Roman Beast Hunts
The Ancients26 Mar 2023

Roman Beast Hunts

This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and cruelty against animals.


The Romans were - and still are - infamous for the brutal gladiatorial contests they held in their ancient amphitheatres. But often what made their games so spectacular were the exotic animals they put on show. Viciously hunted on an industrial scale, elephants, lions, crocodiles and even rhinos were thrust onto the arena floor and slaughtered, all for the pleasure of the Roman crowds.


In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan talks to Caroline Freeman-Cuerdan to explore these beast hunts and the massive industry that lay behind them. Together they discover how the animals acted as both ‘hunter and hunted’ and why Roman statesmen were so obsessed with beasts from far-away lands.


The Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie.

The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe.

Edited by Joseph Knight.


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! To download, go to Android or Apple store

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

Episoder(607)

Roman Aqueducts

Roman Aqueducts

How did Roman aqueducts help build an empire? They’re some of the most iconic structures from the ancient world — feats of engineering that transformed cities. But how exactly did Roman aqueducts work...

14 Aug 20251h 4min

How to Survive in Carthage

How to Survive in Carthage

From towering tenements to Punic porridge — step into the streets of ancient Carthage.In this immersive episode of The Ancients, Tristan travels back to 210 BC to explore daily life in the heart of on...

10 Aug 20251h 8min

The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations

The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations

Iconic monumental stone heads, the intriguing Lord of Las Limas, the enigmatic 'were-jaguar' figures, so much survives from the ancient Olmec civilisation.Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Jillian Molle...

7 Aug 20251h 8min

Livia: Empress of Rome

Livia: Empress of Rome

Powerful, cunning, uncompromising, even murderous (allegedly)... meet Rome’s first empress and one of ancient history’s ultimate power players.Livia Drusilla has long been cast as the bloodthirsty mat...

3 Aug 20251h

Siberian Ice Mummies

Siberian Ice Mummies

In this special episode of the Ancients, released just hours after the embargo on new research was lifted, Tristan Hughes discusses the fascinating discovery of ancient Siberian ice mummies and their ...

30 Jul 202549min

Fall of Roman London

Fall of Roman London

Why was London transformed from a bustling Roman metropolis into a ghost town by the fifth century?Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Dominic Perring to explore the rich archaeological findings that revea...

27 Jul 202558min

Irish Mythology

Irish Mythology

Epic heroes, sacred rivers & ancient gods – this is Irish mythology as you’ve never heard it. From Newgrange to the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s myths are rooted firmly in its prehistoric past.In today's e...

24 Jul 20251h 6min

Megalodon

Megalodon

As part of our week of Sharks on the Ancients, today we tell the story of Megalodon, the largest living marine animal, ever.Does this colossal prehistoric shark still lurk beneath the waves? Tristan H...

20 Jul 202540min

Populært innen Historie

rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
rss-katastrofe
henrettelsespodden
historier-som-endret-norge
historier-som-endret-verden
rss-benadet
aftenposten-historie
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
med-egne-oyne
historiepodden
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
rss-frontkjemperne
sektledere
rss-historiske-romanser-svik-drap-og-kjarlighet
rss-gamle-greier
liberal-halvtime
taakeprat
vare-historier
virkelig-grusomt
rss-politisk-preik