Ancient History Hound

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 this podcast I run the rule over the Roman Saturnalia a festival which started around the 17th December. What did it involve exactly, how did these elements appear and why?

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)