The Ancients

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The Vandals: Destroyers of Rome Nov 26, 2023

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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?

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Keros: Bronze Age Mystery Nov 22, 2023

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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.

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Treasures of Pompeii Nov 19, 2023

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Despite being uncovered in the 16th Century - new finds are still being discovered daily in Pompeii. With each new discovery offering a fresh insight into what life was like 2000 years ago, we're able to piece together Pompeii's vibrant past and culture thanks to the work of Archaeologists and historians today. But what would life Pompeii actually have been like for the individuals who lived there, and what do we know about them today?

In this episode, Tristan welcomes author and journalist Elodie Harper to the podcast to talk about the archaeological treasures being uncovered in Pompeii today and how they helped provide inspiration for her latest instalment in the bestselling Wolf Den trilogy. Looking at the recent archaeology, the role of the goddess Fortuna, and the indomitable Julia Felix - what would Pompeii have been like for the people who lived there, and what was life like after for those who survived the eruption?

You can buy Elodie's book here.

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Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings Nov 16, 2023

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Gold and horses! Few ancient civilisations were greater masters of metalworking and horse riding than the Saka culture of Central Asia. Also known as the ‘Eastern Scythians’, these peoples ruled over a large area of the Great Steppe more than 2,000 years ago. And recently, new archaeological initiatives in Kazakhstan have started to reveal so much more about these horse lords and their way of life. Great burial mounds have been excavated, revealing a wealth of extraordinary artefacts. From golden sword scabbards to richly-decorated horse gear, it’s fascinating evidence of the long-lasting and rich history that Kazakhstan possesses.

In this very special episode, join Tristan on his venture to Kazakhstan. He visits the remote Altai Mountains in the far east of the country to see an incredibly rich group of Saka tombs, popularly known as Kazakhstan’s Valley of Kings. He interviews Kazakh archaeologist Zhanat Erlanova about the amazing archaeology that has so far been unearthed in this highland valley and what it has revealed about these ancient horse lords of Central Asia.

Following this we return to the UK and Cambridge University, where Drs Rebecca Roberts, Saltanat Amir and Rinat Zhumatayev explain the wider Saka culture, and why the archaeology of Kazakhstan deserves to be much better known.

This episode was edited by Aidan Lonergan

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Persephone: Queen of the Underworld Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

This episode contains references to death and sexual assault.

Persephone is Queen of the Underworld in Ancient Greek mythology.

Wife of Hades, and daughter of Zeus and Demeter, Persephone's journey to the underworld at the hands of Hades is a cornerstone myth. It gives an insight into how the Ancient Greeks saw not only death, but also the changing seasons and marriage.

In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts to dive deep into the depths of the mythology surrounding Persephone and how significant she was to Ancient Greek society.

Senior Producer: Elena Guthrie

Assistant Producer: Annie Coloe

Editor: Aidan Lonergan

Scriptwriter: Andrew Hulse

Voice Actor: Nichola Wooley

Other episodes in this series include: Zeus, Hera, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Ares, Athena, King Midas, Achilles, Poseidon, Medusa, and Hades.

You can take part in our listener survey here.

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The Illyrians: Pirates of the Adriatic Nov 08, 2023

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Inhabiting the Balkans in antiquity, the Illyrians played a vital role in Ancient History. From their renowned reputation as skilled craftsmen, through to their seafaring ways - the Illyrians left their mark on the archaeological record. But what do we actually know about the Illyrians, and were they actually traders - or did they have a more sinister reputation on the high seas?

In this episode Tristan welcomes Dr Danijel Dzino to the podcast, to delve into the mysterious world of the Illyrians. Looking at what the archaeology tells us about their tribal societies, how their civilisation flourished, and whether it's fair to call them Pirates - is it possible to define who the Illyrians were? And what can we learn about them from the Balkan Peninsula today?

You can take part in our listener survey here.

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Origins of Gaza Nov 04, 2023

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Throughout history, the area today known as Gaza has often been a contentious site. Its historical significance is a history that spans nearly 3 millennia, and archaeological evidence shows us that it was an international hub frequented by the Egyptians, Mycenaeans, Hittites and more.

In this episode, Tristan welcomes Professor Louise Steel to the podcast to talk both about about her team's excavations of Gaza and what the archaeology can tell us. Together, they look at Gaza’s transition into the Bronze Age, the early Egyptian discoveries, and assess Gaza’s significance in the ancient world.

You can take part in our listener survey here.

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Human Evolution: Dragon Man Nov 01, 2023

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Homo longi, also known as Dragon Man, is an extinct archaic human species - with a nearly complete skull found near Harbin, China, dating back to at least 146,000 years ago. Discovered in 1933 during the construction of the Dongjiang Bridge, it remained hidden until 2018 due to wartime circumstances and tensions. But why was the discovery of a single skull so important? And what does it tell us about human evolution and migration during the Middle Pleistocene?

In this episode, Dr Chris Stringer returns to the podcast to help shed light on the importance of this discovery, and explain how the Dragon Man could be our closest human relative. Looking at how the Dragon Man was discovered, what he tells us about Human Migration, and the impact it had on paleoanthropology - do we know who the Dragon Man was, and what does he tell us about our Human relatives from nearly 200,000 years ago?

You can take part in our listener survey here.

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Witches Oct 29, 2023

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From seductive sorceresses to withered necromancers, witches play a varied - and vital - role in ancient history. Recorded in classical epics by the likes of Homer, and immortalised in tragedies by Euripides, the names Circe and Medea resonate across society and culture even today. But how did witchcraft and magic aid them in ancient societies, and what does it tell us about how women of power were viewed in the ancient world?

In this episode Tristan welcomes Dr Mai Musié and Dr Regine May to the podcast to delve into the mystical world of Ancient Witches. Looking at how Circe and Medea's powers reflected their position in society, sinister necromancy, and the role that Greek tragedies played in immortalising the idea of the Witch - why were these women so powerful, and why were they so feared?

You can take part in our listener survey here.

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The Sahara: Traders and Travellers Oct 26, 2023

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Stretching across from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, Northern Africa is dominated by the Sahara Desert. The largest hot desert in the world, it's an indomitable force. So how did Ancient Communities manage to traverse it, and who were the people organising and participating in such a feat?

In this episode, Tristan welcomes Sir Barry Cunliffe to the podcast, to talk about his new work on the history of the Sahara and those who lived there. Looking at how different communities and cultures tackled the sandy dunes, from Carthaginians and Egyptians, through to the seafaring travellers recorded by ancient authors - what do we know about the Sahara, and what can learn from the ancient civilisations who used to live there?

You can take part in our listener survey here.

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