What Is the Future of Ancient History? 

In this deep, thought-provoking discussion, leading historians and philosophers explore what “ancient history” really means, how it’s taught today, and why it matters more than ever. 

If you’re interested in history, philosophy, education, or the future of the humanities, this episode will challenge how you think about the ancient world—and your place in it. 

KEY TOPICS COVERED 

• What ancient history actually means (and what it doesn’t) 

• Why it’s not just about Greece and Rome 

• The global vs. local debate in studying the ancient world • How ancient civilizations shaped modern society 

• The difference between “ancient history” and “classics” 

• Why academic institutions teach history the way they do 

• The decline of classics departments and what it means 

• How studying the past expands imagination and future possibilities 

• The importance of comparative history across cultures 

• The future of history, education, and universities 

If this changed how you think about history, hit subscribe for more deep conversations.

Drop a comment: What does “ancient history” mean to you? 

LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1

Buy Books by the Guests: 

👉 Angie Hobbs’s “Why Plato Matters Now” https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/why-plato-matters-now-9781399403412/

👉 Walter Scheidel's “What is Ancient History?” https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691236650/what-is-ancient-history

👉 Barry Strauss’ “Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire” https://www.amazon.com/Jews-vs-Rome-Centuries-Rebellion/dp/1668009595

GUESTS 

Walter Scheidel – Stanford professor, historian, and author of What Is Ancient History? 

Barry Strauss – Historian and bestselling author on ancient Rome and military history 

Angie Hobbs – Professor of Philosophy and expert on Plato and ancient thought 

HASHTAGS #AncientHistory #HistoryExplained #Classics #Philosophy #Humanities