Ancient History Hound

The helots of Sparta were a people who were indispensible for the Spartan state. But what did they do, how had Sparta acquired them and how did it go about controlling this population?

Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

At the beginning of the 6th century BC Athens was in crisis and by the end of it there was a new political system in place. In this episode I discuss the changes, characters and events which occured.

Bizarre political campaigning, Spartans, tyrants and of course the new way of politics by the end of it all. It's an archaic rollercoaster ride!

Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Lupercalia was literally run on on the 15th February in ancient Rome. Apart from the nudity, running and goathide thongs there's a lot going on here. Indeed the Roman writers seem unsure of how it all started and in this episode I play detective in trying to work out how it started and what this tells us about Rome. 

I also talk about the festival itself and how it manifested as well as one famous instance involving the Lupercalia.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In the second of two episodes on Roman Scotland the chat turns to the three main campaigns which Rome undertook there.

What was Rome trying to achieve? What do we really know about them? How did they differ and what can they tell us in a wider context? We discuss this and much more (including answering some questions sent in).

Episode notes on www.ancientblogger.com 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In the first of two episodes on Roman Scotland Dr Andrew Tibbs unwraps the different types of fortifications the Romans built.

From the large forts through to the small watchtowers we can learn a lot about how the Roman army functioned in Scotland and in general. We also get to answer some questions you sent in which range from logistics to something much more chilling. 

In the next episode we cover the three Roman campaigns in Scotland - so subscribe to avoid missing out!

Episode notes on www.ancientblogger.com 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In the depths of winter a festival took place which celebrated the goddess Demeter, the Haloa. It was an all woman affair with drinking, fire and an all night feast. Oh, and rude language was a must. Episode notes on ancientblogger.com with images, a transcipt, sources and further reading.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

How did gladiators take hold in Rome? Where did they come from and how was their use moulded by the big political events of the 1st century BC?

In this episode I get into this and other aspects such as a few myths and their fighting stats. 

Thanks to Gladiator Doodles for the fab artwork! 

Full episode notes including a transcript, sources and images on ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Another #NightofTheLivyDead episode and this time it's a look at the Greek Underworld. What was the journey there like? What happened in it and what's with singing amphibians?

From Odysseus to Orpheus and a question to consider on hangovers. There's lots covered so get listening (and leave a review if you can). Check out www.ancientblogger for episode notes.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

There are two main stories concerning werewolves in Greece and Rome and in this minisode I briefly cover them. What went on on Mount Lykaion exactly and how did the werewolf differ from our modern interpretation.

Thanks for taking the time to liste, if you can review please do or just pop over to ancientblogger.com for a piece which links in with this minisode.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this minisode I talk about two disasters which befell a Greek and Roman army due to something you can put on your toast. How did it happen and why?

I also cover a nasty way to speed up a siege and a why there's no such thing as a free camp. Find me at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I'm joined by a guest expert Dr Carla Ionescu to discuss the goddess Artemis. There's so much about Artemis which is often left in the background so here we look into the aspects and associations of her you may not have heard of. From bloody rituals to a cake based rescue she's a fascinating deity. 

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this minisode I unwrap the sequence of events which befell Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted. Modern studies and archaeology has enabled a narrative to be built of how the eruption played out. I also briefly cover a couple of controversies and myths of Pompeii.

Given the situation there is reference to death and suffering.

Find my other Pompeii content on a Pompeii page on my website www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

How did piracy feature in ancient Greece? What was it and how did the Greeks respond?

In this episode I give an overview from Homer through to the Hellenistic. Why not give it a listen and a review?

Don't forget to head on over to www.ancientblogger.com for the episode notes!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this mini episode I pick out some themes from Sappho's famous poem. But that's not all - I also include a performance of it in ancient Greek courtesy of Seikilo.

For more info, a reading list, more about Seikilo and transcription of the episode head over to www.ancientblogger.com  - as you'll hear it's had a bit of an overhaul.

If you can review or send feedback my way I'd be grateful. More importantly, keep safe and thanks for listening.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Over the course of 400 years people travelled to the Oracle of Dodona and asked questions. Some of these have survived and give an fascinating insight into what the people of ancient Greece were thinking.

In this episode I take you through the history and background of the oracle before getting stuck into those questions. Perhaps less pig theft but certainly job and relationship advice. I reckon there's a few which are relevant today. Full episode notes and a transcription is available at www.ancientblogger.com

I've also swapped promos with the Ancient Office Hours podcast, whose promo features - so go check them out!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Time for the big one. Cannae is one of the most famous battles of antiquity. Not only did Rome suffer a crushing defeat but the tactics behind the victory have been studied by generals and military tacticians ever since. 

