245 episodes

An ancient history podcast run by two Millennial women. Misbehaving emperors, poison assassins, mythological mayhem; it’s like if Hardcore History met up with My Favorite Murder in the ancient world, with a heavy helping of booze and laughter. Currently on hiatus until March 15.

Ancient History Fangirl Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy

    • History
    • 4.6 • 384 Ratings

An ancient history podcast run by two Millennial women. Misbehaving emperors, poison assassins, mythological mayhem; it’s like if Hardcore History met up with My Favorite Murder in the ancient world, with a heavy helping of booze and laughter. Currently on hiatus until March 15.

    RE-RELEASE: The Sacred Band of Thebes: All in One Place

    RE-RELEASE: The Sacred Band of Thebes: All in One Place

    Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!
    We're re-releasing our epic story about the Sacred Band--all three episodes in one place!
    The time was the 300s BC. The place was Thebes. And in this place, in this time, there was an elite military force—the best of the best special ops shock troops—made up of 150 male lovers.
    Their love for each other was the key to their strength. It made them better fighters. More effective. It made them strong enough to break the iron-fisted control of oppressive regimes. This is their incredible story.
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    This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com.
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    • 2 hr 45 min
    The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Sweaty, Oily, and Judging You

    The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Sweaty, Oily, and Judging You

    Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!
    The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is not well remembered today. But in its time, it seared itself into the minds and memories of all who saw it. An enormous, glowering, formidable statue built into a temple of otherworldly, translucent light, it was as tall as a three-storey building. People said it crouched on its throne as if it was about to stand—and break through the roof of its temple.
    Zeus’ skin glistened. Made of yards and yards of priceless hippopotamus ivory, it had to be oiled down each day so it wouldn’t crack in the heat. Yes, this was truly the sweatiest, oiliest, stickiest of all the wonders. And there’s more: curses. Lovers’ names engraved in secret places. So much daytime sex. So many naked, athletic men. THE OLYMPICS. Join us on a slightly unhinged deep dive into this truly unique wonder that once held the entire Hellenic imagination in its grip.
    Sponsors and Advertising
    This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 39 min
    The Murderous Magic of Medea (With Rosie Hewlett)

    The Murderous Magic of Medea (With Rosie Hewlett)

    Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!
    Perhaps the most infamous bad girl of ancient Greek mythology, Medea is also so much more complex than her end game makes her appear. She’s also a betrayed wife, an isolated immigrant in a hostile new country, and a woman trying to survive in a dark and violent world—who is ultimately driven to the brink by the men around her.
    In this episode, bestselling author Rosie Hewlett takes us on a deep dive into what makes Medea tick: her magic, her murder, and her surprising passion and vulnerability. 
    Sponsors and Advertising
    This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 50 min
    History of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

    History of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

    Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!
    Perhaps the first list of Seven Wonders was written by Herodotus sometime in the 400s BC. But the list didn’t really get popularized until the 200s. Why was that? What did this list mean, and why did lists of “Wonders” become popular at this time in the ancient Greek world?
    Before we get into each of the Seven Wonders, we thought we’d introduce our series by talking about that list itself: its history, where it comes from, what its original context was—and how it’s changed throughout the centuries. This is that episode: the history of the list of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
    Sponsors and Advertising
    This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 8 min
    RE-RELEASE: Could You Survive Pompeii? A Choose Your Own Adventure Episode

    RE-RELEASE: Could You Survive Pompeii? A Choose Your Own Adventure Episode

    Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!
    You’ve been transported almost 2,000 years into the past, to the streets of Pompeii. It’s a brisk autumn morning, around, oh…10 AM…and all hell is about to break loose. What's your next move?
    You could live through it, maybe. If you were lucky. And made all the right choices. At exactly the right time. The actions you take in these first moments could make the difference between life and death.
    Yes, this is Ancient History Fangirl – could you survive a volcano – Choose Your Own Adventure edition!
    Sponsors and Advertising
    This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 1 hr 22 min
    RE-RELEASE: The Pompeii Refugee Crisis (With Elodie Harper)

    RE-RELEASE: The Pompeii Refugee Crisis (With Elodie Harper)

    Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!
    We’ve covered the deadly day in 79 AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii in a suffocating layer of ash and pumice. But we haven’t covered the aftermath: where did the survivors go? How were they received? And what did the recovery effort look like?
     Today, we’re joined by Elodie Harper—bestselling author of the Wolf Den trilogy, whose last installment, The Temple of Fortuna, has just been released. Join us in exploring how this eruption event left an indelible mark on the psyche of ancient Rome.
    Sponsors and Advertising
    This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 53 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
384 Ratings

384 Ratings

Mo Collins ,

Ancient history that doesn’t forget the ladies

An awesome, irrelevant look at ancient history! Thank you for this enjoyable podcast.

BiancaBabbyyy ,

Every episode is my favorite

Seriously, I can’t pick one. I love the long story arcs, I love the random deep dives, I love the spicy cold opens… everything!!

MaddieEHF ,

Can’t get enough!!

Love love love this podcast! I’m flying through the episodes. I can’t get enough. The hosts are the best! To not listen is a mistake. A refreshing review of history from women for women and men ;)

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