Join Professor Lloyd Lewellyn-Jones, an expert on ancient history and the Magi, as he unpacks the fascinating evolution of the Three Wise Men. Discover how these gift-bearers transformed from ‘Magi’ to the individually named kings of legend. Explore their cultural significance across various traditions, from Syriac to Ethiopian interpretations. The discussion reveals how British imperialism shaped their symbolism and artistic depictions in the Renaissance, offering a humorous take on the inaccuracies found in artwork. Celebrate the diverse customs of the Epiphany!

In this lively discussion, Professor Lloyd Lewellyn-Jones, an expert in ancient history and Persian culture, sheds light on the Three Wise Men, often overlooked figures in the Christmas story. He reveals their true identity as Zoroastrian priests and delves into their cultural connections with Jewish heritage. The conversation explores the significance of their gifts and the political tensions of their time between the Parthians and Rome. With humor and insight, they unravel the complexities of the Nativity narrative, illuminating the evolving interplay of empires and faith.

Prof. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, an expert in ancient Mesopotamian history, dives deep into the origins of the Tower of Babel story, exploring its connections to linguistic diversity and divine intervention. He reveals how ancient ziggurats inspired this iconic tale and discusses the cultural implications of the myth. The conversation also highlights the historical context of the Jewish exile in Babylon, shedding light on how this journey influenced their adaptation to a new culture while yearning for their homeland.

As the Babylonian Empire fell into decline, and it's power faded, the Persian Empire stepped in to fill the void that was left - but how did this event directly effect the narrative of the Old Testament, and what other sources are available to learn more about this period? As Babylon's infrastructure deteriorated, with crumbling walls and blocked canals reflecting a spiritual decline, rival powers emerged both within and beyond Babylon. Viewed as the chosen one by the Babylonian gods, Cyrus the Great claimed to liberate the Babylonians, but why was this event so crucial in the creation of a Jewish identity - and beyond the bible, what sources do we have to consolidate this story?In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, to examine this important moment in ancient, and biblical, history. Looking at how Persian influences can be observed in certain books of the Bible, with Persian words appearing alongside Hebrew descriptions, and how the narrative of Joseph and the technicolour coat draws parallels with Persian court stories - just how big an influence did Persia have on the Old Testament, and what legacies has it left into the modern day?Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here.For more Ancient's content, subscribe to our Ancient's newsletter here.

Dr. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, a Professor of ancient history at Cardiff University, dives into the multifaceted role of veils in ancient Greece. He discusses how veiling served as a form of patriarchal control, while also acting as a means for women to express their identities. From marking marital status to signaling piety or grief, veils were deeply symbolic. The conversation unpacks the paradox of the veil, revealing how it both obscured and highlighted women's agency in a patriarchal society.