The Ancients

<p>Isis, Hathor, Sekhmet and Bastet were adored and honoured in Ancient Egypt, with their stories passed between thousands of followers and down through the generations through spoken word and painted hieroglyph. But there weren't simply maternal, wifely, caring deitites. They could also transform into deadly beasts and deliver horrific vengeance when crossed.</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by archaeologist and Egyptologist Dr. Joyce Tyldesley to unravel the myths of these ancient Egyptian goddesses.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Scriptwriter is Andrew Hulse. Voice Actor is Menna Elbezawy.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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>67 million years ago the most famous meat-eating dinosaur prowled the earth - the Tyrannosaurus Rex. At it's full size, this prehistoric apex predator was taller than a double decker bus and weighed more than seven tonnes, whilst it's teeth were the size of bananas. But how much do we actually know about this so called 'King of the Dinosaurs'?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Steve Brusatte to explore the ins and outs of this most iconic of dinosaurs - from their tiny little arms to their fossilised poo.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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>Of all the Egyptian Gods it is Ra, the God of the Sun, who is perhaps most well known in the popular imagination. He is said to have voyaged across the sky on his solar barge and then come nightfall descended into the underworld to battle all sorts of monstrous creatures. But Ra is a complicated character. He is often fused with other Egyptian gods and transformed into different solar deities entirely. So who really is he? And where do the tales about him come from?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients - the second in our 5 part series on Egyptian Gods and Goddesses - Tristan Hughes is joined by Egyptologist Campbell Price to unpack to story of Ra and the Sun Gods and explore the deity who the Ancient Egyptians arguably revered most highly.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The script writer is Andrew Hulse. The voice actor is Menna Elbezawy </p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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 early 5th century AD, after almost four centuries of iron-fisted Roman rule, the empire in Britain was beginning to fade. Franks, Saxons and Roman usurpers were running rampant. Britannia was on its last legs and in 410 AD, the Britons were told to ‘look to their own defences’.</p><br><p>However the story of the fall of Roman Britain is far more complex than the traditional tale of swift Roman withdrawal. In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Rob Collins and Dr James Gerrard to journey from Londinium to Hadrians Wall and unpick the ultimate fate of Roman Britannia.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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 legends of Ra and Hathor, of Osiris and Isis, of Anubis and Set have been passed from mouth to ear in Egypt for millennia. They were painted on temple walls, etched on delicate papyrus and discovered at the heart of the pyramids. But who were the Gods of Egypt? How did their myths originate? And from where did the ancient Egyptians believe their Gods came from?</p><br><p>On the Ancients this September and October - across five special episodes - join Tristan Hughes to delve into the meaning of these stories and unpack Egypt's mysterious deities. In today's episode he is joined by Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley to kick off the series and explore the origins of the Gods and their enthralling creation story.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Scriptwriter is Andrew Hulse. Voice Actor is Menna Elbezawy.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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>2000 years ago, in the year 9 AD, a Roman Army walked into a trap deep in wilds of Germania. Over 15,000 men were massacred at Teutoburg Forest, making it one of the bloodiest ambushes in history. But what happened next? </p><br><p>Today's episode of the Ancients continues the terrifying story we began last week, as Tristan Hughes is joined by a host of leading experts to analyse the moves that played out on the battlefield, and the earth-shattering consequences that came after.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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>Ancient India was <em>the</em><strong><em> </em></strong>single greatest trading partner of the Roman Empire. For centuries, Indian sailors navigated the Indian Ocean and Red Sea to bring goods, ideas and religious beliefs to the Greco-Roman ports based on the Egyptian coast. But how did this lucrative trade begin? And what sorts of goods passed along it?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by William Dalrymple to explore 'The Golden Road' - one of the great trade routes of ancient history - and discover how India became the beating heart of the ancient world.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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 travels to the site of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, one of the most epic defeats of the Roman army when an alliance of Germanic peoples ambushed three Roman legions.</p><br><p>Across two episodes leading experts analyse every move leading up to those terrifying days in early September 9 AD, deep in the Teutoburg Forest. All stemming from the Roman Invasion of Germany.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></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>Despite being one of the most visited historic spots on the planet today, Petra was once a so-called ‘lost city,’ hidden from western eyes in a vast desert landscape for hundreds of years.