Tides of History

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.

Explore the languages spoken in Eurasia around 500 BC, including Proto-Germanic, Baltic, Finnic, Slavic, and Punic and their geographical significance. Discover the linguistic landscape of Eurasia during the Iron Age and the emergence of new languages. Delve into the linguistic changes influenced by the Scythians and the dominance of the Greek language. Learn about the linguistic history of China and the diverse languages present in China during that time.

Leading expert on urban formation in Etruria, Professor Simon Stoddart, discusses the process of urbanization during the Iron Age in the Mediterranean world. Topics include the construction and roles of cities, Etruscan tombs in Italy, cross-cultural perspectives on state formation, and the varying sizes of Etruscan cities due to peer-polity interaction.

Professor Peter Sarris, an expert historian on Emperor Justinian and his legacy, discusses Justinian's limitations and challenges, contrasting perspectives on the plague, Justinian's origins and understanding of Roman identity, his approach to intervention and military success.

The Scythians, masters of the steppe, dominated the Eurasian steppe, influenced future horseback empires, and posed challenges for study. The chapter explores the impact of the Khmerians' migration, the elite lifestyle and material culture of the Scythians, and the lives and influence of the elites in the Skit-the-End world.

The podcast explores the rise and impact of the Scythians in the Eurasian steppe, their nomadic lifestyle, cultural influence, and technological innovations. It discusses the diversity of settlements in the Iron Age steppe and the emergence of the Scythian elite. The podcast also delves into the megaliths of the Altai Mountains and their connection to Scythian culture, as well as the migration westward by the Scythians and the rise of the Kimarian nomads.

The podcast explores the aftermath and lasting effects of the Greco-Persian Wars, discussing the battles of Salamis and Plataea, and how they shaped future societies. It also includes promotions for other podcasts, and delves into personal experiences and reflections of individuals involved in the wars.