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The Ancients

The Ancients

By: History Hit
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About this listen

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
  • Hannibal's March on Rome
    Jul 6 2025

    It was perhaps Hannibal’s greatest gamble — after years of victories, not least his famed trek across the snow-capped Alps, could he strike at Rome itself?


    In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Louis Rawlings to explore the dramatic years after Hannibal’s crushing triumph at Cannae. With Rome refusing to surrender despite horrific losses, Hannibal changed strategy in 211 BC and set his sights on the Roman capital. Join us to discover how the Carthaginian genius kept his army alive deep in enemy territory, why Rome’s resilience frustrated him, and how close he came to rewriting history.


    MORE

    Rise of Hannibal:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZSg0gwceToyk01XXNJtCb

    Hannibal: Crossing the Alps:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/7a4XOqxY8J3GhEaRDwX315


    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.


    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
    56 mins
  • Plato's Republic
    Jul 3 2025

    Today we journey into the creation of Plato's Republic. Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. James Romm to discover how Plato's encounters with the tyrant-ruled city of Syracuse and its rulers, Dionysius the Elder and Dionysius the Younger, deeply influenced his philosophical masterpiece.

    Plato's involvement in a civil war, Syracuse's power struggles and Plato's own missteps contributed to the timeless ideas of justice and governance in 'The Republic.'

    Tristan and James demystify the divine image of Plato to reveal a profoundly human philosopher shaped by real-world political intrigue and conflict.


    MORE

    Atlantis

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XdAg3rreBhW6Od4WIUne7

    Watch Tristan and Roel argue over Ancient Greek Theories:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd7-guKlr40


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Arstall, 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
    55 mins
  • The Apocryphal Gospels
    Jun 29 2025

    If you've heard of the mysterious and often controversial Apocryphal Gospels, you may have been told that they weren't important, or useful; that they 'didn't make the cut' to be included in the Canonical Bible. Not at all, these early Christian texts were hugely significant and influential as well as completely fascinating.


    Tristan Hughes is joined by Catherine Nixey to hear stories including the Infancy Gospel of James, where a midwife's hand is burnt off after doubting Mary's virginity, and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, portraying a young Jesus with startling powers and a fiery temper. Together they discuss how these writings reveal the radical thoughts of some early Christians - from alternative crucifixion narratives to magical texts showing Jesus using a wand - and shed light on the vibrant diversity and theological debates of early Christianity.


    MORE

    The Wise Men

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/30JcS3z8gUODOvbR8k47mh

    Jesus of Nazareth

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qFWoLLNQFgL0FmBhUoKe2


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor and 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
    38 mins
All stars
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Interesting listen; amazing knowledge! I
I particularly enjoyed neanderthals and the different religion history episodes.

Love It!!

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

Persia

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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