</p><br><p>What is the story of this rose-red ancient city and its inhabitants? The powerful Nabataean civilisation who built Petra more than two thousand years ago, but remain a mystery to so many today.</p><br><p>Who were their kings? Their gods and goddesses? And how were they able to turn an arid desert into a green oasis?</p><br><p>In this special episode, Tristan Hughes goes to Petra in Jordan, one of the seven wonders of the world, to discover the secrets himself.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Written and produced by Charlotte Long. Mixed and edited by Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p>Special thanks to Visit Jordan, Matthew Vincent and Jodi Magness.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> HERE</strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://historyhit.com/subscription</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>The word 'Sirens' conjures up many images, possibly of beautiful mermaid-like creatures luring sailors to their watery deaths. These ancient Greek mythical creatures, linked to the Queen of the Underworld Persephone, feature in well known myths such as Jason and the Argonauts and Homer’s story of Odysseus - <em>The Odyssey. </em>But their popular modern portrayal as 'sexy maidens' does not originate from ancient Greece, that is a much later invention. </p><br><p>Sarah Clegg joins Tristan Hughes to discuss the story of the Sirens and how their legacy is intertwined with a number of other mythical creatures such as nymphs, the Mesopotamian demoness Lilith and, of course mermaids.</p><br><p>Listen to Tristan and Sarah Clegg's previous episode on Lillith here: https://podfollow.com/the-ancients/episode/83e3167b27baefea4d862da99ce26425ba43e291/view</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></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>It's one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. But did you know that beer is also one of the world's oldest beverages, with a history that stretches back more than 10,000 years. Beer was the beverage of choice for a whole host of ancient Bronze Age civilisations arrayed across Mesopotamia. But why did cities like Babylon and Uruk become the first great beer drinking cultures in history? And what traces of this love of alcohol did they leave behind?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Prof. Tate Paulette to discover how those living on the plains of ancient Mesopotamia bred such a love for liquid amber and explore how exactly they brewed it.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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>Cats! These much loved furry friends have brightened people’s lives for millenia. And it was the same in ancient times. They were pets. They were pest control against rats. They were even in some cases considered sacred. But how did they become the pet of choice for homes the world over? And why were they first domesticated?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor James Serpell, an anthrozoologist from the University of Pennsylvania to delve into the origins of the First Cats and explore how they evolved from self-sufficient wildcats to the lovable felines we're familiar with today.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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 is the most famous monument of ancient Greece. Its remains standing tall above modern Athens today, more than 2,000 years old. The Parthenon. A temple, treasury, the residence of a powerful general after Alexander the Great’s death…and his courtesans, a church, a mosque, a gunpowder store, a tourist site. It’s safe to say that the Parthenon has had a pretty fascinating story over the past two and a half millennia. Not to mention the amazing art and architecture of the building that continues to awe people down to the present day. In this episode of our sister podcast Echoes of History, our very own Tristan Hughes joins Matt Lewis to find out more.</p><br><p>Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Listen to the Echoes of History podcast </em><a href="https://podfollow.com/echoes-of-history/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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> <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>Overlooking the Argolid Plain in the eastern Peloponnese, Mycenae was once the envy of the Mediterranean world. It rose to prominence in the late Bronze Age, centuries before the great Greek states of Athens, Sparta and Corinth, and is known as the birthplace of mythical bronze age figures such as Agammemnon, King of the Greeks. But how do know so much about it? What remains of this once glittering Greek citadel?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Jorrit Kelder to talk through Mycenae's archeology - from its Cyclopaean stone walls and monumental Tholos tombs, to it’s golden face masks and great lion entrance gate.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Peter Dennis and Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit Podcast</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" 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>Known as one of Rome's worst emperors, Commodus is famed for both his infamy and bravado. Ascending the throne as a teenager, he dressed up as Hercules, fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum, and renamed Rome after himself. But who was the real Commodus? And was he really as bad and megalomaniacal as some have claimed?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Alex Imrie to dive into the conspiracies, controversy and assassinations that made the reign of Commodus so chillingly captivating and inspired the performance of Joaquin Phoenix in the 2000 sword and sandal epic ‘Gladiator’.