Polynesian Mythology
From creation stories to voyager journeys, mythology and oral history are often key to our identities. In this episode Christina Thompson shines a light on some fascinating tales from Polynesian mythology and explains how these tales have been received in more recent history. Christina is the author of Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 Juni 202129min
The Golden Age of Chariots
Taxis to the front line or ancient tanks? Through archaeological remains and ancient depictions, we have some idea of what the ancient military vehicles of the ancient world looked like, but how were they ridden and what for? In this first of two conversations, Mike Loades and Tristan discuss the chariots of Egypt, Anatolia, Troy and China. Mike is a writer, television presenter, director and military historian who has personally tested many replica chariots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 Maj 202153min
Alexander the Great's First Persian Victory
If there had been a different outcome to the Battle of Granicus, we might never have heard about Alexander the Great. Taking place in 334 BC, this was his first major victory against the Persian Empire. In this episode, Tristan is joined by Adrian Goldsworthy to discuss Alexander and his tactics right at the beginning of his campaign, before he had built up his formidable reputation. Adrian is a historian and novelist who specialises in Ancient Roman history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 Maj 202152min
Ancient Polynesia: Pioneers of the Pacific
Despite sporadic food sources and the dangers of the deep sea, the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean have been home to Polynesians for more than a millennium. But what was life like for the first people to venture between Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island, to name a few? In this episode Christina Thompson explores the new evidence which can tell us more about what the ancient Polynesians ate and how they lived. From the DNA of ancient rats to the mystery of the sweet potato, this is an intriguing listen. Christina is the author of ‘Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 Maj 202131min
The Truth About King Arthur
The legend of King Arthur has been reworked many times, but is there any historical truth behind the tales? Dr Miles Russell believes there is and in this podcast he highlights how elements of King Arthur’s story derive from five key ancient figures. From British warlords that opposed the arrival of Julius Caesar to Roman emperors of Later Antiquity, Miles explores these individuals in ‘Arthur and the Kings of Britain: The Historical Truth Behind the Myths’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19 Maj 202153min
Olympia: The Golden Age
For hundreds of years in antiquity, the sanctuary at Olympia was one of the most important religious sites in the Greek World, home to stunning art and architecture commissioned by tyrants and city-states situated across the length and breadth of the Mediterranean. And it was during the 5th and 4th centuries BC, that this sanctuary arguably entered its golden age. In this third and final episode of our mini-series on ancient Olympia, Professor Judy Barringer from the University of Edinburgh talks in detail about some of the most striking art and architecture that survives from Classical Olympia. From the pediments of the Temple of Zeus to the Winged Nike of Paionios. Judy is the author of Olympia: A Cultural History. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Maj 202134min
Ancient Afghanistan: The Land of a Thousand Cities
Situated north of the Hindu Kush and south of the Oxus (Amu Darya) River, the history of the ancient region of Bactria is rich and diverse. From the Oxus Civilisation that flourished in the Bronze Age to the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great, the Greco-Bactrians and the Kushans.In this podcast Tristan chats to David Adams, Australian photo journalist and documentary film maker, who has been fortunate enough to explore many of the archaeological sites of Bactria. From the 'City of Lady Moon' to the whereabouts of Bactra, 'Mother of All Cities', join David and Tristan as they discuss some of the most extraordinary ancient sites in the world.Arcadia Expeditions: https://www.arcadiaexpeditions.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13 Maj 202151min
The Rise of Olympia
Forget the Games, ancient Olympia’s importance stretched much further than simply being the birthplace of its namesake sporting festival. Boasting hundreds of years of history, at its height this critical sanctuary was home to some of the most stunning art and architecture in the ancient world. Its cultural history is astonishing, known about by scholars thanks to both an extraordinary amount of archaeology surviving and several vital ancient literary accounts. In this second episode of our mini-series on ancient Olympia, Professor Judy Barringer from the University of Edinburgh shines a light on Olympia’s early history and how the site rose to become one of the most important religious centres in the ancient Greek World. Judy is the author of Olympia: A Cultural History. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11 Maj 202126min
