Echoes of History

The first Assassin's Creed game puts players in the thick of the Siege of Acre during the Third Crusade. We can climb its battlements and fight in the shadow of its mighty walls. In this episode, Dr Nicolas Morton returns to help Matt Lewis explore how the confluence of cultures in the Holy Land produced unique features to Crusader Castles, and what methods could be used to overcome their defences, as demonstrated in the truly epic Siege of Acre.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:City of Jerusalem by Elitsa AlexandrovaMeditation Begins by Elitsa AlexandrovaIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The very first Assassin's Creed video game takes us back to the Third Crusade, and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. As Saladin's Islamic armies tried to reconquer the Holy Land, the Christian rulers of Jerusalem faced as many threats from within as without - perhaps none moreso than Sybilla and Isabella, women who ruled in a men’s world.Matt Lewis is joined by Katherine Pangonis to help understand how these women rose to power - and held onto it - at such a perilous time.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:City of Jerusalem by Elitsa AlexandrovaFlight Through Jerusalem by Elitsa AlexandrovaMeditation Begins by Elitsa AlexandrovaIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue lets players explore the frozen world of the Arctic coastline of North America. Players inhabit the memories of Shay Cormac, an Irish Assassin who switches sides to join the Templars, against the backdrop of the Seven Years’ War, or as its American theatre is known, the French-Indian War.Dr Holly Nielsen is joined by James Nadiger, scriptwriter on Assassin’s Creed Rogue, to shed light on the dramatic shifts behind this unusual entry in the series.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Dr Holly NielsenEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Robin McConnell, Holly NielsenSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:The Streets by Elitsa AlexandrovaI Am Shay Cormac by Elitsa AlexandrovaIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Ken McGoogan, a specialist in Arctic exploration, shares gripping stories about the quest for the elusive Northwest Passage. He uncovers the harrowing experiences of explorers grappling with unforgiving icy waters and treacherous conditions. McGoogan discusses the motivations behind these epic voyages, from the lucrative fur trade to the famous legends of doomed expeditions like the Franklin Expedition. He also highlights the pivotal contributions of figures like John Ray and the crucial role Indigenous peoples played in navigating this harsh terrain.

Historian Ken McGoogan, known for his exploration books, joins to discuss Captain James Cook's legacy. They delve into Cook's exceptional navigation skills and his portrayal in the video game Assassin's Creed Rogue. The conversation highlights the complexities of his interactions with indigenous peoples and critiques historical interpretations. McGoogan also reflects on Cook’s self-taught background and the challenges he faced as a naval leader. Join them as they explore pivotal moments from Cook's voyages and his controversial legacy.

Professor Emma Hart, an expert in 18th-century history, joins Dan Snow to dissect the Seven Years' War, often termed the first world war. They delve into the intricate dynamics between British and French forces in North America, and the pivotal role of Indigenous alliances. Hart illuminates how the conflict reshaped colonial ambitions and impacted future relations, especially in the Ohio Valley. The discussion also touches on military strategies, key victories, and the Treaty of Paris's far-reaching implications, setting the stage for the American Revolutionary War.

In this fascinating discussion, Benjamin Hall, the World Director of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, shares insights into recreating ancient Greece for the game. He explains how historians helped ensure authentic representations, even blending gameplay with significant historical events like the Peloponnesian War. The conversation delves into the challenges of merging historical accuracy with engaging storytelling and the intricacies of designing immersive environments, all while honoring the cultural richness of ancient Greece.

In this fascinating discussion, Professor Nicoletta Momigliano from the University of Bristol shares her expertise on Minoan civilization and the myth of the Minotaur. She dives deep into the origins of the labyrinth myth connected to Crete’s Palace of Knossos, exploring how history and mythology intertwine. Listeners learn about the archaeological discoveries that reshape our understanding of ancient architecture. Nicoletta also connects these myths to modern culture, including video games, while emphasizing the significance of preserving historical sites.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Michael Griffin delves into the dynamic relationship between Socrates and his wife, Xanthippe. Griffin highlights Xanthippe's independent mind, showcasing how her spirited character influenced Socratic thought. He explores the challenges of representing women's voices in ancient Greece and the collaborative nature of their philosophy. The conversation also touches on other significant women, like Aspasia and Diotima, revealing their crucial roles in shaping Socrates' ideas and challenging traditional narratives around gender and philosophy.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey puts us at the heart of the expansive conflict that occurred when Athens went to war with Sparta: the Peloponnesian War. Guest host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Roel Konijnendijk to recount the causes, events and legacy of this pivotal war in the ancient Greek world.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Tristan HughesEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Delphi by The FlightPirates, Thugs and Bandits by The Flight, Michael GeorgiadesIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.