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></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><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>The Olympics. It’s the most famous sporting event in the world, and the 33rd Olympiad is taking place in Paris right now. But how did it all begin?</p><br><p>It's a story that takes us back more than 2,000 years. Featuring mythological heroes like Heracles, ancient athletes that became celebrities and the great sanctuary of Olympia in western Greece, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Judith Swaddling to delve into the origins of the Olympic Games, uncovering how they were founded and what the earliest Olympics looked like.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 both the eldest and youngest child of the great titan Kronos, and the Greek goddess of hearth and home, Hestia was incredibly important in almost every sphere of Greek daily life. But she is arguably one of the most overlooked deities in the Greek Pantheon. The question we're asking today is why.</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined once again by the University of Bristol’s Dr Ellie Mackin-Roberts as they delve into the elusive, but fascinating figure of Hestia and uncover just how Hestia could be the eldest and youngest Greek God all at the same time.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The scriptwriter is Andrew Hulse. The voice actor is Nichola Wooley.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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>Just over 1,000 years ago, the ancient Maya world in Mesoamerica was turned upside down. Prominent cities like Tikal, Palenque, Copan and Calakmul, their great stone art and architecture left to be gradually reclaimed by the jungle. It's a time of decline known as the Maya Collapse. But what caused it? And did the entirety of Mayan civilisation really disappear?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by podcaster and author Paul Cooper to explore this historic, yet mysterious collapse and delve into the trade networks, water systems, climate change, agricultural failure and civil unrest that made it possible.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 ferocious, professional fighters who fought in great arenas all across the Roman Empire for the pleasure of the crowd were the celebrities of their day. They were sex symbols and yet they also ranked amongst the lowest in Roman society. Today the gladiator is one of the great images of ancient Rome but who exactly were they and what do we know about them?</p><br><p>Gladiator expert and historical consultant Alexander Mariotti joins Tristan Hughes to reveal the mind-blowing truth stories of these Roman professional fighters; from origins to lifestyle, to training and just how likely it was for a gladiator to be slain in the arena.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Max Carrey and Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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>For more than 100,000 years, Neanderthals made their home in Ice Age Britain, right on the edge of the inhabitable world. But what evidence do we have for this early species in what is today Britain?</p><br><p>Dr Matthew Pope from UCL joins Tristan Hughes to discuss this fascinating period pre-history; Neanderthal Britain. What do we know about these people's lifestyles, how long were they here for and what ultimately happened to them?</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>The Ancients is recording our first LIVE SHOW at the London Podcast Festival on Thursday 5th September 2024! </strong></p><p><strong>Book your tickets now to be in the audience and ask Tristan and his guest your burning questions. </strong></p><p><strong>Tickets on sale </strong><a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> <a href="https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients/</a></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 Pyramid of the Sun is ancient America’s Great Pyramid of Giza. Built in the legendary city of Teotihuacán, and given its name by the Aztecs, this magnificent step pyramid is another great wonder of the ancient world. But who built it? And what for? </p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Annabeth Headrick, an expert on all things Teotihuacán to explore and uncover the mysteries that surround this massive Mesoamerican monument. </p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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>Do all roads lead to Rome? We find out in today's episode all about one of the Roman Empire's greatest legacies - it's web-like network of roads and route-ways. From the famous Via Appia, the longest road in mainland Italy, to Watling Street, the road on which Boudica was defeated, Rome's roads left an indelible mark on the territories their centurions conquered.</p><br><p>But what do we actually know about these ancient streets and pathways? What was road travel like back in Roman times? And most importantly, what was their equivalent of a service station?</p><br><p>To explain all this and much more Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Catherine Fletcher, author of a new book called <em>The Roads to Rome. </em></p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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’s the end of the 12th century BC, and a once remarkable Near eastern world lay in ruin. Drought, warfare, famine, earthquakes, plague - all had combined to brutally devastate ancient civilisations stretching from Mesopotamia to Egypt to mainland Greece. </p><br><p>It was a catastrophe unlike anything else - a Bronze Age collapse. But that’s only half the story. What happened next? Would these people adapt to this new age of chaos?