The Ancients

<p>How did a persecuted minority religion rise to be embraced and enforced by mighty Roman Emperors?</p><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Peter Heather to chart the dramatic rise of Christianity, exploring how Emperors such as Constantine the Great were forced to hide their true religions and the suppression of paganism across the world.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Council of Nicea</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/kw/podcast/the-council-of-nicaea/id1520403988?i=1000708742054" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RSWEGkUcy00CFUAqRGhQs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>@TheAncientsPodcast</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Today we’re going back to the beginning – no Romans, Celts, Egyptians or Macedonians in sight. Billions of years of prehistory as we look at the emergence of life on Earth. From the rise of the earliest microscopic membranes to the arrival of the dinosaurs.</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Henry Gee to journey through several billion years of history; from the rise of the earliest microscopic membranes to the arrival of the dinosaurs.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Rise of Humans with Henry Gee</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/rise-of-humans/id1520403988?i=1000702067254&l=nb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vXxIXCruQh4w90EuawE6E" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Jurassic America</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/rs/podcast/jurassic-america/id1520403988?i=1000700771214&l=hr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0W4Id2RpIYL3ZoUIPSnVcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Think of the Ice Age and tales of ferocious sabre-toothed tigers and giant megafauna likely spring to mind - but what do we know about prehistoric human culture 25,000 years ago and how people survived a perilous landscape of marauding Woolly Mammoths, bitterly cold temperatures and primitive Stone Age tools? </p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Cody Cassidy to look at how early cultures adapted to the extremes of the Last Glacial Period. Looking at the rapidly changing landscape, the cause of the big freeze and prehistoric hunting methods - do you have what it takes to survive the Ice Age? </p><br><p>This episode was first released in October 2023.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Ice Age Britain: Finding the First Homo sapiens</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ice-age-britain-finding-the-first-homo-sapiens/id1520403988?i=1000645618843" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4u19HuMXM6JlicPr8FGok3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Ice Age America</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/mm/podcast/ice-age-america/id1520403988?i=1000677472289" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KZruCMwpO7TakuiMs7DMp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p><em>Assassin’s Creed Odyssey </em>immerses players in the mythology of Ancient Greece. In particular, they can walk in the footsteps of Theseus through the Labyrinth and come face to face with the mythical Minotaur. Commonly associated with the maze-like Knossos palace on Crete, how much of the myth is rooted in reality? Prof Nicoletta Momigliano guides Tristan Hughes through the pathways between myth and reality of the Minoan Labyrinth.</p><br><p><strong>Echoes of History </strong>is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Listen to it <a href="https://podfollow.com/echoes-of-history/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p><br><p>Hosted by: Tristan Hughes</p><p>Edited by: Alex Jones and Aidan Lonergan</p><p>Produced by: Robin McConnell, Anne-Marie Luff</p><p>Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff</p><p>Production Manager: Beth Donaldson</p><p>Executive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen Bennett</p><br><p>Music:</p><p>Phoibe the Orphan by The Flight, Michael Georgiades</p><p>The Minotaur by The Flight</p><p>Barnabas by The Flight, Michael Georgiad<em>es</em></p><br><p>If you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>[email protected]</u></a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How did a humble Balkan soldier ascend to the heights of Roman power?</p><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. David Gwynn to explore the tumultuous reign of Emperor Diocletian and the significant reforms that pulled the Roman Empire out of its third-century crisis, including the formation of the Tetrarchy to stabilise the empire. However, Diocletian's legacy is heavily marred by his notorious Great Persecution of Christians. Who was the real Diocletian?</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Rome's Crisis of the Third Century</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/romes-crisis-of-the-third-century/id1520403988?i=1000682404706" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VgvW43kHAxzSl43hWJiRZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Emperor Constantine</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emperor-constantine/id1520403988?i=1000680696136" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7K9qDUO5PTg0e7gZlviB9S" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>@TheAncientsPodcast</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The story of ancient Italy is so much more than just Rome. In this special episode, we're shining a light on the extraordinary site of Paestum in southern Italy, home to some of the greatest ancient Greek temples from anywhere in the world.</p><br><p>Guided through Paestum's story with the site's director Dr Tiziana D'Angelo and Dr Kathryn Lomas, Tristan follows the story of Paestum from its Greek beginnings in c.600 BC all the way down to its eventual takeover by Rome more than 300 years later.</p><br><p>Tristan's new documentary, Paestum: A Tale of Three Cities, is out now.</p><p><a href="https://access.historyhit.com/videos/paestum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch on History Hit</a></p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Fall of the Etruscans</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fall-of-the-etruscans/id1520403988?i=1000678324725" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rlinrjjxr8Sk0wZO57hry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Roman Roads</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roman-roads/id1520403988?i=1000662049919" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/29idUM2fYpgzCEYZVYRAkH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Few dinosaurs are as instantly recognisable as the plated titan Stegosaurus - it's the Jurassic giant with a brain the size of a walnut and a tail that could kill.