This episode contains references to scenes that some listeners may find distressing In 79 AD, ancient armageddon hit Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius erupted, freezing in time a town and its inhabitants. Nearly 2000 years on, Pompeii's story continues. In the last episode of our special mini series, we're exploring the stages of the eruption, how the town was buried, and how it was eventually found nearly 1500 years later. Hear from our only eyewitness account, Pliny the Younger, on what the tragedy look...
Aug 31, 2023•41 min•Ep 342•Transcript available on Metacast With a history stretching back thousands of years, it’s about time that the Ancients started looking at the extraordinary Maya civilisation in Central America. Even with a range of sources that survive, many aspects of these ancient peoples remains debated and shrouded in mystery. This is especially true when studying warfare and the whole idea of ‘sacrifice’. What were the rules of engagement for the ancient Maya? What was the purpose of warfare? How did they define winning? And what would happ...
Aug 27, 2023•54 min•Ep 341•Transcript available on Metacast An extinct species of archaic human, Homo floresiensis has been discovered solely in one, very specific location - the Indonesian island of Flores. Nicknamed 'the hobbit' due to its diminutive stature (and discovery coinciding with a certain film franchise), this hominid is something of an enigma in the story of human evolution. Both amazing and confusing experts in equal measure since it's discovery more than a decade ago - have we been able to learn anything new in recent years? In this episod...
Aug 24, 2023•40 min•Ep 340•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains some strong language references to sexual content. Pompeii is shrouded in myths and legends about it's vibrant, after hours, night life. With theories of carved stone penis' pointing towards brothels, frescoes of graphic images, and bawdy graffiti immortalising individual's experiences - there's a lot to unpack when it comes to Sex in Pompeii. But what can we decipher from the archaeology about the lives of sex workers in Pompeii - and are their experiences universal, even ...
Aug 20, 2023•37 min•Ep 339•Transcript available on Metacast Returning to one of the most infamous names in history, what happened to Attila the Hun after the devastation he caused in the Balkans - and where did he turn his attention to next? One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history, Attila turned his sights on the West - but what happened after he took his army towards the Western Roman empire, and who was his new arch-enemy? In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through the next deadly instalment of...
Aug 17, 2023•45 min•Ep 338•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains some references to graphic violence. Gladiators are one the most enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, and Pompeii is no exception. In the second episode of our special series on Pompeii, we're separating fact from fiction with the help of Pompeii's leading experts. We'll be taking you to the heart of gladiatorial life, from the Amphitheatre, to the training barracks, and finding out what life was like. Who could become Gladiators? Who were the most famous ones? What were the d...
Aug 13, 2023•40 min•Ep 337•Transcript available on Metacast One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history - Attila the Hun's legacy has persevered over centuries. His consolidation of the Hunnic tribes helped play a significant role in shaping the ancient geopolitical landscape of 5th century Europe and Asia - ultimately helping him to invade the Western Roman Empire. But where did Attila the Hun come from, and what was his early royal life like? In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through this tumultuo...
Aug 10, 2023•44 min•Ep 336•Transcript available on Metacast The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries on earth. Frozen in time since 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, its story is one that continues today. In episode one of this special series, Tristan Hughes takes you into its bustling streets: from markets to homes, experience the vibrancy and intricacies of Pompeian life. Meet one of the city's most impressive residents and unearth the textures of everyday existence in a world paused in time, only to be rediscovere...
Aug 06, 2023•36 min•Ep 335•Transcript available on Metacast The ancient Persian ruler who founded the Achaemenid Empire, known for his benevolent governance and conquests - Cyrus the Great was a giant of history. History remembers him as someone who conquered numerous lands, established a legendary empire, respected local customs, and allowed religious freedom for his subjects. But what does the archaeology tell us - and was he really that great? In this episode Tristan welcomes Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones back to the podcast, to delve into this ruler's life. ...
Aug 03, 2023•39 min•Ep 334•Transcript available on Metacast One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is home to monumental pyramids, temples, and is a treasure trove of archaeological findings. Built in the early 5th century by the Maya, it has provided invaluable insight into Maya civilisation; from discoveries of sporting arenas to ancient feathered serpents, it's allowed an image of Mayan daily life to be created. But what specifically does Chichen Itza tell us about Mayan society - and what can it tell us about the collapse of Mayan ci...
