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The Ancients

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History Hit

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. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) .

#474

The Thracians

They were ancient masters of cavalry, creators of dazzling treasures, and the ancestors of the legendary Spartacus, but who exactly were the Thracians? Join Tristan Hughes and Dr. Zosia Archibald in today's episode of The Ancients as they uncover the fascinating world of the Thracians, an extraordinary people that lived in the rugged mountains of eastern Europe. From their vital role in Greek mythology and Homer's epic poem The Iliad to archaeological wonders like the Panagyurishte Treasure and the bronze head of Seuthes III, they explore how this overlooked ancient culture shaped Eastern Europe from the Bronze Age to Roman times. Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) : [https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK] (https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK) Theme music from Motion Array, all other music from Epidemic Sound. ... Read more

15 Dec 2024

48 MINS

48:29

15 Dec 2024

#473

The Wise Men

The Three Wise Men were kings, magicians, more than three, on camels, walking across deserts and the men who tricked Herod. How can they be all these things? Tristan Hughes is joined by Reverend Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones discuss the fascinating history and evolving narratives surrounding these characters from the Nativity story. Together they examine biblical accounts, historical context and artistic depictions of these iconic figures; from their origins in the Gospel of Matthew to their representation in medieval and Renaissance art. Discover how the story of The Wise Men has been interpreted and expanded upon over the centuries and become one of the most enduring Christmas tales. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor and producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Theme music from Motion Array, all other music from Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

12 Dec 2024

40 MINS

40:55

12 Dec 2024

#472

Hanukkah & the Maccabees

It's perhaps the best known Jewish festival of the year, but what exactly are Hanukkah's origins, and why was it first celebrated? On today's episode of the Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined once again by Dr Jodi Magness to answer these questions and unravel the holiday's complex history. On their journey they discover it emerged from an incredibly important event in ancient Judaean history - the Maccabean Revolt, over 2,000 years ago at a time when the successors of Alexander the Great ruled supreme. It is a gripping story of defiance, of Jewish civil war, and of resistance against the oppressive Seleucid Empire. Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. All music from Epidemic Sound 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

08 Dec 2024

41 MINS

41:35

08 Dec 2024

#471

Origins of the Wheel

It is one of the most pivotal inventions in human history - the wheel. New research suggests that the wheel was first created by prehistoric miners in the Carpathian Mountains to transport copper. Tristan Hughes speaks to the team behind this fascinating theory; archaeologist Dr Richard Bulliet, and computational engineer Dr Kai James. They take a fascinating journey through ancient innovations and cutting-edge science to reveal when the wheel was first created and by who - questions that have fascinated historians for decades, if not centuries. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer and audio editor is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. All music from Epidemic Sounds 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

05 Dec 2024

52 MINS

52:10

05 Dec 2024

#470

The First South Americans

The prehistoric archaeology of South America is fascinating and constantly developing. Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Tom Dillehay to discuss how early humans navigated their migration from North to South America, adapting to diverse environments and leaving a rich archaeological record that challenges long-standing theories, including human footprints dating back 10,000 years. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer and audio editor is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music from Epidemic Sounds. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

01 Dec 2024

46 MINS

46:57

01 Dec 2024

#469

Fall of the Etruscans

Before Rome came the Etruscans - they were the dominant culture in ancient Italy in the centuries before Rome's imperial expansion. But how did they fall? In this episode of the Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by archeologist Lucy Shipley to chronicle the decline of this once mighty ancient superpower that ruled the Mediterranean for hundreds of years. Together, they dive into the rich archaeological evidence that the Etruscans have left behind, including tomb paintings and pottery and explore how the legacy of Etruscan culture endured under harsh Roman rule. To listen to Lucy's previous appearance on The Ancients - The Etruscans - click [here] (https://podfollow.com/the-ancients/episode/69a18709147944369a0ceba1aa7a68e7ffd8427f/view) Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey at [https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK] (https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK) . All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound ... Read more

28 Nov 2024

55 MINS

55:48

28 Nov 2024

#468

Tower of Babel

The Tower of Babel story is iconic. Featured in the Book of Genesis, it explains how different languages came to be across the world. But what are its origins? Join Tristan Hughes and Prof. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones in this special episode of The Ancients - recorded live at the London Podcast Festival - as they delve into the biblical roots of the myth and uncover the real archeological remains that inspired the fable. They explore how ancient ziggurats influenced depictions of the tower, discuss the intersection between history and faith and discover how age-old texts and modern archaeology combine to unravel the mysteries behind the story of the Tower of Babel. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey at [https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK] (https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK) . Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. ... Read more