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Susannah Maidment of London’s Natural History Museum to uncover the secrets of its incredible armour, explore the latest theories behind its bizarre anatomy, and journey back to the Jurassic World it dominated to understand how this unique giant truly lived and fought. Join us to dive into the latest research and discover the surprising truth behind one of prehistory’s most beloved dinosaurs.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p>Tyrannosaurus Rex</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000670171248" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uxH3HHjSuEk0mHmjFU9k7?si=1dca54e4253a42c4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>The Rise of the Dinosaurs</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000555060854" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kma3vBUzOoHk0KzRLSp5E?si=0c3e157598db4144" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify </a></p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>@TheAncientsPodcast</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>He’s the villain of the Nativity. An alleged killer of innocents, remembered as one of history’s great monsters. But the truth about Herod the Great is far more dramatic, far more complex, and far more shocking.</p><br><p>On today's special episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes asks: who was the real Herod behind the legend and the infamy? Joined by Professor Benedict Eckhardt, Dr Kimberly Tchaikovsky and Professor Helen Bond, he charts the gripping rise of one of antiquity’s most formidable and misunderstood rulers. From perilous beginnings to becoming Rome’s chosen King of Judea, Herod’s story blends Greek-style tragedy with ruthless Roman politics and features encounters with towering figures like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Join us to step into the turbulent world of Roman Judea and discover how Herod defied the odds to seize his throne.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><br><p><strong>The Wise Men:</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000679904941" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/30JcS3z8gUODOvbR8k47mh?si=JG2RbFkLRdGfmwf0voQ9yA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>The Great Jewish Revolt:</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000702731647" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mlQHW3xI2HDTGv5PCiePt?si=z_36uqxgRMSQLpIG2pTpTw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify </a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Did Moses really receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, or is that just ancient legend? Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Dylan Johnson to unpack how the Book of Exodus disagrees with Deuteronomy, what “do not take God’s name in vain” really meant, and how these commands blurred law and morality for ancient peoples.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>The Ark of the Covenant</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ark-of-the-covenant/id1520403988?i=1000659406495" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/74y1JdV8UmePJzD4TjvUK4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Moses & The Exodus</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/md/podcast/moses-the-exodus/id1520403988?i=1000658678416" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ET1ixWEqsKpCkHqy2SvyK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>@TheAncientsPodcast</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Cameron McNeil, Mesoamerican archaeologist, to explore cacao, in ancient Mesoamerican societies like the Maya, Aztecs, and Olmecs. They discuss how was used as food, drink, currency, and in ritualistic practices, and learn about its journey from South America to becoming a highly valued commodity in Mesoamerica.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Origins of Beer</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/origins-of-beer/id1520403988?i=1000666034832" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lpvSrb89CDVeqZjn0z0jV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Pyramid of the Sun</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pyramid-of-the-sun/id1520403988?i=1000662581221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VqXfgDDeIAYB7P113yUCq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor and producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How did Indian culture shape the wonders of Southeast Asia?</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by William Dalrymple to explore the fascinating first millennium AD, from vibrant trade dynamics with the Roman Empire to the establishment of powerful Indian trading guilds and the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism after Rome's decline. They dig in to the construction of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu temple in the world which boasts a central area four times the size of Vatican City, with carvings depicting epic Hindu legends.</p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>@TheAncientsPodcast</u></strong></a></p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>The Romans and India with William Dalrymple</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-romans-and-india-with-william-dalrymple/id1520403988?i=1000668187744" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RSacQ0ngYW2YjrE2UMeVF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Prehistoric Ireland: Newgrange</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/prehistoric-ireland-newgrange/id1520403988?i=1000704905645" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zcgcrW1h1pZpirb1hhmLV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor and producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What do the world’s first letters reveal about life in the Bronze Age?</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Amanda Podany to uncover the remarkable written culture of ancient Mesopotamia, when clay tablets carried messages across vast distances and a proto-postal system linked cities like Ur and Babylon. From royal correspondence and diplomatic negotiations to worried family notes and furious consumer complaints -including the iconic rant against the merchant Ea-Nasir for terrible copper - these texts offer a vivid, relatable window into everyday life 4,000 years ago. Step into the earliest age of writing and discover how humanity first learned to communicate across time and space.</p><br><p>Translations in this episode taken from A. Leo Oppenheim, <em>Letters from Mesopotamia</em> (1967) & J. M. Sasson, <em>From the Mari Archives</em> (2015).</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>*WARNING: This podcast contains adult themes and discussion of paedophilia*</p><br><p>A brilliant general. A brooding autocrat. A recluse surrounded by scandal. Few Roman emperors divide opinion like Tiberius. But was he truly a monster, or the victim of centuries of salacious storytelling?