Jul 30, 2023•51 min•Ep 333•Transcript available on Metacast God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, Poseidon is one of the most iconic Olympians. In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Seth Pevnick, Curator of Greek and Roman art. Together, they untangle the various myths that describe Poseidon, his children, most notably Theseus and Polyphemus, as well as how the people of Ancient Greece used him to make sense of the world around them. Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie Script was written by Andrew Hulse Voice over was performed by Lucy David...
Jul 27, 2023•50 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast Stonehenge. The most iconic prehistoric monument in the world. And yet its story is still so enigmatic. In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Sue Greaney to shine a light on Stonehenge’s prehistoric story. Together they explore this monument's creation and early evolution during the Neolithic c.5,000 years ago, as well as the story behind the people who built it. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world re...
Jul 23, 2023•48 min•Ep 331•Transcript available on Metacast Uncovered a decade ago in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa, Homo Naledi's discovery has impacted paleoanthropology in ways nobody could expect. Upon first discovery, it was assumed this small brained hominid lived millions of years ago - yet when dating of the fossil's was completed, it transpired that Homo Naledi lived at the same time as early Homo Sapiens. So what does this mean for human evolution, and why (and how) were these fossils found so deep inside the Rising Star Cave syst...
Jul 20, 2023•52 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast The largest of the Channel Islands, when you think of Jersey, it's doubtful that Neanderthals, Woolly Mammoths, and Woolly Rhinoceroses come to mind. But thanks to 20th-century excavations and advancing science in the modern age, we now know that Jersey was one of the largest sites of Neanderthal occupation in Northwestern Europe. With over 200,000 stone tools discovered and skeletal evidence of both Neanderthals and Mega Fauna, it was an island where many coexisted. But how were these incredibl...
Jul 16, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships - but is there more to her than a beautiful face? Commemorated throughout history in ancient epics and modern adaptations, Helen of Troy is known as one of the most beautiful women to ever have lived. But was Helen of Troy actually real, and from her story what can we learn about women's positions and roles in ancient societies? In this episode Tristan is joined by author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes to discuss Helen's place in mythology, ...
Jul 13, 2023•44 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast Evolving from an obscure ancient ruler to a contemporary national icon, Chandragupta Maurya's story is finally being told. However, despite tales of leading empires and defeating the successors of Alexander the Great, there is no official record of his events- only moments taken from Greek authors here and there remain. So, how can we decipher fact from fiction, and how have recent reappraisals helped shape Chandragupta's story, and more importantly - a national Indian identity? In this episode,...
Jul 09, 2023•38 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast The last monument to be added to the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria (also known as the Pharos), was one of the tallest man-made structures in ancient history. Serving as the only guiding beacon along 900km of Mediterranean coast, it played a vital role for sailors, merchants, and travellers in safely navigating into the harbour of Alexandria. But who commissioned this mighty marvel, and what eventually caused its collapse 1500 years later? In this ep...
Jul 06, 2023•45 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast Discovered in a German cave, days before the Second World War broke out, the Lion Man statue remained an enigma for decades. A figurine that represents a hybrid creature with the body of a human and the head of a lion, the statue is made from mammoth ivory and is estimated to be over 40,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known examples of figurative art. But who carved this detailed figurine, and more importantly - why? In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Palaeolithic Archaeologist Jo...
Jul 02, 2023•33 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast As the Babylonian Empire fell into decline, and it's power faded, the Persian Empire stepped in to fill the void that was left - but how did this event directly effect the narrative of the Old Testament, and what other sources are available to learn more about this period? As Babylon's infrastructure deteriorated, with crumbling walls and blocked canals reflecting a spiritual decline, rival powers emerged both within and beyond Babylon. Viewed as the chosen one by the Babylonian gods, Cyrus the ...
Jun 29, 2023•42 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast This episode contains themes of a sexual nature Achilles is one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology. The son of Peleus, a Greek King, and Thetis, a divine sea nymph, Achilles was a demigod with extraordinary strength and courage. The perfect combination to make a great warrior, he is perhaps best known from Homer's epic poem the Iliad, which details his adventures in the final year of the Trojan War. He's also gone down in history for his passionate love for his companion, Patroclus. Sourc...
