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
30 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 55min
Obelisks
Join Dr. Stephen Snape and Professor Joyce Tyldesley, renowned Egyptologists, as they unveil the towering wonders of ancient Egyptian obelisks. They discuss their religious significance and the engineering marvels behind crafting and transporting these massive stone structures. Learn about the incredible techniques used in their construction, the role they played in showcasing pharaohs' power, and their journey from Egypt to cities like Rome and New York. Delve into the mysteries and cultural impacts that make obelisks timeless symbols of human ingenuity.
16 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 40min
Sodom and Gomorrah
Join historian Dr. Dylan Johnson, an expert in the ancient Near East from Cardiff University, as he unpacks the infamous tale of Sodom and Gomorrah. Discover the historical context and geographical significance of these cities near the Dead Sea. The conversation delves into biblical themes of sin, hospitality, and divine punishment, alongside archaeological insights from the 1970s that challenge traditional narratives. Reflect on how ancient accounts of city destruction mirror today’s moral dilemmas and societal conflicts, offering lessons that resonate through time.
23 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 51min
Göbekli Tepe: The First Temple?
Dr. Lee Clare, a leading expert and coordinator of the Göbekli Tepe Research Project, shares insights into this ancient Neolithic site in Turkey. He discusses its groundbreaking role as the world’s oldest known temple, revealing complex ritual practices and architectural wonders. The conversation highlights the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled life and the site's significance in early organized religion. Clare emphasizes fascinating burial rituals and the advanced construction techniques that mark Göbekli Tepe as a pivotal site in human history.
13 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 57min
Elektra: Revenge in Ancient Greece
In a captivating discussion, Professor Armand D’Angour, a classicist and musician from Oxford, shares insights on Elektra, daughter of Agamemnon. They explore her complex character through the lens of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, revealing contrasting themes of vengeance and justice. D’Angour highlights how these ancient narratives reflect contemporary issues of morality and female agency. Additionally, he discusses the recent London stage adaptation, emphasizing Elektra's enduring legacy and relevance in modern storytelling.
20 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Persian Wars: Xerxes, Thermopylae and Salamis
Join Dr. Ruud Konijnendijk, an Oxford ancient history expert, and Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones from Cardiff University as they dissect the ambitious reign of King Xerxes and his monumental invasion of Greece. They explore the gripping battle strategies of Thermopylae and Salamis, shedding light on Xerxes' complex motivations and the significance of naval power. Discover the intriguing role of Artemisia, a female leader challenging norms, and the cultural symbols of earth and water that shaped Persian ambitions.
13 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 49min
End of Ice Age Britain
In this intriguing discussion, Professor Danielle Schreve, a paleobiologist from the University of Bristol and expert on the end of the Ice Age in Britain, highlights how massive climatic changes impacted both fauna and early humans. She dives into the survival tactics of ancient mammals like woolly mammoths and the adaptations of early humans amidst dramatic environmental shifts. The role of limestone caves as time capsules revealing past climates and ecosystems is also explored, providing insights that echo today's climate challenges.
16 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 58min
The Persian Wars: Darius, Athens and the Battle of Marathon
Dr. Roel Konijnendijk, an expert from Oxford, and Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones of Cardiff University dive into the epic clash at Marathon in 490 BC. They discuss the rise of the Persian Empire and the complexities surrounding Greek city-states, emphasizing cultural interactions and trade. The battle is framed as a pivotal moment for Greek identity and democracy, showcasing the stark contrast to Persian tyranny. Intriguing anecdotes about Darius's motivations reveal the deep-seated tensions that led to this legendary showdown.
35 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 54min
The Last Neanderthals
In this engaging discussion, Chris Stringer, a leading expert in human evolution from the Natural History Museum, delves into the world of Neanderthals. He explores how these ancient beings thrived across diverse climates while facing their eventual decline against emerging Homo sapiens. The podcast highlights fascinating evidence of interbreeding, revealing traces of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans. Stringer further shares groundbreaking archaeological insights that challenge our understanding of Neanderthal intelligence, social dynamics, and their complex legacy.
28 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 51min
The Scythians
Dr. Owen Rees, an Ancient Greek historian and expert on Scythian culture, takes listeners on a journey through the intriguing world of the Scythians, known as the horse-riding barbarians of the north. He discusses their unique cultural traits, including the remarkable role of warrior women reminiscent of Amazons. The conversation also explores Bilsk, a significant Iron-Age settlement, and the complex relationship between the Scythians and Greeks, revealing fascinating trade dynamics and cultural exchanges that shaped perceptions of these enigmatic people.
11 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 59min
Ice Age Australia
Join paleontologist Larissa DeSantis from Vanderbilt University as she unravels the mysteries of Ice Age Australia, home to colossal creatures like giant kangaroos and killer wombats. The discussion delves into the environmental challenges these megafauna faced, including climate change and the arrival of humans. Explore the dietary habits and adaptations of these ancient animals, and learn about the critical factors leading to their extinction. Larissa's insights paint a vivid picture of a lost world and urge a deeper understanding of conservation today.