</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Daisy Dunn to uncover the real man behind the myths. From Tiberius’ early brilliance on campaign to his troubled and bloody reign in Rome, and finally his notorious withdrawal to Capri, they explore how much of this lurid legacy holds up. Was Tiberius an underrated statesman undone by grief and politics, or the twisted tyrant historians have claimed? Join us to dive into the truth behind Rome’s most tragic emperor.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><br><p><strong>Agrippa and Augustus: The Golden Age</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000498249287" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3V6WnCQoWb6LgI9CBoe5Tf?si=FUdT8ynVSKW7OTnSE6x2Og" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>The Rise of Nero</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000713615326" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IZuj6FgyZz7asBk6B614f?si=kxeuodXgQmuOz3tUEg0I0g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>@TheAncientsPodcast</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>A faith born in the distant prehistoric past, rooted in ancient Iranian texts over 4,000 years old, Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. and one that shaped empires.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Almut Hintze to explore the origins, beliefs, and enduring legacy of Zoroastrianism. From the teachings of the prophet Zarathustra and the central role of Ahura Mazda, to holy fire and its influence on the Achaemenid and Sasanian worlds, join us to discover how this ancient religion helped shape ancient empires and Persian identity for millennia</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>The Wise Men</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000679904941" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen of Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/30JcS3z8gUODOvbR8k47mh?si=9NdGEaABS-C-AlGAXB_ePg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>Persia Reborn: Rise of the Sasanians</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000644788751" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gSKjbVzB2jstHXUJKDtUO?si=Cl2_WdJjSNWe-TTJUe5A4w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify </a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>Theme music from Motion Array, all other music from Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>:</p><p><a href="https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes invites Matt Lewis, host <em>The Ancients's </em>sister podcast <em>Gone Medieval</em>, for a lively debate with about the blurred boundary between the ancient and medieval worlds. Can Tristan champion Roman Emperor Justinian as an Ancient? What about Charlemagne? Which period can lay claim to the worst year in history? And was there a single moment when people woke up and realised they'd entered a new era?</p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>@TheAncientsPodcast</u></strong></a></p><br><p><strong>MORE:</strong></p><p><strong>541 AD: The Worst Year in History</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000726283804" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ln46zSNNezRQlcFXYyVuV?si=L72LBZ3CQA2sylair4TdOw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p><strong>The Fall of Rome: Origins</strong></p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000705825783" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BlPMrkjRg6uCDyW651r1U?si=jZd3fueFR22bffYRIOtguw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen on Spotify</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editors are Rob Weinberg and Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>They built roads, aqueducts, and bathhouses but what about toilets?</p><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Hannah Platts, to uncover the surprisingly fascinating world of Roman toilets, faeces and sewers. From communal latrines and ancient plumbing to what really happened with the “sponge on a stick,” discover what it was like to do your business in ancient Rome - smells, small talk, and all.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TMwKYCJQpOS7hgGDNjAmz?si=3SYvXJm2SDuoBHG8Csf9og" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roman Aqueducts</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/29idUM2fYpgzCEYZVYRAkH?si=DtGEj_EwSM69KuCjUTNiXA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roman Roads</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Today in this bonus episode Tristan introduces us to <em>History Daily</em> podcast, where host Lindsay Graham takes us back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history.</p><br><p>Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, <em>History Daily</em> is there to tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.</p><br><p>A co-production from award-winning podcasters Airship and Noiser.</p><br><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><p><strong>The Loch Ness Photograph: </strong>April 21, 1934. The Daily Mail publishes an alleged photo of the Loch Ness Monster, sparking an international sensation around one of the world’s most enduring modern legends.</p><p><strong>The First Meteorite To Strike a Person: </strong>November 30, 1954. Alabama resident Ann Hodges becomes the first person struck by a meteorite, an event that will upend the 34-year-old’s life.</p><br><p>Listen to History Daily <a href="https://www.historydaily.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Rome. Egypt. Love. War. Over 2,000 years ago, the fates of two ancient worlds collided in one of history’s most legendary love stories: Antony and Cleopatra.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Daisy Dunn to uncover the truth behind the myth - from their first meeting at Tarsus to the political intrigue that scandalised Rome. It was an affair that ignited a civil war, forged an empire that lasted for an age and gave rise to one of world history's most dramatic and tragic deaths, so join us to discover how passion, ambition, and betrayal reshaped the ancient Mediterranean world.</p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>@TheAncientsPodcast</u></strong></a></p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kI3w89qAY0cQn2tec0ucS?si=ulnT44L7RcmfQgjYW3z7SA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cleopatras</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VnUtmGIVq588mRItlN3c0?si=UN8oEifWREmaFSQ-rHY-UQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rise of Mark Antony</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Who were the Vikings' ancient ancestors? In this episode Tristan Hughes explores the fascinating maritime culture, sophisticated trade networks and social hierarchies of the Nordic Bronze Age c. 1800–700 BC. </p><br><p>Joined by Professor Johan Ling, they shed light on how proto-Viking societies of ancient Scandinavia imported essential metals, crafted stunning rock art using bronze tools and operated complex trade routes extending to Britain, Iberia and beyond. Enigmatic religious practices and the pivotal role played by elite kinship networks are brought to life through remarkable archaeological finds such as horned helmets and a golden sun chariot to reveal the remarkable complex societies that preceded the Viking Age.