Ancient History Hound

The Sicilian Expedition is famous for being an utter disaster for ancient Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Over the course of several episodes I will get into what happened, how and why. I begin by considering an earlier expedition Athens undertook against Syracuse as well as how Thucydides presents it. I also talk about Syracuse and much more to set the scene for it all. You can find me here. If you can review or recommend that would be great, feel free to use those links (or email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com) to say hi! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading List and modern sources used: Kagan, D. The Peloponnesian War Kagan, D. Thucydides Smith, DG. Thucydides' ignorant Athenians and the drama of the Sicilian Expedition.

Four months of ancient Roman festivals in one episode? What great value, well, perhaps not entirely but I explain why this is the case. The ancient Roman festival series ends with aplomb and includes an all out brawl, scandal, secret drinking and how a public performance at a party can be highly consequential In case you notice my voice started going towards the end but hopefully won't notice it much. But in case you do that's what it is (as opposed to just bad audio). You can find me here. If you can review or recommend that would be great, feel free to use those links (or email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com) to say hi! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading list and modern sources used: Arnhold, M. Male worshippers and the Cult of Bona Dea Bennet Pascal, C. October Horse Brouwer, HH. Bona Dea, the sources and description of the cult Dolansky, F. Celebrating the Saturnalia Green, MA. Dying for the Gods Mastrocinque, A. October Equus Michaels, A. Roman Festivals Versnel, HS. Festival for Bona…

The Odyssey is trending so I though I would pick out some elements from the poem and discuss them. From trying to advocate for the suitors through to a theme I think is often missed, there is a lot to chat about. I also include a promo for something you might be interested in, Alexandria: A Hellenistic World podcast. Find me across social media and the like here and don't forget to check out the Ancient History Hound subreddit Reading / sources used The Odyssey (translated by Emily Wilson), this has a great introduction which covers a couple of the points raised. Gazing at Helen with Stesichorus, Kampakoglu & A. Novokatko Odyssey 5.234-53 and Homeric Ship Construction: A Reappraisal. Samuel E Mark. Bronze and iron in Homer. Andrew Lang Megarons and ΜΕΓΑΡΑ: Homer and Archaeology. Mary O Knox. Artemidorus at the dream gates: Myth, theory, and the restoration of liminality. Vered Lev Kenaan Hades, Homer and the Hittites. Gunnel Ekroth. (for a great piece on katabasis and how it wasn't undertaken by Odysseus by…

In this episode I get speculative and try to piece together what happened at the Consualia and an infamous event in Rome's early history. Alongside that there's Roman women saving the day, the strange disappearance of Romulus and more. You can find me here. If you can review or recommend that would be great, feel free to use those links (or email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com) to say hi!

In the final part of the miniseries I look at Spartan marriage, money and mothers as well as a range of other topics. I hope you've enjoyed these Sparta episodes, why not let me know? Find me via these links Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading list and modern sources used: Bershadsky, N. The Argive Women, Beards and Democracy Dwight, Z. Maidens and the Spartan Marriage Practice. Hodkinson, S. 'Blind Ploutos'?: Contemporary images of the role of wealth in classical Sparta Kennell, NM. Gymnasium of Virtue: education & culture in ancient Sparta Millender, EG. Spartan Literacy revisited Pomeroy, S. Spartan Women Scott, AG. Plural Marriage and the Spartan State

In this episode I get into a famous event and a famous non-event. Did Hannibal really take Rome by surprise by crossing the Alps and why didn't he attack Rome directly after Cannae? I tackle both of these questions whilst throwing in the Celts and army attrition for good measure. Links below but you can find me on most social media platforms as 'ancientblogger' and can email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com Find me here Feel free to find me and say hi! If you can rate or review please do but more importantly thanks for listening. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I look at how the Spartan soldier fared in battle. What advantages had they been given through the agoge and syssitia? What was hoplite battle like and how good were the Spartans? I also look at a couple of Plutarch's sayings about the Spartans in the context of war and weigh up whether they were just a later invention or if there was something more to them. 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 ancientblogger@hotmail.com). Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading list and sources used Bardunias, P. Storm of spears & press of shields Bardunias, P & Eugene Ray Jnr, F. Hoplites at War Cartledge, P. The Spartans Cole, M. The Bronze Lie Echeverrrai, F. Hoplite and Phalanx in archaic and Classical Greece a reassessment Taktike Techne – the neglected element in classical 'hoplite battles'…

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 ancientblogger@hotmail.com). Find me here 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…

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 subreddit and AncientBlogger YouTube channel. 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).

This is the second of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the Partial Historians, 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 ancientblogger@hotmail.com I hope you enjoy the second episode and thanks for taking the…

This is the first of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the Partial Historians, 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…

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. You can find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). If you can leave a review please do and check out the Ancient History Hound subreddit

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. Find me here! 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

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. 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! You can find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's time for April in ancient Rome which means overseas deities setting down roots, Romulus getting a free pass, sheep and much more. You can find me here 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).

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. You can find me here 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).

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. You can find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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 festivals celebrated in January and a bit about the name of the month. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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/ You can find me here

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. Find me here 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).

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 here

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

(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 here There's also the subreddit for this podcast: AncientHistoryHound Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental) Some further reading: Mueller, M. The Language of Reciprocity in Euripides' Medea. Oppenheim, AL. Letters from Mesopotamia.

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! Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

This is a guest episode which features the Partial Historians 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).

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! Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here - if you can rate or review please do. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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'. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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! Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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! Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

My first go at an episode swap and it's with The Delicious Legacy Podcast 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!

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. Find me here If you can rate or review please do but more importantly have a great Halloween. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). If you can rate or review - please do!

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). Find me here If you can rate or review please do - it makes a big difference. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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? Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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! Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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). Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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! Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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. Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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! Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

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). Find me here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).