The Ancients

History Hit
The Ancients
HISTORY HIT

Ad free listening, early access and bonus episodes

€6.99/mo or €69.99/yr after trial

A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.  Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  

  1. Cassandra: Priestess of Troy

    12 APR • SUBSCRIBER EARLY ACCESS

    Cassandra: Priestess of Troy

    *This episode discusses sexual assault* Cursed by Apollo to always speak the truth but never be believed; what makes Cassandra's story so timeless and compelling? Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Emily Hauser to explore the mythological and historical connections of Cassandra, the tragic prophetess of Troy. They discuss how Cassandra's story and appalling treatment at the hands of both gods and men intertwined with themes of prophecy, tragedy, and misogyny, has fascinated generations. From Agamemnon, the Iliad and Clytemnestra, Tristan and Emily discuss Cassandra's role in ancient texts and possible real-life inspirations. Hear related episodes: Elektra: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elektra-revenge-in-ancient-greece/id1520403988?i=1000696821764 Troy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/troy/id1520403988?i=1000606560140 Presented by Tristan Hughes. Produced and edited by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    45 min
  2. The Great Jewish Revolt

    2 DAYS AGO

    The Great Jewish Revolt

    70 AD. Tens of thousands of Roman troops surround Jerusalem. What follows is one of the most brutal sieges in ancient history—and the dramatic climax of the Great Jewish Revolt. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Guy Maclean Rogers to uncover the full story of this epic uprising against Rome. From its origins in rising tensions and religious strife to the devastating siege and destruction of the Second Temple, discover how this revolt shaped the ancient world and continues to resonate today. For more on The Great Jewish Revolt listen to our episode on Masada: Besieging Masada: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FcheOKepMhzYGDjZUcP6a Myths of Masada: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YncKSM3r79AD8PwmZNWjk Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    53 min
  3. Rise of Humans

    6 DAYS AGO

    Rise of Humans

    How did we go from ancient apes to the dominant species on Earth? The story of human evolution is one of survival, adaptation, and extinction - stretching back 7 million years. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Henry Gee to unravel the complex origins of humanity. From the first bipedal hominins to the evolutionary leaps that set Homo sapiens apart, together they explore why humans evolved from long-armed tree dwellers to upright walkers and discuss the the advantages that bipedalism gave our ancestors over other species. More from Henry Gee: The Origins of Life on Earth: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Rb4OcjbmsjIHpFemJ7mmO Feathered Dinosaurs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/05wbG2dMp174D10gP30kIj More on this topic: Homo Erectus: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MjgWtiENDpVXc5qv77oTy Human Evolution: Dragon Man: https://open.spotify.com/episode/128XsUffcThVirTghas7OA Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    59 min
  4. Herculaneum

    3 APR

    Herculaneum

    In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius unleashed devastation on the Roman world, burying entire towns beneath volcanic ash. While Pompeii is world-famous, another extraordinary site met the same fate - Herculaneum. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill to explore the incredible remains of this lesser-known Roman town. From lavish seaside villas and multi-story apartments to ancient fast-food stalls and bathhouses, Herculaneum offers an intimate glimpse into daily Roman life. Plus, we uncover the groundbreaking AI technology being used to decipher the carbonised scrolls found in its famed Villa of the Papyri. For more on this topic listen to our four-part series on Pompeii and Vesuvius: Pompeii: Life Before the Eruption: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oIGA40brXolaPU9e3warc Sex Work in Pompeii: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2k5CQDHXHmIRKCmu4kk9SB Gladiators of Pompeii: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4c34S92PPQadej45S4F6cZ Pompeii: The Eruption of Vesuvius: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IyQp6PYBrMwbFNWU33nqF Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    1h 4m
  5. Prehistoric Nigeria: The Nok

    30 MAR

    Prehistoric Nigeria: The Nok

    In the heart of ancient Nigeria, a mysterious civilisation flourished - known today only through archaeology. The Nok Culture, symbolised by its striking terracotta figurines, remains one of Africa’s most fascinating yet overlooked ancient societies. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Kevin MacDonald to uncover the secrets of the Nok. Who were they? Where did they live? And what can their incredible artistry tell us about Iron Age West Africa? From groundbreaking archaeological discoveries to the enduring mystery of their decline, this is the story of one of Africa’s earliest known civilisations. For more on the ancient Iron Age world, our episode on the Birth of the Iron Age with Eric Cline can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6emHXY7Cv8xImTcVAi4mrf Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music from Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

    54 min
  6. Jurassic America

    27 MAR

    Jurassic America

    Tristan Hughes explores Ancient America's true age; how 19th-century fossil discoveries across North America revealed a history far older than previously believed, challenging the notion that the Americas were a 'New World.' Tristan is joined by Professor Caroline Winterer as they discuss walking on 4 billion-year-old rocks in Eastern Canada, uncovering the first trilobites and the sensational dinosaur discoveries like the T-Rex and Brontosaurus that mesmerised the public and scientific community alike. More on: Ice Age America: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KZruCMwpO7TakuiMs7DMp?si=2b1fdca8b18c4ef4 The Ancient Amazon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YxnzfGa4x4Z8l4JE6Uwmh?si=0ec9d00afb0b476e Tyrannosaurus Rex: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uxH3HHjSuEk0mHmjFU9k7?si=1f57b9a555ac4bff Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. All music from Epidemic Sounds Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here

