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
Mar 27, 2025 • 43min
Jurassic America
Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Caroline Winterer, an expert in the history of geology and paleontology, who authored a book on America's deep time revolution. They explore 19th-century fossil discoveries and how they reshaped perceptions of the continent's age. The conversation touches on walking on 4 billion-year-old rocks, the allure of iconic dinosaurs like the T-Rex, and the political implications of these finds in establishing American cultural identity. Winterer highlights the role of fossil narratives in shaping historical context and national pride.
44 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 57min
The Fall of Athens
Join Professor Alastair Blanshard, an expert in ancient Greek history from the University of Queensland, as he unravels the dramatic fall of Athens in 404 BC. Discover how the long struggle with Sparta, highlighted by key figures like Lysander and Alcibiades, transformed the city. Explore themes of ambitious military strategy, the complex shifts in alliances with Persia, and the erosion of confidence in Athenian democracy that led to their downfall. A riveting journey through one of history's pivotal moments awaits!
65 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 53min
The Iliad
Edith Hall, a Professor at Durham University and an expert on ancient Greek literature, dives deep into the world of 'The Iliad.' She discusses its rich themes of war, honor, and the heartbreaking impact of heroism through figures like Achilles and Hector. Their emotional connections are explored, particularly the bond between Achilles and Patroclus. Hall highlights how the epic reflects ancient values and resonates with today's environmental concerns, making it a timeless narrative that continues to influence modern culture.
9 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 52min
Rise of Julius Caesar
In a captivating discussion, Professor Catherine Steel from the University of Glasgow delves into Julius Caesar's rise to power. She shares intriguing insights into his early life, highlighting vital relationships that shaped his career. The conversation explores key political struggles, including the impact of Sulla's dictatorship, and contrasts Caesar's bold exploits in the Eastern Mediterranean with the complexities of Roman politics. Key moments in Caesar's journey reveal his mastery of rhetoric and strategy, setting the stage for his legendary status.
47 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.
27 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.
22 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.
