Delve into the mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza in ancient Egypt. Explore its construction, purpose, and the challenges faced by the laborers. Uncover the precision and planning involved in building this iconic structure. Discover the intriguing chambers and passageways inside the pyramid, shedding light on its hidden nature and cultural significance.

Explore the rise of Queen Zenobia in the chaotic 3rd century, her defiance against Rome, and her enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance in Syria. Learn about Zenobia's multifaceted character beyond being a warrior woman, her rise to power in Palmyra after her husband's death, and her capture by Aurelian.

Uncover the opulent reign of the Silver Pharaohs, overshadowed by Tutankhamen. Egyptologist Dr. Chris Norton delves into the intriguing history of these lesser-known rulers and their lavish burials, highlighting the importance of archaeological discoveries in bridging historical gaps.

Delve into the world of Roman Special Forces with Dr. Simon Elliot, examining their evolution, tactics, and missions. Explore the secretive roles of scouts, speculatores, and exploratores in the Roman military. Uncover historical events like Queen Cartamandua's extraction and the mysterious interactions with groups like the Arioni in Britain.

Explore the origins and rise of Carthage, from Princess Dido's founding to Carthage's naval dominance and expansion in Sicily. Delve into the controversial topic of child sacrifice, the city's rivalry with Rome, and its strategic importance for Mediterranean trade.

Explore the arrival of Homo sapiens in Ice Age Britain and the excavation of a new Stone Age archaeological site in South West Wales. Discover the significance of Wogan Cavern, rich with ancient human settlement remains. Learn about extracting ancient DNA from soil sediments, ice age landscapes, and the variety of artifacts uncovered in the excavation process.

Learn about Lucius Cornelius Sulla, his rise to power, and his role in the downfall of the Roman Republic. Explore the impact of his purge of enemies and his lasting influence on Roman politics. Discover the encounter between Sulla and Julius Caesar, and the diverging accounts of Sulla's death. Delve into the legacy of this influential historical figure.

Explore the rise of the Sasanians and their challenge to Rome. Learn about Ardashir founding the empire and his struggles against the Parthians. Discover the rock relief representing the battle and the shift in armor style. Delve into the transition from Parthian rule and the overlooked story of the Sasanians. Experience the dominance of the Persianate world and their rivalry with Rome.

In this episode, Dr Sophus Helle discusses Gilgamesh's quest for immortality and his encounters with the mysterious sage Ut-napishtim. They explore Enkidu's prophetic dream and deathbed visions, the purpose of sermons, and the climax of the epic. They also delve into the journey of Gilgamesh as he seeks the plant of youth and the themes of storytelling and wisdom in the ending.

Tristan Hughes, podcast host, and Dr. Sophus Helle explore the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of storytelling. They discuss the central love story between King Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the significance of the city of Eruk, Enkidu's transition to humanity, their quest to slay Humbaba, the structure and themes in Mesopotamian literature, and analyze the first half of the epic.