Ancient History Hound

I'm all about ancient history so why not join me as I explore Greece, Rome and other cultures from antiquity. I cover a range of topics which are suitable for all levels of understanding. Have a scroll through and start listening. Find me on Instagram, TikTok, X and Bluesky as @ancientblogger. There's also the @ancientblogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hi!

Sparta in the Spotlight. Part I 02/24/2026

Sparta in the Spotlight. Part I Sparta, what do we know about it exactly and what's been exaggerated, or just made up? In the first of three episodes I look at the education system (agoge), communal mess (syssitia) and get into the Krypteia (not literally though). What do the sources say about these and how do they differ from ways they are sometimes depicted? In addition to all of this I have a quick overview of the sources which have their part to play and get into a few anecdotes. Find me on X, Instagram, Bluesky and TikTok as ancientblogger (see links below). There's my AncientBlogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hello (you can even go full old school and email me on ). https://linktr.ee/ancientblogger Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading list and sources used Berry, PE & Knotterus JD. Spartan Society: Structural ritualization in an ancient social system Cartledge, P. The Spartans Davidson, J. The Greeks and Greek Love Figueira, T. Mess contributions and subsistence at Sparta Kennell, NM. Gymnasium of Virtue: education & culture in ancient Sparta Luraghi & Alcock. Helots and their masters in Laconia and Messenia Matyszak, P. Sparta, rise of a warrior nation Miller, S.G. Ancient Greek Athletics. Special shoutout to the excellent ,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Life in Sparta and the truth about Sparta episode on The Ancients podcast. /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/40214300

2026 update 01/25/2026

2026 update Time for a quick update about what to expect in 2026 and when the next episode will drop. Let me know what you think, I'm @ancientblogger on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok. There's also the Ancient History Hound and AncientBlogger . Or just good old email ancientblogger@hotmail.com Thanks for listening and here's to a 2026 with more ancient history content. Cheers, Neil (and Bodhi). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/39867785

Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 2). 12/30/2025

Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 2). This is the second of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the , a fantastic podcast which I suggest you check out. Over two epsiodes we discuss the places in ancient Rome linked to the Regal period, or at least tied to it by the later sources. In the second episode I get into a fruit controversy at the Tullianum, what I think is the most important structure in early Rome, Ostia and more. Thanks again to the Partial Historians for letting me share these episodes. You can find their podcast via the link and also read their books, 'Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome' and 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire', both well worth a read. Feedback is always welcome (as are reviews). Feel free to contact me on social media (@ancientblogger on TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and X). There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's I hope you enjoy the second episode and thanks for taking the time to listen. /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/39566535

Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 1). 12/15/2025

Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 1). This is the first of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the , a fantastic podcast which I suggest you check out. Over two epsiodes we discuss the places in ancient Rome linked to the Regal period, or at least tied to it by the later sources. In the first episode it's time to consider the strategic position of Rome, some of the hills, the Tiber, Pomerium and much more. Plenty of tangents ensued which were all my fault as you will hear. Dr G and Dr Rad were fab hosts and I hope you enjoy the chat we had. Thanks again to the Partial Historians for letting me share these episodes. You can find their podcast via the link and also read their books, 'Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome' and 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire', both well worth a read. I'm keen to know your thoughts on how I came across, I was both nervy and excited and a bit manic but I think I did ok. Feel free to contact me on social media (@ancientblogger on TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and X). There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's Reviews and such are always greatly appreciated. Part two will be uploaded in a couple of weeks. Till then, keep safe and stay well. /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/39412845

Tacfarinas with Dr Jo Ball 12/01/2025

Tacfarinas with Dr Jo Ball Dr Jo Ball returns as a guest on the podcast to talk about Tacfarinas, the subject of her latest book. In the early 1st century AD Tacfarinas led a rebellion against Rome in north west Africa. Listen to find out how Rome responded, what we know about Tacfarinas and much, much more. The problems with triumphs, nepotism, psychology and how dangerous this rebellion was are amongst some of the other areas covered. You'll also get to hear what made the emperor Tiberius angrier than he had ever been. Find Dr Ball on TikTok, Instagram and X as @drjeball. Find me as @ancientblogger on TikTok, Instragram, X, Bluesky and the Ancient Blogger YouTube channel Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). If you can leave a reivew please do and check out the /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/39221315

