Ancient History Hound artwork

Ancient History Hound

85 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 61 ratings

I'm all about ancient history and this podcast covers ancient Greece, Rome and other cultures from antiquity. From mainstay topics through to the more niche and aimed at all levels of knowledge I think you'll find something good to listen to. Why not have a browse? It would be great to have you join me.

More content, including episode notes, on my ancient history website www.ancientblogger.com

History Society & Culture ancienthistory classics culture mythology rome ancientgreece ancientrome greece history
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Episodes

Ancient Sicily (pt1). New neighbours.

February 17, 2024 11:11 - 31 minutes - 25.6 MB

The first of a mini series on ancient Sicily. I begin with a brief sojurn around the island and an overview of the original inhabitants. Then it's onto the Greeks and Phoenicians who founded colonies on the island. I unwrap what form these initially took and what can be inferred from them. If you can leave a review please do! Episode notes including a reading list and full transcription on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford

January 14, 2024 17:33 - 1 hour - 52.8 MB

Ever wonder who the worst Roman Emperors were? Well, LJ Trafford has written a book on this question and we sit down to chat about three candidates I selected from it. This is LJ's third appearance on the podcast and as ever she was fab to chat to. Have a listen and see if you agree! If you can rate and/or review on the platform you are using to listen to this episode please do. It really helps.  Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Saturnalia.

December 17, 2023 16:24 - 37 minutes - 30.1 MB

It's that time of the year for a look at the Roman Saturnalia. This was a Roman midwinter festival in which people gave presents, partied and even slaves got time off. In this episode I look into the important themes behind it, what was added, what was changed and how it all fitted together. Plus I take a look at what present options there were and the whole politics of gift giving.  Episode notes including a transcription, readling list and other supporting content at www.ancientblogger.c...

Episode Swap: Roman street food and urban kitchens with The Delicious legacy Podcast.

December 05, 2023 16:23 - 45 minutes - 36.1 MB

My first go at an episode swap and it's with The Delicious Legacy Podcast which explores food throughout history.  In this episode Thomas travels back to ancient Rome to consider what the average Roman ate. He unwraps the workings of a Roman kitchen and how the Romans cooked their food. Food and ancient history - what's not to love!

Night of the Livy Dead VII

October 22, 2023 10:31 - 21 minutes - 17.4 MB

In this Halloween special I pick out a few characters from antiquity who you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, or pretty much anywhere. A Mesopotamian demon, shapeshifters and a terrifying trio all feature. You can find previous Night of the Livy Dead episodes on here - just scroll down. For episode notes (reading list, transcription, links and images) go to www.ancientblogger.com  If you can rate or review please do but more importantly have a great Halloween. Music by Brakhage (...

Re-release: Witches and Demons in Mesopotamia.

October 07, 2023 09:55 - 27 minutes - 27.5 MB

A re-release of a previous Night of the Livy Dead Halloween special. This one was all about witchcraft and demons in Mesopotamia and how you might counter them. If you enjoy this why not have a scroll through and find other Night of the Livy Dead Halloween specials?  Any reviews on the platform you use to listen are always greatly appreciated. If you love ancient history be sure to check out my website www.ancientblogger.com  Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Bees BC: Bees and honey in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece.

September 04, 2023 15:59 - 33 minutes - 27.1 MB

Bees and honey have been incredibly important for different peoples for a long, long time. In this episode I discuss exactly how bees were kept, how honey was produced and what it was used for. I also get into how the bee manifested in different cultures. Episode notes, including a transcript at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). If you can rate or review - please do!

Hannibal: from Cannae to Zama

August 01, 2023 16:46 - 37 minutes - 29.7 MB

The story of Hannibal didn't stop at Cannae. Following this victory he met obstacle and success as he took on Rome in southern Italy. In this episode I unwrap what happened and how it all led to his final battle with Rome at Zama (which I also discuss). Episode notes with a readling list, transcription and other useful content is on my website www.ancientblogger.com If you can rate or review please do - it makes a big difference.  Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Magna Graecia: Greeks in Southern Italy.

