A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.
New episodes every Sunday and Thursday.
From History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.
Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Three thousand years ago, Phoenician ships sailed west across the Mediterranean, their holds packed with pottery, wine and enslaved people to trade. Passing beyond the fabled Pillars of Heracles, they were pushing at the familiar limits of the ancient world. In this episode of The Ancients , Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Josephine Quinn, to explore the story of the Phoenicians. From the bustling sea ports of Tyre and Sidon to the founding of famous settlements like Carthage, discover how...
Discover the remarkable Nebra Sky Disk, the world's oldest known depiction of the night sky, forged 3,600 years ago in Bronze Age Central Europe. This episode recounts its thrilling illegal discovery, subsequent black market journey, and eventual recovery by authorities. The disk reveals the advanced astronomical understanding of the Unitec culture, serving initially as a functional star map for calendrical and agricultural planning, before evolving into a powerful ritual object reflecting societal changes. It profoundly reshapes perceptions of prehistoric European sophistication.
Before Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops, Earth was rebuilding from catastrophe. Out of the ashes of the Great Dying rose a new prehistoric world and with it came the age of the dinosaurs. In this episode of The Ancients , Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Henry Gee to explore the full sweep of dinosaur history, from their emergence on the supercontinent Pangaea to their 150-million-year dominance of the planet. Discover how early reptiles evolved into the giants of the Jurassic and Cretaceous, how eco...
This episode continues the story of Ramesses the Great, charting his reign after the Battle of Kadesh, including his strategic shift to monumental building projects and the negotiation of the world's oldest known peace treaty with the Hittites. It examines his unique deification, the challenges of his long reign and many successors, like Merenptah, who battled emerging threats like the Sea Peoples. Ultimately, the discussion covers the rapid decline of the Ramesside dynasty and Ramesses' complex legacy in both ancient and modern times, reflecting on whether he was truly "the Great" or simply a master of spin.
Tristan Hughes and Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy delve into Alexander the Great's final years, detailing his arduous campaigns in Bactria, Sogdia, and India. They explore the brutal Sogdian revolt, the infamous killing of Clitus, the hard-fought Battle of the Hydaspes, and the army's eventual mutiny at the Hyphasis River. The episode also covers the catastrophic Kedrosian Desert march, Alexander's attempts at empire consolidation through mass weddings, his profound grief over Hephaestion's death, and his ultimate, debated demise in Babylon, leaving behind a legacy of chaos and unanswered questions.
This episode explores the rise of Ramesses the Great, tracing his family's ascent to power amidst a tumultuous period for ancient Egypt. It delves into the decline of the powerful 18th dynasty, marked by figures like Akhenaten, and the subsequent military-led revival under Horemheb, Ramesses I, and Seti I, which laid the groundwork for Ramesses II's extraordinary reign. The discussion highlights the critical Battle of Kadesh, examining its strategic importance and how Ramesses II leveraged its outcome to solidify his legacy.
Tristan Hughes and Dr Adrian Goldsworthy continue the special series on Alexander the Great, delving into the epic sieges of Tyre and Gaza in 332 BC, and Alexander's triumphant campaign through Egypt. They explore the strategic brilliance at the Battle of Gaugamela, the fall of Persepolis, and the eventual demise of Darius III. As Alexander's army pushes further east, tackling internal conspiracies and relentless combat, they traverse the formidable landscapes of Bactria and Afghanistan, capturi...
In the depths of ancient Jericho, beneath layers of earth dating back 10,000 years, archaeologists uncovered something extraordinary: human skulls cast in plaster, their faces carefully reconstructed and their eyes set with shells. Who were these haunting figures meant to represent? In this episode of The Ancients , Tristan Hughes is joined by archaeologist Raven Todd DaSilva to explore the mysterious plastered skulls of Jericho. Dating to the Neolithic period, these striking objects reveal comp...
This episode delves into Alexander the Great's audacious invasion of the Persian Empire, detailing his strategic crossing into Asia and his symbolic visit to Troy. It highlights the composition of his Macedonian army, the challenges of confronting the vast Persian forces, and his first major victories at the Battle of Granicus and against Darius III himself at Issus, showcasing his distinct command style and ruthless efficiency. The discussion also explores Alexander's treatment of royal captives and the evolving legend surrounding his early triumphs.
This episode delves into cuneiform, the first writing system, exploring its origins in Mesopotamia more than 5,000 years ago. Dr. Irving Finkel explains its evolution from simple pictograms for bookkeeping to complex wedge-shaped signs used across Sumerian, Akkadian, and Old Persian, preserved mainly on clay. The discussion highlights its decipherment via the Behistun Inscription, its unique sexagesimal number system, the standardization of its complex multivalent signs, and its eventual extinction around the 1st century AD.
NEW SERIES! Journey through the early life of Alexander the Great, from his education under Aristotle to his first military experiences and rise to Macedonian kingship. In this first episode, charting Alexander's incredible early life, Tristan Hughes and Dr Adrian Goldsworthy explore Alexander's formative years, the Battles that built the world's most formidable military leader and the immediate challenges following his father's assassination. MORE The Rise of Hannibal with Adrian Goldsworthy Li...