</p><br><p>Dr Eric Cline joins Tristan Hughes to discuss the dawn of the Iron Age. They’re talking Egyptians, Hittites, Mycenaeans, Cypriots, Phoenicians and many more.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Joseph Knight. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 3,000 years ago, a coalition of Bronze Age rulers existed across the Near Eastern world. Kings reigning over great Bronze age powers like New Kingdom Egypt, Babylon and the Hittites coexisted and interacted with each other. They exchanged precious goods, signed treaties and even married into each other's families. But how exactly did this brotherhood of kings emerge? And how important was it to the history of the ancient Near East?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Prof. Amanda Podany to talk about what has come to be known as the first ‘international age’.</p><p>Together they uncover how the brotherhood of kings ruled supreme across the Near Eastern world and explore why they built such a sophisticated and intricate web of diplomatic ties and connections.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up</strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> <u>HERE</u></strong></a><strong> for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. </strong><a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>https://historyhit.com/subscription</u></strong></a></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 crisis of the Roman Republic is a period littered with iconic male power players. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Pompey, Brutus and the Gracchi brothers. But less famous, and often overlooked are the women that shaped these famous Roman states<em>men</em>.</p><br><p>In today's episode of the Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Daisy Dunn to shine a light on some of the most remarkable women in Roman history. From Cornelia, the mother and tutor of the Gracchi brothers, to Fulvia, the wife of Mark Antony and a commander in the Perusine War, we take you on a journey through the lives and stories of four of Rome's foremost Domina.</p><br><p>Daisy Dunn's new book <em>The Missing Thread: A New History of the Ancient World Through the Women Who Shaped It </em>is out now in the UK and publishes 7/30 in the US.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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>Temple Mount is one of the most sacred places in Jerusalem. A rocky outcrop that has become important for Islam, Judaism and Christianity and the acropolis of the ancient city, with links to figures like King David, Solomon, Herod, Jesus and Muhammad. It’s an area of the world rich in religious history.</p><br><p>And in today's episode of The Ancients - the last in our Old Testament miniseries - we're going to be delving into the archaeology of this famous ancient site and exploring what remains of the glorious buildings that once sat atop this important mountain. To help, Tristan is joined by Jodi Magness, author of new book, <em>Jerusalem Through The Ages, </em>which<em> </em>chronicles the history of the holy city from its very beginnings to the Crusades.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 the ancient kingdom of Israel is a central part of the Old Testament. Famous for its kings like Saul, David and Solomon, the kingdom supposedly emerged in the southern Levant in the late 2nd millennium BC. Most of what we know about this kingdom comes from the Hebrew Bible. But what does the archeology say? Are there any remains that might corroborate what the bible tells us?</p><br><p>In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan continues our Old Testament mini-series and interviews archeologist Felicity Cobbing. Together they delve into both the biblical narrative and the archaeological evidence in an attempt to answer some the questions that shroud the story of this biblical kingdom.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a podcast from History Hit.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 the Greek Gods and Goddesses series with today’s deity; the most popular mythical hero of them all: Heracles, or Hercules. Same hero.</p><br><p>His story has never faded, reimagined in various media formats from Hollywood and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, to Disney, to The Ancients podcast. Professor Alastair Blanshard joins Tristan to discuss who Heracles was, what were some of the many myths surrounding this hero, and what were his 12 labours?</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes and produced by Joseph Knight. The audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Scriptwriter is Andrew Hulse. Voice Actor is Nichola Wooley</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a podcast from History Hit.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 Ark of the Covenant is one of the most famous, yet mysterious, objects mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. This special box that held the sacred 10 Commandments, written by God himself.</p><br><p>But what exactly was it? What stories are told about it? And, most intriguingly of all, what happened to it? Tristan Hughes visits the University of Cardiff and Dr Dylan Johnson to find out.</p><br><p>Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a podcast from History Hit.