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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 20, 2024 • 55min
Great Wall of China
Delve into the ancient history of the Great Wall of China, from its origins in the Warring States to its symbolic significance and role in protecting against nomadic threats. Explore the strategic construction, evolution, and conservation efforts of the wall. Uncover the stories of Lady Meng Jiang-nu and the Han Dynasty's military expansions, along with the mysteries and significance of this iconic structure.
Mar 16, 2024 • 48min
Artemis: Goddess of the Hunt
Delve into the multifaceted nature of Artemis, from her role as the goddess of the Hunt to her connections with childbirth and chastity. Explore her relationship with her twin brother Apollo and her penchant for divine retribution. Discover the symbolism of Artemis as a powerful and empowering figure, resonating with modern audiences, particularly younger women.
6 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 42min
The Walls of Babylon
Discover the wonders of Babylon, including the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens. Learn about the towering blue-bricked walls that protected the city. Explore the history and remains of the legendary walls, including the reconstructed Ishtar Gate in Berlin. Uncover the symbolic significance and mystical gates of Babylon, showcasing the craftsmanship and defensive functions. Delve into the legacy and gradual decline of the iconic walls, and an upcoming book project on Babylon's walls and gates.
Mar 10, 2024 • 43min
The Origins of Wine
Delve into the ancient roots of winemaking with Dr. Emlyn Dodd, exploring the evolution of wine production from grapevine domestication to Neolithic viticulture. Discover the challenges faced by ancient winemakers, the spread of wine culture in Mesopotamia and beyond, and the fusion of local and external influences in early wine production.
Mar 6, 2024 • 47min
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Delve into the mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza in ancient Egypt. Explore its construction, purpose, and the challenges faced by the laborers. Uncover the precision and planning involved in building this iconic structure. Discover the intriguing chambers and passageways inside the pyramid, shedding light on its hidden nature and cultural significance.
Mar 2, 2024 • 34min
Zenobia: Queen of Palmyra
Explore the rise of Queen Zenobia in the chaotic 3rd century, her defiance against Rome, and her enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance in Syria. Learn about Zenobia's multifaceted character beyond being a warrior woman, her rise to power in Palmyra after her husband's death, and her capture by Aurelian.
Feb 28, 2024 • 40min
The Silver Pharaohs
Uncover the opulent reign of the Silver Pharaohs, overshadowed by Tutankhamen. Egyptologist Dr. Chris Norton delves into the intriguing history of these lesser-known rulers and their lavish burials, highlighting the importance of archaeological discoveries in bridging historical gaps.
Feb 25, 2024 • 29min
Roman Special Forces
Delve into the world of Roman Special Forces with Dr. Simon Elliot, examining their evolution, tactics, and missions. Explore the secretive roles of scouts, speculatores, and exploratores in the Roman military. Uncover historical events like Queen Cartamandua's extraction and the mysterious interactions with groups like the Arioni in Britain.
Feb 22, 2024 • 55min
Origins of Carthage
Explore the origins and rise of Carthage, from Princess Dido's founding to Carthage's naval dominance and expansion in Sicily. Delve into the controversial topic of child sacrifice, the city's rivalry with Rome, and its strategic importance for Mediterranean trade.
Feb 17, 2024 • 33min
Ice Age Britain: Finding the First Homo sapiens
Explore the arrival of Homo sapiens in Ice Age Britain and the excavation of a new Stone Age archaeological site in South West Wales. Discover the significance of Wogan Cavern, rich with ancient human settlement remains. Learn about extracting ancient DNA from soil sediments, ice age landscapes, and the variety of artifacts uncovered in the excavation process.
