
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.
One of the most famed classes of soldiers from antiquity, the Spartan warrior has been immortalised in media today. Characterised as super soldiers, formidable fighters who would rather perish than surrender – their reputation truly did proceed them. But how accurate is this image – and does it correlate with what the ancient sources actually tell us?
In the second episode of our Sparta mini-series, Tristan welcomes Dr Roel Konijnendijk from the University of Oxford, to take a deep dive into the life of a Spartan warrior. Looking at their education, training, and familial expectations – how do you separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Spartans? And is it possible to know what their society was truly like?
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When examining the role of the Emperor within the Roman Empire, it is often easier to focus on the individual rather than the role itself. With contrasting personalities such as Marcus Aurelius and Caligula occupying the position, it becomes challenging to identify commonalities among Roman emperors. But when you examine the role itself and the responsibilities involved – it might be easier to find commonalities between the individuals than first believed.
In this episode, Tristan welcomes Professor Dame Mary Beard to the podcast to delve into the enthralling world, and immense responsibilities of the Roman Emperor. By exploring those at the pinnacle of Roman society, they unveil the realities of life for those at the top and how intricate dynamics influenced everything from the Senate to the justice system and dinner parties. Investigating the expectations of everyday citizens regarding the Emperor, and looking at whether this relationship was genuinely beneficial for both parties – what can we learn about the Roman Emperors, and are they more similar than history leads us to believe?
You can order Mary’s book HERE.
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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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