Ancient History Hound

I'm all about ancient history and this podcast covers ancient Greece, Rome and other cultures from antiquity. From mainstay topics through to the more niche and aimed at all levels of knowledge I think you'll find something good to listen to. Why not have a browse? It would be great to have you join me. More content, including episode notes, on my ancient history website www.ancientblogger.com

Ancient Sicily (pt2). Tyrants and Tragedy. 04/14/2024

Ancient Sicily (pt2). Tyrants and Tragedy. In the second episode on ancient Sicily I turn to the rise of the tyrants and the changing political situation on the island. Covering the period between 600BC and the mid 5th century BC there is a lot to talk about, it's an episode packed with treachery, conquest and even some poetry. If you can leave a review wherever you listen to this please do - it really helps. Episode notes including a reading list and full transcription is on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/30813193

Ancient Sicily (pt1). New neighbours. 02/17/2024

Ancient Sicily (pt1). New neighbours. The first of a mini series on ancient Sicily. I begin with a brief sojurn around the island and an overview of the original inhabitants. Then it's onto the Greeks and Phoenicians who founded colonies on the island. I unwrap what form these initially took and what can be inferred from them. If you can leave a review please do! Episode notes including a reading list and full transcription on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/29994953

Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford 01/14/2024

Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford Ever wonder who the worst Roman Emperors were? Well, LJ Trafford has written a book on this question and we sit down to chat about three candidates I selected from it. This is LJ's third appearance on the podcast and as ever she was fab to chat to. Have a listen and see if you agree! If you can rate and/or review on the platform you are using to listen to this episode please do. It really helps. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/29478703

The Saturnalia. 12/17/2023

The Saturnalia. It's that time of the year for a look at the Roman Saturnalia. This was a Roman midwinter festival in which people gave presents, partied and even slaves got time off. In this episode I look into the important themes behind it, what was added, what was changed and how it all fitted together. Plus I take a look at what present options there were and the whole politics of gift giving. Episode notes including a transcription, readling list and other supporting content at Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/29115008

Episode Swap: Roman street food and urban kitchens with The Delicious legacy Podcast. 12/05/2023

Episode Swap: Roman street food and urban kitchens with The Delicious legacy Podcast. My first go at an episode swap and it's with which explores food throughout history. In this episode Thomas travels back to ancient Rome to consider what the average Roman ate. He unwraps the workings of a Roman kitchen and how the Romans cooked their food. Food and ancient history - what's not to love! /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/28938333

Night of the Livy Dead VII 10/22/2023

Night of the Livy Dead VII In this Halloween special I pick out a few characters from antiquity who you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, or pretty much anywhere. A Mesopotamian demon, shapeshifters and a terrifying trio all feature. You can find previous Night of the Livy Dead episodes on here - just scroll down. For episode notes (reading list, transcription, links and images) go to If you can rate or review please do but more importantly have a great Halloween. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/28385783

Re-release: Witches and Demons in Mesopotamia. 10/07/2023

Re-release: Witches and Demons in Mesopotamia. A re-release of a previous Night of the Livy Dead Halloween special. This one was all about witchcraft and demons in Mesopotamia and how you might counter them. If you enjoy this why not have a scroll through and find other Night of the Livy Dead Halloween specials? Any reviews on the platform you use to listen are always greatly appreciated. If you love ancient history be sure to check out my website Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/28252307

Bees BC: Bees and honey in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece. 09/04/2023

Bees BC: Bees and honey in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece. Bees and honey have been incredibly important for different peoples for a long, long time. In this episode I discuss exactly how bees were kept, how honey was produced and what it was used for. I also get into how the bee manifested in different cultures. Episode notes, including a transcript at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). If you can rate or review - please do! /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/27935976

Hannibal: from Cannae to Zama 08/01/2023

Hannibal: from Cannae to Zama The story of Hannibal didn't stop at Cannae. Following this victory he met obstacle and success as he took on Rome in southern Italy. In this episode I unwrap what happened and how it all led to his final battle with Rome at Zama (which I also discuss). Episode notes with a readling list, transcription and other useful content is on my website If you can rate or review please do - it makes a big difference. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/27625923