July 03, 2023 06:33 - 37 minutes - 30.1 MB

The Greeks established numerous colonies in southern Italy. In this episode I'm delving into the history of them, how they interacted with local peoples and of course each other. Dancing animals, a drunken diplomatic incident and 'hands-off' pottery all feature. Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Helots of Sparta

May 21, 2023 14:11 - 35 minutes - 28.8 MB

The helots of Sparta were a people who were indispensible for the Spartan state. But what did they do, how had Sparta acquired them and how did it go about controlling this population? Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Archaic Athens and democracy.

April 10, 2023 10:26 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

At the beginning of the 6th century BC Athens was in crisis and by the end of it there was a new political system in place. In this episode I discuss the changes, characters and events which occured. Bizarre political campaigning, Spartans, tyrants and of course the new way of politics by the end of it all. It's an archaic rollercoaster ride! Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Lupercalia.

February 12, 2023 14:48 - 24 minutes - 30.9 MB

The Lupercalia was literally run on on the 15th February in ancient Rome. Apart from the nudity, running and goathide thongs there's a lot going on here. Indeed the Roman writers seem unsure of how it all started and in this episode I play detective in trying to work out how it started and what this tells us about Rome.  I also talk about the festival itself and how it manifested as well as one famous instance involving the Lupercalia. Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com Music by B...

Romans in Scotland: The Campaigns with Dr Andrew Tibbs.

February 03, 2023 08:38 - 56 minutes - 49.4 MB

In the second of two episodes on Roman Scotland the chat turns to the three main campaigns which Rome undertook there. What was Rome trying to achieve? What do we really know about them? How did they differ and what can they tell us in a wider context? We discuss this and much more (including answering some questions sent in). Episode notes on www.ancientblogger.com  Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Romans in Scotland: Fortifications with Dr Andrew Tibbs.

January 15, 2023 12:29 - 39 minutes - 31.8 MB

In the first of two episodes on Roman Scotland Dr Andrew Tibbs unwraps the different types of fortifications the Romans built. From the large forts through to the small watchtowers we can learn a lot about how the Roman army functioned in Scotland and in general. We also get to answer some questions you sent in which range from logistics to something much more chilling.  In the next episode we cover the three Roman campaigns in Scotland - so subscribe to avoid missing out! Episode note...

Minisode. The Haloa

December 18, 2022 14:27 - 13 minutes - 10.7 MB

In the depths of winter a festival took place which celebrated the goddess Demeter, the Haloa. It was an all woman affair with drinking, fire and an all night feast. Oh, and rude language was a must. Episode notes on ancientblogger.com with images, a transcipt, sources and further reading. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Rise of the Gladiator

December 03, 2022 15:25 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MB

How did gladiators take hold in Rome? Where did they come from and how was their use moulded by the big political events of the 1st century BC? In this episode I get into this and other aspects such as a few myths and their fighting stats.  Thanks to Gladiator Doodles for the fab artwork!  Full episode notes including a transcript, sources and images on ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Night of the Livy Dead: The Greek Underworld.

October 22, 2022 14:34 - 30 minutes - 24.5 MB

Another #NightofTheLivyDead episode and this time it's a look at the Greek Underworld. What was the journey there like? What happened in it and what's with singing amphibians? From Odysseus to Orpheus and a question to consider on hangovers. There's lots covered so get listening (and leave a review if you can). Check out www.ancientblogger for episode notes. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Night of the Livy Dead Minisode: Werewolves in Greece and Rome.

October 16, 2022 12:48 - 13 minutes - 10.8 MB

There are two main stories concerning werewolves in Greece and Rome and in this minisode I briefly cover them. What went on on Mount Lykaion exactly and how did the werewolf differ from our modern interpretation. Thanks for taking the time to liste, if you can review please do or just pop over to ancientblogger.com for a piece which links in with this minisode. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

'Mad Honey'.

