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
45 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.
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.
43 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.
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.
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.
Aug 7, 2025 • 47min
The Forgotten Power-Broker of the Roman Republic: Interview with Professor Douglas Boin
Douglas Boin, a Professor of History at St. Louis University and author of 'Clodia of Rome', uncovers the significant yet overlooked figure of Clodia amidst the political tumult of the late Roman Republic. They discuss her role as a principled reformer in a male-dominated society, challenging Cicero's misogynistic portrayals. Boin highlights Clodia's influence in political networks and her advocacy for economic equality, offering fresh insights into the complexities of women's agency during this transformative era.
Jul 31, 2025 • 40min
How the Horse Changed the World: Interview with Author David Chaffetz
David Chaffetz, an author and member of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, dives into the transformative impact of horses on human history. He explores how horses shaped cultures in Central Asia, serving as key players in trade and power dynamics. From personal stories of horseback travel in Afghanistan to the cultural significance in Mongolia, Chaffetz reveals how these animals influenced historical narratives and social status. His insights challenge traditional views on trade, emphasizing horses as the true engines of cultural exchange.
11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 43min
Why Did Rome Win?
Discover the intriguing reasons behind Rome's unprecedented rise to power and its dominance over the Mediterranean. Explore pivotal battles, military innovations, and the political savvy that set Rome apart. Dive into the power dynamics of rivals like Carthage and Hellenistic kingdoms, revealing their strategic blunders. Learn how Rome's diverse military integration and citizenship policies amplified its forces, ensuring victory over adversaries. Unpack the essence of ancient warfare and the factors that led to Rome's exquisite triumph.