</p><br><p>MORE:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dEddIFS5yfamKqVZd6xAE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Bronze Age Collapse</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Fd3i83dEOiEw6PXHc9pk5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Mycenae: Cradle of Bronze Age Greece</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The year is 539 BC. The greatest city of the ancient world has fallen. Babylon has opened it's gates to a new conqueror: the mighty Persian king Cyrus the Great.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined once again by friend of the show Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones to uncover the dramatic fall of Babylon and the ascent of Persia’s Achaemenid empire. From the final decades of Babylonian rule to Cyrus’ blood-stained triumph and the city’s remarkable survival under a new regime, they discover how one of history’s most iconic capitals lost its crown - a seismic chapter in the tumultuous story of the Ancient Near East.</p><br><p><strong>Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheAncientsPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>@TheAncientsPodcast</strong></a></p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0XBGgXjkgKO7ha1EKrCi1Z?si=lJFgjM3ISdCdO-lIWyFPrA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Walls of Babylon</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Mu2t7PemMitCtmP2KvbkK?si=XSxpLFpmRsKARMRYk8FI6w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cyrus the Great</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Warrior, Cobra, Downward Dog. If you do Yoga today, those are poses you’re surely aware of. But where and when did Yoga originate?</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Jim Mallinson to uncover the ancient roots of yoga - a tradition stretching back over 3,000 years. From the meditative practices of the Indus Valley Civilisation to the spiritual seekers of early India, they discover how yoga evolved from a path of divine discipline and self-realisation into one of the world’s most influential philosophies and practices.</p><br><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/52mGOQenJdnN8NvYDDYsti?si=eNaeqOzwToWF0ajt0cXlcA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Origins of Buddhism</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Tsq1bluUZiphstsl1aePS?si=o430jlfORYegBn7fkZIuNw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Chinese Zodiac</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Join us for a special episode of The Ancients, recorded on-site in Norfolk, as we delve into the fascinating history of the Iceni tribe both before and after Boudica's famed revolt against the legions. </p><br><p>Tristan Hughes joins Professor William Bowden at the dig to hear about Iceni resistance, cultural continuity, and adaptation in the face of Roman conquest. Together they explore archaeological insights into the Iceni's daily lives, their treasured artefacts, and their complex relationship with Roman rule, sharing remarkable recent discoveries, offering a tangible connection to the past and piecing together a vivid narrative of a tribe that endured and evolved over centuries.</p><br><p><strong>See the finds made at the </strong><a href="https://caistorromanproject.org/what-we-do/#finds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Caistor Roman Project</strong> </a></p><br><p>[ACAST ONLY]</p><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jiiHgM7dPMV2hgpCL0YBf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Boudica's Battle of Britain</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lTa6DyKYntcPdkRrvwCnc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Roman Invasion of Britain</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What lurks under the surface of the dense black peat pits strewn across northern Europe? Bog bodies, naturally mummified humans, have fascinated archeologists for decades as they offer unique insights into ancient cultures.</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Melanie Giles to examine how old these bodies are, how they're preserved and incredible examples including Tolland Man and Lindow Man. They discuss the myriad potential explanations for their deaths ranging from ritual sacrifice to accidental demise, as well as the importance of these bogs in prehistoric societies, including their resources and hazards, and their valuable role in modern ecological efforts.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.museumsilkeborg.dk/welcome-to-the-story-about-tollund-man" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">View the Tolland Man</a></p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3h431IBsszlEVcfUThij6B" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Siberian Ice Mummies</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EDEArLo5e33uPLjpmzvT7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Beaker People</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>He's known as Rome’s philosopher-emperor and faced plague, rebellion and war in the East. Yet Marcus Aurelius ruled with a pen as much as a sword, finding peace in philosophy which still inspires the world today.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor William Stephens to uncover the life, legacy, and stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. From his rise to emperor at the height of Rome’s power to his struggles with plague, rebellion, and invasion, they unpack how this philosopher-king embodied the ideals of Stoicism while leading through crisis and ask what Marcus Aurelius’ <em>Meditations</em> can tell us about duty, resilience, and the mind of Rome’s most thoughtful ruler?</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nkbGeOTbzTlkvlmgstGMI?si=-PlqmKXkSDOWjq0ryGThww" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commodus: The Gladiator Emperor</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0I9fUpjYLdzvN04lOwF6Ti?si=h3uXJF6hTwabmwbpr0bBcA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pax Romana</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Arstall, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>:</p><p><a href="https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The year is 453 AD. The most feared warlord in Europe - Attila the Hun - lies dead on his wedding night. But what happened next plunged his vast empire into bloody chaos.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Hyun Jin Kim to uncover the dramatic story of Attila’s heirs and the fall of the Huns. From bitter rivalries between Attila’s sons to the Gothic kings who rose to challenge them, discover how the mighty Hunnic Empire collapsed almost overnight — a saga of ambition, betrayal, and the violent unravelling of one of history’s most feared powers.