Witches in ancient Rome 10/26/2025

Witches in ancient Rome It's that time of the year for a Night of the Livy Dead halloween special! This time it's about witches and magic in ancient Rome. From what defined a witch through to examples in Roman literature. Please rate or review if you can. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). No episode notes but see below for a list of books used in this episode (aside from original sources). Ed Ankarloo & Clark. Witchcraft and Magic in Europe Dickie, MW. Magic & Magicians in the Graeco Roman World Lefkowitz & Kant. Women’s Life in Greece & Rome. Luck, G. Witches and sorcerers in classical literature. Ogden, D. Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds: A Source Book /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/38782290

Festivals in ancient Rome: May & June 10/02/2025

Festivals in ancient Rome: May & June May and June are covered in this episode which includes dealing with the dead at midnight, the Vestals and a bridge. Oh, and some straw dolls with a sinister backstory. Episode notes with a transcription, reading list, links, images and supporting content on If you are on Reddit come and check out the AncientHistoryHound subreddit - don't forget to rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/38441255

Festivals in ancient Rome: April 09/07/2025

Festivals in ancient Rome: April It's time for April in ancient Rome which means overseas deities setting down roots, Romulus getting a free pass, sheep and much more. Episode notes with a transcription, reading list, links, images and supporting content on If you are on Reddit come and check out the AncientHistoryHound subreddit - don't forget to rate and review where you can. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/38117080

Festivals in ancient Rome: March 07/30/2025

Festivals in ancient Rome: March Much dancing, leaping, drinking and a musical instrument. As a month March had a legacy of sorts and there was a lot of fun to be had, though not everyone approved. Episode notes on Reviews on any platform are really welcome, thanks for those who have done so and for the kind messages! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/37608705

Festivals in ancient Rome: February 06/23/2025

Festivals in ancient Rome: February Continuining the miniseries I dive into three festivals celebrated in February. There's much nudity, a spell and a festival with a name which might be a bit misleading. If you can rate and/or review please do. Episode notes at Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/37110825

Festivals in ancient Rome: January 05/31/2025

Festivals in ancient Rome: January Ever wonder how the Romans set out their year and what they got up to in January? This is the first of a miniseries about festivals in ancient Rome. In this episode I take a brief look at how the Romans developed their calendar (or Fasti). Then it's time to chat about two fesitvals celebrated in January and a bit about the name of the month. Episode notes at -if you are on Reddit come and join the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Reviews always welcome wherever you are listening. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/36799275

Film review: The Return with Lottie Luke. 04/21/2025

Film review: The Return with Lottie Luke. Join me and guest Lottie Luke as we discuss The Return, a film about Odysseus, well, returning to Ithaca. How did the film differ from the Odyssey poem and what were our general thoughts? As you might imagine there is reference to some nasty stuff - just be aware. You can find Lottie Luke as @myclassicsportal on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. There's also her website: https://www.myclassicsportal.co.uk/ /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/36241685

Ancient Sicily (pt7). Dionysius I: Poetry and Politics. 04/11/2025

Ancient Sicily (pt7). Dionysius I: Poetry and Politics. Bad poetry, bad behaviour and a bizarre use for heated walnut shells. In this episode I pick and and finish with Dionysius I of Syracuse. It's quite a rollercoaster with a dramatic finish. Episode notes at and if you a reading this then be a star and rate and review. Thanks to all those who keep coming back for more, your kind feedback really helps. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/36094840

Podcast update! 03/02/2025

Podcast update! Don't worry, nothing serious but just to keep you in the loop. The next episode will be out mid-April. Apologies for the delay but it's not always easy to schedule regularly when you are a solo podcaster who has a full time job and other commitments. It'll be worth the wait - trust me! Till then why not check out the podcast back catalogue? You can find me on Insta, YouTube, TikTok, Bluesky and X as 'ancientblogger'. There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit (AncientHistoryHound) and my website - www.ancientblogger.com /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/35498370

Pliny the Younger 01/17/2025

Pliny the Younger In this episode I cover the life of Pliny the Younger and his famous letters. In his writings he gave a eye witness account of the eruption of Vesuvius and pondered how to deal with Christians. As well as looking into these instances I talk about what his letters tell us about him and the world he lived in. Whatever platform you are using - leave a review and thanks to those who have. Episode notes on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental) /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/34895595

Minisode: Gifts. 12/17/2024

Minisode: Gifts. (please note that there is reference to suicide and murder as per the myths involved). In this minisode I pick out some examples of gifts in ancient Mesopotamia and Greece where the outcome wasn't as planned or it just went plain wrong. Let me know what you think by leaving a review or getting in touch. You can find me as @ancientblogger on social media (TikTok, X, Bluesky, Insta, YouTube) and via my website There's also the subreddit for this podcast: Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental) Some further reading: Mueller, M. The Language of Reciprocity in Euripides' Medea. Oppenheim, AL. Letters from Mesopotamia. /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/34487930

