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  • Potentially one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever, the Dead Sea Scrolls - also known as the Qumran Scrolls - are a set of Jewish Manuscripts from nearly 2000 years ago. Found in a cave at the edge of the Dead Sea, the scrolls offer value insight into what life was like nearly two millennia ago - but what exactly are these scrolls - and do they tell us anything about a man called Jesus?


    In this episode, Tristan welcomes back Dr Jodi Magness from the University of North Carolina, to help us decipher these ancient texts. Looking at what life was like in the archaeological settlement of Qumran, what the remaining architecture and inscriptions tell us about the people who lived there, and explaining what ancient society would've been like - do we know who used the Dead Sea Scrolls, but even more importantly, who created them?


    The Ancients has been nominated in the History category at the Signal Awards! Help us win Gold by casting your vote here!


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


    You can take part in our listener survey here.


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  • One of the greatest Pharaohs from Ancient Egypt, Ramesses II is renowned for commissioning some of the most iconic architecture and art from ancient Egypt. But not only was he a great builder and commissioner, he's responsible for the first recorded peace treaty in history, the first recorded diplomatic marriage in history, and a number of monumental victories. So who was Ramesses II - and why is his legacy so enduring?


    In today's episode, Tristan is joined by Dr Peter Brand from University of Toronto, to dive into the long reign of Egypt's greatest Pharaoh. Looking at his childhood, marriages, and legacy - what do we actually know about Ramesses the Great, and what made him so extraordinary?


    The Ancients has been nominated in the History category at the Signal Awards! Help us win Gold by casting your vote here!


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • The Harappan civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley civilisation, was an ancient urban civilisation that thrived in the Indus River valley in South Asia around 4000 years ago. Known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and incredible culture - it played an integral role in ancient History. But with a script that still remains undeciphered to this day - what do we actually know about the Harappan civilisation?


    In this episode, Tristan welcomes archaeologist Disha Ahluwalia to the podcast to talk about her work and research surrounding the Harappan. Looking at the archaeological evidence, their appearances in other cultures, and the legacy left behind at Rakhigarhi- who were the Harappan, and how did they influence the course of history?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • When you picture ancient Roman Soldiers, an image of battle-hardened warriors equipped with iron breastplates, large rectangular shields and mighty helmets will no doubt come to mind. Immortalised in cinematic classics like 'Gladiator' or HBO Period Dramas - the depictions of Roman legionaries tend to all look the same on the surface. But how accurate is this bloodthirsty, armour clad vision - and how did the actual Roman legionaries change across the centuries?


    In this episode Tristan welcomes best selling author Ben Kane to the podcast, to delve into the history of the Roman legionaries. Looking at what the clothing, weapons, and archaeology can tell us about legionaries across time (and continent) - who exactly were the Roman legionaries, and how do you separate fact from fiction?


    The History Hit Miscellany is published on September 28, but you can pre-order here or visit historyhit.com/book to order from your favourite book shop.


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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    Music supplied by All3 Media. 


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  • Where do you begin to understand the origins of Chinese civilization? Located near the Yangtze River, the treasures of the Liangzhu culture can be found, a civilisation that dates back to the Neolithic. Today, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Yijie Zhuang from University College London to unearth the fascinating finds and archaeology that help us piece together the story of this important culture.


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • This episode contains references to sexual assault.


    Medusa stands as one of the most iconic yet misconstrued figures of Greek mythology.


    Recognised as one of the three Gorgons, she is notoriously portrayed with serpentine hair and petrifying eyes that turn onlookers to stone. Her life is famously ended by Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus. Popular culture often reduces her to a monstrous caricature, even using her name interchangeably for all Gorgons. But how much of this aligns with ancient records, and how much is a Hollywood construct? To unravel this enigma, Tristan welcomes classicist, author, and broadcaster Natalie Haynes. Together, they dissect Medusa's origins, delve into her tragic narrative marked by betrayals from Perseus and Athena, and ponder the implications of her myth in today's context.


    You can purchase Natalie Haynes's book on Medusa, Stone Blind, here and pre-order her new one Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth, here.


    Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie

    Script was written by Andrew Hulse

    Voice over was performed by Nichola Woolley

    Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe

    Editor was Aidan Lonergan


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • When you think of inventions that helped change the course of history, it's doubtful Olive Oil makes the list. Originating thousands of years ago in the Mediterranean or further east - it's now probably in your kitchen cupboards, or donning the shelves of supermarkets. But how did Olive Oil come to be, and how did the processes behind making it help advance numerous civilisations?


