
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

Oct 26, 2023 • 49min
Cutting-Edge Archaeology on the Eurasian Steppe: Gino Caspari on the Scythians
Dr. Gino Caspari discusses his innovative archaeology work on the Scythians in southern Siberia, including excavating Iron Age burial mounds and discovering seasonal campsites on the Eurasian Steppe. The podcast explores the historical significance of the steppe, the origins of Indo-European languages, and the use of scientific methods in studying the Middle Ages. Dr. Caspari also shares insights into excavations in southern Siberia and the challenges faced in conducting research in remote locations.

8 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 38min
The Greco-Persian Wars, Part 3: Athens in Flames and the Battle of Salamis
The Persian invasion of Greece sees Athens punished for its transgressions. The Battle of Salamis becomes one of the largest naval battles in history. The impact of the Greco-Persian Wars on Greek identity and the creation of a civilizational conflict is explored. Perspectives from soldiers and the evacuation and destruction of Athens are discussed.

15 snips
Oct 12, 2023 • 40min
The Greco-Persian Wars, Part 2: Xerxes and the Invasion of Greece
Xerxes and his massive army descend on Greece, leading to the intense Battle of Thermopylae. The impact of the Greco-Persian Wars on Greek unity and biased narratives is explored. The complexities of alliances and divisions among Greek city-states are highlighted. Xerxes' cultural and historical approach to the campaign, and the size and composition of the Persian army and navy are discussed. The aftermath of the Battle of Thermopylae and the fall of Athens are also covered.

23 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 41min
The Greco-Persian Wars, Part 1: The Ionian Revolt to the Battle of Marathon
The podcast explores the complex motivations behind the Greco-Persian Wars and their impact on Western civilization. It examines historical accounts and the challenges of separating bias from facts. The intricate dynamics between Persians and Greeks, as well as the political complexities in Athens and Sparta, are discussed. The Ionian Revolt, its consequences, and the Persian reforms are explored. The chapter also reflects on the Battle of Marathon and raises questions about the continuing Persian threat.

17 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Thinking Like a Persian King: Professor John Hyland on the Persian Perspective of the Greco-Persian Wars
Explore the Persian perspective on the Greco-Persian Wars through newly discovered evidence, analyzing Herodotus's account, and understanding the Persian king's intentions. Discover the expansion of Persian Empire studies and the importance of primary sources. Challenge the idea of the wars being isolated events and delve into the continuous interaction between Persia, Sparta, and Athens.

17 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 40min
Persia Ascendant
This podcast discusses the rise of the Persian Empire, its expansion and enduring nature, the challenges it faced, its complex relationship with Greece, the conquest of Egypt, succession crises, Persian control in the Indus Valley and involvement in ancient Greece, and the troubled relationship between Persia and Greece.

7 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 44min
Midas, Croesus, and the Lost Kingdoms of Iron Age Anatolia
Explore the forgotten kingdoms of Iron Age Anatolia, their rise and fall, and the cultural significance of the region. Discover the diverse and fragmented nature of Anatolia, the power struggles between different kingdoms, and the survival of Neo-Hittite states. Unravel the mysteries of the disappearance of Mike Williams, the relationships between Phrygia and Assyria, and the Hellenization of Lydia. Delve into the defeat of Cresis's army, the siege of Sardis, and the limited nature of historical knowledge.

Sep 7, 2023 • 46min
The Archaeology of Ancient Israel and Judah: Interview with Professor Avraham Faust
Explore the archaeology of ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah with Professor Avraham Faust. Discover the significance of biblical tradition, hands-on experiences in biblical archaeology, integrating textual and archaeological evidence, interactions between ancient empires, and the impact of Imperial actions. Compare Babylonian and Assyrian destruction, analyze conquest strategies of ancient empires, and enjoy enlightening conversations with ad promotions for related content.

Sep 5, 2023 • 3min
Patrick is Hosting a New Show! Check out the "Pursuit of Dadliness" Now!
Welcome to "The Pursuit of Dadliness." This is a podcast for folks who want to enjoy their passions and their hobbies, whatever those might be, and genuinely strive to get better at doing stuff and more knowledgeable about the world around them. That, to me, is the essence of Dadliness. If you like tall wooden ships, smoked meats, remembering mediocre athletes of yesteryear, home gyms, comfortable sneakers, and much more, then subscribe now to "The Pursuit of Dadliness" wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 31, 2023 • 39min
Cyrus the Great and the Rise of the Persian Empire
Explore the rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, his conquests and territorial expansion. Learn about the stability and unity of the empire, as well as its negative portrayal in ancient Greek writings. Discover Cyrus's achievements in uniting the Zagros Mountains and Western Iranian Plateau. Delve into his expansion into Eastern Anatolia, conflicts with Assyrians and clashes with Lydia. Finally, learn about the fall of the Babylonian Empire and Cyrus's victory and restoration of the gods' statues.
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