Delve into the Adam and Eve narrative, debunking myths like the "apple" and exploring its composition in mythical "anti-deluvian" times. Dr. Dylan Johnson discusses Mesopotamian parallels from Atrahasis and Gilgamesh, revealing how the story defines human consciousness, wisdom, and our complex relationship with the divine, rather than solely focusing on original sin. The conversation also covers Eden's geographical and architectural influences and its enduring legacy as the "first temple."
This episode delves into the fascinating history of the earliest popes and their role in shaping the early Christian Church, primarily drawing information from the Liber Pontificalis. Professor Rosamond McKitterick joins Tristan Hughes to explore key figures like Saint Peter, Sylvester I, and Leo I, discussing the challenges of historical reconstruction, the growing influence of the Church, and Rome's transformation into a Christian city amidst pagan rule and external threats.
Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones joins Tristan Hughes to reveal Xerxes the Great as more than just a battlefield king. The discussion uncovers the vast Achaemenid empire he inherited, the intricate court politics involving his mother Atossa and the powerful harem, and his unique religious policies, including the controversial 'Daiva inscription.' The episode also re-examines Xerxes' perspective on the Persian Wars and details the internal family conflicts that culminated in his assassination.
This episode delves into the origins of Rome's empire, exploring the pivotal 5th and 4th centuries BCE. It covers the shift from monarchy to a loose alliance of families, the nature of early Roman warfare, and how events like the destruction of Veii and the Gallic sack profoundly shaped Roman identity. The discussion highlights how Rome's expansion of citizenship was intrinsically linked to military obligations and an emerging imperial mentality.
Professor Pierre Zalloua discusses how ancient DNA revolutionizes our understanding of the first Arabians, tracing Homo sapiens' journey out of Africa into Arabia. He details the difficulties of DNA extraction in desert environments, the significant influence of climate shifts on migration patterns, and the archaeological evidence that points to continuous, multi-directional population movements over millennia. The episode also explores the genetic contributions from the Levant, Africa, and India to modern Arabian populations, emphasizing that identity and culture transcend mere genetic markers.
Step into the daily lives of those stationed along Hadrian's Wall, from Roman soldiers to civilians. Tristan Hughes and Dr. Francis Macintosh are your guides to explore the routines, duties, and unique cultural identities that developed in this northern frontier of the Roman Empire. They discover how the wall itself was maintained, the role of local and foreign deities, and the significant impact Roman occupation had on the local population. MORE The Roman Legionary Listen on Apple Listen on Spo...
Classicist Natalie Haynes unravels Medea's story, tracing her origins in Colchis and her contrasting depictions across centuries by authors like Pindar, Euripides, and Ovid. The discussion highlights Medea's "barbarian" status, the pivotal role of divine intervention, and the societal constraints faced by women in ancient Greece compared to Rome. Haynes also explores the compelling chemistry between Medea and Jason and the profound impact of Euripides' portrayal, including her controversial monologues and the nature of divine justice.
This episode chronicles Sparta's swift decline after its Peloponnesian War victory in 404 BC. Despite initial hegemony, strategic blunders with Persia, internal instability, and the emergence of powerful rivals like Thebes led to its downfall. The discussion highlights the critical role of sources like Xenophon, the impact of the King's Peace, and the decisive Battle of Leuctra in shattering Sparta's military and political dominance, transforming the Greek world.
This episode charts the dramatic transformation of Christianity from a small, persecuted minority in 300 AD to the dominant state religion of the Roman Empire within a century. Historian Peter Heather explores key figures like Constantine the Great, Julian the Apostate, and Theodosius, highlighting the political motivations, theological disputes over the Trinity, and the gradual suppression of paganism that led to Christianity's widespread adoption and enforcement across Europe and beyond.
This episode delves into the astonishing history of life on Earth, starting with the planet's formation and the mysterious beginnings of microbial life in hydrothermal vents. It chronicles the evolution of photosynthesis, the challenges of oxygenation, and the rise of complex multicellular organisms. The discussion also covers significant events like the Cambrian Explosion, the colonization of land, and the great mass extinctions, leading to the age of dinosaurs and offering a long-term perspective on Earth's resilience.
Dive into the challenges of surviving the Ice Age, specifically the Last Glacial Maximum 25,000 years ago. This episode unpacks the scientific causes of global cooling and describes the unique environment of the European steppe. Learn about the sophisticated Gravettian and specialized Pavlovian cultures, their remarkable resilience, and the perilous, yet successful, methods they employed to hunt formidable mammoths using tools like the atlatl. The discussion also touches on broader historical disasters and the incredible human adaptability demonstrated throughout history.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey 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. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History H...
How did a humble Balkan soldier ascend to the heights of Roman power? 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? MORE Rome's Crisis of the Third Century Listen on ...
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. 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. Tristan's...
This episode explores the iconic Stegosaurus, delving into its bizarre anatomy, including its walnut-sized brain, unique plates, and powerful thagomizer tail. Dr. Susannah Maidment discusses its Jurassic world, diet, locomotion, and the mystery surrounding its armor's function. The conversation also highlights new discoveries, like the Moroccan Adratiklit boulahfa, and the ongoing challenges and excitement in stegosaur paleontology.
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. 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 misunde...
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. MORE The Ark of the Covenant Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Moses & The Exodus Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Watch this episode on our NEW YouTube channel: @TheAncient...
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. MORE Origins of Beer Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Pyramid of the Sun Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor ...
How did Indian culture shape the wonders of Southeast Asia? 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 carvin...