October 02, 2022 11:55 - 12 minutes - 9.77 MB

In this minisode I talk about two disasters which befell a Greek and Roman army due to something you can put on your toast. How did it happen and why? I also cover a nasty way to speed up a siege and a why there's no such thing as a free camp. Find me at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Artemis with Dr Carla Ionescu.

September 12, 2022 18:10 - 1 hour - 65.1 MB

In this episode I'm joined by a guest expert Dr Carla Ionescu to discuss the goddess Artemis. There's so much about Artemis which is often left in the background so here we look into the aspects and associations of her you may not have heard of. From bloody rituals to a cake based rescue she's a fascinating deity.  Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Pompeii.

August 19, 2022 07:44 - 13 minutes - 10.4 MB

In this minisode I unwrap the sequence of events which befell Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted. Modern studies and archaeology has enabled a narrative to be built of how the eruption played out. I also briefly cover a couple of controversies and myths of Pompeii. Given the situation there is reference to death and suffering. Find my other Pompeii content on a Pompeii page on my website www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Piracy in Ancient Greece.

July 31, 2022 14:58 - 35 minutes - 28.4 MB

How did piracy feature in ancient Greece? What was it and how did the Greeks respond? In this episode I give an overview from Homer through to the Hellenistic. Why not give it a listen and a review? Don't forget to head on over to www.ancientblogger.com for the episode notes! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Sappho's Ode to Aphrodite

July 02, 2022 16:00 - 15 minutes - 12.4 MB

In this mini episode I pick out some themes from Sappho's famous poem. But that's not all - I also include a performance of it in ancient Greek courtesy of Seikilo. For more info, a reading list, more about Seikilo and transcription of the episode head over to www.ancientblogger.com  - as you'll hear it's had a bit of an overhaul. If you can review or send feedback my way I'd be grateful. More importantly, keep safe and thanks for listening. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Oracle of Dodona.

June 04, 2022 09:14 - 26 minutes - 21.5 MB

Over the course of 400 years people travelled to the Oracle of Dodona and asked questions. Some of these have survived and give an fascinating insight into what the people of ancient Greece were thinking. In this episode I take you through the history and background of the oracle before getting stuck into those questions. Perhaps less pig theft but certainly job and relationship advice. I reckon there's a few which are relevant today. Full episode notes and a transcription is available at ...

The Second Punic War. Cannae.

April 23, 2022 15:33 - 39 minutes - 31.7 MB

Time for the big one. Cannae is one of the most famous battles of antiquity. Not only did Rome suffer a crushing defeat but the tactics behind the victory have been studied by generals and military tacticians ever since.  In this episode I discuss what happened in the lead up to it, trust me there's a drama at every turn. From dictators to deceptive cattle. Then there's the battle itself which I try to unpack to see how each side approached it and what tactics were used. Aside from the bru...

The Idea of Marathon with Dr Sonya Nevin.

March 28, 2022 13:21 - 1 hour - 51.1 MB

In her book, The Idea of Marathon, Dr Nevin explores the Battle of Marathon from different angles. Not just the events prior to it, but what we know about the battle and how later generations made sense of it all (this includes the modern period). Join us as we cover a lot of ground (historically inaccurate pun intended). There are complaining Greeks, disappearing horses and possibly the greatest canine art cameo ever.  Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).  

The Second Punic War. Trasimene

February 27, 2022 17:34 - 32 minutes - 26 MB

The focus on Trasimene is often largely about the events of the day, but what is as interesting are the events leading up to it. What choices did Hannibal have and how did Rome try to anticipate him? As well as the battle I discuss the details and events leading up to the battle. A transcription and episode notes (with maps etc) can be found on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Second Punic War. Trebia.

January 25, 2022 16:04 - 35 minutes - 28.1 MB

The opening battle of the Second Punic War was to set the trend in many ways and anticipate much of what was to come. But how did it come about? Who were the figures involved, how did the conditions come into play and what exactly happened? In this episode I try to unpick the basics and some more detailed aspects. Full transcript and episode notes at ancientblogger.com. If you can rate or review please do - it really helps. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Sex and Sexuality in ancient Rome with LJ Trafford

November 30, 2021 09:35 - 58 minutes - 47 MB

It's time to welcome LJ Trafford back onto the podcast and talk about her new book, Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome. We discuss a number of topics, from homosexuality through to what the sexual expectations were of the time. What did the Romans view as acceptable and what was considered shameful? Obviously the content here is adult so please bear that it mind. If the platform you are listening on allows a review then why not? It really helps! Find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as w...

