The Ancients

By: History Hit
  • Summary

  • A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

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Episodes
  • Cassandra: Priestess of Troy
    Apr 13 2025

    *This episode discusses sexual assault*


    Cursed by Apollo to always speak the truth but never be believed; what makes Cassandra's story so timeless and compelling?


    Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Emily Hauser to explore the mythological and historical connections of Cassandra, the tragic prophetess of Troy. They discuss how Cassandra's story and appalling treatment at the hands of both gods and men intertwined with themes of prophecy, tragedy, and misogyny, has fascinated generations. From Agamemnon, the Iliad and Clytemnestra, Tristan and Emily discuss Cassandra's role in ancient texts and possible real-life inspirations.


    Hear related episodes:

    Elektra:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K3WyCkTIA4X8PxTgNC3Ky

    Troy:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K3WyCkTIA4X8PxTgNC3Ky


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Produced and edited by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    You can take part in our listener survey here:

    https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

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    45 mins
  • The Great Jewish Revolt
    Apr 10 2025

    70 AD. Tens of thousands of Roman troops surround Jerusalem. What follows is one of the most brutal sieges in ancient history—and the dramatic climax of the Great Jewish Revolt.


    In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Guy Maclean Rogers to uncover the full story of this epic uprising against Rome. From its origins in rising tensions and religious strife to the devastating siege and destruction of the Second Temple, discover how this revolt shaped the ancient world and continues to resonate today.


    For more on The Great Jewish Revolt listen to our episode on Masada:

    Besieging Masada: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FcheOKepMhzYGDjZUcP6a


    Myths of Masada: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YncKSM3r79AD8PwmZNWjk


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    You can take part in our listener survey here:

    https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • Rise of Humans
    Apr 6 2025

    How did we go from ancient apes to the dominant species on Earth? The story of human evolution is one of survival, adaptation, and extinction - stretching back 7 million years.


    In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Henry Gee to unravel the complex origins of humanity. From the first bipedal hominins to the evolutionary leaps that set Homo sapiens apart, together they explore why humans evolved from long-armed tree dwellers to upright walkers and discuss the the advantages that bipedalism gave our ancestors over other species.


    More from Henry Gee:

    The Origins of Life on Earth: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Rb4OcjbmsjIHpFemJ7mmO

    Feathered Dinosaurs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05wbG2dMp174D10gP30kIj


    More on this topic:

    Homo Erectus: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MjgWtiENDpVXc5qv77oTy

    Human Evolution: Dragon Man: https://open.spotify.com/episode/128XsUffcThVirTghas7OA


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.


    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    You can take part in our listener survey here:

    https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    Show more Show less
    59 mins
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Love It!!

Interesting listen; amazing knowledge! I
I particularly enjoyed neanderthals and the different religion history episodes.

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this episode was fascinating. more please.

I love all these episodes that focus on archeology. this one was very enjoyable and educational. I love the combination of discussing the mythology and showing what the history and science can tell us.

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As a year Seven I listen to this and it’s busin neglect

BEST PODCAST EVER BRO W PODCAST W W W W W W W W WW WWW

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Persia

More espisodes like this. Persia is such an interesting and less talked about ancient society.

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Excellent overview of Israel— bible vs archeology.

Excellent overview of Israel— bible vs archeology
Speaker was so knowledgeable and able to distill, complicated subject. I appreciate the optimism of trying to untie the guardian knot of existing archaeology.

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Chris

Outstanding! I have learned so much just listening casually. Highest quality presentation, information, and guests. Great coverage of many topics within the realm of ancient history.

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1 person found this helpful