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
Aug 4, 2024 • 32min
Origins of the Olympics
Dr. Judith Swaddling, an expert in ancient Olympic history and Greek culture, joins to unveil the fascinating origins of the Olympic Games. Discover how these ancient competitions began over 2,800 years ago, featuring mythological figures like Heracles. Learn about the surprising first winner—a cook—and the significance of these events tied to religion and society. Swaddling also highlights unique competitions, including armored races, and the challenges faced by early athletes in an era devoid of modern conveniences.
12 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 49min
Hestia: Goddess of Hearth & Home
Dr. Ellie Mackin-Roberts, an ancient history expert from the University of Bristol, explores the fascinating and often overlooked figure of Hestia, the goddess of hearth and home. She discusses Hestia's unique role as both the eldest and youngest child of Cronos, unraveling her vital influence in daily Greek life. The conversation highlights her nurturing nature, contrasting with the more aggressive traits of her siblings, and her symbolic connections to family stability, purity, and modern cultural portrayals.
Jul 28, 2024 • 43min
The Maya Collapse
Join Paul Cooper, a seasoned podcaster and author on ancient civilizations, as he delves into the mysterious Maya Collapse. Discover how thriving cities like Tikal fell due to climate change, agricultural failures, and societal unrest. Unearth the complexities of Maya warfare and impressively engineered water systems, which played crucial roles during times of crisis. Learn how the remnants of this once-great civilization continue to resonate today, reminding us of the delicate balance of societal resilience amidst environmental challenges.
Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Roman Gladiator
Gladiator expert Alexander Mariotti delves into the captivating world of Roman gladiators, covering their origins, lifestyle, training, and fate in the arena. Explore the social status, spectacle, and performances of these revered yet marginalized figures in ancient Rome.
Jul 21, 2024 • 48min
Neanderthal Britain
Dr Matthew Pope discusses Neanderthal Britain, their lifestyle, presence in Ice Age Britain, and ultimate fate. The podcast explores evidence, stone tools, climate history, and the complexity of human evolution in ancient Britain. It also delves into Neanderthal adaptations, tools, culture, and ongoing excavations to unravel the enigma of Neanderthals in Britain.
16 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 48min
Pyramid of the Sun
Join expert Annabeth Headrick as she uncovers the mysteries of the legendary Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, exploring its construction, cultural significance, and connections to the Mesoamerican world. Discover the secrets hidden beneath the pyramid, its role in society, and the legacy it continues to hold in Mesoamerican cosmology.
Jul 14, 2024 • 48min
Roman Roads
Dive into the world of Roman roads with Dr. Catherine Fletcher, exploring their significance in commerce, town development, and military control. Discover the legacy of Roman road construction, the mystery of Thomas Beckett's murder, and the expansion of roads beyond the empire's borders. Unravel the different levels of Roman roads, from major routes to seasonal paths, and explore their lasting impact on trade, travel, and cultural exchange.
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 2min
Birth of the Iron Age
Dr Eric Cline discusses the transition from Bronze Age to Iron Age after a catastrophic collapse in the ancient Near Eastern world. Topics include survival and transformation of Canaanites, rebuilding of Mycenaeans and Minoans, and resilience of Assyrians, Babylonians, and Hittites. The conversation also explores taboo historical subjects like lube origins and Viking rituals.
14 snips
Jul 7, 2024 • 41min
The Bronze Age Brotherhood of Kings
Discover the fascinating world of Bronze Age rulers who formed a coalition, exchanged goods, signed treaties, and even intermarried. Unravel the intricate web of diplomatic ties among powerful kingdoms like New Kingdom Egypt, Babylon, and the Hittites. Explore the first 'international age' and the rise and fall of the sophisticated brotherhood of kings ruling the ancient Near East.
Jul 4, 2024 • 52min
Domina: Women Who Shaped Rome
Dr. Daisy Dunn discusses the remarkable Roman women who shaped history, including Cornelia and Fulvia. They explore the challenges of studying women in a male-dominated narrative and spotlight the absence of female writers. The podcast delves into political intrigue, scandals, and the powerful influence of women like Clodia and Fulvia in ancient Rome.
