'Killing for the Roman Republic'

Marked by shifting alliances, chaotic power struggles, and devastating consequences - the Peloponnesian War was a conflict for the ages. Fought between Athens and Sparta, along with their begrudging allies, the conflict changed the course of Ancient History as we know it. Lasting for nearly three decades, it ultimately ended Athenian supremacy - and ushered in an age of Spartan Hegemony on the mainland. But what caused such a devastating conflict to happen, and could it have been avoided?In the third episode of our Sparta series, Tristan welcomes back Owen Reese to give us a whistle stop tour through this gigantic ancient conflict. Looking at the causes, key players, and the consequences - what caused these great city states to go to war? And what do the sources actually tell us about what happened?Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 Des 202357min

Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most famous figures in history. Believed to be the Son of God in Christianity, he is the central figure in one of the world’s most dominant religions.Today, Tristan and Dr Helen Bond, a Professor of Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh, discuss what the sources tell us of the real man. They delve into what they reveal about his life and teachings, the world he lived in, the key figures in his life such as John the Baptist, as well as the narrative of his trial and death from a historical perspective. This episode was produced by Elena Guthrie and edited by Annie Coloe.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 Des 202355min

One of the most famed classes of soldiers from antiquity, the Spartan warrior has been immortalised in media today. Characterised as super soldiers, formidable fighters who would rather perish than surrender - their reputation truly did proceed them. But how accurate is this image - and does it correlate with what the ancient sources actually tell us?In the second episode of our Sparta mini-series, Tristan welcomes Dr Roel Konijnendijk from the University of Oxford, to take a deep dive into the life of a Spartan warrior. Looking at their education, training, and familial expectations - how do you separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Spartans? And is it possible to know what their society was truly like?Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Des 20231h

Demeter is the Goddess of the Harvest and Agriculture in Ancient Greek mythology.Mother of Persephone, and daughter of Kronos and Rhea, Demeter is often overlooked in myth despite her immense power. Demeter's role gave insight into how the Ancient Greeks viewed not only the harvest and it's bounty - but their fear of devastating famines and a Mother's wrath.In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Natalie Haynes to plunge into the mythology surrounding Demeter and her significance to Ancient Greek society.Senior Producer: Elena GuthrieAssistant Producer: Annie ColoeEditor: Aidan Lonergan & Annie ColoeScriptwriter: Andrew HulseVoice Actor: Nichola WooleyOther episodes in this series include: Zeus, Hera, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Ares, Athena, King Midas, Achilles, Poseidon, Medusa, Hades, and Persephone.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Des 202352min

Considered one of Athens' biggest rivals, and known for their bloodthirsty and brutal nature - there's a reason the Spartans have been immortalised in history. With longstanding mythological origins, little is known about the early days of Sparta. From rumoured descendants of Heracles, through to the mythical lawmaker Lycurgus, it can be hard to separate fact and fiction. So what do we actually know about the origins of Sparta? And is there any archaeological evidence to back these claims up?In the first episode of our new Sparta mini-series, Tristan welcomes historian and author Dr Andrew Bayliss to the podcast, to take a deep dive into Sparta's murky beginnings. Looking at the myths used to define Spartan society, the available archaeological sources, and examining how myth and history has combined - is it possible to discern how Sparta was founded? And more importantly, by who?You can buy Andrew's book here.Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Des 202354min

When you think of spies, images of suave men in suits sipping martinis tend to come to mind - not, well, the Romans. But espionage has been used throughout Rome's history, from it's enemies using intelligence gathering techniques against the empire, through to even the most pragmatic of Emperor's recruiting secret agents. But what do we actually know about the Roman Secret Service, and how was it used across the empire?In this episode Tristan welcomes back Dr Simon Elliot to the podcast to delve into the world of Roman Espionage. Looking at it's uses in the Punic Wars, how different Emperors employed different tactics, and the archaeological evidence we have of their actions today - what did it take to be a Roman Spy, and how many of them were there actually?Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS sign up now for your 14-day free trial HERE.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Nov 202329min

Known for bringing about the fall of the Western Roman Empire - the Vandals have a reputation of violence, destruction, and conquering. Moving from Eastern Europe across Gaul, and eventually taking Carthage, their actions have been immortalised in Christian texts and Western Language. But what do we actually know about the Vandals, and how did their behaviour bring one of the most powerful empires of all time to an eventual collapse?In this episode Tristan welcomes Professor Andy Merrills to the podcast to help explain the important role the Vandals played in history. Looking at their long migration across the European continent, their arrival in Carthage, and the archaeological evidence discovered - who were the Vandals, and were they really as destructive as history tells us?Sign up to History Hit at historyhit.com/subscribe using code BLACKFRIDAYPOD at checkout, for $1/£1 per month for 4 months and you’ll get nearly £30 off our normal monthly price over your first 4 months.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Nov 202349min

While a small, uninhabited island today, Keros held significant importance during the Bronze Age. As a crucial centre for cultural practices, trade, and unique rituals nearly 5,000 years ago, it's difficult to imagine that such a tiny, wild space was once a bustling hub of civilisation. So how was this mystical past discovered - and more importantly, by who?In this episode, Tristan welcomes historian and broadcaster Professor Michael Scott to the podcast to discuss the pivotal role Keros played not only in ancient times, but also in the narrative of modern archaeology. Exploring how the island suffered from looters, the extensive efforts archaeologists undergo today to excavate it, and why Keros stands as an integral part of the Cyclades - why is Bronze Age Keros so crucial, and what treasures have been unearthed there?You can buy Michael's book here.Sign up to History Hit at historyhit.com/subscribe using code 'BLACKFRIDAYPOD' at checkout, for $1/£1 per month for 4 months and you’ll get nearly £30 off our normal monthly price over your first 4 months.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Nov 202341min