Ancient Sicily (pt6). Dionysius I: Countering Carthage. 12/08/2024

Ancient Sicily (pt6). Dionysius I: Countering Carthage. It's time for Dionysius I to face Carthage. How would he deal with an unstoppable force coming his way? Lots to talk about including a surprise wedding (or two). Please rate and review where you can! Episode notes at Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/34332350

Curse tablets and figurines. 11/03/2024

Curse tablets and figurines. In this Night of the Livy Dead Halloween special I discuss the types of curses which made it onto tablets and figurines from antiquity. Starting with ancient Egypt and ending in the later Roman period I look into what they were used for, who they were used against and what it tells us about how people were living. As you might imagine it can get very, very personal. Episode notes at with a reading list, transcription and more. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/33761582

Guest Episode - The Partial Historians on Spartacus. 09/19/2024

Guest Episode - The Partial Historians on Spartacus. This is a guest episode which features the and is all about Spartacus. To celebrate their upcoming book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire, Dr Radford recorded an episode on that famous gladiator turned rebel. Here it is and I hope you enjoy. I was on their podcast earlier this year, a two parter all about Regal Rome and some of the buildings/features. Go have a listen! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/33120492

The Teutoburg Disaster with Dr Ball: Part Two. 09/07/2024

The Teutoburg Disaster with Dr Ball: Part Two. In the second episode on the Teutoburg Disaster Dr Ball gets into the sometimes harrowing details of the fate which befell those Romans in AD 9. We discuss the sequence of events and weigh up what the sources said, and didn't say, about it all. Don't forget to rate and review and thanks for listening! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/32952452

The Teutoburg Disaster with Dr Ball: Part One. 08/22/2024

The Teutoburg Disaster with Dr Ball: Part One. In AD 9 Rome lost three legions in an attack made by Germanic tribes. It became an infamous event in Rome's history dealing a huge blow both to its manpower and prestige. So how had this come to be? In the first of two episodes on this event I'm joined by Dr Jo Ball who is an expert on the Teutoburg Disaster. Dr Ball discusses the battlefield (including her work there) and then we turn to the main characters involved. What was Rome trying to achieve here and who exactly was Varus, the Roman governor? Finally it's the turn of Arminius - do we know why he betrayed Rome? Dr Ball provides insight at every turn, it's a must listen. Part Two, where Dr Ball unwraps the events of the disaster, will be out soon. Don't forget to rate and review, it really helps indie podcasters like me. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/32688872

Ancient Sicily (pt5). Revenge & Ruin. 07/21/2024

Ancient Sicily (pt5). Revenge & Ruin. In this episode of the miniseries on ancient Sicily I pick up with what happened after the Sicilian Expedition. Syracuse was celebrating victory but if they had any ideas that it would all be peaceful they were sorely mistaken. As one empire retreated to lick its wounds another would emerge and at Syracuse an old habit was to return. Episode notes at - if you can rate or review please do. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/32231892

Ancient Sicily (pt4). The Sicilian Expedition. 06/22/2024

Ancient Sicily (pt4). The Sicilian Expedition. Continuing my miniseries on ancient Sicily I pick up on the two separate incidents where Athens got directly involved in Sicilian affairs towards the end of the 5th century BC. Was it a good idea and what went wrong? Also, an attempt to describe Syracuse using just your hand. Oh, and a highly consequential eclipse. If you can rate or review the episode or podcast please do. Episode notes with a transcription, maps and a reading list on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/31846877

Tyrants in ancient Greece. 06/09/2024

Tyrants in ancient Greece. Every wonder what a tyrant was, how a tyrant became a tyrant and if there were any benefits in having a tyrant run your city? In this episode I answer these questions as I examine some tyrants from the Archaic period to the mid-5th century BC. A main source for this episode which I mention is James F McGlew: 'Tyranny and Political Culture in Ancient Greece'. Make sure to rate or review wherever you can. Visit my website for more content and find me on TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube as ancientblogger. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/31666797

Ancient Sicily (pt3). Democracy & Ducetius. 05/13/2024

Ancient Sicily (pt3). Democracy & Ducetius. Continuing the ancient Sicily miniseries I pick up with what happened to the tryant Thrasybulus in Syracuse in the 460s BC. There's a lot of civil unrest and democracy finally makes an appearance. Elsewhere on the island one of Sicily's most intriguing sons, a man called Ducetius, makes a play for power. If you're listening where you can leave a review please do! Episodes notes, including a reading list and transcription on Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). /episode/index/show/ancientblogger/id/31263767

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

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