Magna Graecia: Greeks in Southern Italy. 07/03/2023

Magna Graecia: Greeks in Southern Italy. The Greeks established numerous colonies in southern Italy. In this episode I'm delving into the history of them, how they interacted with local peoples and of course each other. Dancing animals, a drunken diplomatic incident and 'hands-off' pottery all feature. Episode notes (including transcription) on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/27352809

Helots of Sparta 05/21/2023

Helots of Sparta The helots of Sparta were a people who were indispensible for the Spartan state. But what did they do, how had Sparta acquired them and how did it go about controlling this population? Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/26903715

Archaic Athens and democracy. 04/10/2023

Archaic Athens and democracy. At the beginning of the 6th century BC Athens was in crisis and by the end of it there was a new political system in place. In this episode I discuss the changes, characters and events which occured. Bizarre political campaigning, Spartans, tyrants and of course the new way of politics by the end of it all. It's an archaic rollercoaster ride! Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/26494122

The Lupercalia. 02/12/2023

The Lupercalia. The Lupercalia was literally run on on the 15th February in ancient Rome. Apart from the nudity, running and goathide thongs there's a lot going on here. Indeed the Roman writers seem unsure of how it all started and in this episode I play detective in trying to work out how it started and what this tells us about Rome. I also talk about the festival itself and how it manifested as well as one famous instance involving the Lupercalia. Episode notes at Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/25902582

Romans in Scotland: The Campaigns with Dr Andrew Tibbs. 02/03/2023

Romans in Scotland: The Campaigns with Dr Andrew Tibbs. In the second of two episodes on Roman Scotland the chat turns to the three main campaigns which Rome undertook there. What was Rome trying to achieve? What do we really know about them? How did they differ and what can they tell us in a wider context? We discuss this and much more (including answering some questions sent in). Episode notes on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/25819125

Romans in Scotland: Fortifications with Dr Andrew Tibbs. 01/15/2023

Romans in Scotland: Fortifications with Dr Andrew Tibbs. In the first of two episodes on Roman Scotland Dr Andrew Tibbs unwraps the different types of fortifications the Romans built. From the large forts through to the small watchtowers we can learn a lot about how the Roman army functioned in Scotland and in general. We also get to answer some questions you sent in which range from logistics to something much more chilling. In the next episode we cover the three Roman campaigns in Scotland - so subscribe to avoid missing out! Episode notes on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/25611189

Minisode. The Haloa 12/18/2022

Minisode. The Haloa In the depths of winter a festival took place which celebrated the goddess Demeter, the Haloa. It was an all woman affair with drinking, fire and an all night feast. Oh, and rude language was a must. Episode notes on ancientblogger.com with images, a transcipt, sources and further reading. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/25361928

Rise of the Gladiator 12/03/2022

Rise of the Gladiator How did gladiators take hold in Rome? Where did they come from and how was their use moulded by the big political events of the 1st century BC? In this episode I get into this and other aspects such as a few myths and their fighting stats. Thanks to Gladiator Doodles for the fab artwork! Full episode notes including a transcript, sources and images on ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/25209807

Night of the Livy Dead: The Greek Underworld. 10/22/2022

Night of the Livy Dead: The Greek Underworld. Another #NightofTheLivyDead episode and this time it's a look at the Greek Underworld. What was the journey there like? What happened in it and what's with singing amphibians? From Odysseus to Orpheus and a question to consider on hangovers. There's lots covered so get listening (and leave a review if you can). Check out for episode notes. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/24767247

Night of the Livy Dead Minisode: Werewolves in Greece and Rome. 10/16/2022

Night of the Livy Dead Minisode: Werewolves in Greece and Rome. There are two main stories concerning werewolves in Greece and Rome and in this minisode I briefly cover them. What went on on Mount Lykaion exactly and how did the werewolf differ from our modern interpretation. Thanks for taking the time to liste, if you can review please do or just pop over to ancientblogger.com for a piece which links in with this minisode. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/24699762

'Mad Honey'. 10/02/2022

'Mad Honey'. In this minisode I talk about two disasters which befell a Greek and Roman army due to something you can put on your toast. How did it happen and why? I also cover a nasty way to speed up a siege and a why there's no such thing as a free camp. Find me at www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/24556500

