Echoes of History

Dr. James Victor, an Associate Professor and historian focused on 18th-century Atlantic history, dives deep into the Boston Tea Party's true motives. He challenges the traditional heroic narrative, shedding light on the careful planning behind the protest and its orchestrated secrecy likening it to organized crime. Victor explains the symbolic use of Native American imagery, the Sons of Liberty's origins, and why tea was the focal point of resistance. He also discusses the tea's destruction and its limited economic impact, but significant political consequences.

One of the most profoundly influential periods in history is the 5th century BCE, when when a collection of great minds in Ancient Greece formed the foundations of Western philosophy, medicine and history itself. How did ancient doctors heal the sick? How did historians share their research with a society that didn't read? What influence did female intellectuals have on the Fathers of Philosophy?Matt Lewis presents the expertise of Prof Michael Griffin, Prof Helen King and Justin Marozzi about Socrates, Hippocrates and Herodotus - all of whom are brought to life in Assassin's Creed Odyssey for players to get a taste of what it might have been like to walk alongside these remarkable people in their daily lives. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Athens, Birthplace of Democracy by The Flight, Mike GeorgiadesSokrates by The Flight, Mike GeorgiadesConversations by The Flight, Mike GeorgiadesAtlantis by The FlightIf 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.

Dr. Sterenn Le Maguer, an expert in Islamic archaeology, explores the historical significance of the Incense Route and AlUla. She reveals how this ancient trade network connected southern Arabia to the Mediterranean, emphasizing its crucial role in the spice trade. By highlighting the unique adaptations like the dromedary camel for land travel and the impact of maritime risks, Dr. Le Maguer showcases how elites consumed rare fragrant goods. The discussion also touches on archaeology in AlUla and the continuity of perfume traditions, linking the past to modern practices.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Laïla Nehmé, an expert in Nabataean archaeology, delves into the mysteries of the Nabataeans and their remarkable city, Hegra. She explores their unique architectural style and their control over vital trade routes, particularly for incense. Nehmé also addresses the social structure evident in tomb inscriptions and emphasizes Hegra’s role as a bustling city, not just a necropolis. With insights into Roman annexation and today's preservation efforts, she paints a vivid picture of this lost civilization's enduring legacy.

Matt Cook, a senior writer for Anno 117: Pax Romana, dives into the fascinating intersection of history and gaming. He discusses the significant moment of 117 AD in the Roman Empire, emphasizing research challenges and historical accuracy. Cook reveals how influences from pop culture shape the game's tone and addresses the sensitive topic of slavery through narrative rather than gameplay. He shares anecdotes about real historical figures and the unique gameplay mechanics driven by Roman society, all while encouraging players to engage with history creatively.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Anne Chen, an Associate Professor at Bard College and director of the International Digital Dura-Europos Archive, delves into daily life in the Roman Empire. She explores how archaeology reveals the intricacies of everyday activities often overlooked in texts. Discover the significance of Dura-Europos, a time capsule of cultures, and how modern methods help rediscover social dynamics, including women’s roles. Dr. Chen's insights highlight the empire as a borrower of cultures, showcasing a rich tapestry of coexisting traditions.

Everyone knows the great achievements of Sir Isaac Newton. Or do they? Assassin's Creed Gold focuses not on the first half of Newton's career, describing gravity and the fundamental laws of physics, but on the second half of his life, working at the Royal Mint in London. This responsibility included chasing down counterfeiters. One man in particular would became his nemesis - the Professor Moriarty to Newton's Sherlock Holmes.To shed light on this fascinating time in Newton's life, Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Patricia Fara, Emeritus Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge and author of Life After Gravity: Isaac Newton's London Career. Everyone knows the great achievements of Sir Isaac Newton. Or do they? Assassin's Creed Gold focuses not on the first half of Newton's career, describing gravity and the fundamental laws of physics, but on the second half of his life, working at the Royal Mint in London. This responsibility included chasing down counterfeiters, and one man in particular who would became his nemesis - the Professor Moriarty to Newton's Sherlock Holmes.To shed light on this fascinating time in Newton's life, Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Patricia Fara, Emeritus Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge and author of Life After Gravity: Isaac Newton's London Career.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnell, Matt LewisSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:On Father's Watch by Chris TiltonBallroom Fight (Invention No. 13 in D Minor) by Sarah SchachnerThe Nation, the Law, and the King by Sarah SchachnerIf 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 Unity offers a stunning recreation of 18th century Paris, which in modern times is the home of Ubisoft. How did this setting affect the developers’ work? Did this personal connection make things easier or harder? And how did the developers approach the intense history of the French Revolution, which is still an emotive period for many people?Dr Holly Nielsen is joined by Ubisoft resident historian and Assassin's Creed World Director, Maxime Durand, to uncover the challenges and surprising discoveries made by the game developers when recreating Paris during the French Revolution.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.Hosted by: Holly NielsenEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnell, Holly NielsenSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic by Chris Tilton, Sarah Schachner, Ryan AmonIf 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.

Vinland, the mysterious place that may be somewhere in North America, and that players of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla can explore in The Last Chapter, as a grand finale to the epic story. And story is the key word, because our evidence for Vikings in America comes from Norse sagas. What exactly do they tell us about Vinland and the Vikings in America? And how much can we trust these sources for historical fact?To help Matt Lewis separate saga fact from fiction, he's joined by Dr Brittany Schorn, a Director of Studies in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at the University of Cambridge.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Robin McConnell, Matt LewisSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Blood Red Sails by Sarah SchachnerTo The Next World by Sarah SchachnerIf 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 Chronicles: Russia transports us to the tense atmosphere of World War One as Russia made the difficult transition from an imperial state to a socialist republic.But what was it like for the ordinary person on the streets of Moscow, or in the wheatfields of Kursk? Did they passionately pursue the political shifts that were underway? Or did they just fear the threat - and the fact - of violence while they looked for their next meal?To help Matt Lewis understand the experience of the worker during the Russian Revolution, he's joined by Professor Sarah Badcock from the University of Nottingham, author of Politics and the People in Revolutionary Russia; A Provincial History.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel.Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Robin McConnell, Matt LewisSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic by Aaron Miller, Mark RutherfordIf 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.