    43 min
  7. The Fall of Athens

    23 MAR

    The Fall of Athens

    In 404 BC, Athens faced total defeat. Once the dominant power of the Greek world, their navy was shattered, their food supply cut off, and on the horizon an armada of Spartan ships signalled the city’s final reckoning. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Alastair Blanshard to explore the dramatic downfall of Athens in the final years of the Peloponnesian War. They discuss the decades-long struggle between Athens and Sparta, the key figures who shaped its outcome - like Lysander and Alcibiades - and how Persian support helped turn the tide. From epic battles to political intrigue, discover how this war reshaped the ancient Greek world for generations. Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. https://historyhit.com/subscription You can take part in our listener survey here.

    57 min
  8. The Iliad

    20 MAR

    The Iliad

    A story of war, honour, and destiny, The Iliad is one of the greatest epics in history. Written by Homer and featuring legendary figures like Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon, it captures the drama and devastation of the final days of the Trojan War. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Edith Hall to explore the origins, themes, and lasting influence of The Iliad. Together, they dive into the poem’s portrayal of fate and prophecy, its vivid depictions of gods and warriors, and the explosive conflict between Achilles and Hector. Edith also reveals how The Iliad’s language carries an apocalyptic tone - offering insight into how the poem was understood in the ancient world and why it still resonates today. Hear Professor Edith Hall on our Atlantis episode: https://shows.acast.com/the-ancients/episodes/atlantis Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    53 min
See All (597)

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • Historian Dan Snow investigates the 'how' and 'why' of history's defining moments. From the Colosseum of Ancient Rome and the battlefields of Waterloo to the tomb of Tutankhamun, Dan journeys across the globe to share the greatest stories from the past that help us understand the present. New episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can get in touch with us at ds.hh@historyhit.com A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts The Ancients, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

    • 4.7 (3)
    • HISTORY

  • Join sex historian Kate Lister on Betwixt the Sheets as she gets intimate with the stories that would make your history teacher blush. What were the Victorians really like behind closed (bedroom) doors? How did the Black Death favour women in medieval England? And what was Caesar like in the sack?  She'll be bed-hopping around different time periods; from ancient civilisations, to the middle ages, to renaissance and early modern...right up to now. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll ask yourself how much has actually changed. So join Kate Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society - a podcast from History Hit. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

    • 5.0 (1)
    • HISTORY

  • This is After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds and the Paranormal. The podcast that takes you to the shadiest corners of the past, unpicking history’s spookiest, strangest, and most sinister stories. Join historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, every Monday and Thursday to take a look at the darker side of history. From haunted pubs and Houdini, to witch trials and weird UFO sightings. After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds and the Paranormal - a podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

    • 0.0 (0)
    • HISTORY

  • From long-lost Viking ships to kings buried in unexpected places; from murders and power politics, to myths, religion, the lives of ordinary people: Gone Medieval is History Hit’s podcast dedicated to the middle ages, in Europe and far beyond. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

    • 5.0 (1)
    • HISTORY

  • Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks about everything from the Aztecs to witches, Velázquez to Shakespeare, Mughal India to the Mayflower. Not, in other words, just the Tudors, but most definitely also the Tudors. Each episode Suzannah is joined by historians and experts to reveal incredible stories about one of the most fascinating periods in history. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

    • 5.0 (4)
    • HISTORY

  • Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today.   We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park.     From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past.   New episodes every Monday and Thursday.   Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

    • 0.0 (0)
    • HISTORY
HISTORY HIT

Ad free listening, early access and bonus episodes

€6.99/mo or €69.99/yr after trial

View Subscription FAQs

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.  Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  

Information

  • Channel
    History Hit
  • Creator
    History Hit
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    597
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hit Networks
  • Show Website
    The Ancients
  • Provider

    Hit Networks LTD has identified itself as a trader for this podcast and confirmed that this product or service complies with European Union law. Address Berkshire House 168-173 High Holborn London United Kingdom WC1V 7AA United Kingdom Phone Number +44 7340455184 Email alex.spencer@historyhit.com

More From History Hit

  • Gone Medieval
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • How and Why History
    History
    History

    Updated 02/10/2020

  • Dan Snow's History Hit
    History
    History

    Updated 12 Apr

  • After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • Patented: History of Inventions
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • Not Just the Tudors
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • American History Hit
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

You Might Also Like

  • Gone Medieval
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • Dan Snow's History Hit
    History
    History

    Updated 12 Apr

  • Not Just the Tudors
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • History Extra podcast
    History
    History

    Updated daily

  • After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • The Rest Is History
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

  • American History Hit
    History
    History

    Updated twice weekly

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada