Ancient Civilisations

The discovery at Sutton Hoo of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his lavish treasure is one of the greatest archaeological finds on English soil. But who was the man considered worthy of such a splendid burial? Why was there no trace of human remains? What lies beneath the other mounds on the site? And why bury a body in a ship? A Noiser production, written by Nicola Rayner. With thanks to Gareth Williams, curator at the British Museum and author of Treasures From Sutton Hoo.For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser network, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though he ruled for just 13 years, Alexander the Great is as famed for his hedonistic lifestyle as his military genius. But how did he become one of the best known military leaders in history? What inspired such loyalty among his troops? And what drove this young man in his endless quest to conquer the known world?A Noiser production, written by Linda Harrison. With thanks to author Philip Freeman, a professor of humanities at Pepperdine University, Malibu.For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser network, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Great Wall of China is one of the architectural wonders of the world. Stretching for over 21,000km - as far as London to New York and back, twice - it follows what used to be the border between China and Mongolia. Built over a period of 2,000 years by millions of conscripted workers, it’s been the subject of myths and legends for centuries. But who really built the Great Wall, and how? Is it true that those who died at the Wall were buried within it? What purpose did it serve? And can this incredible structure really be seen from space?A Noiser production, written by Fiona Veitch-Smith. With thanks to William Lindesay, a geographer, explorer, conservationist, and leading expert on the Great Wall of China. For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser network, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Timothy May, a professor and expert on Genghis Khan, delves into the complex legacy of the Mongol leader. He discusses how Khan unified disparate tribes and revolutionized governance through reforms. The podcast highlights the Mongolian military's mastery in battle, their psychological strategies, and the brutal realities of conquest. May also explores Khan's dual legacy—both as a feared tyrant and a catalyst for early globalization, revealing how his policies fostered cultural exchange across empires.

Explore the brutal rise of Genghis Khan from humble beginnings to a feared conqueror. Delve into his early life, marked by tribal conflicts and personal hardships. Discover how his strategic brilliance and alliances shaped his ascent. The narrative captures the fierce battles, including a pivotal conflict with rival Jamuka, and the emotional quest to rescue his wife. Uncover the intricate tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, and the nomadic legacy that forged his empire, setting the stage for an unmatched reign.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Bruce Parkinson, a Professor of Egyptology at the University of Oxford, unveils the fascinating story of the Rosetta Stone. He highlights its crucial role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, revealing insights into Ptolemy V's reign and the political context of ancient Egypt. Richard also explores the challenges scholars faced, including misconceptions during the Renaissance and the competition between Thomas Young and Jean-François Champollion. The conversation dives into debates over the stone’s return to Egypt and what its translation means for understanding ancient cultures.

Discover the multifaceted world of the Aztecs, from their advanced agricultural innovations like chinampas to their complex political systems driven by elite councils. Explore the rise of Itzcoat and the formation of the Triple Alliance amidst civil strife. Learn about the misconceptions surrounding Hernán Cortés's conquest and the pivotal role of Doña Marina in the transformation of Aztec identity. Lastly, delve into the enduring legacy of this civilization in modern Mexico, showcasing the resilience of indigenous culture today.

Thomas Martin, Professor of Classics at the College of the Holy Cross and author of Ancient Greece, explores Athens' remarkable rise during its Golden Age. He highlights how democracy sparked unprecedented freedoms and cultural flourishing, from the architectural wonders like the Parthenon to the impactful theater of the time. Martin delves into the complexities of leadership under Pericles, societal dynamics with figures like Aspasia, and the tension following the Peloponnesian War that led to the philosophical introspection of Socrates.

In 1922, a young boy's discovery in Egypt reveals the lost tomb of Tutankhamun, captivating the world. The elaborate treasures and the mysterious 'curse' surrounding the excavation add to the intrigue. Explore the boy king's life amidst religious turmoil, his efforts to restore tradition, and the medical secrets uncovered in his mummy. Delve into the rich artifacts and their connections, including his iconic death mask. This tale of a fragile king who shaped ancient history continues to fascinate generations.

David Gwynn, a Professor of Roman History at Royal Holloway University, dives into the dramatic events leading up to Julius Caesar's assassination. He discusses how the Roman Republic transformed from its humble beginnings and the pivotal moments that crafted its path toward dictatorship. The podcast also highlights the social crises triggered by expansion, the reforms of Gaius Marius that shifted army loyalties, and the implications of Caesar's rise and fall for the future of Rome. A thrilling exploration of power, betrayal, and the rise of empires!