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
11 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 42min
The Tyrants of Syracuse and the Wars with Carthage
Dive into the fierce battles on the shores of Sicily where a soldier's desperate escape unfolds amidst chaos. Uncover the often-overlooked history of Carthage and its rich culture beyond just being Rome's rival. Learn about the rise of Syracuse as a formidable power under tyrant Dionysius, showcasing the significance of strategic cities and trade routes. Explore the chaotic reign of Dionysius II and how Agathocles seized power, leaving a lasting impact on the Mediterranean landscape.
7 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 39min
Excavating a Scythian Royal Burial Mound: Interview with Dr. Gino Caspari
Dr. Gino Caspari is an expert archaeologist specializing in Scythian studies and the CEO of GeoInsight. In this conversation, he shares fascinating insights from his latest excavation of a Scythian royal burial mound in Siberia. Topics include the ritualistic horse sacrifices and their implications for understanding state formation. Caspari also discusses the challenges of digging in remote areas and highlights the complexities of burial customs that shed light on societal hierarchies and the significance of horses in Scythian culture.
13 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 33min
What If: Alexander the Great had Died at the Granicus River?
Imagine if Alexander the Great had died at the Battle of Granicus River. This intriguing speculation dives into the fallout from his hypothetical death, exploring chaos in succession and the potential unraveling of the Macedonian campaign in Asia. The discourse critiques the Great Man Theory of History, questioning how much of our past hinges on individual leaders. It also highlights the strategic landscape of Alexander's time, pondering what new powers may have risen in his absence and how history as we know it could have drastically changed.
22 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 40min
The Birth of the Carthaginian Empire
Discover the aftermath of destruction in Motia as two teenagers navigate the wreckage, revealing the intense rivalry between Carthage and Syracuse. Explore the political machinations in Sicily, where local leaders played pivotal roles during the rise of the Carthaginian Empire. Unpack the disastrous Athenian expedition that shifted the power dynamics in the region. Delve into the fierce battles that ensued and Carthage's ambitions to expand its empire, set against a backdrop of turmoil and shifting alliances.
Dec 19, 2024 • 54min
The Fall of the Carolingian Empire: Interview with Dr. David Perry
Dr. David M. Perry, a historian of the Middle Ages and co-author of 'Oathbreakers', dives into the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire. He discusses Charlemagne's legacy and the empire's cultural contributions before its decline. Great insights include the significance of the Battle of Fontenois and how power struggles played a critical role in the empire's collapse. Perry also highlights the importance of medieval literature in understanding this turbulent period, weaving narratives around individual choices and societal norms that shaped history.
22 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 40min
The End of the Age of the Successors
Dive into the aftermath of Alexander the Great's empire, where chaos reigns among his former generals. Explore fierce power struggles and shifting alliances as the Diadochi battle for control, leading to a fragmented Hellenistic world. Witness the rise and fall of key figures like Demetrius and Lysimachus amid political turmoil in Greece. The podcast intricately examines the ambition and legacy of these successors, revealing how Alexander's vision shaped their aspirations—and ultimately their downfalls.
13 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 5min
Being a Soldier During the Thirty Years War: Interview with Dr. Lucian Staiano-Daniels
Dr. Lucian Staiano-Daniels, a research fellow at Stanford and author of "The War People," dives into what it meant to be a soldier during the turbulent Thirty Years' War. He explores the transformation of soldiering from mere wage labor to a duty fueled by loyalty. The conversation reveals the complicated motivations behind soldiers' identities as both mercenaries and moral agents, and connects the historical violence of the era to modern warfare dynamics. Finally, he shares fascinating insights about personal relationships and local dynamics that shaped experiences on the battlefield.
36 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 40min
The Rise of the Hellenistic World
Explore the tumultuous power struggles following Alexander the Great's death, as his generals vie for control in a fragmented empire. Antigonus the One-Eyed aims to restore Alexander's legacy, yet finds himself encircled by rivals. Witness the rise of Seleucus and the intense rivalries that define this chaotic era. Delve into strategic sieges, including the notable campaign at Salamis, and discover how propaganda shapes local support. The fate of cities like Rhodes becomes a battleground reflecting the shifting tides of Hellenistic kingship.
Nov 21, 2024 • 41min
Ancient DNA and the Iron Age Mediterranean: Interview with Dr. Hannah Moots
Dr. Hannah Moots, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Paleogenetics, discusses the groundbreaking impact of ancient DNA on understanding the Iron Age Mediterranean. She details how genomic records reveal the intricate migrations and interactions among ancient cultures like the Greeks and Phoenicians. Moots examines the complexities of identity and ancestry within the diverse populations of ancient Rome, and highlights the significance of short-distance movements that shaped historical narratives. Her insights revolutionize our view of mobility and cultural dynamics during this fascinating era.
23 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 42min
The Foundation of the Hellenistic Kingdoms
Witness the emotional turmoil of an old soldier grappling with his identity after the fall of Alexander's empire. Explore fierce power struggles among his former generals, leading to the empire's disintegration. Dive into the rise and fall of key figures like Eumenes and Olympias during this chaotic time. Learn about Demetrius's journey from nobleman to military leader, showcasing bravery amid defeat. Finally, uncover the formation of Hellenistic kingdoms and the significance of these tumultuous events.