</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 Celts are an ancient people shrouded in mystery and intrigue. In the minds of most people the word ‘Celt’ refers to the people of Iron Age Britain, or the ferocious Galatians of central Turkey. But the original Celts were very different. They settled in places like southern France and northern Italy and came into direct contact with the Etruscans and the Greeks. So what do we know about these Iron Age Celts and their early Celtic world? </p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Rachel Pope to decode and decipher the origins of the Celts. Together they explore how these early Iron Age Celts spread from their ancestral lands in central France and how their unique Celtic culture evolved down the centuries, culminating with their sacking of Rome in the early 4th century BC. </p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><em>The Ancients is a podcast from History Hit</em></p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 Moses and the Exodus is one of the oldest and most well known in history. It is full of instantly recognisable episodes like the parting of the Red Sea, the ten plagues of Egypt, and the burning bush but it is also foundational to many modern-day faiths. So today we’re asking what does the historical and archaeological record reveal about this epic biblical narrative?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients - the second in our Old Testament mini-series - Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Dylan Johnson to delve deep into the history of the ancient Israelites, to explore whether Moses was a real historical figure and to discover what historical parallels may have inspired the Exodus origin story. </p><br><p>This episode was edited by Aidan Lonergan and produced by Joseph Knight</p><br><p>The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 Parthians were heavyweights of ancient Mesopotamia. Hailing from what is now modern day Iran, they charged onto the scene by destroying the Seleucid Empire and became one of Rome’s most formidable enemies. They are perhaps most famous for capturing Crassus - Rome’s spider-like tycoon - at the Battle of Carrhae, and pouring gold down his throat. But what else do we know about them?</p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Adrian Goldsworthy to explore who the Parthians really were, to delve into what the sources can tell us about them, and to discover how these horse-warriors managed to forge a superpower-like empire that stretched from the northern reaches of the Euphrates to the Hindu Kush. </p><br><p> This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Max Carrey.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</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> <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 Ancients launches a new miniseries exploring the stories, people, objects and kingdoms central to the Old Testament's narrative. </p><br><p>There was only one place to start and it's not "In the beginning..."</p><br><p>The story of the Flood in the Book of Genesis is well known, where God conjured up a great flood to kill off all of humanity for their wicked behaviour. Except for Noah, whom God ordered to construct a massive boat and fill it with 2 of every animal. When the flood came, Noah, his family and the animals survived on board the Ark.</p><br><p>The story of Noah and the Ark is not only embedded in the Bible, however, but it's also central to parts of the Quran and central to Judaism. The origins of the story stretch way back beyond the Old Testament to Mesopotamia.</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes heads to the British Museum to explore this Mesopotamian myth with Dr Irving Finkel who made a discovery which turned the world of Assyriology - and his life - on its head. They discuss who <em>was</em> Noah to the Mesopotamians? What did <em>they</em> do with the animals? And what was the shape and design of THIS great ark?</p><br><p>This episode was presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer was Joseph Knight, edited by Peter Dennis and Aidan Lonergan. </p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</u></strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><br><p>Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</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"><u>here</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>After the death of his patron Julius Caesar, the Roman world was Mark Antony’s for the taking. His triumph over Caesar’s assassins at Phillipi in 42 BC only served to cement his legendary status as Rome’s most feared commander. But then came Octavian and Cleopatra…</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients - the second, and final part of our special series on the life of Mark Antony - Tristan is once again joined by Professor Jeff Tatum to discuss how Antony filled the power vacuum left by Caesar’s assassination. They then retell and assess his fight for power with Rome’s latest young upstart, Octavian and the fateful events that led to his demise at the court of Cleopatra.</p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Peter Dennis. </p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Mark Antony; the headstrong bad boy, a feared commander, lover and traitor memorably depicted by Richard Burton. His story is intertwined with some of ancient history's biggest names such as Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, Cleopatra and Augustus.</p><br><p>In a two part special of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes assesses the eventful life of the notorious Roman statesman and general Marcus Antonius.</p><br><p>In part one Tristan is joined by Professor Jeffrey Tatum to discuss Mark Antony's early life and astonishing rise up the ranks of the Roman army, from decadent party boy to stellar commander at the side of Julius Caesar. </p><br><p>This episode was produced and edited by Joseph Knight. Senior Producer was Anne-Marie Luff</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>It's the most famous Roman frontier in the world. A massive c.13-foot high wall that spanned the length of northern Britain, dividing the empire between Roman and 'barbarian' land. But how was it built? Who lived along it? And why was it named after Emperor Hadrian?