History of the World podcast

A look at the source material for the first Mongol episode, alongside an acknowledgement of how history can change somebody's name such as that of Genghis Khan.

1130 - 1214 - Many of us have heard stories regarding the Mongols and their empire, but how much do we know about their origins and how could a peoples with their humble origins have the ability to terrorise developed cultures so successfully?

MASTERS OF WAR (1) - Looking back at some of the greatest military commanders and leaders in history. This week we review Egyptian Pharoah Ramesses II, Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser III, Persian Emperor Cyrus the Great and Athenian General Themistocles.

Our usual look at the source materials that we used for this week's episode, including a look at how Chat GPT has come in useful for targetting important information on the worldwide web.

The podcast explores the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty, the succession of short-lived dynasties, and the rise of the Song Dynasty. It delves into the imperial examination process, innovations in printing, advancements in agricultural technology, and the remarkable water clock created by Su Song. The host reads a listener email and teases upcoming episodes.

HUMAN ANCESTORS (2) - We pick up from our last magazine episode and track the story of human ancestry from the emergence of the neanderthals and the first Homo sapiens, through to the events that left Homo sapiens as the last species on earth. We look at the earliest innovations of art and how humans adapted to the varying global climates.

Learn about the origins of Chinese civilization, the geopolitical situation of Tang China, the power and influence of Wu Zhi Tian, the rise and rebellion of Anne Lu Shan, and the rise and fall of Zhu Wen, leading to the downfall of the Tang dynasty.

A discussion on the source material used for the Tang Dynasty episode, plus a brief look at what's ahead in 2024, plus some information about the challenges of writing chronological medieval history and pronouncing words in different languages that you have no knowledge of.

HUMAN ANCESTORS (1) - In this episode we will be going right back to the very beginning, looking into the first upright walkers, then the australopithecines, homo habilis, homo erectus, hand tool construction, fire production and homo heidelbergensis.

In this episode, the podcast explores the period following the Three Kingdoms, discussing Korea's unification, outside influences, and positive cultural reforms. It also covers geopolitical and cultural developments, the administration of ancient Korea, resistance against the Mongol invasion, and the medieval period.