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
May 25, 2024 • 52min
Hadrian's Wall
Dr. Frances McIntosh, a Roman history historian, and the host explore Hadrian's Wall, its construction, purpose, and impact on Roman Britain. They discuss the forts, milecastles, turrets, and defensive tactics used along the wall. The conversation delves into the legacy of Hadrian's Wall and its inspiration in literature and media.
May 22, 2024 • 47min
Spartacus: Life or Legend
Delve into the legendary tale of Spartacus, comparing historical facts to cinematic interpretations. Explore the chaotic production of the film Spartacus, highlighting directorial challenges and unique personalities involved. Uncover Spartacus's leadership dynamics and mythical connections, along with the evolution of characters amidst script rewrites and casting decisions. Discover the enduring legacy of Spartacus throughout history and his influence on political movements.
7 snips
May 19, 2024 • 54min
Dionysus: God of Wine
Dr Sarah Iles Johnston discusses the myths surrounding Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine, including King Pentheus' tragic fate and the dramatic confrontation with mortal defiance. The podcast explores depictions of Dionysus stories, ties to the underworld mysteries, and the multicultural influence of this deity in ancient times and modern interpretations.
May 15, 2024 • 47min
Caligula
Historian LJ Trafford explores the truth behind Caligula's horrifying legend, debunking myths like his love for a horse and war declaration on the sea. Delve into Caligula's reign marked by cruelty, sadism, and erratic behavior, challenging societal norms with taboo-breaking actions. Unveil the enigmatic emperor's complex persona and his ultimate fall from power through manipulations, cruelty, and eventual assassination.
May 11, 2024 • 47min
The Cleopatras: A Dynasty of Rule Breakers
Delve into the golden age of Ptolemaic Egypt and the powerful Cleopatras who ruled before Cleopatra VII. Explore the cultural fusion of Greek, Egyptian, Syrian, and Persian influences. Unpack the tumultuous family drama, royal incest, and power struggles within the Cleopatra dynasty. Discover the enduring legacy of the name Cleopatra throughout history.
May 8, 2024 • 54min
Nineveh
Dr. Paul Collins, an expert on ancient Mesopotamia, joins to discuss the rise and fall of Nineveh, the great city of the Assyrian Empire. They cover its Stone Age origins, conquest by the Akkadians, golden age as Mesopotamia's foremost city, and obliteration by the Babylonians. Learn about its archaeological treasures, iconic monuments, and historical significance in this engaging episode.
35 snips
May 4, 2024 • 43min
Origins of the Silk Road
Discover the origins of the Silk Road in Bronze Age Central Asia, where communities facilitated the exchange of precious metals and technologies. Explore early trade connections between China and southwest Asia, emphasizing the cultural and commercial exchanges that shaped the ancient world. Learn about the evolution of metallurgical practices in Central Asia and the vital role played by pastoral communities in building the world's first global trading route.
May 2, 2024 • 47min
The Roman Auxiliary
Delve into the vital role of Roman auxiliaries in shaping the empire, from their deployment on Hadrian's Wall to their essential contributions in diverse combat scenarios. Explore the structure of auxiliary forces and the significance of cavalry units in battles. Discover the fascinating stories of Roman military campaigns and figures through an extensive book collection, highlighting the crucial partnership between auxiliaries and legionaries.
Apr 27, 2024 • 43min
The Beaker People
Delving into the Beaker People's impact on Bronze Age Britain, the podcast explores their arrival, DNA analysis, cultural blending, trade networks, metallurgical innovations, and future archaeological prospects. Unravel the mystery of these ancient settlers with insights from experts.
11 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 40min
The Library of Alexandria
Dr. Islam Issa discusses the history of the Library of Alexandria, its construction, book acquisitions, and whether it truly burned down. They explore the Ptolemies' obsession with knowledge and the library's significance in culture. Uncover the myths and truths behind one of history's greatest ancient libraries.
