The Ancients

The podcast delves into the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, exploring the reasons behind it and the events leading up to it. Topics discussed include Caesar's rise to power, his military campaign plans, the Lupicalia festival, growing opposition and anger towards him, and the actual assassination itself. The podcast also briefly covers food and holiday traditions before ending with a promotion for another podcast and a discount offer for subscribers at HistoryHit.

He was one of the greatest enemies the Romans ever faced. An excellent general and a larger-than-life figure, he led an army across the alps and dealt a series of crushing defeats upon the Romans on Italian soil. His achievements have become a thing of legend and his name has become immortalised. He was Hannibal Barca. Hannibal rests amongst antiquity's greatest generals, but how did he rise to become such a stellar commander, leading his men to incredible victories against the then dominant powerhouse in the Mediterranean? In this episode, Dr Louis Rawlings, Dr Adrian Goldsworthy and Dr Eve MacDonald explore the impressive ascent of the Carthaginian general to the status of one of the most famous military leaders in antiquity.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here.First published August 2021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the attitudes and practices of sex in Sparta, including the challenges of researching ancient Sparta, its population and social structure, and the presence of helot slaves. Discover the causes and implications of the decline in population and military manpower in Sparta. Learn about the cultural significance of facial hair in Spartan society and the unique education and role of Spartan girls. Conclude the Sparta mini series by delving into sex and sexuality in ancient Sparta.

Explore the causes and consequences of the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. Learn about the surrender of the Spartans, the fall of Antipolis, the negotiations for a peace treaty, and the enigmatic role of Alcibiades. Discover how this war changed Ancient History and led to Spartan hegemony.

This podcast explores the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth from a historical perspective. They discuss the sources that provide information about him, his connection with John the Baptist, his healing powers and miracles, and his interaction with the temple. The guest speaker shares insights on reconstructing Jesus' life and discusses the challenges and evidence surrounding his historical existence.

Dr Roel Konijnendijk, Historian specializing in Ancient Greece, takes a deep dive into the life of a Spartan Warrior. Separating fact from fiction, he discusses their education, training, and familial expectations. The episode explores the truth behind the popular image of the Spartan Warrior and their role in the army. It also highlights the importance of the shield in Spartan warfare and their standardized equipment. This podcast challenges the myths and offers insights into the reality of Spartan warriors.

Natalie Haynes, a mythology expert, discusses the mythology surrounding Demeter, the Goddess of the Harvest in Ancient Greek society. Topics include Demeter's immense power, the fear of devastating famines, and the significance of the mother-daughter relationship in Greek mythology.

Delve into the murky origins of Sparta, exploring myths, kingship, and conquest. Discussing the lineage of Heracles and the Oracle's cryptic messages. Examining the rise of Sparta and their mythical justifications. Unraveling the complexities of Sparta's origins, including doubts and absurd stories. Teasing an upcoming Sparta mini-series and holiday traditions. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of ancient Sparta!

Discover the world of Roman espionage, from intelligence gathering techniques in the Punic Wars to the tactics employed by different emperors. Learn about the role of freemen as intelligence providers and the responsibilities of the ‘through mentarii’. Explore the evolution of the Roman secret service, from the infamous reputation of the freementon to the restructuring by Diocletian. Plus, special forces, Roman spies, and a special discount for listeners on HistoryHit.

Discover the rise and influence of the Vandals, their conquest of Carthage, tensions with Catholic Christians, and their eventual downfall. Learn about their destructive tendencies and the origin of the term 'vandalism'.