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
Nov 1, 2023 • 35min
Human Evolution: Dragon Man
Discover the Dragon Man, an extinct archaic human species, and its significance in understanding human evolution and migration. Explore the discovery process, climate conditions, and phylogeny analysis. Also, learn about a special deal to access ad-free history documentaries and podcasts on the history hit website.
Oct 29, 2023 • 51min
Witches
Experts on ancient witches, Dr Mai Musié and Dr Regine May, delve into the mystical world of Ancient Witches. They discuss the powers and significance of Circe and Medea, the portrayal of women in ancient Roman and Greek literature, the portrayal of witches in Roman poetry, and the use of witchcraft and necromancy in ancient novels.
4 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 39min
The Sahara: Traders and Travellers
Sir Barry Cunliffe, historian and author of the new work on the history of the Sahara, discusses how ancient communities and civilizations traversed the intimidating Sahara Desert. From Carthaginians to Egyptians, he explores the cultural diversity and trade networks within the desert. Discover how the Sahara, rather than being a barrier, acted as a connector for various communities. Tune in to this intriguing episode!
Oct 22, 2023 • 43min
The Murders of Alexander the Great
Delve into the terrifying killings during Alexander the Great's reign, including the assassination of his father and the gruesome story of Clitus the Black. Explore the calculated nature of frequent assassinations and the impact they had on individuals. Discover the threats and unpopularity experienced by Alexander the Great, including his adoption of local traditions and his appointment of a disgruntled subordinate. Learn about Mark Antony, Gaius Octavius, and Queen Kleopatra navigating the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination.
19 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 31min
How to Survive the Ice Age
Learn about the prehistoric cultures that lived 25,000 years ago and how they survived the Ice Age. Discover the hunting practices of ancient communities and the specialized culture of the Pavlovian people. Explore the appeal of hunting mammoths and the challenges faced in taking down these massive creatures. The podcast also discusses the importance of meat for survival and offers a special discount for history hit subscribers.
65 snips
Oct 15, 2023 • 56min
Hades: King of the Underworld
Discover the origin of Hades, the enigmatic underworld, and its reflection of Ancient Greek perceptions of life and beyond. Unearth iconic myths like Orpheus & Eurydice, Achilles, the Trojan War, and the Labours of Heracles. Dive into the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydekimith and explore the figures and places associated with the underworld in Greek mythology. Learn the ancient Greek belief in the afterlife and the importance of proper burial and grave goods.
Oct 12, 2023 • 38min
Ötzi the Iceman
Expert in Glacial Archaeology, Lars Pilø, discusses the mysteries surrounding Ötzi, the Iceman, from his possessions and tattoos to his cause of death. They delve into the significance of glacial archaeology, the discovery of Ötzi, and the preservation of archaeological finds. The podcast also covers the story of Ertsey, the shepherd trapped in ice, and the impact of global warming on this emerging field.
Oct 8, 2023 • 44min
Tyre: Jewel of Phoenicia
Explore the vibrant history of the ancient city of Tyre, its mythological connections, and its importance as a major trading center. Learn about the Phoenicians' voyages, the development of Carthage, and the trade of prized purple dye. Discover the power and beauty of Tyre, its advanced architecture, and the potential existence of an ancient temple dedicated to Melkah. Wrap up with a discussion of a new book on Tyre and other ancient Mediterranean centers.
9 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 47min
Gladiators in Britain
Discover the presence of Gladiators in Roman Britain through the Colchester Vase artifact, exploring different types of combat and debunking Gladiatorial myths. Dive into the symbolism of gladiators' armor and weaponry, and explore the enigmatic world of gladiators in the Roman Empire. Experience the colorful and comic-like exhibition at Colchester Castle Museum and support the podcast in the People's Signal Awards.
13 snips
Oct 1, 2023 • 41min
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Jesus, John the Baptist & Essenes
Dr. Jodi Magness, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, joins the podcast to discuss the invaluable nature of these ancient artifacts. They explore the origins and contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the beliefs of the Essenes, and the significance of these scrolls in understanding Jewish history and Holy Land archaeology.
