The Ancients

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72.5K - 120.9K listeners Neutral 4.7 rating 4836 reviews 511 episodes USA
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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. 


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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on The Ancients.

Hosts

Tristan Hughes

Previous Guests

Laura Spinney
Laura Spinney is a British author and journalist known for her work on science and history. She has written extensively about the impact of language and culture on human societies, and her research often explores the intersections of linguistics, archaeology, and genetics. Spinney's insights into the origins of languages and their evolution have made her a prominent voice in discussions about ancient civilizations and their legacies.
Lindsay Powell
Lindsay Powell is a historian and author specializing in the Early Roman Imperial Period. He has written several books on the subject, including his latest work, 'Bar Kokhba: The Jew Who Defied Hadrian and Challenged the Might of Rome.' His expertise includes the military and political structures of ancient Rome, particularly during the reigns of notable emperors.
Joan Taylor
Joan Taylor is a Professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College London. She specializes in the historical context of early Christianity and has published extensively on the life and times of Jesus and John the Baptist. Her research often focuses on the archaeological evidence from the period and the socio-political dynamics of Roman-occupied Judea.
Helen Bond
Helen Bond is a Professor of New Testament Studies at the University of Edinburgh. She is known for her work on the historical Jesus and the early Christian movement. Bond has authored several books and articles that explore the complexities of biblical texts and their historical contexts, particularly focusing on figures such as John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene.
Dr Emily Hauser
Dr Emily Hauser is a scholar specializing in ancient history and mythology, with a focus on the narratives and roles of women in ancient texts. She has contributed to various academic publications and discussions surrounding the themes of prophecy and tragedy in classical literature, particularly in relation to figures like Cassandra. Her work often explores the intersections of myth and historical context, shedding light on the societal implications of these ancient stories.
Dr Guy Maclean Rogers
Dr Guy Maclean Rogers is a historian and expert in ancient history, particularly known for his work on the Roman Empire and the Great Jewish Revolt. He has published extensively on the subject and is recognized for his contributions to understanding the complexities of ancient conflicts and their impacts on modern society.

Topics Discussed

Indo-European Proto-Indo-European languages archaeology genetics mythology linguistics Praetorian Guard Imperial Rome Roman Emperor Augustus Tiberius military units Cohorts praetriae Praetorian Prefects Early Roman Imperial Period John the Baptist New Testament biblical history archaeological evidence Roman-occupied Judea Herod Antipas baptism radical message Cassandra Troy sexual assault prophecy tragedy misogyny Agamemnon Iliad Clytemnestra Great Jewish Revolt 70 AD Roman troops Jerusalem siege Second Temple ancient history religious strife uprising against Rome

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Biography

Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by top historians released weekly.

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on The Ancients.

0:00 42:59

The Birth of Indo-European

Hosts
Tristan Hughes
Guests
Laura Spinney
Keywords
Indo-European Proto-Indo-European languages archaeology genetics mythology linguistics

From the steppes of prehistoric Eurasia to the languages we speak today, the story of Indo-European is one of ancient roots and global impact. But what exactly is Indo-European? Who spoke it? And how did a single language family come to dominate nearly half the world?


In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Laura Spinney to uncover the origins of Proto-Indo-European. From Sanskrit to Latin, mythological echoes to linguistic detective work, discover how archaeology, genetics and early literature help trace this lost language and the diverse prehistoric peoples who once spoke it.


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.


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. 


You can take part in our listener survey here.

0:00 1:05:00

The Praetorian Guard: Rise to Power

Hosts
Tristan Hughes
Guests
Lindsay Powell
Keywords
Praetorian Guard Imperial Rome Roman Emperor Augustus Tiberius military units Cohorts praetriae Praetorian Prefects Early Roman Imperial Period

From Gladiator to Rome Total War to I, Claudius, today the Cohortēs praetōriae are one of the most distinctive military units of Imperial Rome. It was their job to protect the Roman Emperor and his household, a task for which they hold a somewhat ‘chequered’ record (especially when we focus in on the Praetorian Prefects). But what do we know about this unit’s origins? How did this powerful force become protectors of the Emperor and his household? What other functions did they serve? And how did they differ from the standard Roman legions in their structure?


