphasizing resilience amid contemporary challenges. Plus, she reveals how oral traditions preserved knowledge in post-collapse societies.
undefined
Dec 1, 2024 • 58min

A 4000-year history of the West | Josephine Quinn with Javier Mejia

In this engaging discussion, Josephine Quinn, an esteemed ancient historian, challenges the traditional narratives of Western culture by linking it to a diverse tapestry of ancient civilizations spanning 4,000 years. She argues that the roots of the modern West are intertwined with contributions from Babylon, Phoenician innovations, and Arabic scholarship. They dive into the significance of Minoan civilization, the transformation of Mediterranean sailing, and the complexities of Phoenician identity. Quinn advocates for a history that celebrates connection rather than separation.
undefined
Nov 11, 2024 • 53min

479. The Birth of Civilizations: Unpacking a 4,000-Year Global History feat. Josephine Quinn

Josephine Quinn, a Professor of Ancient History at the University of Oxford and author, shares her insights on the evolution of civilization over 4,000 years. She unpacks how civilizations intertwined through war, trade, and cultural exchanges, challenging our modern perceptions. Discover how the Crusades influenced our current sugar habits and the significant impact of the Phoenicians on language and trade, shaping the very fabric of modern society. Quinn's discussion not only highlights historical complexities but also critiques the simplistic views of civilization.
undefined
Aug 7, 2024 • 29min

The First Pandemic?

Josephine Quinn, a scholar specializing in ancient diseases, explores the Antonine plague, thought to be Rome's first pandemic. She discusses Galen's unusual treatments and the mystery surrounding the disease's modern diagnosis. Ice cores and ancient amulets offer insights into the plague's impact, revealing economic downturns and societal shifts during the crisis. Quinn also reflects on how lessons from historical pandemics like the Antonine plague inform our understanding of current health challenges. It's a fascinating dive into the past's relevance today.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app