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History

The Ancients

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. 


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.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 645 episodes
  • Updated Sunday

Episodes645

Newest first
  • Sep 29, 2022 · 46 min

    The Real King Arthur: Ambrosius Aurelianus

    Ambrosius Aurelianus emerged from the chaos of 5th Century AD Britain in the aftermath of the Roman retreat and is believed to be the main inspiration for the Legend of King Arthur.

  • Sep 25, 2022 · 45 min

    Top Five Dinosaurs

    They’re big. They’re fierce. And they’re extinct. This is how today’s guest - palaeontologist, evolutionary biologist and Senior Editor of the science journal Nature, Henry Gee, sums up why we have a continued fascination with dinosaurs. Join Tristan and Henry as they take a deep dive into their top five dinosaurs - from the Iguanodon to the Tyrannosaurus rex, plus a few surprises along the way. For more Ancients content, subscribe to our Ancients newsletter here. If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! While you’re here, to be in with a chance of winning 5 Historical Non Fiction Books (with one being a signed copy of Dan Snow’s On This Day in History), please fill our this short survey so we can try and make your listening experience even better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 22, 2022 · 39 min

    Karnak: Egypt's Greatest Temple

    Located on the banks of the River Nile in Luxor, Egypt, the Karnak Temple complex is one of the largest buildings ever constructed for religious purposes

  • Sep 18, 2022 · 44 min

    Art of Neolithic Orkney

    With over 5000 years of history, this small archipelago of islands is a treasure trove of ancient sites and secrets.

  • Sep 15, 2022 · 45 min

    Neanderthals

    Neanderthals are stereotypically viewed as thoughtless savages - is this an accurate depiction or was there more to Neanderthal society?

  • Sep 4, 2022 · 44 min

    Rise of the Persians

    The Achaemenid Empire, or better known as the First Persian Empire, was one of the largest empires in History - led by Cyrus the Great it covered 2.1 million square miles. But where did it come from?

  • Sep 1, 2022 · 41 min

    Prosthetics in Antiquity

    Tristan is joined by Dr Jane Draycott from University of Glasgow to talk about the brilliant uses of prosthetics in ancient societies, where the concept originated from, and how their functions have changed across millennia.

  • Aug 25, 2022 · 53 min

    Ancient Americas: The Moche

    Temples, tombs and treasure - what do we know from these sources about the Moche, and what can we still learn?

  • Aug 21, 2022 · 42 min

    Ancient Americas: The Olmec Heads

    One of the the earliest Mesoamerican civilisations discovered so far - Olmec influences are visible throughout history. But who were they? And what do we actually know about them?

  • Aug 18, 2022 · 42 min

    The Origins of Jerusalem

    One of the oldest cities in history, and revered by religions across the world - what do we know about the origins of Jerusalem?

  • Aug 14, 2022 · 51 min

    Ancient Americas: Teotihuacan

    A jewel of Mesoamerica, Teotihuacan was a vibrant, painted city - but who built it? And who actually lived there?

  • Aug 11, 2022 · 44 min

    The Oracle of Delphi

    Known as the Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi was the High Priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.

  • Jul 28, 2022 · 29 min

    Yorkshire's Roman Mystery: The Ryedale Hoard

    In May 2020, four unique Roman artefacts were unearthed near Ampleforth, North Yorkshire by two amateur metal detectorists. A bronze bust that is thought to depict Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, a beautifully crafted horse, and a one of a kind figurine of the Roman god Mars, to name a few. But who buried these beautiful artefacts - and what can they tell us about life in Roman Britain? In this episode Tristan takes a special behind the scenes look at one of Roman Britain's greatest mysteries: the Ryedale Hoard - now on display in the Yorkshire Museum. To learn more about these mysterious objects, Tristan is joined by Yorkshire Museum curator Dr Lucy Creighton and metal detectorist Mark Didlick - who along with friend James Spark found the hoard buried in a field two years ago. Watch the video version on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.