Jun 25, 2023•41 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast When you envision what Earth was like 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after its creation, images of dust-filled air and raging volcanoes tend to come to mind. However, amidst all that chaos, hidden within the rocks and atmosphere, what if water was also present? Traveling back to the beginning of the Solar System and Earth's formation, it turns out that Earth was partially wet from the start. with water molecules clinging to the asteroids that would later form our planet. So, how do we go about p...
Jun 22, 2023•44 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast Emerging around the 3rd century CE and later designated official adversaries of the Roman Empire, the Picts wreaked havoc across the northern fringes of Roman Britain. But due to their limited presence in the archaeological record and the complexities of multiple kings, kingdoms, and languages involved, unravelling the true identity of the Picts and understanding why Rome harboured such animosity towards them can be challenging. So what sources can archaeologists turn to, and what does it show u...
Jun 18, 2023•43 min•Ep 321•Transcript available on Metacast According to the work of today's guest, Dr Annemieke Milks, humans were using spears approximately 400,000 years ago. Thanks to fragments of wooden spears incredibly well preserved at sites like Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, and Schöningen in Germany, there's now evidence to show our early ancestors weren't just hunter gatherers, but skilled weapons users. Together, Tristan and Annemieke dissect what the evidence actually shows, the speculation surrounding ancestors millions of years ago also using w...
Jun 15, 2023•42 min•Ep 320•Transcript available on Metacast For millions of years, Australopithecus thrived in Africa's vast landscapes, laying the groundwork for the emergence of the Homo genus. Later, alongside early members of the Homo genus, Australopithecus played a crucial role in shaping human evolution and our present-day existence. In this episode, Tristan welcomes Professor Fred Spoor from the Natural History Museum back to the podcast. Together they delve into what we know so far about Australopiths. From their own evolution to the discovery o...
Jun 11, 2023•43 min•Ep 319•Transcript available on Metacast The fall of the Western Roman Empire stands as one of the most monumental moments in ancient history, symbolising the end of centuries of Roman dominance in the Mediterranean. However, amidst the crumbling of Rome, the city of Ravenna emerged as a prominent center, eventually surpassing Milan as the new capital. This begs the question: how did Ravenna attain such significance, and what insights can we glean from the art and architecture that remain there today, particularly from the 5th and 6th ...
Jun 08, 2023•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Celtic queen who led a major uprising against the Roman Empire in ancient Britain, Boudica, is a name known throughout history. Her rebellion, fuelled by grievances against Roman oppression and with the aim of protecting her people, resulted in the destruction of numerous Roman settlements, the ashes of which can still be seen in the archaeological layers today. So, beyond the ashes of the cities she burned, what else does the archaeology tell us about this triumphant queen? In today's episo...
Jun 04, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Human and Horse relationships have long be intertwined; from the ancient Eurasian plain, through to modern cowboys. But how did these huge, independent creatures become domesticated - and what was the original intention behind such an act? Originally tamed for their meat and milk, the domestication of horses - and the origins of horse riding, aren't two events that coincided. So when did the horse move from food to friend? And who's responsible for this change? In this episode Tristan welcomes C...
Jun 01, 2023•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast When looking at the Hebrew Bible, the city of Babylon plays a prominent role - especially in the Old Testament. A city famed for it's architectural beauty and gardens, also holds stories of suffering and captivity. Travelling back to the 6th Century BCE, the Babylonian Captivity was a defining moment in both Judaean history, and faith. With enormous numbers of the Judaean elite banished to Babylon, there was a religious, and social, overhaul for all involved. So what happened in this pivotal mom...
May 28, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast An ancient clay artefact that dates back to the 6th century BCE, the Cyrus Cylinder is often considered one of the most important documents in history. Covered in Akkadian inscriptions that provide invaluable insight into the reign of Cyrus the Great - it focuses on Cyrus's conquering of Babylon and attempts of religious restoration. So where was this irreplaceable object found, and what else does it tell us about Cyrus the Great? In this bonus episode of our Babylon mini-series, Tristan welcome...
May 25, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast A legendary, ancient architectural wonder, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the most famed wonders of the Ancient world. Described as being a luscious green space - likened to distant mountains, and fed by the Euphrates river, it's hard to know what was fact and what was fiction. So were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon actually real? And is there any archaeological evidence proving so? In the next episode of our Babylon miniseries, Tristan is joined by Professor Grant Frame, and welcomes...
May 21, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