Fantasy Dinner Guests with Helen McVeigh

November 12, 2021 12:32 - 1 hour - 54.8 MB

Ever play the "who would you invite to a dinner party" game? Well, here is the ancient history and myth version.  Joining me for the first episode is Helen McVeigh and we run through her 6 picks.  You can find episode notes at ancientblogger.com which will include anything we have mentioned in the show (including Helen's book recommendations). Please rate and review if you can. FYI we do mention sexual violence (as per Greek myth). Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Witches and demons in ancient Mesopotamia.

October 25, 2021 12:08 - 28 minutes - 22.9 MB

In this episode I'm continuing the #NightofTheLivyDead Halloween tradition with a look at witches and demons in ancient Mesopotamia. How were they viewed? What made a witch? How did you counter a demon? And how does a magical river battle figure in all this? Listen and find out! Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).  

Jason of Pherae with guest Dr Michael Furman.

October 08, 2021 09:02 - 39 minutes - 31.8 MB

In the 4th century BCE the region of Thessaly underwent a transformation. It went from being fractured to becoming a unified state under the leadership of Jason. In a short time Jason became a prominent player in Greece, earning the admiration of Xenophon and calling the shots after Leuctra. But then it all ended abruptly. How did he achieve this? What were his intentions and why is he overlooked? Join us and find out. Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Thebes. Apex and Despair.

July 13, 2021 15:53 - 41 minutes - 33.6 MB

It's the final of my Theban trilogy. In this episode I discuss the highs and lows for Thebes in the 4th century BCE. Along with covering the whirlwind of alliances and reprisals I help answer questions about ridding yourself of a Spartan garrison and interpreting gloomy spiders.  Lots to cover so why not give it a go? If you haven't listened to the previous two then why not binge listen? Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).  

Thebes: Revenge and Rivalry.

May 31, 2021 14:06 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MB

In this episode I discuss Thebes in the 5th century BCE. How did it fare after Plataea and what position was it in by the end of the century? Revenge, a sporting controversy and even the big stage feature. Lots to listen to! Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The gardens of Pompeii with Jessica Venner.

April 24, 2021 16:13 - 1 hour - 70.2 MB

In this episode I talk with guest expert Jessica Venner all about what the gardens in Pompeii can tell us. We chat about what the gardens looked like, the problems of keeping up with the neighbours, what was grown and how they are comparable to gardens today. Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).    

Thebes. Walls, teeth and Persians.

April 03, 2021 14:42 - 36 minutes - 29 MB

As part of a look at Thebes I start with the mythical foundation of the city before moving through to the very real aftermath of the Persian invasion. Athletic cows, wedding drama and walls. Something for everyone. I'll be releasing more episodes on Thebes in the future to continue the story of what happened next. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out. Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Artwork from Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Play it, it's a great game!

Trailer - why listen to the Ancient History Hound podcast?

March 20, 2021 11:13 - 50 seconds - 681 KB

Here's yours truly giving a pep talk as to why you might want to subscribe to the show.

Leptis Magna and Septimius Severus with Maria Lloyd.

February 23, 2021 17:34 - 51 minutes - 41 MB

Leptis Magna became a celebrated Roman city on the African shore and was the birthplace of the Emperor Septimius Severus. In this episode I chat with special guest Maria Lloyd all about how the city developed and grew. We then discuss Severus, how did he rise to power and what did he do? Politics, intrigue, betrayal and even whether it's Leptis or Lepcis. We cover loads -  so get listening! Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The origins of Greek Tragedy

January 24, 2021 10:43 - 37 minutes - 30.4 MB

Classical Athens is famous for the introduction of theatre and Tragedy. But it didn't just appear out of nowhere. In this episode I try and piece together how it developed and ended up as a main component of the City Dionysia at Athens. All this with rude puppets, wild processions, the odd phallus and politics. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).        