Artemis with Dr Carla Ionescu. 09/12/2022

Artemis with Dr Carla Ionescu. In this episode I'm joined by a guest expert Dr Carla Ionescu to discuss the goddess Artemis. There's so much about Artemis which is often left in the background so here we look into the aspects and associations of her you may not have heard of. From bloody rituals to a cake based rescue she's a fascinating deity. Episode notes at Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/24351372

Pompeii. 08/19/2022

Pompeii. In this minisode I unwrap the sequence of events which befell Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted. Modern studies and archaeology has enabled a narrative to be built of how the eruption played out. I also briefly cover a couple of controversies and myths of Pompeii. Given the situation there is reference to death and suffering. Find my other Pompeii content on a Pompeii page on my website www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/24104169

Piracy in Ancient Greece. 07/31/2022

Piracy in Ancient Greece. How did piracy feature in ancient Greece? What was it and how did the Greeks respond? In this episode I give an overview from Homer through to the Hellenistic. Why not give it a listen and a review? Don't forget to head on over to for the episode notes! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/23911458

Sappho's Ode to Aphrodite 07/02/2022

Sappho's Ode to Aphrodite In this mini episode I pick out some themes from Sappho's famous poem. But that's not all - I also include a performance of it in ancient Greek courtesy of . For more info, a reading list, more about Seikilo and transcription of the episode head over to - as you'll hear it's had a bit of an overhaul. If you can review or send feedback my way I'd be grateful. More importantly, keep safe and thanks for listening. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/23614127

The Oracle of Dodona. 06/04/2022

The Oracle of Dodona. Over the course of 400 years people travelled to the Oracle of Dodona and asked questions. Some of these have survived and give an fascinating insight into what the people of ancient Greece were thinking. In this episode I take you through the history and background of the oracle before getting stuck into those questions. Perhaps less pig theft but certainly job and relationship advice. I reckon there's a few which are relevant today. Full episode notes and a transcription is available at www.ancientblogger.com I've also swapped promos with the podcast, whose promo features - so go check them out! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/23325104

The Second Punic War. Cannae. 04/23/2022

The Second Punic War. Cannae. Time for the big one. Cannae is one of the most famous battles of antiquity. Not only did Rome suffer a crushing defeat but the tactics behind the victory have been studied by generals and military tacticians ever since. In this episode I discuss what happened in the lead up to it, trust me there's a drama at every turn. From dictators to deceptive cattle. Then there's the battle itself which I try to unpack to see how each side approached it and what tactics were used. Aside from the brutality and bloodshed there's a lot to get into. Full transcription and episode notes (with maps, diagrams and a reading list) on www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/22885772

The Idea of Marathon with Dr Sonya Nevin. 03/28/2022

The Idea of Marathon with Dr Sonya Nevin. In her book, The Idea of Marathon, Dr Nevin explores the Battle of Marathon from different angles. Not just the events prior to it, but what we know about the battle and how later generations made sense of it all (this includes the modern period). Join us as we cover a lot of ground (historically inaccurate pun intended). There are complaining Greeks, disappearing horses and possibly the greatest canine art cameo ever. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/22593143

The Second Punic War. Trasimene 02/27/2022

The Second Punic War. Trasimene The focus on Trasimene is often largely about the events of the day, but what is as interesting are the events leading up to it. What choices did Hannibal have and how did Rome try to anticipate him? As well as the battle I discuss the details and events leading up to the battle. A transcription and episode notes (with maps etc) can be found on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/22270799

The Second Punic War. Trebia. 01/25/2022

The Second Punic War. Trebia. The opening battle of the Second Punic War was to set the trend in many ways and anticipate much of what was to come. But how did it come about? Who were the figures involved, how did the conditions come into play and what exactly happened? In this episode I try to unpick the basics and some more detailed aspects. Full transcript and episode notes at ancientblogger.com. If you can rate or review please do - it really helps. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/21889262

Sex and Sexuality in ancient Rome with LJ Trafford 11/30/2021

Sex and Sexuality in ancient Rome with LJ Trafford It's time to welcome LJ Trafford back onto the podcast and talk about her new book, Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome. /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/21322562

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