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
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.
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.
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.
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.
