Crassus and the Battle of Carrhae: The Defeat of Rome

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 of the famous partial skeleton 'Lucy' and the extraordinary archaeological findings that have emerged since. Looking at the latest revelations including the remarkable Dikika child - what can these ancient remnants teach us about our earliest ancestors? And how did they contribute to the path of human evolution?You can take part in our listener survey here.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 Kesä 202343min

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 centuries?In this episode, Tristan invites Professor Judith Herrin on to the podcast, to delve into the rise and fall of Ravenna's prominence. Together, they explore its intricate connections with the Western Roman Empire, its interactions with notable entities like the Goths, and the awe-inspiring Christian architecture that adorned its landscape. What can we learn from uncovering the secrets of Ravenna, why did it hold such immense importance?Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at here.You can take part in our listener survey 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! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Kesä 202352min

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 episode, Tristan welcomes archaeologist Duncan Mackay to the podcast to delve into this devastating moment in Roman history. By examining the archaeological evidence, the political landscape of ancient Britain, and studying Tacitus' works, what can we learn about this Celtic Queen and how she earned her place in the annals of history?If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Kesä 202338min

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 Carolyn Willekes to the podcast, to talk about this remarkable evolutionary journey. Looking at what archaeological evidence can tell us, from horse teeth to buried skeletons, and the cultural influences that horses had across the ancient world - when did human's domesticate horses, and can they be considered man's best friend?If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Kesä 202344min

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 moment in history - and what sources can we use to examine this event?In the final episode in our Babylon mini-series, Tristan welcomes Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones back to the podcast to look at Babylon within the Bible. Looking at surviving art and archaeology, cuneiform texts and biblical passages - what can we learn about this moment in ancient history, and the legacy that can still be felt today?If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Touko 202341min

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 welcomes Dr Irving Finkel from the British Museum, to help decode this incredible object. Looking at the religious messages, the description of Cyrus himself, and what it tells us about Babylon - what can we learn about the Achaemenid Empire and it's political legacy?Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Voice Over performed by Toby Ricketts.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Touko 202357min

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 back Dr Stephanie Dalley, to delve into this mysterious ancient creation. Looking at the archaeology of ancient-Iraq, the geographic landscape on which the Gardens were built, and examining the socio-political history of ancient Babylon - is it possible that these gardens might have actually existed? And if not, what is this fantastical myth based on?If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Touko 202355min

An ancient, colossal site in Northeastern Louisiana, Poverty Point is a mystery amongst archaeologist and anthropologists a like. Dating back nearly 4 millennia, Poverty Point is renowned for it's massive earthworks, with gigantic concentric circles, complex mounds, and towering ridges - it's a site to behold. But who exactly built Poverty Point, and more importantly - why?In this episode Tristan welcomes Poverty Point's Park Manager, Mark Brink, to the podcast to help decipher some of the mystery surrounding this Prehistoric site. Looking at the incredible earthworks, examining the recent archaeology, and delving in Prehistoric American society - what do we actually know about Poverty Point?If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Touko 202344min