
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

16 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 42min
The Aftermath of the Peloponnesian War and the March of the 10,000 Greeks
Explore the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War with the 10,000 Greek soldiers under Cyrus, uncovering Greek-Persian interactions and power struggles. Delve into the dynamics of the Persian Empire, the role of mercenaries, and Cyrus's rebellion. Follow Xenophon and the mercenaries on their post-war adventures, navigating battles and alliances in a changing political landscape.

Jul 18, 2024 • 44min
The Samnites and the Alternative to Rome
Discover the formidable resistance of the Samnites against Roman expansion and the alternative political structures they offered. Explore the complexities of Samnite identity and their unique military tactics. Unravel the history of the intense conflict between Rome and the Samnites in ancient Italy.

9 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 40min
Summer Reading Recommendations
Get ready for summer with these captivating history book recommendations! From World War II Soviet women to 16th-century executions, delve into the dynamics of past eras. Explore power struggles post-Alexander, French Indochina, and Islamic perspectives on Crusades. Enjoy a historical reading adventure under the sun!

4 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 42min
The Roman Conquest of Italy
Discover how Rome went from a modest city to dominating Italy through cooperation rather than conquest. Explore societal and cultural transformations, the rise of the Roman Republic, strategic expansion, and the emergence of formidable opponents like the Samnites.

12 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 51min
The Great Gender Divergence: Interview with Dr. Alice Evans
Dr. Alice Evans discusses the Great Gender Divergence and progress towards gender equality. Topics include historical gender roles, masculinity across societies, cultural diversity, and the evolution of gender norms.

Jun 20, 2024 • 44min
Rome's Patrician Republic
The podcast explores the evolution of the Roman Republic, including power struggles, challenges, and conquests. It delves into the dynamics of Rome's Patrician Republic, the wealth of Etruria, and the conflicts Rome faced in the fifth century BC. The episodes highlight the ambition and competition among aristocrats, as well as the conquest of Veii that solidified Rome's dominance in Italy.

5 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 41min
The Birth of the Roman Republic
Explore the birth of the Roman Republic in 509 BC after the expulsion of the last king. Dive into the evolution and transformation of the Roman political system over five centuries, from a republic to an imperial power under one-man rule. Learn about the conflict between patricians and plebeians, the establishment of plebeian political structures, and the evolution of Roman society.

6 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 48min
The Greatest Dynasty of Medieval France: Interview with Professor Justine Firnhaber-Baker
Professor Justine Firnhaber-Baker, expert on medieval France, discusses Capetian dynasty, personal power of kings, challenges of absolutism, and powerful women in politics. The podcast explores medieval vs modern local politics and the importance of historical narrative and character analysis.

May 30, 2024 • 45min
Sicily, Defeat, and the End of the Athenian Empire
Explore the devastating aftermath of the Peloponnesian War, the fragile peace between Athens and Sparta, the ruthless ancient politics, and the tragic Athenian expedition to Sicily. Witness the ill-fated siege of Syracuse, the downfall of Athenian forces, and the long-term repercussions of the war on Greece.

22 snips
May 23, 2024 • 57min
Understanding the Alien World of Ancient Greece: Interview with Professor Greg Anderson
Professor Greg Anderson discusses understanding ancient Greece, challenging modern assumptions, divine mandate in ancient monarchies, leadership in Carthage and Athens, democracy's societal role, distinct worlds in ancient civilizations, communal vs modern individualistic worldviews, and preserving indigenous cultures.
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