To talk through the rise of the Praetorian Guard, with a specific focus on the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, Tristan caught up with historian Lindsay Powell at Fishbourne Roman Palace in West Sussex. Lindsay is the author of several books about the Early Roman Imperial Period. His latest book, Bar Kokhba: The Jew Who Defied Hadrian and Challenged the Might of Rome, is out now.


Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer 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. 


You can take part in our listener survey here.


This episode first aired in October 2021.

0:00 55:18

John the Baptist

Hosts
Tristan Hughes
Guests
Joan Taylor Helen Bond
Keywords
John the Baptist New Testament biblical history archaeological evidence Roman-occupied Judea Herod Antipas baptism radical message

From the wilderness of ancient Judea to the pages of the New Testament, John the Baptist is one of the most compelling and mysterious figures in biblical history. But who really was he? What was his message? And why did he choose to live in isolation, wearing camel hair and eating wild locusts and honey?


In this special episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes takes you to Bethany – the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism and the heart of John the Baptist’s ministry to uncover the life and legacy of this fiery preacher. Joining Tristan are two expert guests – Professors Joan Taylor and Helen Bond – to explore the archaeological and historical evidence surrounding John the Baptist. Together, they delve into his radical message, his clash with Herod Antipas, and his role in the broader world of Roman-occupied Judea. What emerges is a portrait of a man who defied authority, inspired movements, and helped shape one of the most influential stories in human history.


For more from Helen and Joan on The Ancients:

Jesus of Nazareth - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qFWoLLNQFgL0FmBhUoKe2

Mary Magdalene - https://open.spotify.com/episode/43gF3oTWEwz0pi3PLRmtGc

Pontius Pilate - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vZxK1dFIwspOoBOkpVLmA


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. 


You can take part in our listener survey here:

https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

0:00 45:07

Cassandra: Priestess of Troy

Hosts
Tristan Hughes
Guests
Dr Emily Hauser
Keywords
Cassandra Troy sexual assault prophecy tragedy misogyny Agamemnon Iliad Clytemnestra

*This episode discusses sexual assault*


Cursed by Apollo to always speak the truth but never be believed; what makes Cassandra's story so timeless and compelling?


Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Emily Hauser to explore the mythological and historical connections of Cassandra, the tragic prophetess of Troy. They discuss how Cassandra's story and appalling treatment at the hands of both gods and men intertwined with themes of prophecy, tragedy, and misogyny, has fascinated generations. From Agamemnon, the Iliad and Clytemnestra, Tristan and Emily discuss Cassandra's role in ancient texts and possible real-life inspirations.


Hear related episodes:

Elektra:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K3WyCkTIA4X8PxTgNC3Ky

Troy:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K3WyCkTIA4X8PxTgNC3Ky


Presented by Tristan Hughes. Produced and edited by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of 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. 


You can take part in our listener survey here:

https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

0:00 53:09

The Great Jewish Revolt

Hosts
Tristan Hughes
Guests
Dr Guy Maclean Rogers
Keywords
Great Jewish Revolt 70 AD Roman troops Jerusalem siege Second Temple ancient history religious strife uprising against Rome

70 AD. Tens of thousands of Roman troops surround Jerusalem. What follows is one of the most brutal sieges in ancient history—and the dramatic climax of the Great Jewish Revolt.


In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Guy Maclean Rogers to uncover the full story of this epic uprising against Rome. From its origins in rising tensions and religious strife to the devastating siege and destruction of the Second Temple, discover how this revolt shaped the ancient world and continues to resonate today.


For more on The Great Jewish Revolt listen to our episode on Masada:

Besieging Masada: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FcheOKepMhzYGDjZUcP6a


Myths of Masada: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YncKSM3r79AD8PwmZNWjk


Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of 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. 


You can take part in our listener survey here:

https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Ratings

Global:
4.7 rating 4836 reviews

USA

4.7 ratings 2500 reviews

UK

4.7 ratings 1100 reviews

Australia

4.8 ratings 570 reviews

Canada

4.7 ratings 429 reviews

New Zealand

4.8 ratings 116 reviews

Ireland

4.7 ratings 69 reviews

South Africa

4.8 ratings 38 reviews

Singapore

4.9 ratings 14 reviews