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
35 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 25, 2025 • 8min
Listen Now: American Scandal | The West Memphis Three
A small town is rocked by the brutal murders of three young boys, leading to a frantic investigation with little evidence. Amidst community shock, police face intense pressure to find suspects. A web of rumors complicates the search, adding layers of chaos and misinformation. Prominent figures, like the governor, get involved as the case spirals into a media frenzy. Ultimately, three teenage boys are wrongfully accused, igniting a national campaign for justice that spans nearly two decades. The story unravels the darker side of investigative failures and societal panic.
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!
22 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 40min
Why the Hundred Years War Actually Lasted Two Hundred Years: Interview with Professor Michael Livingston
In this engaging discussion, Professor Michael Livingston, a distinguished military historian at The Citadel, presents a fresh perspective on the Hundred Years War, arguing it actually spanned 200 years. He explores the significance of redefining the conflict’s timeline to reveal deeper connections across Europe. Topics include the implications of internal strife in England post-war, the role of France as the central actor, and the war's legacy in shaping modern statehood. Livingston's insights promise to challenge traditional narratives and enrich our understanding of medieval history.
33 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 38min
The Phoenicians, the Greeks, and the Iron Age Mediterranean
Discover the dramatic shift from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age that reshaped the Mediterranean economy. Learn about the Phoenicians and Greeks, who became vital links in trade networks. Explore how Phoenician city-states thrived on maritime trade and innovation, while Greek resilience led to urban reinvention. Uncover the intricate multi-ethnic trade circuits that defined this era and the shared institutions that fostered commerce. Imagine the vibrant life of a Phoenician merchant navigating this bustling, interconnected world.
Nov 6, 2025 • 54min
Love, War, and Diplomacy in the Late Bronze Age: Interview with Professor Eric Cline
In this conversation, Professor Eric Cline, a noted expert on the Late Bronze Age, dives into the fascinating world revealed by the Amarna Letters. He shares insights on the rare archive’s discovery and the diplomacy between powerful kings, highlighting the roles of elite correspondence and local conflicts. Cline also discusses the unique cultural dynamics of the era, including marriage alliances and gift exchanges. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes about the scholarly race to translate these ancient texts that illuminate past lives and societal structures.
Nov 5, 2025 • 4min
Listen Now: American History Tellers | The Mayflower
Explore the untold story of the Pilgrims and their brave landing at Cape Cod. Discover how their alliance with the Wampanoag was crucial for survival. Experience a thrilling dramatization of the Mayflower battling a fierce storm, capturing the captain's dilemma. Each detail reveals how these historic events shaped the nation we live in today.
Oct 30, 2025 • 44min
Building the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings
Explore the fascinating world of ancient Egypt, where humble farmers fueled monumental architecture through state-organized redistribution. Discover the innovative irrigation of the Nile that led to surplus grain, enabling thousands to build the Great Pyramid. Learn about the daily life of workers in the specialized village of Deir el-Medina, including their unique compensation and living conditions. Delve into the complexities of a dual economy that balanced state support with private market interactions, shaping a remarkable civilization.
12 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 43min
The Story of Carbon Dioxide is the Story of Everything: Interview with Journalist Peter Brannen
Journalist Peter Brannen, an expert on deep-time Earth history, joins to explore the critical role of carbon dioxide in shaping our planet’s past and future. They delve into how CO2 has influenced mass extinctions and the emergence of complex life. Brannen discusses humanity's unprecedented impact on the carbon cycle and questions our adaptability amidst climate change. He reflects on how climate has affected agriculture and why fossil fuels transformed our energy landscape. Their conversation ultimately prompts a deeper consideration of our lasting legacy in geological history.
19 snips
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.
