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
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.
27 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.
35 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.
39 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 5min
Roman Aqueducts
Dr. Duncan Keenan-Jones, a Professor at the University of Manchester and an expert in Roman aqueducts, joins to discuss these monumental feats of engineering. He explains how aqueducts transformed urban life by supplying water to baths, homes, and temples, fueling the growth of cities. They delve into construction techniques and the ingenious design behind structures like the Pont du Gard. The conversation also highlights the socio-political impact of water supply management in ancient Rome, showcasing how these innovations shaped the empire's legacy.
46 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
How to Survive in Carthage
Dr. Eve MacDonald, a Carthage expert from the University of Cardiff, takes us on a fascinating journey to 210 BC. She shares intriguing insights into daily life in ancient Carthage, from vibrant markets to unique culinary delights like Punic porridge. The podcast also dives into Carthaginian worship practices, including the significant Tanit symbol and community rituals. Listeners will discover the complexities of trade and cultural identity that made Carthage one of the ancient Mediterranean's richest cities.
108 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations
Jillian Mollenhauer, a leading expert on Olmec art, joins to reveal the rich artistic heritage of the ancient Olmec civilization. They delve into the cultural significance of monumental stone heads and intricate sculptures, exploring their symbolism and creation methods. Jillian discusses the influence of Olmec artistry on subsequent Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya and Aztec. The conversation highlights the connection between Olmec art and societal power, as well as the ongoing archaeological discoveries that continue to unveil the mysteries of this foundational civilization.
26 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 1h
Livia: Empress of Rome
Emma Southon, a historian specializing in Roman history and author of "A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women," joins to unravel the complex legacy of Livia Drusilla—the first Empress of Rome. They explore her political maneuvers amid familial tragedies and scandal, challenging the myth of her as a ruthless poisoner. The discussion highlights Livia's strategic role in the Julio-Claudian dynasty and her intriguing relationship with both Augustus and Julia, revealing a powerful woman navigating a dangerous world.
12 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 49min
Siberian Ice Mummies
Gino Caspari, a senior author on ancient Siberian ice mummies, delves into remarkable discoveries about the Pazyryk culture. He reveals insights into the intricate tattoos found on these mummies, exploring their significance and the advanced techniques used to create them. The discussion highlights burial practices, mummification methods, and the cultural identity reflected in these ancient tattoos. Caspari also emphasizes the rich archaeological context of the Altai Mountains, shedding light on how these findings reshape our understanding of ancient societies.
38 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 58min
Fall of Roman London
Dominic Perring, Emeritus Professor from University College London and an expert on Roman London, delves into the intriguing transformation of this once-thriving city into a ghost town by the fifth century. He discusses archaeological findings that unveil the city's decline, including the impact of political figures like Magnus Maximus and the shifts in trade and fortifications. Perring also sheds light on the rise of Christianity, evolving burial customs, and how these changes reflect the broader socio-economic picture of Roman London's tumultuous last chapters.
