Echoes of History
History Hit & Assassin's Creed
Dive into the real-life history that inspires the locations, characters, and storylines of the legendary world of Assassin’s Creed. ‘Echoes of History’ is the official Assassin's Creed history podcast. We’ll head down the narrow side streets of Medici-ruled Florence, cross sand dunes in the shadow of ancient pyramids, climb the rigging of 18th century brigs sailing across the Caribbean and meet the most powerful warlords in Feudal Japan - all before hearing from the developers themselves to understand how and why these moments are recreated in the acclaimed historical game series.Every week, join historian Matt Lewis, and regular contributor Holly Nielsen, as they speak to historical experts about the secrets of the past and uncover how these stories influence Assassin’s Creed.A Ubisoft podcast brought to you by History Hit.If you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. For more Echoes of History, including guided tours through the places of the past recreated in Assassin’s Creed, head to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@assassinscreedEOH To find out more go to www.assassinscreed.com or find us on Facebook & Twitter.(Re)discover Assassin’s Creed full catalogue with Ubisoft+”Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is both older and newer than you might think, with mysteries and controversies buried in its foundations. To help shed a light on the complex history of this iconic monument, Matt Lewis is joined by historian and travel guide Dr Jeremiah Jenne, co-host of the podcast Barbarians at the Gate.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Tim ArstallProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell, Peta StamperSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Theme Master by Aaron Miller & Mark RutherfordPrologue by Aaron Miller & Mark RutherfordGreat Wall Session by Aaron Miller & Mark RutherfordForbidden City Escape by Aaron Miller & Mark RutherfordIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 25, 2024 • 48min
The Pazzi Conspiracy
Catherine Fletcher, a Professor of Renaissance history, dives deep into the tumultuous world of 15th-century Florence, focusing on the notorious Pazzi Conspiracy against the powerful Medici family. She recounts the dramatic events of Easter Sunday 1478, illustrating the failed assassination plot that led to chaos and bloodshed. The discussion uncovers the fierce rivalries, political motivations, and the conspiracy's aftermath, which ultimately solidified Medici power in Florence and reshaped its political landscape.
Nov 18, 2024 • 37min
The Duomo of Florence
The Renaissance was an age of sweeping transformation in politics, literature, science, art and architecture. Perhaps nothing better represents the latter achievements than il Duomo di Firenze - the Cathedral of Florence, the city where the epic Ezio trilogy of Assassin’s Creed - and the Renaissance - began. The story of the Duomo is both more complicated and more controversial than you’d expect. Matt Lewis is joined by architectural historian Emma Wells to shed light on the marvels and mysteries of Florence Cathedral.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Alex JonesProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Approaching Target by Jesper KydEarth by Jesper KydTour of Venice by Jesper KydThe Madam by Jesper KydSanctuary by Jesper KydIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 11, 2024 • 48min
The Borgias: History's Most Villainous Family
Jennifer DeSilva, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, reveals the untold stories of the infamous Borgia family. She examines their rise during 15th-century Italy, challenging their notorious reputation as merely corrupt. Dive into the complex dynamics between siblings like Cesare and Lucrezia, and explore the cultural misrepresentation of their legacy. DeSilva also discusses the parallels between the Borgias’ political maneuvers and contemporary media, providing an insightful look at history's impact on modern society.
Nov 5, 2024 • 46min
How The Vikings Shaped Ireland and Britain
The Viking Age saw the creation of new towns and new kingdoms in Britain and Ireland. What impact did Norse settlers have on politics, culture and the economy? Professor Fiona Edmonds joins Matt Lewis to reveal the ways in which Vikings shaped medieval Ireland and Britain.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Bounteous Fields by Max ArujBury the Past, Build the Future by Max ArujCanaid Lia Fáil by Einar SelvikIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 28, 2024 • 43min
Samhain: The First Halloween
Halloween is a tradition that only grows in popularity each year. Yet its origins are mysterious, shrouded by myth and misconception. Some of its roots trace back to the Gaelic festival of Samhain. In this episode, Matt Lewis and Dr Kelly Fitzgerald explore the traditions and significance of Samhain to the people who celebrated it, and its connections to Halloween.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell, Peta StamperSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Assassin's Creed Valhalla Main Theme by Sarah Schachner, Einar Selvik, Jesper KydAsgard Hall Of The Aesir by Sarah Schachner, Einar SelvikRavensthorpe by Sarah SchachnerIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 21, 2024 • 46min
The High King Of Ireland
Viking Age Ireland was divided into many rival kingdoms. However, some men could rise to become High King of Ireland. Men like Flann Sinna. How did he become High King? Did he wield real power over the other kingdoms? When did the High Kingship come to an end?Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Máire Ní Mhaonaigh to explain the significance of the High Kingship and the reign of Flann Sinna, which oversaw the profound effects of the Norse arrival.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Canaid Lia Fáil by Einar Selvik, Julie FowlisRivers and Fjords by Sarah SchachnerNew People, Old Empires by Sarah SchachnerIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 14, 2024 • 44min
Marie Antoinette: The Cake-Loving Queen
Delve into the dramatic life of Marie Antoinette, the cake-loving queen caught in the whirlwind of the French Revolution. Explore her transformation from a glamorous princess to a prisoner, and uncover the intense courtroom drama that wood led to her tragic execution. Hear about the haunting accusations against her and her enduring legacy, rich with societal implications. Reflect on her emotional final moments, as she grapples with the chaos around her, all while contemplating the fate of a queen condemned by history.
Oct 7, 2024 • 49min
The Storming Of The Bastille
Assassin's Creed Unity starts by putting players at the heart of the Storming of the Bastille. It is one of the key events of the French Revolution and is known throughout the world. But it is fair to say that the name is better known than the event itself. Was it more than just a prison break? Why was it so important to the revolutionaries? And what did this event contribute to the democratic and social changes that followed?Matt Lewis is joined by Professor David Andress from the University of Portsmouth to reveal the events of that fateful day, the reasons behind them, and their lasting impact.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Robin McConnellProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Books of Grievances by Sarah SchachnerVersailles for Sore Eyes by Christ TiltonA Leap Of Faith by Chris Tilton, Jesper KydIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite podcast episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 30, 2024 • 42min
Napoleon: The Dictator Of Democracy
Napoleon Bonaparte is a household name; a rare example of someone who is as well remembered by his supporters as by his enemies. His life is rich with dramatic irony. He was a key figure in the creation of the First French Republic, yet became a self-appointed Emperor. Surrounded by enemies, he secured peace in France through war abroad and was hated by the monarchies of Europe, who feared he would bring democracy to their lands.Dan Snow from Dan Snow's History Hit joins Matt Lewis to ask who exactly was this man? Where did he come from and what is his legacy for the Western world?Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Alex JonesProduced by: Matt Lewis, Joseph Knight, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Coordinator: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Binding Loyalties by Sarah SchachnerBreach Party by Chris TiltonChase by Chase Basis by Chris TiltonVersailles for Sore Eyes by Chris TiltonThe Nation, The Law, and The King by Sarah SchachnerIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite podcast episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
