In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg are joined by Bismarck Analysis's Samo Burja (podcast host: Live Players) to uncover the hidden threads connecting ancient Babylon to Silicon Valley. Did you know that 2,500 years ago, people complained about information overload just like we do today? Or that some civilizations saw 70% of their population enslaved?
Rudyard and Samo peel back the layers of history, revealing:
- The shocking similarities between ancient Athens and the Taliban
- Why California might be birthing new religions as we speak
- How deforestation toppled empires (and why it matters now)
From psychedelic Greek philosophers to the eerie parallels between Polish-Lithuanian and Cambodian history, this episode is a mind-bending tour of humanity's greatest triumphs and strangest quirks.
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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@SamoBurja (Samo)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
Differences Between Civilizations
Non-Abrahamic Societies and Linear Time
Egalitarian Impulses Across Civilizations
Classical Civilization vs Modern West
Literacy in Ancient Rome
Greek Philosophy and Religion
Political Cycles in Ancient Greece
The American Founding Fathers and Political Theory
Pre-modern Feminism in Ancient Civilizations
Cyclical Progression of Political Forms
Immigration and Cultural Clashes in Ancient Civilizations
Environmental Degradation in Ancient Mediterranean
Archaeology in Ancient Babylon
Social Breakdown in Ancient Civilizations
Modern China as a Hybrid Civilization
California's Unique Cultural Landscape
Emerging Religions in Modern America
Religion's Impact on Society and Nature
Obscure Civilizations: The Nuragic Civilization
The Khmer Civilization and Southeast Asian History
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