Ancient History Hound

The story of Hannibal didn't stop at Cannae. Following this victory he met obstacle and success as he took on Rome in southern Italy.

In this episode I unwrap what happened and how it all led to his final battle with Rome at Zama (which I also discuss).

Find me here

If you can rate or review please do - it makes a big difference.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Greeks established numerous colonies in southern Italy. In this episode I'm delving into the history of them, how they interacted with local peoples and of course each other. Dancing animals, a drunken diplomatic incident and 'hands-off' pottery all feature.

Find me here.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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?

Find me here

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!

Find me here.

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.

Find me here

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).

Find me here

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!

Find me here

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. Find me here.

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!

Find me here

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). Find me here.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).