In this episode I discuss what happened in the lead up to it, trust me there's a drama at every turn. From dictators to deceptive cattle. Then there's the battle itself which I try to unpack to see how each side approached it and what tactics were used. Aside from the brutality and bloodshed there's a lot to get into.

Full transcription and episode notes (with maps, diagrams and a reading list) on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In her book, The Idea of Marathon, Dr Nevin explores the Battle of Marathon from different angles. Not just the events prior to it, but what we know about the battle and how later generations made sense of it all (this includes the modern period).

Join us as we cover a lot of ground (historically inaccurate pun intended). There are complaining Greeks, disappearing horses and possibly the greatest canine art cameo ever. 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The focus on Trasimene is often largely about the events of the day, but what is as interesting are the events leading up to it. What choices did Hannibal have and how did Rome try to anticipate him?

As well as the battle I discuss the details and events leading up to the battle. A transcription and episode notes (with maps etc) can be found on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The opening battle of the Second Punic War was to set the trend in many ways and anticipate much of what was to come. But how did it come about? Who were the figures involved, how did the conditions come into play and what exactly happened?

In this episode I try to unpick the basics and some more detailed aspects. Full transcript and episode notes at ancientblogger.com.

If you can rate or review please do - it really helps.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's time to welcome LJ Trafford back onto the podcast and talk about her new book, Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome.

We discuss a number of topics, from homosexuality through to what the sexual expectations were of the time. What did the Romans view as acceptable and what was considered shameful?

Obviously the content here is adult so please bear that it mind.

If the platform you are listening on allows a review then why not? It really helps! Find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as well as the podcast (@HoundAncient). There's also my website - ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Ever play the "who would you invite to a dinner party" game? Well, here is the ancient history and myth version.  Joining me for the first episode is Helen McVeigh and we run through her 6 picks. 

You can find episode notes at ancientblogger.com which will include anything we have mentioned in the show (including Helen's book recommendations).

Please rate and review if you can.

FYI we do mention sexual violence (as per Greek myth).

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I'm continuing the #NightofTheLivyDead Halloween tradition with a look at witches and demons in ancient Mesopotamia.

How were they viewed? What made a witch? How did you counter a demon? And how does a magical river battle figure in all this?

Listen and find out!

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In the 4th century BCE the region of Thessaly underwent a transformation. It went from being fractured to becoming a unified state under the leadership of Jason.

In a short time Jason became a prominent player in Greece, earning the admiration of Xenophon and calling the shots after Leuctra. But then it all ended abruptly.

How did he achieve this? What were his intentions and why is he overlooked? Join us and find out.

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's the final of my Theban trilogy. In this episode I discuss the highs and lows for Thebes in the 4th century BCE. Along with covering the whirlwind of alliances and reprisals I help answer questions about ridding yourself of a Spartan garrison and interpreting gloomy spiders. 

Lots to cover so why not give it a go? If you haven't listened to the previous two then why not binge listen?

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I discuss Thebes in the 5th century BCE. How did it fare after Plataea and what position was it in by the end of the century? Revenge, a sporting controversy and even the big stage feature. Lots to listen to!

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I talk with guest expert Jessica Venner all about what the gardens in Pompeii can tell us. We chat about what the gardens looked like, the problems of keeping up with the neighbours, what was grown and how they are comparable to gardens today.

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

As part of a look at Thebes I start with the mythical foundation of the city before moving through to the very real aftermath of the Persian invasion.

Athletic cows, wedding drama and walls. Something for everyone.

I'll be releasing more episodes on Thebes in the future to continue the story of what happened next. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out.

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Artwork from Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Play it, it's a great game!

Here's yours truly giving a pep talk as to why you might want to subscribe to the show.

Leptis Magna became a celebrated Roman city on the African shore and was the birthplace of the Emperor Septimius Severus. In this episode I chat with special guest Maria Lloyd all about how the city developed and grew. We then discuss Severus, how did he rise to power and what did he do?

Politics, intrigue, betrayal and even whether it's Leptis or Lepcis. We cover loads -  so get listening!

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Classical Athens is famous for the introduction of theatre and Tragedy. But it didn't just appear out of nowhere.

In this episode I try and piece together how it developed and ended up as a main component of the City Dionysia at Athens. All this with rude puppets, wild processions, the odd phallus and politics.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this special episode I chat with LJ Trafford who has written books covering AD 69 and the four emperors. LJ Trafford has a new book out titled 'How to Survive in Ancient Rome' and we talk about what Rome would have been like for the average person as well as how the turmoil of AD 69 came about and what happened.

Join us as we discuss this as well as whose eels had makeovers, a truly goth banquet and why alcohol and sieges don't mix.

LJ Trafford's 'How to Survive in Ancient Rome' is out now!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's Halloween so time for the third NOTLD episode.

In this episode I talk about hauntings and instances of ghosts in Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. From festivals aiming to placate them through to reports of hauntings and even ways to counter a ghost. There's even a very dangerous trick with a walnut.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this Olympic length episode I discuss the origin of the games and how both they and the site developed over time. I'll also be picking up the wider aspects of it all from politics to nudity and even foul play.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this episode I discuss four mountains which featured in ancient Greece. How did they feature in the local myths? What happened on them? I cover this as well as the more obscure mountain associations, from bizarre marital advice, singing competitions to very bad family cooking.

Notes to the episode can be found at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Modified picture courtesy of https://theblogofdimi.com/

It's time to turn my attention to the references made to eclipses in antiquity. They appear in palace records, poems and historical writings and across the Mediterranean (including Mesopotamia).

How where they understood? What rituals were observed and how can they be used to date and locate an event? Join me to find out more.

Notes to the episode can also be found at ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

It's time for the final King, Tarquinius Superbus. I chat about his reign, the expulsion and the emergence of the Republic. Tarquin was a King who did as much inside Rome as outside of it. Plenty to talk about.

(content includes reference to sexual assault).

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Reform, negligent chariot driving and mild pyrotechnics. It's the turn of Servius Tullis, Rome's 6th King to feature. Servius' rise, his fall, reforms and a few puns are all included so get listening.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Rebranding, tyrants, clothes, racing, omens, hydraulic engineering, formal wear and possibly a very long held grudge. The story of Rome's 5th king is certainly entertaining and in this podcast I talk about some of the aspects of his reign.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

It's time for Rome's fourth King, Ancus Marcius to come into the spotlight. I discuss what he did and didn't build as well as play detective in a murder mystery. Spoiler alert, he probably did it.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Continuing my examination of the Roman kings I talk about Tullus Hostilius, the third Roman king.

Tulls was primarily associated with Rome's military exploits and had a hand in a famous myth. He also had more than a hand in a death which shocked even Livy. From war to religious problems and a bizarre death. It's all here.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In the second episode it's the turn of Greece and Rome to come under the spotlight. To what extent did both cultures engage in this and how did their myths and rituals reflect their attitudes? All with a few puns thrown in to lighten the mood.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai instrumental)

In the first of two episodes I chat about the instances of human sacrifice in ancient Mesopotamia and Carthage. Archaeology, forensics and the books of the Old Testament combine to throw some light on this chilling topic.

Given the subject the content is strong at points and involves reference to child sacrifice, just to let you know.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai instrumental)

In this podcast I discuss three aspects of Pompeii. I start with how it developed and grew. I then look at the mechanics of the eruption. This includes considering the evidence which supports the major cause of deaths there. Finally I'll deal with what the remains tell us and how they might mislead as much as inform.

The sources I reference:

Mary Beard. Pompeii. The Life of a Roman Town.

Giuseppe Luongo,Annamaria Perrotta,Claudio Scarpati,Ernesto De Carolis,Giovanni Patricelli,Annamaria Ciarallo. Impact of the AD 79 explosive eruption on Pompeii. Causes of the deaths of the inhabitants inferred by stratigraphic analysis and areal distribution of the  human casualties. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal research.  Vol 126.

L, Giacomelli. A, Perrotta. Scandone, Roberto. Scarpati, Claudio. The eruption of Vesuvius of 79 AD and its impact on human environment in Pompeii.

Giuseppe Mastrolorenzo. Pierpaolo Petrone. Lucia Pappalardo. Fabio M. Guarino. Lethal Thermal Impact at Periphery of Pyroclastic Surges: Evidences at Pompeii.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai instrumental)

In this episode I continue the theme of early Rome by looking at its second King. Numa Pompilius.

I talk about how he came to the throne, what religious initiatives he set in place and how the sources handled their accounts of him. As ever there are some curious tangents involving dancing, possible magic, thunderstorms and stinking charms.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Please note that this includes references to the Rape of the Sabine Women and sexual references.

In this episode I take a look into Rome's foundation myth and how Livy, Dionysus and Plutarch handled the various elements within it. 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In the second episode on Spartan Women I look at what an adult woman might have got up to. From quite a curious marriage ceremony through to the terrifying prospect of a Spartan mother. It's all here.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

The first of two episodes where I discuss the experiences a Spartan woman had throughout her life.

Part one includes a general overview of Sparta before I recount what it might have been like for a Spartan as she grew up.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this episode I am looking at how Carthage expanded into the Iberian Peninsula and how this location furnished Hannibal with the means to march on Rome.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this episode I discuss how Thersites, Scamander and Sarpedon shape the way we understand the Iliad, other characters in it and even wider themes.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Join me and special guest expert Emma as we discuss how hygienic the Roman baths really were. Did they help or hinder disease?

Plenty of gruesome detail, so, leave till after lunch. 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

It's that time of year to listen to some spooky tales from antiquity. I discuss how werewolves have changed, early versions of the vampire and dig up ghosts stories from ancient Greece and Rome.

In this podcast I look at the different types of bathing in antiquity, from the Greeks to the Romans. How did the Greeks bathe exactly? What were the Roman baths like? 

In addition I reason what linked Menelaus and Liberace, impersonate Seneca and mention the most devious use for the floor of a caldarium.

Some minor adult content (thanks Martial), but no swearing.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this podcast I look at the oddity that was ostracism in Ancient Athens. Why was it needed? What did it aim to do? There's also a brief chat about tyrants and which includes an instance which Herodotus calls the silliest trick in history.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger)

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

To what extent does Thucydides alter and tweak his account of the Athenian disaster? In this episode I look at some of the arguments which suggest Thucydides amended and changed his account to align with his views through subtle and none-too-subtle techniques.

I also point out why Nicias would be an ideal guest at a poker night.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger)

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

On the back of a 5km march in Roman armour for the Rise UK charity (here's my JustGiving) I look at marching in the Roman empire including some fancy stats and how the reforms of Marius affected the legionary in this respect. Want to know how many Mars bars a legionary would work off? Who was Marius' favourite X-Men character? The important questions finally covered...

Steve Kaye's fine work can be found here. You might also want to refer to my website article with some of the figures (here).

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger)

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the final epsiode I go over what happened during the sack of Troy, why the wooden horse makes sense and how not to exit a wooden horse if you ever find yourself in one.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger)

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the seventh epsiode I unwrap the dialogue between Priam and Achilles, what the chariots did and wonder where the talking horse got to.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger)

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the sixth epsiode I consider whether we can date Patroclus' death, why Penthesilea would have terrified Hitler had she been on the moon and the big showdown between Achilles and Hector.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger)

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the fifth epsiode I examine the themes of infanticide, jumping off cliffs with Aphrodite and negotiating with Achilles. For obvious reasons Mean Girls gets a mention too.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I’ll be following each episode live.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the fourth epsiode I consider a couple of interesting details from Homer's depiction of the duel between Paris and Menelaus, how to annoy Myrmidons and that kiss. I also possibly annoy you with a question.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I’ll be following each episode live…

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the third epsiode I talk about Helen's wedding and why you should always wash your hands after a siege

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I'll be following each episode live...

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the second epsiode I consider those awkward reality TV wedding show moments, how many Greeks and Trojans really got the point and shower you with puns.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I'll be following each episode live #TroyFallofaCity

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the first epsiode I consider the difficulty in transferring oral myth to the screen, large flightless birds and a bad pun I came up with.

Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I'll be following each episode live #TroyFallofaCity

In the second podcast we continue looking at all things spooky from Ancient Greece and Rome.

Poltergeists, sweating statues, zombies, UFOs and ghosts all feature as well as my most chilling tale from atinquity. Oh, and even Patrick Swayze. Because Molly... "you in danger girl".

The first part of my Halloween special, we look at vampires and werewolves in the ancient sources. I say 'we' as I have a guest who certainly keeps me on my toes.

If you want to hear about partial nudity around tombstones, Sweet Valley High tangents, cheese festivals and, oh, the bits involving spooky goings on then tune in.

 Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Giant Wyrm & Shadowlands 4 by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this podcast I look at what Odysseus got up to when he returned to Ithaca. Suitor deaths aside what was going on with the bad practical jokes, truth bombs and general odd behaviour?

I also talk about the exile and how so many ended up in Agamemnon's army at Troy. Finally, what happened to some heroes after they were famous. Did Romulus really end up in the Emerald city after founding the Eternal one?

music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this podcast I look at some of the animals people kept as pets. Do you know how to catch a monkey with a pair of trousers or which pet needed to be kept from the drinks cabinet?

music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Desperately trying to jump on the recent filmic bandwagon I delve into the history of Wonder Woman and her connection to Greek myth. In addition there's how the amazon myth came to be and an overview of some of the female warriors from ancient history.

Ever wondered why or how war elephants ended up being used in the Mediterannean? Probably not, but in this podcast I trace their origins, how they were used and other elephant facts.

In this podcast I take three somewhat random topics and, well, you'll find out when you listen. Find out what topic of gossip in an Athenian barbershop caused panic, what types of surgery you could have had, and, finally the other thing in the title. Enjoy!

In this episode I look at the origins of beekeeping, from the developed industry of the Egyptians and Hittites through to what the hive meant to the Romans and Greeks.