Trailer

December 29, 2020 13:14 - 57 seconds - 779 KB

Just a short bit on why you should give the podcast a go!

AD 69 and daily life in ancient Rome. LJ Trafford interview.

November 21, 2020 13:50 - 1 hour - 56.3 MB

In this special episode I chat with LJ Trafford who has written books covering AD 69 and the four emperors. LJ Trafford has a new book out titled 'How to Survive in Ancient Rome' and we talk about what Rome would have been like for the average person as well as how the turmoil of AD 69 came about and what happened. Join us as we discuss this as well as whose eels had makeovers, a truly goth banquet and why alcohol and sieges don't mix. LJ Trafford's 'How to Survive in Ancient Rome' is ou...

Night of the Livy Dead 3. Ghosts.

October 24, 2020 10:46 - 47 minutes - 37.9 MB

It's Halloween so time for the third NOTLD episode. In this episode I talk about hauntings and instances of ghosts in Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. From festivals aiming to placate them through to reports of hauntings and even ways to counter a ghost. There's even a very dangerous trick with a walnut. Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

The Ancient Olympics.

September 05, 2020 13:59 - 1 hour - 50.7 MB

In this Olympic length episode I discuss the origin of the games and how both they and the site developed over time. I'll also be picking up the wider aspects of it all from politics to nudity and even foul play. Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Mountains in Myth.

July 27, 2020 17:26 - 41 minutes - 33.1 MB

In this episode I discuss four mountains which featured in ancient Greece. How did they feature in the local myths? What happened on them? I cover this as well as the more obscure mountain associations, from bizarre marital advice, singing competitions to very bad family cooking. Notes to the episode can be found at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental) Modified picture courtesy of https://theblogofdimi.com/  

Eclipses in Antiquity

June 27, 2020 16:50 - 42 minutes - 33.7 MB

It's time to turn my attention to the references made to eclipses in antiquity. They appear in palace records, poems and historical writings and across the Mediterranean (including Mesopotamia). How where they understood? What rituals were observed and how can they be used to date and locate an event? Join me to find out more. Notes to the episode can also be found at ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Kings of Rome. Tarquin and his expulsion.

May 31, 2020 09:25 - 39 minutes - 31.3 MB

It's time for the final King, Tarquinius Superbus. I chat about his reign, the expulsion and the emergence of the Republic. Tarquin was a King who did as much inside Rome as outside of it. Plenty to talk about. (content includes reference to sexual assault). Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Kings of Rome. Servius Tullius.

April 25, 2020 15:05 - 33 minutes - 27.1 MB

Reform, negligent chariot driving and mild pyrotechnics. It's the turn of Servius Tullis, Rome's 6th King to feature. Servius' rise, his fall, reforms and a few puns are all included so get listening. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Kings of Rome. Lucius Tarquinius Priscus.

March 30, 2020 11:47 - 32 minutes - 26.2 MB

Rebranding, tyrants, clothes, racing, omens, hydraulic engineering, formal wear and possibly a very long held grudge. The story of Rome's 5th king is certainly entertaining and in this podcast I talk about some of the aspects of his reign. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Kings of Rome. Ancus Marcius.

February 24, 2020 18:07 - 28 minutes - 23 MB

It's time for Rome's fourth King, Ancus Marcius to come into the spotlight. I discuss what he did and didn't build as well as play detective in a murder mystery. Spoiler alert, he probably did it. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Kings of Rome. Tullus Hostilius.

January 26, 2020 14:32 - 27 minutes - 22.2 MB

Continuing my examination of the Roman kings I talk about Tullus Hostilius, the third Roman king. Tulls was primarily associated with Rome's military exploits and had a hand in a famous myth. He also had more than a hand in a death which shocked even Livy. From war to religious problems and a bizarre death. It's all here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)