
Tides of History
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.
Latest episodes

7 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 51min
Guerrilla Warfare and Insurgency in the American Civil War: Interview with Professor Andrew Fialka
In this engaging discussion, Professor Andrew Fialka, an expert on Civil War history and guerrilla warfare, sheds light on the often-overlooked insurgency tactics that shaped the conflict. He explores the dual nature of warfare, featuring morally complex figures like spies and con men. Fialka delves into the creation of his graphic history, merging serious storytelling with visual art. Additionally, he highlights a new database cataloging over 25,000 violent events, emphasizing lessons relevant to contemporary warfare and community dynamics.

Jul 14, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
Explore the unconventional romance between Travis and his AI companion, Lily Rose, as their relationship takes an intriguing twist. Delve into the complexities of emotional connections in a digital realm, where intimacy blurs the lines between human and machine. The story raises thought-provoking questions about isolation, companionship, and the profound impacts of technology on our deepest desires. As alarm bells ring globally, Travis discovers he's part of a larger narrative that challenges the essence of love and control.

7 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 53min
Encore: Jakob Fugger: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived?
Discover the incredible story of Jakob Fugger, possibly the richest man in history, and how he transformed European banking by shifting power from Italy to South Germany. Explore the rise of the Fugger dynasty, their shrewd financial strategies, and the impact of their wealth on trade and politics. Delve into the family dynamics that propelled them from cloth trading to influential financiers, and learn about their innovative approaches to mining and large-scale loans that reshaped the financial landscape of the Renaissance.

Jul 8, 2025 • 54min
Encore: The Rise and Fall of the Medici Bank
Discover the fascinating rise of the Medici Bank, which transformed the financial landscape of fifteenth-century Europe. The Medici family ascended from humble beginnings to dominate finance, intertwining their fortunes with powerful popes and kings. Explore their innovative banking practices, such as the use of bills of exchange, and how these strategies bolstered Florence's political culture. Yet, as swiftly as they rose, internal challenges and political intrigue led to their dramatic decline, leaving a lasting legacy in history.

33 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 44min
The Roman Conquest of the Hellenistic World
Dive into the dramatic tale of Koinos, a young Macedonian soldier grappling with the chaos of war. Discover how Rome's indifference transformed into a fierce ambition, altering the Greek world forever. Unpack the complex political maneuvers and diplomatic strategies that influenced Roman military interventions. Experience the tension in the lead-up to battles and witness the decline of Macedonian power as Rome rises to dominate the Mediterranean. It’s a captivating exploration of history’s turning points!

Jun 26, 2025 • 45min
Who was Thomas More? Interview with Dr. Joanne Paul
Dr. Joanne Paul, an Honorary Associate Professor in Intellectual History and author of 'Thomas More: A Life', explores the enigmatic figure of Thomas More. She discusses how More's tumultuous childhood in Tudor England shaped his views on authority and morality. The conversation dives into the complexities of his roles as a statesman, martyr, and persecutor. Paul also examines the subjective nature of historical narratives and the interplay between humanism and community in transforming identities during the Reformation.

Jun 23, 2025 • 6min
Listen Now: Liberty Lost
A 16-year-old faces a harrowing reality after becoming pregnant in an evangelical home. Hidden away in a maternity facility, she encounters pressure to give her baby up for adoption. The narrative unveils the emotional turmoil of coerced decisions and highlights stories of young women fighting back against a system that threatens their autonomy. As societal norms shift post-Roe, the discussion reveals the ongoing struggles for mothers reclaiming their choices and battling for their rights.

16 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 40min
Rome Enters the Hellenistic World
Explore the intriguing shift as Rome engages with the Hellenistic world after the Second Punic War. Discover how political turmoil and the rise of powerful Greek monarchies influenced Rome's expansion strategies. The podcast delves into the complex relationships that emerged, with Greek states seeking Roman alliances to combat internal crises. Key power struggles, marked by strategic maneuvers from figures like Antiochus III and Philip V, reshape the Mediterranean landscape. This historical turning point dramatically alters the future of both Rome and the Greek East.

31 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 42min
War and the Hellenistic World
Explore the tumultuous Hellenistic world, shaped by Alexander the Great's conquests and steeped in conflict. Discover the cultural exchanges as Greek settlers mingled with indigenous societies, creating a rich tapestry of identities. Delve into the relentless warfare that dominated this era, marking military service as a societal norm. Witness the fierce battles between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid kingdoms and the strategic significance of ancient battlegrounds. Learn how the fall of Carthage set the stage for Rome's rise in this vibrant, yet violent, historical landscape.

9 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 51min
On Ancient History and Our Shared Heritage: Interview with Professor Walter Scheidel
Walter Scheidel, Dickinson Professor of the Humanities at Stanford University, sheds light on the relevance of ancient history to modern society. He argues for its importance in understanding our shared human heritage. The conversation challenges traditional Mediterranean-centric views, advocating for a global perspective on ancient civilizations. Scheidel emphasizes the intricate connections between ancient societies and modern cultures, proposing a more inclusive approach to historical study. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about the legacies that shape our contemporary world.