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y5w7yyVOqwYxvqHAAfthi?si=PtzE0HlhTs-pS6IKeq56pg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attila the Hun: Scourge of God</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7urNQxKoWuDLdxs5WUlm0u?si=ChgT_T09TqWbPKw_xZ4svw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The White Huns</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Arstall, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In the 7th century, a new empire rose from the sands of Arabia - united by faith, driven by conquest, and destined to change history forever.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Khododad Rezakhani to explore the emergence of Islam from the ashes of Rome and Persia’s great struggle for supremacy. Together they discover how the early Islamic polity took shape, why the Arab conquests were so swift and decisive, and how they reshaped the politics, culture, and religion of West Asia. From the fall of the Sasanians to the dawn of a new empire, this is the story of how Islam rose to dominate the world of late antiquity.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gSKjbVzB2jstHXUJKDtUO?si=de7E4A84SB6fXdaCPdGB_A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Persia Reborn: Rise of the Sasanians</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VObqk1D5t6P410f5g2F4r?si=o4PcHrbxQFCJkXAT_2tgqg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Edges of Empire: The Sasanian Frontiers</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Arstall, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes goes on an exploration of Hawaii's earliest settlers, guided by the insights of Dr. Patrick Kirch, a leading expert on Hawaiian archeology. From the arrival of Polynesians around AD 1000, using sophisticated double-hull canoes, to their unique agricultural practices and the construction of monumental architecture, they delve into the impact of Polynesian settlers on Hawaii's pristine ecosystem, the use of petroglyphs, and the development of highly stratified societal structures shedding light on Hawaii's ancient past.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Lmi6v0tLbk6oMWnd74MHa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Polynesian Mythology</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3g3FvUJkYbPhs1RFImydth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The First South Americans</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor and producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The Colosseum packed with roaring crowds, the sand stained with sweat and blood. But today, you’re not watching - you’re fighting. Welcome to a day in the life of a Roman gladiator.</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by historian and author Dr Harry Sidebottom to uncover the brutal reality behind Rome’s most iconic fighters. From their training regimes and daily routines to the myths of gladiatorial combat, discover what it really meant to step into the arena. Were these warriors condemned slaves or celebrities of the ancient world? And did they really salute the emperor with the famous words: <em>“We who are about to die salute you”</em>?</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wlBwL1Tw7cpcd8Iy83v6K?si=74rjmQ7sQz2R7S7QAVktQw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Roman Gladiator</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BzUjSeAFoiyKawbZ3I0dl?si=IHbBmzfLTMSlybaFYJ3xKw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roman Beast Hunts</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tomos Delargy, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>From Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast, the roots of fairy tales stretch back thousands of years — to the dawn of Indo-European languages and beyond.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, Tristan Hughes is joined by author and journalist Laura Spinney to explore the origins of mythology. From the tales compiles by the Brothers Grimm to cutting-edge linguistic studies, they explore how ancient myths endure across cultures, and what they reveal about human societies stretching back tens of thousands of years.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OSBoNA7godfxbLZEn3VUp?si=EZ2NbPQQSCuWOEO7BMiFnQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Birth of Indo-European </a></p><br><p>With thanks to the authors of the Proto-Indo European reconstructions Riccardo Ginevra (Assistant Professor of Historical and General Linguistics, Catholic University of Milan) and Andrew Byrd (Associate Professor of Linguistics, University of Kentucky). Reconstructions performed by Phil Barnett (MA in Linguistics, University of Kentucky).</p><br><p>Click on the following links to listen to the full reconstructions on Youtube:</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBGYC_UKM54" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creation Myth</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1SXeSHY9p0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dragon-Slaying Myth</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Astall and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Unveiling the Enigmatic Story of Egypt's First Pharaohs, roughly 5,000 years ago. Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Aidan Dodson to discuss the renowned Scorpion King and early dynasties, the unifying figure of Narmer, as well as the evolution of early Egyptian tombs and traditions, providing a fascinating insight into the dawn of Egypt's earliest civilisations.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/421u5gVkgippbgpPttjE3O" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Origins of the Egyptian Gods</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZV9Zf8yVJuMVJZJo018h0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Great Pyramid of Giza</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Kate Lister to take us on a journey through the fascinating history of Innana, an ancient goddess of love, war, fertility, and political power. They delve into her evolution from a humble agricultural deity to one of the most powerful and complex figures in ancient mythology, revered in Mesopotamia and beyond. This one goddess influenced millennia of religious and cultural history, possibly extending even to Persephone and the Virgin Mary.</p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BsalsqSLNqd5DGi5tPzo1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Persephone: Queen of the Underworld</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2k5CQDHXHmIRKCmu4kk9SB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Sex Work in Pompeii with Kate Lister</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes journeys up to windswept Scotland to uncover the secrets of the Picts — fierce warriors, skilled artisans, enemies of Rome and rulers of the North.