    In this episode Tristan welcomes Curator of the British Museum's Ancient Levant and Anatolia department, Jamie Fraser, to talk about his work in Jordan and the incredible archaeological discoveries he and his team found. Looking at early Olive Oil production presses, monumental archaeology discoveries, and the impact this had on ancient civilisations - what can we learn about the origins of Olive Oil, and why is it so important in ancient history?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • This episode contains references to scenes that some listeners may find distressing


    In 79 AD, ancient armageddon hit Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius erupted, freezing in time a town and its inhabitants.


    Nearly 2000 years on, Pompeii's story continues. In the last episode of our special mini series, we're exploring the stages of the eruption, how the town was buried, and how it was eventually found nearly 1500 years later.


    Hear from our only eyewitness account, Pliny the Younger, on what the tragedy looked like, discover what the Romans knew after the eruption and why they came back, and how Caroline Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, contributed to first efforts of public conservation.


    The series was written and produced by Elena Guthrie

    The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe

    It was edited and mixed by Aidan Lonergan

    The voice actor was Wilfred Duggan


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • With a history stretching back thousands of years, it’s about time that the Ancients started looking at the extraordinary Maya civilisation in Central America. Even with a range of sources that survive, many aspects of these ancient peoples remains debated and shrouded in mystery. This is especially true when studying warfare and the whole idea of ‘sacrifice’. What were the rules of engagement for the ancient Maya? What was the purpose of warfare? How did they define winning? And what would happen to those captured in war? Could they have been sacrificed?

     

    Joining Tristan today is Professor Elizabeth Graham, a titan of Mesoamerican archaeology who has been researching the Pre-Columbian Maya for several decades. Liz puts forward a very strong case for why she believes there was not human sacrifice among the Classic Maya and why we should not associate the occasional killing of captives with that term.


    This episode was first published September 2021


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • An extinct species of archaic human, Homo floresiensis has been discovered solely in one, very specific location - the Indonesian island of Flores. Nicknamed 'the hobbit' due to its diminutive stature (and discovery coinciding with a certain film franchise), this hominid is something of an enigma in the story of human evolution. Both amazing and confusing experts in equal measure since it's discovery more than a decade ago - have we been able to learn anything new in recent years?


    In this episode Tristan is joined by leading paleoanthropologist Dr Adam Brumm from Griffith University in Australia. Looking at how Homo floresiensis came to be so much smaller than it's ancestors, their role in human evolution, and Adam's own experiences excavating in the wilds - how has their discovery challenged our understanding of our own shared past, and what can we expect to find next?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • This episode contains some strong language references to sexual content.


    Pompeii is shrouded in myths and legends about it's vibrant, after hours, night life. With theories of carved stone penis' pointing towards brothels, frescoes of graphic images, and bawdy graffiti immortalising individual's experiences - there's a lot to unpack when it comes to Sex in Pompeii. But what can we decipher from the archaeology about the lives of sex workers in Pompeii - and are their experiences universal, even today?


    In the third episode of our special series on Pompeii, we're delving into the Brothels of Pompeii with Sex Historian, and host of Betwixt the Sheets, Dr Kate Lister. Looking at the shared experiences between sex workers and gladiators, secret Museums filled with sordid artefacts, and the images that decorate Pompeii's Lupanar - what do we know about Sex in Pompeii? And if you follow the Penis' - where do they actually take you?


    The series was written and produced by Elena Guthrie

    The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe

    It was edited and mixed by Aidan Lonergan


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • Returning to one of the most infamous names in history, what happened to Attila the Hun after the devastation he caused in the Balkans - and where did he turn his attention to next? One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history, Attila turned his sights on the West - but what happened after he took his army towards the Western Roman empire, and who was his new arch-enemy?


    In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through the next deadly instalment of Attila and his momentous battle with Aetius. Looking at what happened on the battlefield, Attila's unlikely death, and the issue of succession - what happened to the Huns after Attila, and what legacy did Attila leave behind?


    A couple of notes from the pod...

    The Roman general killed by Attila at Utus was Arnegisclus.

    Aetius probably joined Alaric in his late teens.


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • This episode contains some references to graphic violence.


