The Ancients
History Hit
A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes. New episodes every Sunday and Thursday.From History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 58min
The Permian Extinction: When Life Nearly Died
Join Professor Michael Benton, a leading paleontologist specializing in mass extinctions, as he explores the catastrophic Permian Extinction that occurred 250 million years ago. Discover how 97% of life was wiped out in what’s known as ‘The Great Dying.’ Benton delves into the diverse ecosystems and bizarre creatures of the period, the volcanic eruptions that triggered this crisis, and how a mere 3% of life survived, paving the way for the rise of dinosaurs. Get ready for a thrilling journey through deep time!
29 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
541 AD: The Worst Year in History
Kyle Harper, a Professor and author well-versed in Roman history, dives into the chaos of 541 AD. He discusses the catastrophic events that triggered the bubonic plague, volcanic eruptions, and widespread famine, leading to societal upheaval. Harper explores how these disasters shattered the Roman Empire and ushered in a new era. He highlights the significant impact of climate change on agriculture and public health, revealing the interplay between natural disasters and pandemics that shaped the fate of civilizations.
28 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
Fall of the Sumerians
Dr. Paul Collins, an expert at the British Museum, takes us on a journey through ancient Mesopotamia to explore the fall of the Sumerians. He delves into the rise and decline of mighty city-states like Ur and Uruk. Discussions on natural disasters, the Akkadian influence, and internal strife reveal the complexities of this once-flourishing civilization. Collins emphasizes how environmental changes and power struggles led to Sumer's unraveling, and discusses the lasting legacy and cultural resilience of the Sumerians.
62 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 55min
The Minoan Eruption: Bronze Age Cataclysm
In this engaging discussion, historian Steve Kershaw delves into the catastrophic Minoan eruption at Thera, which buried landscapes in ash over 3,500 years ago. The conversation explores the eruption's potential links to Plato's Atlantis and its profound impact on Minoan civilization. Kershaw highlights archaeological findings that reveal the cultural richness and daily lives of the Minoans before disaster struck. They also tackle the ongoing debates about the eruption's timeline and its lasting legacy on ancient societies and myths.
49 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 54min
How Greece Shaped Rome with Mary Beard
Join celebrated classicist Mary Beard, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, and Charlotte Higgins, Chief Culture Writer for The Guardian, as they delve into the dynamic relationship between ancient Greece and Rome. Discover how Roman tactics, philosophy, and literature were shaped by Greek influence while addressing complex cultural rivalries. Explore Virgil's Aeneid and its homage to Greek epics, alongside the moral dilemmas of conquest and cultural exchange that enriched both civilizations. Their insights unravel the rich tapestry of classical antiquity.
89 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 50min
The Sumerians
In this engaging discussion, Assyriologist Paul Collins, currently at the British Museum, sheds light on the enigmatic Sumerians—one of the world’s first civilizations. He explores their groundbreaking contributions, including the development of writing and urban planning. The talk dives into the origins of the Sumerians, their remarkable cities like Uruk, and the tragic marks of their decline. Fascinating artifacts and burial practices are uncovered, revealing the rich cultural tapestry of this ancient society and its lasting legacy.
34 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 11min
The Sea Peoples
Tristan Hughes talks to Professor Eric Cline, a leading expert on the Bronze Age Collapse and the Sea Peoples. They unpack ancient Egyptian records to identify these mysterious invaders and challenge the notion that they solely caused the Bronze Age collapse. Discoveries from recent archaeological sites like Tel Dor reveal diverse motivations behind their migrations. The conversation also highlights the interplay of cultures during this tumultuous time, showing how the Sea Peoples were part of a larger narrative of societal change.
47 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 41min
Origins of Homo Sapiens
Chris Stringer, a leading paleoanthropologist from the London Natural History Museum, delves into our evolutionary roots. He discusses fascinating fossil discoveries in Africa that trace Homo sapiens' origins. Stringer unpacks genetic connections with Neanderthals and the concept of 'Mitochondrial Eve.' He also explores the diversity among early human species and the implications of their migration from Africa. Listeners will learn how ancient lineages, including Neanderthals and Denisovans, continue to shape modern human genetics.
38 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 52min
Ashurbanipal: The Last Great King of Assyria
Dr. Selena Wisnom, an Assyriologist from the University of Leicester and author focused on Ashurbanipal, reveals the fascinating duality of the last great king of Assyria. They discuss his military might and brutal civil conflicts, alongside his passion for scholarship, epitomized by the vast Library of Nineveh. The conversation dives into Ashurbanipal's intricate family dynamics, cultural exchanges with Babylonians, and how his contributions to intellectual pursuits shaped the ancient world, influencing future knowledge hubs like Alexandria.
23 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 54min
The White Huns
Join Professor Hyun Jin Kim, a history expert from Melbourne, as he unravels the fascinating tale of the White Huns, a powerful empire that thrived in Central Asia. Discover how they dominated trade routes and overthrew kingdoms, influencing politics, warfare, and culture from Persia to India. Hear about their sophisticated military strategies and governance, as well as their significant yet often overlooked legacy in shaping regional identities amidst rising powers. This exploration reveals the complex interplay of history that has shaped our world.
