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
Oct 16, 2025 • 41min
Living and Working in Imperial Babylonia
The podcast delves into the economic boom of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, revealing how markets and silver monetization transformed daily life. It introduces fictional villager Bazitu, illustrating ordinary experiences in vibrant markets. Detailed cuneiform records challenge old theories on ancient economies, showcasing an era of systemic change. Massive irrigation efforts and agricultural innovations boosted productivity significantly. The narrative explores the rise of cash transactions, social mobility, and improved standards of living, before explaining the empire's eventual decline.
9 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 40min
The Ancient Economy from Assyria to Augustus
Explore the vibrant world of ancient economies, from the bustling trade of Delos to the emergence of coinage. Discover how economic history influences everyday life and laborers. Delve into the debate between primitivist and modernist views on market behavior. Learn how institutions shaped farmers' choices and what constituted money in various societies. Uncover the profound transformations that occurred between Assyria and Augustus, demonstrating the complex interplay of population growth, technology, and market institutions.
28 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 47min
Interview with Dr. Owen Rees (Book, The Far Edges of the Known World releases 9/30/25)
Dr. Owen Rees, a lecturer in applied humanities and author of The Far Edges of the Known World, discusses the expansive nature of ancient history beyond classical centers like Greece and Rome. He challenges misconceptions shaped by urban bias, highlighting the diverse agency of peripheral peoples. The conversation reveals how ordinary objects, like cooking pottery, tell stories of cross-cultural interaction, while exploring how dominant cultures historically portrayed outsiders. Rees emphasizes the significance of embracing these complexities to understand a richer, more inclusive view of antiquity.
63 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 41min
Thucydides, the Greatest Historian of All Time: Interview with Robin Waterfield and Professor Polly Low
Join classical scholar Robin Waterfield, known for his modern translations of ancient texts, and Professor Polly Low, an expert on Thucydides, as they dive deep into the world of the greatest historian. They explore what draws scholars to Thucydides, discussing his intimidating style and the complexities of his writings like the Melian Dialogue. The duo also examines the significance of the Peloponnesian War and how Thucydides shaped history's narrative. Discover why his work remains relevant today and the nuances lost in translation.
55 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 41min
The Celts Invade Greece
In an unexpected turn of events, the Celts invaded Greece in 280 BC, disrupting the Hellenistic world. Ptolemy Caranos's ruthless bid for power, marked by betrayal, set the stage for this chaos. The Celtic army's impressive scale and strategic planning contrasted with the miscalculations of local forces. Greek city-states united at Thermopylae to repel the invaders. This incursion significantly altered cultural exchanges and political dynamics, leaving a lasting mark on the ancient landscape.
6 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 41min
Alexander's Successors and the Danube Frontier
Explore the tumultuous aftermath of Alexander the Great's reign as his successors grapple with power struggles in Thrace. Unbeknownst to them, Celtic migrants are making their way east, poised for one of the largest invasions of Greece. Delve into the complex dynamics of both the Eastern Celts and Thracians, as their cultural influences intertwine during this historical upheaval. Discover how geopolitical chaos sets the stage for dramatic clashes between Celtic tribes and Hellenistic powers.
Sep 4, 2025 • 42min
The First Cities North of the Alps: Interview with Professor Manuel Fernandez-Götz
Professor Manuel Fernandez-Götz, an expert in Later European Prehistory from Oxford, dives deep into the intriguing world of the Iron Age. He discusses the transformative impact of urbanization and state formation in ancient societies. The conversation covers the significance of the Hoineberg site as a bustling center of craftspeople and merchants. Fernandez-Götz highlights the role of advanced archaeological techniques like ancient DNA analysis in uncovering social dynamics, elite structures, and the interconnectedness of early Iron Age cultures.
13 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 40min
The Celts of the East and the Iron Age Balkans
Discover the surprising reach of the Celts as they migrated eastward to the Balkans, where they encountered diverse cultures like the Illyrians and Thracians. Dive into the moral complexities of ancient slave trades and reflect on the transformative impacts of Celtic migrations on regional power dynamics. Learn about the interplay between Celtic warriors and neighboring societies, while examining pivotal moments that shaped the rise of Macedonia. Uncover how these ancient exchanges echo modern themes of migration and cultural integration.
42 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 39min
Rome's Deadliest Enemies: The Gauls of Italy
Discover the gripping story of the Gauls of northern Italy, Rome's most formidable adversaries. Uncover their sophisticated military strategies and political organization, debunking the stereotype of chaotic tribes. The narrative reveals their cultural significance and urban development amid rich migrations. Explore how their interactions with Etruscan communities and advanced warfare techniques led to historic events, including the infamous sack of Rome, challenging the perception of the Gauls as mere barbarians.
43 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 40min
Celts and the European Iron Age
Explore the explosive narrative of a woman’s escape from a town in flames, painting a vivid picture of violence during the European Iron Age. Delve into the diverse identities of the Celts, challenging conventional stereotypes while examining their cultural complexities. Discover the Hallstatt culture and its significance in human movement and urbanization, revealing the intricate societal developments in Northern Europe. Unravel the socio-political transformations that led to the rise and fall of Iron Age urban centers, and draw parallels with Mediterranean cultures, highlighting the rich tapestry of history.
