The Ancients Podcast By History Hit cover art

The Ancients

The Ancients

By: History Hit
Listen for free

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.


New episodes every Sunday and Thursday.


From History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.

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.

Hit Networks
World
Episodes
  • Fall of Roman London
    Jul 27 2025

    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 reveal the city's final chapters, including the building of defensive walls, the influence of key figures like Magnus Maximus, and the economic shifts impacting the Roman Empire. They discuss the cosmopolitan makeup of Roman London and the significant rise and fall cycles it experienced before its eventual disappearance beneath the rubble.


    MORE

    The Roman Invasion of Britain

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/1lTa6DyKYntcPdkRrvwCnc

    The Fall of Roman Britain

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vMwL1dueziXVNOwloY9xn


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and 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.


    LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/


    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
    58 mins
  • Irish Mythology
    Jul 24 2025

    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 episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Anthony Murphy to explore the rich tapestry of Irish mythology – stories of divine battles, magical beings, and legendary landscapes. Discover how ancient sites are entwined with tales passed down through centuries and how stories featuring giants, all-seeing eyes and even a 'salmon of knowledge' were preserved by Christian monks in medieval manuscripts. This is your gateway to the epic, otherworldly world of Ireland’s ancient lore.


    MORE

    Prehistoric Ireland: Newgrange:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zcgcrW1h1pZpirb1hhmLV

    The First Irish:

    https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ancients/id1520403988?i=1000554323114


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and 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.


    LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/


    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
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Megalodon
    Jul 20 2025

    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 Hughes is joined by leading expert Professor John Long to unveil the jaw-dropping size, power, and ferocity of this ancient super-predator. John recounts his incredible fossil discoveries which chart evolutionary milestones, and reveals the mind-blowing hunting strategies of Megalodon.


    MORE

    Prehistoric Ireland: Newgrange

    https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/prehistoric-ireland-newgrange

    Woolly Mammoths

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CqmGAaFfqm2yFFsSHXpsX


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

    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/


    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
    40 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
Interesting listen; amazing knowledge! I
I particularly enjoyed neanderthals and the different religion history episodes.

Love It!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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

Persia

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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.

Excellent overview of Israel— bible vs archeology.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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.

this episode was fascinating. more please.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

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.

Chris

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.