</p><br><p>In this special episode of The Ancients - recorded on site at East Lomond hill fort and National Museums Scotland - Tristan is joined by Professor Gordon Noble and Dr. Martin Goldberg explores how the Picts lived, fought, and thrived in Britain’s wildlands. From mysterious symbol stones and silver hoards to rare warrior artefacts, discover how archaeology is rewriting the story of Scotland's most famous warrior people.</p><br><p>Tristan's new TV documentary 'Enemies of Rome: In Search of the Picts' is out now on History Hit. To watch, sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>. </p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited and produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It was the biggest mass extinction event in Earth’s history. 250 million years ago, a 252 million years ago, Earth faced its deadliest crisis. 97% of all life was wiped out in the Permian Extinction – a cataclysm so severe it’s known as The Great Dying.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, the fourth and final part of our <em>Great Disasters</em> miniseries, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Michael Benton to uncover the full story of this mass extinction. From the rich and bizarre world of Permian creatures to the apocalyptic events that triggered their downfall, discover how just 3% of life clung on and how their survival paved the way for the rise of the dinosaurs.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kma3vBUzOoHk0KzRLSp5E?si=puTmykIgS4m4qJvNVv2VKw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rise of the Dinosaurs</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kma3vBUzOoHk0KzRLSp5E?si=puTmykIgS4m4qJvNVv2VKw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Origins of Life of Earth</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Was this the worst year in human history? Bubonic plague sweeps across the Mediterranean. The sun vanishes behind volcanic ash. Crops fail, famine bites, and the Roman empire lurches towards collapse.</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>The Ancients</em>, the third in our special <em>Great Disasters</em> series, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Kyle Harper to uncover the perfect storm of catastrophe that struck the Roman world in the mid-6th century. From volcanic winters to the Justinianic Plague, we explore whether 541 AD marks the true end of antiquity and the dawn of the Middle Ages. Step into a year of chaos that reshaped empires, environments, and human survival.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0K6AuikL1odBVrbMOZxwP8?si=1059e716847c4524" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Did Plague Destroy the Roman Empire?</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RE0pOOGnA0rH5xUZVzpSZ?si=1275e90160424804" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Antonine Plague</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes continues our special series on Great Disasters, journeying back to ancient Mesopotamia with Dr Paul Collins to explore the fall of the Sumerians.</p><br><p>4,000 years ago, the great cities of Sumer — Ur, Uruk, Lagash, Girsu — stood as glittering centres of power, crowned with mighty ziggurats and ruled by ambitious dynasties. Yet within a few generations, this world of splendour and tradition unravelled. From the collapse of the Akkadian Empire to shifting power struggles and environmental pressures, uncover why these prestigious city-states declined — and ask whether we can truly talk of a 'fall of Sumer.' Join us as we step into the chaos of Mesopotamia’s first great age of empires and witness how disaster reshaped the cradle of civilisation.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6toJCMdM2XgaPDLGppKAQI?si=eoOPonOERgm2Fryr8ttiQg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sumerians</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QsuLWDCOZy6GvSEfissD7?si=_Zpkk0UbRLmYjTDFloykGQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sargon of Akkad</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>More than 3,500 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption devastated Thera - modern day Santorini - engulfing the Bronze Age world in ash and fire. Entire landscapes were buried, ash darkened the skies, and the shockwaves rippled across the eastern Mediterranean.</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, the first in our new special series on <em>Great Disasters, </em>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Steve Kershaw to uncover what really happened. Did this disaster spark the decline of the Minoans? Could it even lie behind Plato’s legend of Atlantis? Join us this month to step into the chaos and witness how catastrophe reshaped some of the most famous ancient civilisations.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Bronze Age Collapse:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dEddIFS5yfamKqVZd6xAE?si=7f45c994dd5f4e82" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dEddIFS5yfamKqVZd6xAE?si=7f45c994dd5f4e82</a></p><p>Hephaestus: God of Fire:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DLYVCLmrHxXZxQ7rMBREv?si=5b950d9c22ee4448" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DLYVCLmrHxXZxQ7rMBREv?si=5b950d9c22ee4448</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Professor Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins join Tristan in this episode all about Greece and Rome - the two greatest civilisations of classical antiquity.</p><br><p>How did the Romans borrow, adapt, and sometimes rival Greek culture? What did they admire and what did they reject? From temples and theatre to politics and philosophy, join us as two of the UK’s most celebrated classicists explore the cultural dialogue at the heart of the ancient Mediterranean.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C7wRHjSPeif9pLD2UZJyY?si=62c2f8b1bb684b6c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roman Emperors with Mary Beard</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JTitvxh96n2XflQQ7qwo4?si=hhuUjjsTR0KtHHjkaFCgkw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Survive in Ancient Rome</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>More than 5,000 years ago, in what is today southern Iraq, one of the world’s first civilisations emerged. A civilisation often credited with the invention of writing, the wheel and cities. The Sumerians. </p><br><p>The Sumerians are a people that you have probably heard of, but might not know too much about. And in today’s episode of The Ancients, we are re-releasing our episode from a few years back where we finally delved into their story. We’re going to explore their cities, their language, their artefacts and so much more. </p><br><p>This is the story of the Sumerians, with our guest. The Assyriologist and great friend of the podcast, Dr Paul Collins.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tristan Hughes sits down with Professor Eric Cline to explore the enigmatic Sea Peoples, often blamed for the catastrophic Bronze Age collapse over 3,000 years ago.