    Gladiators are one the most enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, and Pompeii is no exception.


    In the second episode of our special series on Pompeii, we're separating fact from fiction with the help of Pompeii's leading experts. We'll be taking you to the heart of gladiatorial life, from the Amphitheatre, to the training barracks, and finding out what life was like. Who could become Gladiators? Who were the most famous ones? What were the different types? And what is the complicated but fascinating legacy they've left behind?


    The series was written and produced by Elena Guthrie

    The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe

    It was edited and mixed by Aidan Lonergan

    The voice actor was Lucy Davidson


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history - Attila the Hun's legacy has persevered over centuries. His consolidation of the Hunnic tribes helped play a significant role in shaping the ancient geopolitical landscape of 5th century Europe and Asia - ultimately helping him to invade the Western Roman Empire. But where did Attila the Hun come from, and what was his early royal life like?


    In this episode Tristan welcomes Hyun Jin Kim back to the podcast to take us through this tumultuous moment of history. Looking at how Attila consolidated his power, exerted control over the Romans, and how he ascended to the throne - is Attila the Hun really as terrifying as history makes him out to be, or is he even worse?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


    You can take part in our listener survey here.


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  • The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries on earth. Frozen in time since 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, its story is one that continues today.


    In episode one of this special series, Tristan Hughes takes you into its bustling streets: from markets to homes, experience the vibrancy and intricacies of Pompeian life. Meet one of the city's most impressive residents and unearth the textures of everyday existence in a world paused in time, only to be rediscovered centuries later.


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


    You can take part in our listener survey here.


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  • The ancient Persian ruler who founded the Achaemenid Empire, known for his benevolent governance and conquests - Cyrus the Great was a giant of history. History remembers him as someone who conquered numerous lands, established a legendary empire, respected local customs, and allowed religious freedom for his subjects. But what does the archaeology tell us - and was he really that great?


    In this episode Tristan welcomes Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones back to the podcast, to delve into this ruler's life. Looking at this origins, travels, family and ultimate demise - what can we learn about Cyrus the Great, and does the archaeology back it up?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is home to monumental pyramids, temples, and is a treasure trove of archaeological findings. Built in the early 5th century by the Maya, it has provided invaluable insight into Maya civilisation; from discoveries of sporting arenas to ancient feathered serpents, it's allowed an image of Mayan daily life to be created. But what specifically does Chichen Itza tell us about Mayan society - and what can it tell us about the collapse of Mayan civilisation?


    In this episode, Tristan welcomes Annabeth Headrick back to the podcast to talk about this incredible site, and to shine a light on recent discoveries that have been made there. Exploring the immense architecture and art, ancient religions, and precious gemstones and metals discovered - what can we learn about this impressive wonder of the world, and what does it tell us about the Maya?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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  • God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, Poseidon is one of the most iconic Olympians.


    In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Seth Pevnick, Curator of Greek and Roman art. Together, they untangle the various myths that describe Poseidon, his children, most notably Theseus and Polyphemus, as well as how the people of Ancient Greece used him to make sense of the world around them.


    Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie

    Script was written by Andrew Hulse

    Voice over was performed by Lucy Davidson

    Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe

    Editor was Aidan Lonergan


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


    You can take part in our listener survey here.


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  • Stonehenge. The most iconic prehistoric monument in the world. And yet its story is still so enigmatic.


    In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Sue Greaney to shine a light on Stonehenge’s prehistoric story. Together they explore this monument's creation and early evolution during the Neolithic c.5,000 years ago, as well as the story behind the people who built it.


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


    You can take part in our listener survey here.


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  • Uncovered a decade ago in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa, Homo Naledi's discovery has impacted paleoanthropology in ways nobody could expect. Upon first discovery, it was assumed this small brained hominid lived millions of years ago - yet when dating of the fossil's was completed, it transpired that Homo Naledi lived at the same time as early Homo Sapiens. So what does this mean for human evolution, and why (and how) were these fossils found so deep inside the Rising Star Cave system?


    In this episode Tristan welcomes both Dr Lee Berger, and Professor Chris Stringer, to the podcast to talk about the discovery of Homo Naledi, and what it means for paleo-anthropologists and archaeologists around the world. Looking at the wall engravings, charred animal bones, and charcoal discovered - is there evidence that these small brained ancestors had complex thoughts and actions, or is there more yet to be discovered?


    Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


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