How do you go from chariots to horseback riding? Archaeologists Barbara and Tristan explore what archaeology says about early horse riding, the development of bridles and other riding gear, and how horses reshaped power in the ancient world.

And then there’s the weird, awkward transition stage: ancient Assyrian art shows two horses tethered together with a rider on each, one steering and one fighting. A truly wild way to learn to ride.

____

Stingray Tom's Florida episode on ancient mounds and middens:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD-Y-N5kNN4

____

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#archaeologybooksforfun #horsehistory #horseriding

Why were ancient horses so difficult to domesticate? Archaeologists Barbara and Tristan explore what archaeology reveals about horse domestication, why it took so long to happen, and how these fast, high-strung animals shaped early human societies.

Long before riding was common, horses were hitched to carts, literally putting the cart before the horse. What does that struggle tell us about ancient technology, transport, and adaptation?

___Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#archaeologybooksforfun #ancienthistory #horsehistory

Did you know that ancient horses had toes? In this episode, Barbara learns all about them, and is not entirely comfortable with the idea.

We’re kicking off a new book focused on the long relationship between horses and humans. We talk about how horses evolved, what early horses were like during the Ice Age, and what those first encounters between humans and horses may have looked like (and why they didn’t go especially well for the horses).

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#archaeologybooksforfun #ancientworld #equine #horsehistory #iceage

What is public archaeology, anyway? If we’re not digging in the dirt every day, what do public archaeologists actually do?

In this short, conversational episode, we talk about our work in public archaeology, from cemetery conferences to 3D printing to journaling, we reflect on what we’re excited about in the year ahead.

This episode is a little different from our usual format. Next time, we’ll kick off our first discussion of "Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History" by William T. Taylor. Barbara is a big fan of horses, so you won’t want to miss it!

___

StingrayTom's Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@StingrayTomsFlorida

His video on the Battle of Olustee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oor7u8SJC7Q

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#archaeologybooksforfun #publicarchaeology #archaeologypodcast #cemetery

Giant stone heads. Nomadic empires. Arctic survival. And a mysterious Bronze Age calendar.

In this episode, we explore five more overlooked ancient cultures: the Olmec, Scythians, Thule Inuit, Únětice, and Xiongnu, and what they reveal about power, belief, and innovation in the ancient world.

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#archaeologybooksforfun #historypodcast #olmec #archaeology #ancientworld #ancientcivilizations

This episode features five ancient cultures: the Moche and Nok, known for their striking portraiture; the Mississippians and Nubians, famous for their pyramids and monumental architecture; and the Nabateans, who carved out their own distinct legacy in the rock-cut city of Petra.

We’re especially excited to revisit the Mississippians and Moche, two cultures that featured in earlier episodes, and to explore the Nok, Nubians, and Nabateans for the first time!

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#archaeologybooksforfun #ancientcivilisations #ancientworld #pyramids #archaeology #podcast

We’re back with five more ancient cultures that don’t always get the spotlight, the Indus Valley, Lapita, Jōmon, Marajoara, and Minoans. The influence of these societies stretched across continents and left behind clues about everything from trade routes to foodways.

We once again get excited about ancient sewage and plumbing, systems that were absolutely essential to keeping ancient citizens healthy. Join us as we explore pottery, architecture, and (yes) indoor plumbing in all its unglamorous glory.

Book: “The Other Ancient Civilisations” by Raven Todd Da Silva

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#ArchaeologyBooksForFun #ancienthistory #ancientcivilizations #indusvalleycivilization #minoancivilization #hiddenhistory

From horses and chariots to sewers and city-states, we’re diving into five fascinating, lesser-known ancient cultures.

We’re kicking off "The Other Ancient Civilisations" by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven)! In this episode, we shine a light on: the Akkadians, Dilmun, Etruscans, Great Zimbabwe, and the Hittites.

Whether you're new to these civilizations or brushing up, you won't want to miss it!

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#ArchaeologyBooksForFun #horse #ancienthistory #ancientcivilizations #hittite

In our second episode on Luna the Cat, we sit down with the authors themselves! We chat about the book, how it’s been received, and the real land-based and underwater archaeology that inspired it. If you’ve enjoyed the story so far, you won’t want to miss this one.

Next month: We're starting The Other Ancient Civilizations by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven). We can't wait to get started on this one!

___

We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads! Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

#ArchaeologyBooksForFun #UnderwaterArchaeology #CatHistory #Pensacola #TalesFromTheTrowel

Cats, shipwrecks, and a historical journey.

We’re kicking off a new book: Luna the Cat, a children’s chapter book packed with archaeology, adventure, and (of course) cats.

A kids’ book with real history, real archaeology… and real cat energy. We talk about what works, what surprises us, and why it’s a great intro to real history for young readers.

Plus, don’t miss next episode! We’ll be joined by one of the authors (and our friend) to hear how the book came to life.

___

NEW! We’re now on Goodreads, Instagram, and Threads!Follow us for episode updates, book thoughts, archaeology memes, and more:

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/45icsTK

Instagram: http://bit.ly/4oUTESr

Threads: http://bit.ly/45QFc66

___

Support the show!

https://www.fpan.us/give/

___

#archaeologybooksforfun #cat #florida #archaeology #kidsbooks