</p><br><p>Together they explore surviving sources from ancient Egypt to find out who the Sea Peoples were, and how they swept into Egypt. They discuss the diverse groups that comprised these invaders, and question whether they were truly the primary cause of this ancient civilisation's downfall.</p><p>From revelations from the latest archaeological evidence, DNA findings from Tel Dor and other sites, Tristan and Eric unlock one of ancient history's greatest puzzles.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dEddIFS5yfamKqVZd6xAE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Bronze Age Collapse</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://shows.acast.com/f2925f7a-eb08-471a-9958-387cb5ee6353/6509d61ed8ccda0011963dc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Rameses the Great</strong></a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Where do we come from? The origins of modern humans stretch back hundreds of thousands of years, and new discoveries are reshaping how we understand our species’ story. </p><br><p>In this episode, recorded on location at London’s Natural History Museum, Tristan Hughes speaks with Professor Chris Stringer, one of the world’s leading paleoanthropologists. Together they explore fossil evidence, our genetic links to Africa, encounters with Neanderthals, and the search for “Mitochondrial Eve.”</p><br><p>This is your definitive guide to how <em>Homo sapiens</em> emerged and spread across the planet.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>The First Britons -</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cKCCdeptxhxOMRD8HGavq?si=5127601ade01478b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cKCCdeptxhxOMRD8HGavq?si=5127601ade01478b</a></p><p>Human Evolution: Dragon Man -</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/128XsUffcThVirTghas7OA?si=34c571e9526f491d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/128XsUffcThVirTghas7OA?si=34c571e9526f491d</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Known as the 'King of the World' and the last great king of Assyria, Ashurbanipal bestrode the ancient Mesopotamian world as a warrior but also a scholar, ruling the great Assyrian empire at the height of its power.</p><br><p>In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Assyriologist Dr Selena Wisnom to uncover the dual legacy of this fearsome conqueror and passionate intellectual. From brutal military triumphs to the vast Library of Nineveh - packed with texts on medicine, mathematics, law, and literature - they explore how Ashurbanipal turned his capital into the greatest empire and the greatest knowledge hub of the ancient Mesopotamian world.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Rise of the Assyrians:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Y3JdYSZ1nJ3cBXa91YzrI?si=56553edc20b0406f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Y3JdYSZ1nJ3cBXa91YzrI?si=56553edc20b0406f</a></p><p>The Scholars of Assyria:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sM9ODjMw2f0JqfpsKNLoD?si=ec06ab7a656548f6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sM9ODjMw2f0JqfpsKNLoD?si=ec06ab7a656548f6</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The Huns weren’t just Attila’s warriors in Europe — in Central Asia, the White Huns built the most powerful Hunnic empire, ruling for a century and dominating the ancient Silk Roads.</p><br><p>While the European Huns fought Rome, the White Huns commanded trade routes, overthrew kingdoms, and waged relentless campaigns across Central and South Asia. Their influence reached from Persia to India, transforming politics, warfare, and culture. In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Hyun Jin Kim to uncover the origins, rise, and legacy of this formidable yet often overlooked empire.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Attila the Hun: Scourge of God:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y5w7yyVOqwYxvqHAAfthi?si=0a9aaff5b64b4d36" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y5w7yyVOqwYxvqHAAfthi?si=0a9aaff5b64b4d36</a></p><p>Attila the Hun: Terror of Rome:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5f12sJEHRH8KPrQCopenrG?si=1bb6c6b6b8164dea" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5f12sJEHRH8KPrQCopenrG?si=1bb6c6b6b8164dea</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How did Roman aqueducts help build an empire? They’re some of the most iconic structures from the ancient world — feats of engineering that transformed cities. But how exactly did Roman aqueducts work, and why were they so revolutionary?</p><br><p>Join Tristan Hughes and Dr Duncan Keenan-Jones as they explore the rise and reach of Roman aqueducts. From mountain springs to city fountains, discover how these stone channels powered urban life across the empire — supplying baths, homes, and temples. Discover how they were built, the technology behind them, and why they became essential to to the growth of Rome's ancient cityscape.</p><br><p>Click here for images of the Pont du Gard:</p><p><a href="https://www.uzes-pontdugard.com/en/incontournables/le-pont-du-gard-joyau-romain/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.uzes-pontdugard.com/en/incontournables/le-pont-du-gard-joyau-romain/</a></p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Roman Roads:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/29idUM2fYpgzCEYZVYRAkH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/29idUM2fYpgzCEYZVYRAkH</a></p><p>How to Survive in Ancient Rome:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JTitvxh96n2XflQQ7qwo4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1JTitvxh96n2XflQQ7qwo4</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>From towering tenements to Punic porridge — step into the streets of ancient Carthage.</p><br><p>In this immersive episode of The Ancients, Tristan travels back to 210 BC to explore daily life in the heart of one of the ancient world’s richest and most vibrant cities. Joined by Dr Eve MacDonald, together they uncover what it took to survive in Carthage before its fall — from bustling markets to religious rituals. Discover how Carthaginians lived, worked, ate, and worshipped in this thriving cosmopolitan hub - arguably <em>the</em> capital of the ancient Mediterranean.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Origins of Carthage:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/522qoJ8gm5pQT0IYunKiTJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/522qoJ8gm5pQT0IYunKiTJ</a></p><p>Fall of Carthage:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5C37HVbPQnUujk2qBZ45HA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5C37HVbPQnUujk2qBZ45HA</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Iconic monumental stone heads, the intriguing Lord of Las Limas, the enigmatic 'were-jaguar' figures, so much survives from the ancient Olmec civilisation.