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! More content, including episode notes, on my ancient history website www.ancientblogger.com

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

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

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