24 Nov 2024

47 MINS

47:57

24 Nov 2024

#467

Ice Age America

A group of hunter-gatherers encounter diverse habitats full of creatures they’ve never seen before. A land of opportunity, but also danger. Join host Tristan Hughes and expert Dr David Meltzer as they delve into the Ice Age in North America, over 10,000 years ago, a land of saber toothed tigers, direwolves, woolly mammoths, mastodons. They discuss how ancient DNA is revolutionising our understanding of human displacement and extinction events and how these explorers adapted to their new world. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey at [https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. ... Read more

21 Nov 2024

49 MINS

49:32

21 Nov 2024

#466

Emperor Macrinus: Usurper of Rome

Denzel Washington stars as Emperor Macrinus in the epic new movie Gladiator II, but who exactly was this shadowy ruler of Rome? Join Tristan Hughes as he sits down with Dr Alex Imrie and Matilda Brown to explore the real story behind this lesser-known usurper of Rome, a North African-born knight who toppled the fratricidal tyrant Caracalla and took the throne for himself. Discover the dramatic and brutal events that shaped Macrinus' reign, including his conflict with the powerful women of the Severan dynasty and the fateful battles that sealed his fate. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. ... Read more

17 Nov 2024

56 MINS

56:48

17 Nov 2024

#465

Caracalla & Geta: The Real Emperors of Gladiator II

The new Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator II features two of Rome's most villainous emperors - the brothers Caracalla and Geta. And in today's episode of The Ancients were delving into the real history of these scheming siblings. Their story is a blood-stained and chilling one. It stretches from their opulent upbringing to their tumultuous rivalry and culminates with a brutal murder in front of their very own mother in 211 AD. Joined by Alex Imrie, Tristan explores how much we really know about Caracalla and Geta, their rise to power and their relationship - or perhaps lack of one. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. 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] (https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe) . You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

14 Nov 2024

54 MINS

54:35

14 Nov 2024

#464

The Minotaur

Half man and half bull, the Minotaur is one of the most famous, and scariest, monsters of Greek mythology. The story goes that it was trapped in a great labyrinth beneath Knossos on the island of Crete and feasted on human flesh until it was slain by the hero Theseus with the help of the princess Ariadne. But what exactly was the minotaur? What did the Ancients Greeks perceive it to be? In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes talks to Caroline Lawrence to delve deep into this mythology, and the complex and enduring legacy the Minotaur still holds in modern media today. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, it was produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [ HERE] (https://historyhit.com/subscription) for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. [https://historyhit.com/subscription] (https://historyhit.com/subscribe) You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

10 Nov 2024

50 MINS

50:58

10 Nov 2024

#463

The Ancient Amazon

Today, we often see the Amazon basin as an endless expanse of trees and rainforest. But 2,000 years ago, at the same time that great cities like Rome, Athens and Alexandria were at their height, this massive area of South America was home to a huge range of landscapes, biodiversity and ancient Amazonian civilisations. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by author and journalist Laurence Blair - whose new book Patria: Lost Countries of South America is out today - to explore the extraordinary cultures that lived all across the ancient Amazon basin and unpack stories of agriculture, farming and fish-fuelled cities that go back 8,000 years. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, it was produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [ HERE] (https://historyhit.com/subscription) for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. [https://historyhit.com/subscription] (https://historyhit.com/subscribe) You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

07 Nov 2024

50 MINS

50:00

07 Nov 2024

#462

Prehistoric Japan

From the arrival of the first humans reaching the Japanese archipelago some 50,000 years ago to the enduring Jomon culture, Japan has a fascinating prehistory. This is discovered in the rich archaeological record that includes stone circles, intricate ceramics and evidence of the incredibly diverse hunter-gatherer lifestyle that was mastered. Join Tristan Hughes and archaeologist Dr. Simon Kaner to explore the incredible archaeological discoveries and the ongoing debates about Japan's ancient past, revealing a complex tapestry of cultural evolution long before the advent of rice farming. Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, it was produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [ HERE] (https://historyhit.com/subscription) for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. [https://historyhit.com/subscription] (https://historyhit.com/subscribe) You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

03 Nov 2024

53 MINS

53:36

03 Nov 2024

#461

Dead Sea Scrolls: The Copper Scroll

When they were discovered in the Qumran Caves in the mid-20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls revolutionised our understanding of biblical history. But one particular scroll was different. It was not written on parchment or papyrus like the other scrolls, but on metal - 99% copper and 1% tin. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes visits Jordan so see the this fascinating Copper Scroll in person, and then interviews Prof. Joan Taylor to unlock the mysteries contained within it - not least a map and directions to some undiscovered ancient treasure. Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up [ HERE] (https://historyhit.com/subscription) for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. [https://historyhit.com/subscription] (https://historyhit.com/subscribe) You can take part in our listener survey [here] (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK) . ... Read more

31 Oct 2024

58 MINS

58:51