Tides of History

Explore the decline and fall of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization due to environmental conditions, and its remarkable achievements in agriculture, trade, writing, and maintaining peace. Discover the shared way of life in the core cities, the challenges of deciphering societal dynamics, and the civilization's economic and cultural integration. Uncover the difficulties of correlating climate change with historical events and the transformation of the Indus Valley Civilization into the era of the Vedas.

Explore the unprecedented warfare and larger armies during China's Warring States period. Learn about the interplay between state making and war making, the elimination of the aristocracy, and the centralization of power. Discover the legacy, diversity, and territorial boundaries of the warring states, and the transition from the Spring and Autumn period. Dive into China's transformation, the rise of Carthage, and the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Professor Kate Pechenkina, an expert on bioarchaeology of East Asia, discusses how ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis can reveal insights about the lives of ordinary people in the distant past. Topics include artificial cranial deformation, trade networks, dietary choices, limitations of research, burial practices, disruptions on population health, and the emotional impact of studying ancient human remains.

Confucius, one of the most influential thinkers in history, is discussed. Topics include his beliefs and teachings, his significance and influence, views on self-governance, living correctly, judgment of virtues, impact on the aristocratic ages, and how he exemplifies the wisdom of other thinkers.

Explore the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China, where noble families vied for power in a time of political fragmentation and violence. Dive into the intellectual movements and social changes of the era, and learn about the rise and fall of the Shang Dynasty. Discover the cultural norms and competition among major states, and unravel the roots of violence and the birth of China's imperial system.

In this podcast, Professor Dennis Romano, an eminent historian of medieval and early modern Venice, discusses the rich history of the city. Topics covered include Venice as a trade hub, its layers of history visible in the modern city, major urban transformations, the unique political and economic structure, and the different mindsets and risk-taking behaviors of Venetians and Genoese merchants.

Professor Brian Lander, author of The King's Harvest, discusses the environmental history of early China. Topics include the impact of human activities on the natural world, interpreting evidence, views of the natural world in ancient China, correlation between environmental factors and human society outcomes, state power and societal development, treatment of people as disposable commodities, and a recommendation for Professor Lander's book.

The podcast discusses the rule and impact of the Zhou Dynasty in China, its profound influence on Chinese civilization, the establishment and structure of the Western Zhou state, and the downfall of the Joe rulers leading to the beginning of the Spring and Autumn period.

Explore the brutal world of the Shang Dynasty, with human sacrifices, shaman-kings, and loose alliances. Learn about the technological advancements and material evidence of the Shang Dynasty. Discover the grandeur and significance of the city of Anyang. Uncover the introduction of chariots and the late Shang capital of Yin. Dive into the worldview, power, and divination practices of the Shang Dynasty. Delve into the political and social aspects, including the fall of the Shang Dynasty and the rise of the Zhou Dynasty.

Explore the mysterious origins of the state in China, the significance of the Shang Dynasty, the development of states in Neolithic China, the rise of states in ancient China, the emergence of the state of Aerletou, ancient worldviews in early China, and the rise and fall of the Shang Dynasty.