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Frances McIntosh to tell the story of this iconic monument of Roman Britain and explore the forts, milecastles and turrets that made it far more than just a wall. Along the way they'll discover how Hadrian's Wall fit into the wider Roman frontier and how it has helped countless authors when creating fictional worlds (yes George R.R. Martin we're looking at you...).</p><br><p>This episode was produced and edited by Joseph Knight. Senior Producer was Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>‘I am Spartacus!’ In the field of epic film making, the 1960 historical drama ‘Spartacus’ is legendary. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, and starring Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier, it is undoubtedly a classic. But how much of the plot has emerged from the true story of a Thracian gladiator and slave who escaped his Roman captors and led an unsuccessful but impressive rebellion against their oppressors? And how much of the film’s message was formed by the personalities involved in its creation, and the context in which it was made?</p><br><p>In her own words, Dr Fiona Radford devoted years of her life to the man with the most memorable chin cleft in the world - Kirk Douglas, specifically as Spartacus. Her thesis traced the production history of this film, examining in particular the effect that the turbulent process had on the portrayal of female characters. Having taught at Macquarie University, ANU and the University of Sydney, she currently teaches history at secondary school level, and her conversation with Tristan in this episode is an eye-opener to 1950s film making as well as the legend of Spartacus.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Dionysus. He's known as the party God of ancient Greece who you never wanted to cross. Associated with theatre, mysterious cults and even, on one occasion, turning pirates into dolphins. But who exactly was the 12th God of the Greek Pantheon? And why has he become associated with having a good time?</p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes continues our series on Greek Gods and Goddesses by exploring the infamous patron of wine with Dr Sarah Iles Johnston. Together they deep dive into the many myths that shaped his legend, starting with the horrific fate that befell King Pentheus after he banned the worship of Dionysus.</p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Caligula. One of the most infamous Roman emperors of them all. He didn't rule Rome for long, but he has gained a legacy as this incredibly evil figure. But who was the real Caligula? Did he really fall in love with one of his horses? And did he really declare war on the sea?</p><br><p>In today's episode Tristan Hughes uncovers all this and more as he welcomes historian LJ Trafford back onto the podcast to explore the truth behind Caligula's rather horrifying legend.</p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Cleopatra. It is one of the most recognisable names in ancient history, made famous by the exploits of Egypt’s controversial pharaoh queen. But did you know that the Cleopatra of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony fame was actually the seventh Cleopatra of her dynasty. From 180 BC, down to the Roman conquest of Alexandria in 30 BC, Egypt was ruled by a line of fiercely ambitious and independent Cleopatras, none of whom were afraid to break the rules…</p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients Tristan once again welcomes Prof. Lloyd Llewellyn Jones onto to podcast, this time to delve into the golden age of Ptolmeic Egypt and unpack the tumultuous family drama that brought these Cleopatras to the fore. </p><br><p>This episode was produced and edited by Joseph Knight. Senior Producer was Anne-Marie Luff.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Nineveh was one of the great cities of ancient Mesopotamia. Situated on the eastern bank of the River Tigris, it rivalled cities like Babylon and Persepolis as the capital of the great Assyrian Empire and the seat of power for towering figures like Sennacherib and Ashurbanipal. But what were its origins, how did it become such a great city and how did it fall? </p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Paul Collins to tell the story of Nineveh’s history from start to end. Beginning with its Stone Age origins, they discuss its conquest by the Akkadians, its golden age as Mesopotamia’s foremost city, and its obliteration at the hands of the Medes and Babylonians. </p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan </p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>The Silk Road was a pivotal ancient exchange network that connected the grassy steppes of Asia and the Middle East with the western world. The passage of goods, ideas and technologies along this bustling commercial artery was crucial to the development of the ancient East and West. It was, quite simply, the glue that held the ancient world together. But what were the origins of this first global exchange network? </p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes seeks to answer that very question. Speaking to Dr. Miljana Radivojevic they discuss how people living in Bronze Age Central Asia helped build the world’s first and most famous trading route. </p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan </p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Auxiliaries were some of the most important troops in the all-conquering Roman Army. Unlike legionaries, their more heavily-armoured and widely famed counterparts, auxiliaries were recruited from across the Empire and were renowned for their versatility. Deployed as border guards in the far-away hinterlands near Hadrians Wall or as mobile cavalry in the deserts of Parthia, they helped aid the advance of Rome’s military behemoth in many more ways than one.