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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liv Albert, host of Let's Talk About Myths Baby, joins to discuss the multifaceted Greek God Apollo, from his role as the Sun God to his vengeful character. They delve into Apollo's association with prophecy, archery, tragic love stories, and the shift from matriarchy to patriarchy in Greek mythology.

Dr. David Gwynn explores the origins and impact of the Goths, from their migration into the Roman Empire to the sack of Rome in 410 AD. The podcast delves into the challenges of interpreting their societal structure, conflicts with the Huns, and the establishment of the Visigothic Kingdom. Learn about the complex interactions and historical significance of the Goths during the decline of the Roman Empire.

Prof. Valerie Higgins discusses the black market for ancient artefacts, tracing its origins to colonial eras and its impact on museums. The podcast delves into the illegal trafficking of antiquities, the false provenance of artifacts in Lebanon and Switzerland, and the ethical debates surrounding artifact collection. It also explores the impact of the UNESCO Convention on art antiquities trafficking and the scandalous Euphronius Vase saga.