</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Jillian Mollenhauer to unravel the Olmec's sophisticated artistry, the symbolic significance of greenstone, and the blend of naturalistic and supernatural portrayals in their work. They discuss how the Olmec set the foundation for Mesoamerican cultures and their undying legacy that influenced civilizations like the Maya and Aztec.</p><br><p>Olmec Art:</p><p><a href="https://smarthistory.org/americas-before-1900/north-america-to-1500/mesoamerica/olmec-art/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://smarthistory.org/americas-before-1900/north-america-to-1500/mesoamerica/olmec-art/</a></p><br><p>MORE</p><p><strong>Olmec Heads</strong></p><p><a href="https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/ancient-americas-the-olmec-heads" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/ancient-americas-the-olmec-heads</a></p><p><strong>The Maya Collapse</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/56rb6VA4Ey9bMX9CrhCfRR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/56rb6VA4Ey9bMX9CrhCfRR</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Powerful, cunning, uncompromising, even murderous (allegedly)... meet Rome’s first empress and one of ancient history’s ultimate power players.</p><br><p>Livia Drusilla has long been cast as the bloodthirsty matriarch of the early Roman Empire — wife of Augustus, mother of Tiberius, and alleged poisoner of rivals. But how much of this infamous image is fact and how much is fantasy? In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Emma Southon to peel back the layers of scandal and explore the real story behind Livia’s complex legacy. Was she a scheming killer, or simply a shrewd survivor in a ruthless world?</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Zenobia: Queen of Palmyra</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4o7gMb5tLk8f6nF0Qirzcv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/4o7gMb5tLk8f6nF0Qirzcv</a></p><p>The Assassination of Julius Caesar:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xKUDPitfx3rN1kN1hPI4H" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xKUDPitfx3rN1kN1hPI4H</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this special episode of the Ancients, released just hours after the embargo on new research was lifted, Tristan Hughes discusses the fascinating discovery of ancient Siberian ice mummies and their tattoos with Dr Gino Caspari, the senior author of the study.</p><br><p>The Iron Age Pazyryk culture, renowned for their elaborate burials in the Altai Mountains, is explored through their well-preserved remains and artefacts. Dr Caspari shares insights into the significance of the tattoos, the methods used to create them, and what these incredible findings reveal about the Pazyryk society.</p><br><p>Access the article here - <a href="https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2025.10150" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2025.10150</a></p><br><p>MORE</p><p><strong>Birth of the Iron Age</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6emHXY7Cv8xImTcVAi4mrf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/6emHXY7Cv8xImTcVAi4mrf</a></p><p><strong>Kazakstan's Valley of Kings</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wdwiXUyvSwbghteYA3unK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wdwiXUyvSwbghteYA3unK</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Why was London transformed from a bustling Roman metropolis into a ghost town by the fifth century?</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Dominic Perring to explore the rich archaeological findings that reveal the city's final chapters, including the building of defensive walls, the influence of key figures like Magnus Maximus, and the economic shifts impacting the Roman Empire. They discuss the cosmopolitan makeup of Roman London and the significant rise and fall cycles it experienced before its eventual disappearance beneath the rubble.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p><strong>The Roman Invasion of Britain</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lTa6DyKYntcPdkRrvwCnc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lTa6DyKYntcPdkRrvwCnc</a></p><p><strong>The Fall of Roman Britain</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vMwL1dueziXVNOwloY9xn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vMwL1dueziXVNOwloY9xn</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Epic heroes, sacred rivers & ancient gods – this is Irish mythology as you’ve never heard it. From Newgrange to the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s myths are rooted firmly in its prehistoric past.</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Anthony Murphy to explore the rich tapestry of Irish mythology – stories of divine battles, magical beings, and legendary landscapes. Discover how ancient sites are entwined with tales passed down through centuries and how stories featuring giants, all-seeing eyes and even a 'salmon of knowledge' were preserved by Christian monks in medieval manuscripts. This is your gateway to the epic, otherworldly world of Ireland’s ancient lore.</p><br><p>MORE</p><p>Prehistoric Ireland: Newgrange:</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zcgcrW1h1pZpirb1hhmLV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zcgcrW1h1pZpirb1hhmLV</a></p><p>The First Irish:</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000554323114" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000554323114</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>As part of our week of Sharks on the Ancients, today we tell the story of Megalodon, the largest living marine animal, ever.</p><br><p>Does this colossal prehistoric shark still lurk beneath the waves? Tristan Hughes is joined by leading expert Professor John Long to unveil the jaw-dropping size, power, and ferocity of this ancient super-predator. John recounts his incredible fossil discoveries which chart evolutionary milestones, and reveals the mind-blowing hunting strategies of Megalodon. </p><br><p><strong>MORE</strong></p><p><strong>Prehistoric Ireland: Newgrange</strong></p><p><a href="https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/prehistoric-ireland-newgrange" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/prehistoric-ireland-newgrange</a></p><p><strong>Woolly Mammoths</strong></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CqmGAaFfqm2yFFsSHXpsX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CqmGAaFfqm2yFFsSHXpsX</a></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><p>All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds</p><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here:</strong> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/</a></p><br><p><strong>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 </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>: </strong></p><p><a href="https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>