</p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by historical novelist Ben Kane to delve deeper into the fascinating stories of these soldiers and uncover who they were, where they came from and how important they were to Rome’s many conquests. </p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Joseph Knight.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>The Beaker People were a Bronze Age culture that revolutionised prehistoric Britain. They were responsible for introducing Bronze Age technology into the British Isles for the first time, and also completely replaced the island’s earlier inhabitants. Identified by their distinctive style of pottery they quite literally changed the faced of British settlement and genetics forever. But how much do we know about them? And what archeological traces have they left behind?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes talks to Dr. Alison Sheridan to learn the mysterious story of the 'Beaker People'. Alison explains what recent DNA research has revealed about the nature of their arrival into the British Isles and how significant an impact they had on Britain’s Bronze Age past.</p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>The Library of Alexandria was one of the most important and most celebrated buildings of the ancient Mediterranean. It was a great hub of learning and literature and made Alexandria one of the ancient world’s foremost centres of knowledge and culture, and the jewel of the Nile Delta. But when was it built? And where did all the books come from?</p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes speaks to Dr. Islam Issa about the story behind one of histories greatest libraries. Together they explore why Alexandria’s reigning dynasty - the Ptolemies - were so obsessed with acquiring knowledge and uncover whether it really did burn down in a great fire. </p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Apollo, the favourite son of Zeus and twin brother of Artemis, was a Greek God with many faces. Perhaps most famous as Phoebus, the God of the Sun, he was the patron of poetry and prophecy, of music and dance. And yet he also possessed a darker side. He was a terribly vengeful character and brought death and disease to both those he hated and loved through his trademark poisonous arrows.</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Liv Albert, host of the podcast <em>Let's Talk About Myths Baby </em>to peel back the layers from one of Greek mythology's most complicated characters.</p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>The Goths are renowned for many things, not least sacking Rome in 410 AD and helping to bring about the fall of the Western Roman Empire. They were a 'barbarian' people from across the Danube who began migrating into the Empire during the 3rd and 4th centuries, pushed out of their ancestral nomadic lands by the onrushing Huns. But what were their origins? And did they really cause the fall of Rome?</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes speaks to Dr. David Gwynn to tell the tale of the Goths from their origins on the great plains of Eastern Europe to their great migrations and successive invasions of Italy.</p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan and Ella Blaxill.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Have you ever wondered about the dark side of archeology? The illegal seizing of ancient artefacts? The looting of goods from age old historical sites and their sale on the black market? Well it is a practice that goes back hundreds of years and today we’re exploring how it works, why it happens and what government bodies are doing to prevent it.</p><br><p>In this episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Prof. Valerie Higgins to shine a light on how illicit objects and artefacts have found their way to museums and private houses all too often. </p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Europe’s earliest known humans lived over 1.2 million years ago. After initially roaming the plains of Iberia in small groups, they spread across the Pyrenees into the wider European continent. But for more than 100,000 years all traces of humans in these regions vanish. The question is…what happened?</p><br><p>In today’s episode of the Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Chris Stringer, and by Dr. Chronis Tzedakis and Dr Vasiliki Margari to explore the fate of these first Europeans and discover how a massive climate disaster drove some of Europe’s earliest humans to extinction. </p><br><p>This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><strong>Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up </strong><a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>here</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"><u>here</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>Would you be able to survive in ancient Babylonia?</p><br><p>In this episode, Tristan is joined once again by Amanda Podany from California State Polytechnic University to discuss the realities of daily life in this fascinating empire. Together, they discuss everything from clay tablet literature and ancient board games to crime, slavery and female entrepreneurship in the era of King Hammurabi c. 1750 BC.</p><br><p>Produced by Joseph Knight. Edited by Aidan Lonergan.</p><br><p><em>Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code </em>ANCIENTS<em> sign up now for your 14-day free trial </em><a href="http://access.historyhit.com/checkout?code=ancients&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><u>HERE</u></em></a><em>.</em></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"><u>here</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>