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The Ancients

History Hit
Bronze Age Collapse
Sea Peoples
Jesus Of Nazareth
Ancient Rome
Iron Age
Mesolithic
Egypt
Ireland
Hittites
Mycenaeans
Julius Caesar
Roman Republic
Roman Religion
Pickpockets
Class Divide
Slavery In Rome
Public Toilets
Public Baths
Sewage and Sanitation
Jericho

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 ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes710Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for The Ancients

Latest Episodes

What did it take to become a Roman centurion? To command, to punish and to lead from the very front of Rome’s armies?

In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Ben Kane to uncover the reality behind one of the most iconic ranks... more

What happens when a defensive alliance slowly turns into an empire? Tristan Hughes and Professor Polly Low explore the Delian League, the so‑called “ancient NATO”, from its Persian War origins to Athenian domination. Discover tribute, revolt, contest... more

In 480 BC, at the narrow pass of Thermopylae, a vastly outnumbered Greek force prepares to face the advancing army of the Persian king Xerxes. At its head stands Leonidas, king of Sparta, ready to make a final stand that will become one of the most f... more

What if Julius Caesar had survived the Ides of March? This episode explores his last known plans — vast eastern campaigns, sweeping reforms, and his visions for Rome’s future. Could he have rivalled Alexander the Great, crowned himself king, or resha... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Dr. Andrew Bayliss
Associate Professor in Greek History, University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Episode: Leonidas: King of Sparta, Hero of Thermopylae
Dr. Hannah Cornwell
Associate Professor in Ancient History
University of Birmingham
Episode: What if the Ides of March Failed?
Roel Konijnendijk
Landmark historian and expert on Herodotus
University of California, Berkeley (as context in episode)
Episode: Herodotus: The Father of History
Dr Josephine Quinn
Professor of Ancient History at St John's College, University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Episode: The Phoenicians
Henry Gee
Renowned paleontologist and author
Episode: The Age of Dinosaurs with Henry Gee
Raven Todd DeSilva
Award-winning archaeologist and art conservator
Episode: The Skulls of Jericho
Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy
Historian and author, focusing on Alexander the Great and ancient military strategy
Episode: The Invasion of Persia | Alexander the Great
Dr. Irving Finkel
Senior Assistant Keeper at the British Museum and expert on cuneiform
British Museum
Episode: How to Write Cuneiform with Dr. Irving Finkel
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Professor of Ancient History at Cardiff University and author of Persians, The Age of Great Kings
Cardiff University
Episode: Xerxes the Great

Host

Tristan Hughes
Host of The Ancients, with expertise in engaging storytelling and a passion for ancient history.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 12.3k ratings
  • Great show!

    Nice work people! I don’t know how you can consistently pull off great episodes! Keep it going and thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Redwoodland
    United States7 days ago
  • A great listen!

    I really like this podcast! Even with 5 stars, I will make a wish that the history hits subscription would not be so difficult to accomplish for the US fans. Regardless, I can hardly believe this team puts out 2 episodes per week with the research needed. Your great work is appreciated in Alaska!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Book of Jobe
    United States7 days ago
  • Great Ancient History Pods

    Great pods with Dr. Price on Ramses, Dr Gee on the dinosaurs, and Dr DaSilva on the sky disc. Thanks, Tristan!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Friends with Pods
    United States9 days ago
  • Gee

    National Treasure.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MaryH1nge
    United Kingdom16 days ago
  • Morning routine

    I love this podcast! 💗

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hasangani
    United States17 days ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is celebrated for its ability to make ancient history accessible and enjoyable for diverse audiences, from serious learners to casual fans.
Many commend the expert guests for their deep insights and knowledge, contributing to educational value.
Listeners appreciate the breadth of topics covered, often highlighting the engaging style of the host.
Some feedback mentions a desire for longer, more in-depth episodes, reflecting the audience's hunger for comprehensive historical discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#243
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#7
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#107
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#129
Canada/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#6
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#11
United Kingdom/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Leonidas: King of Sparta, Hero of Thermopylae
Q: And can you tell us, what are our main sources for learning about Leonidas and the world in which he lived?
Herodotus is the primary early source, but his accounts focus largely on Thermopylae and are supplemented by later writers like Diodorus and Plutarch; the overall picture is limited, and many elements of Leonidas' life are reconstructed from Spartan institutional context and later legend rather than contemporary records.
What if the Ides of March Failed?
Q: Would Caesar have pursued the title Rex or an emperor-like role if he had survived?
The discussion suggests he flirted with the idea through symbolic acts (Lupercalia laurel crown refusals) and the title dictator without interruption, but actual kingship remained contested and deliberately avoided, though his perception of power unsettled the elite.
What if the Ides of March Failed?
Q: So what is Caesar's situation around mid-March 44 BC, and what was he planning to do next?
Caesar was about to lead a long eastern campaign, pre-arranging magistracies for three years, and was aiming to push Rome's influence into Parthia, with Armenia and client kingdoms as buffers; this set the stage for potential imperial expansion even as he remained dictator perpetuo.
The Fall of Persia | Alexander the Great
Q: Why does Alexander push further into the Persian heartland?
Alexander pursues a relentless campaign to secure his rule and eliminate threats, particularly against Darius who has fled, in an ongoing effort to secure the vast resources of the Persian Empire.
The Fall of Persia | Alexander the Great
Q: What challenges does Alexander face in the siege of Tyre?
The siege is exceptionally difficult due to Tyre being on an island, fortified defenses, and the need to build a mole to reach it, requiring extensive ingenuity and engineering skills.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ancients

What is The Ancients about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A captivating exploration of ancient history, this series features rich discussions on various themes and figures from antiquity, aiming to make historical content accessible and engaging. Episodes often include interviews with esteemed historians and archaeologists who provide valuable insights into topics ranging from the achievements of ancient civilizations to pivotal historical events. With a format that emphasizes diverse perspectives and broad geographic coverage, listeners can expect to learn about underrepresented narratives alongside well-known stories in ancient history, making it a noteworthy choice for history enthusiasts.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Ancients?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Ancients:

1. Gone Medieval
2. Dan Snow's History Hit
3. Not Just the Tudors
4. HistoryExtra podcast
5. After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

How many episodes of The Ancients are there?

The Ancients launched 6 years ago and published 710 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Ancients?

Recent guests on The Ancients include:

1. Dr. Andrew Bayliss
2. Dr. Hannah Cornwell
3. Roel Konijnendijk
4. Dr Josephine Quinn
5. Henry Gee
6. Raven Todd DeSilva
7. Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy
8. Dr. Irving Finkel

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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