Tides of History
Wondery / Patrick Wyman
Everywhere around us are echoes of the past. Those echoes define the boundaries of states and countries, how we pray and how we fight. They determine what money we spend and how we earn it at work, what language we speak and how we raise our children. From Wondery, host Patrick Wyman, PhD (“Fall Of Rome”) helps us understand our world and how it got to be the way it is.Listen to Tides of History on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to bonus episodes available exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/tides-of-history/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 33min
Doing Business in Mid-Republican Rome
Explore the fascinating economic transformation of Rome during the Republic! Discover how sustained warfare and political reforms fueled citizenship and prosperity. Meet Quintus, a composite character who embodies the shift from farming to an urban economy. Learn how his ventures in trade, including borrowing for his first business, highlight the complexity of wealth, slavery, and public contracts. Dive into the rise of wealthier aristocrats and the changing roles of commoners in a rapidly monetizing society.
10 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 43min
Interview with Professor Tom Birkett on "Runes: A Concise History"
Tom Birkett, a Professor of Old Norse and author of Runes: A Concise History, dives into the fascinating world of runic writing. He clarifies the practical use of runes beyond their magical associations, illustrating how they reveal personal relationships and everyday life in medieval Scandinavia. Birkett discusses their enduring presence in society, the significance of gold bracteates, and the complex nature of Iron Age Germanic cultures. He also shares insights on recent discoveries that transform our understanding of runes and their emotional impact.
72 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 34min
How Alexander the Great's Soldiers Spent Their Money
Explore the financial life of a Macedonian soldier during Alexander the Great's conquests. Learn how soldiers like Red Cleitus handled their newfound wealth, navigating a world of camp markets, inflation, and credit. Discover the economic incentives that drew men into military service, and how their spending influenced regional economies. Delve into the realities of their expenditures— from arms to indulgences like wine and sex work. Uncover the dark side of war as a slave-producing economy and the long-term impacts on Hellenistic society.
Dec 18, 2025 • 27min
Two Murders at the Dawn of History (Lost Worlds Audiobook Preview)
Dive into the intriguing tales of two murder victims from 5,300 years ago—Ötzi the Iceman and Gebelein Man. Discover the secrets Ötzi's preserved body reveals about his life, diet, and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding his death. Explore Gebelein Man's fatal injury and its implications for ancient Egyptian society on the brink of kingship. Both stories connect us to a past rich with history, identity, and the evolution of civilizations. Mummies remind us of the lives and experiences of our ancient predecessors.
12 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 24min
Past Lives: Nanaya'ila'i and the Bleeding Edge of the Assyrian Empire
Delve into the harrowing journey of Nanaya'ila'i, a woman abducted by the Assyrian Empire nearly 2,700 years ago. Explore the brutal rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and their policies of terror and deportation. Learn about the eerie destruction of Elam and the grim realities faced by captives in Ashur. Hear how ordinary soldiers participated in imperial violence while Nanaya'ila'i's poignant story serves as a rare glimpse into the human cost of conquest, illustrating the complexities of survival amidst brutality.
21 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 36min
The Economic Life of Megakles, Farmer of Classical Athens
Explore the economic life of a composite character named Megakles, a farmer in classical Athens. Discover how Athens' unusual wealth shaped the daily grind of its citizens. Delve into Athenian laws that fostered trade and investment, and how a post-war baby boom affected economic demand. Learn about farms as commercial hubs producing goods for market rather than just sustenance. From strategic investments to partnerships in wool and silver, see how Megakles navigated opportunities amid the ebb and flow of an ancient economy.
19 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 48min
Doing History through Movies: Interview with Dr. Jason Herbert
Dr. Jason Herbert, a historian and tribal liaison for the U.S. Forest Service, explores the intersection of film and history. He discusses why movies ignite passion for historical narratives and how they shape our understanding of the past. Jason emphasizes the power of storytelling over mere factual accuracy in films like *Kingdom of Heaven* and *Lincoln*. They also dive into the impact of intimate history films and the importance of engaging with pop culture to bring history to a wider audience.
10 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 20min
Listen to Patrick's New History Podcast, Past Lives
Explore the untold stories of ordinary people in history, emphasizing their role as the backbone of human experience. Dive into the critique of 'great-man history' and its limitations, while discovering how individual perspectives reshape our understanding of events like the Civil War. Patrick also defines sociological storytelling, highlighting how fragmentary evidence can bring past lives to light. The first season focuses on twelve enslaved individuals, shedding light on their profound yet often overlooked histories.
44 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 38min
Why Was Classical Athens So Rich?
Discover the secrets behind Athens' immense wealth in ancient Greece! Explore how geography, silver mines, and the crucial role of democracy and institutions enabled commerce to thrive. Dive into the impact of the Persian Wars, population booms, and effective trade networks that fed urban specialization. Learn how monetized markets and labor dynamics, including slavery, shaped the economy. Delve into the lasting effects of Athenian governance, even amidst decline, on its historical legacy.
Nov 21, 2025 • 3min
Patrick's New History Show, Past Lives, Launches December 3rd!
Dive into the untold stories of ordinary individuals from the past! The host explores why everyday lives matter in history, challenging the focus on only famous figures. Discover the typical roles of our ancestors—like farmers and craftsmen—and the limited records left behind. This engaging exploration reveals how understanding these lives can connect us more deeply to our own humanity. Tune in for weekly insights that bring the past to life!
