Ancient History Hound

Reform, negligent chariot driving and mild pyrotechnics. It's the turn of Servius Tullis, Rome's 6th King to feature. Servius' rise, his fall, reforms and a few puns are all included so get listening. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Rebranding, tyrants, clothes, racing, omens, hydraulic engineering, formal wear and possibly a very long held grudge. The story of Rome's 5th king is certainly entertaining and in this podcast I talk about some of the aspects of his reign. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

It's time for Rome's fourth King, Ancus Marcius to come into the spotlight. I discuss what he did and didn't build as well as play detective in a murder mystery. Spoiler alert, he probably did it. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Continuing my examination of the Roman kings I talk about Tullus Hostilius, the third Roman king. Tulls was primarily associated with Rome's military exploits and had a hand in a famous myth. He also had more than a hand in a death which shocked even Livy. From war to religious problems and a bizarre death. It's all here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In the second episode it's the turn of Greece and Rome to come under the spotlight. To what extent did both cultures engage in this and how did their myths and rituals reflect their attitudes? All with a few puns thrown in to lighten the mood. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai instrumental)

In the first of two episodes I chat about the instances of human sacrifice in ancient Mesopotamia and Carthage. Archaeology, forensics and the books of the Old Testament combine to throw some light on this chilling topic. Given the subject the content is strong at points and involves reference to child sacrifice, just to let you know.   Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai instrumental)

In this podcast I discuss three aspects of Pompeii. I start with how it developed and grew. I then look at the mechanics of the eruption. This includes considering the evidence which supports the major cause of deaths there. Finally I'll deal with what the remains tell us and how they might mislead as much as inform. The sources I reference: Mary Beard. Pompeii. The Life of a Roman Town . Giuseppe...

In this episode I continue the theme of early Rome by looking at its second King. Numa Pompilius. I talk about how he came to the throne, what religious initiatives he set in place and how the sources handled their accounts of him. As ever there are some curious tangents involving dancing, possible magic, thunderstorms and stinking charms. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Please note that this includes references to the Rape of the Sabine Women and sexual references. In this episode I take a look into Rome's foundation myth and how Livy, Dionysus and Plutarch handled the various elements within it.  Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In the second episode on Spartan Women I look at what an adult woman might have got up to. From quite a curious marriage ceremony through to the terrifying prospect of a Spartan mother. It's all here. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

The first of two episodes where I discuss the experiences a Spartan woman had throughout her life. Part one includes a general overview of Sparta before I recount what it might have been like for a Spartan as she grew up. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this episode I am looking at how Carthage expanded into the Iberian Peninsula and how this location furnished Hannibal with the means to march on Rome.   Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

In this episode I discuss how Thersites, Scamander and Sarpedon shape the way we understand the Iliad, other characters in it and even wider themes. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)    

Join me and special guest expert Emma as we discuss how hygienic the Roman baths really were. Did they help or hinder disease? Plenty of gruesome detail, so, leave till after lunch.    Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

It's that time of year to listen to some spooky tales from antiquity. I discuss how werewolves have changed, early versions of the vampire and dig up ghosts stories from ancient Greece and Rome.

In this podcast I look at the different types of bathing in antiquity, from the Greeks to the Romans. How did the Greeks bathe exactly? What were the Roman baths like?  In addition I reason what linked Menelaus and Liberace, impersonate Seneca and mention the most devious use for the floor of a caldarium. Some minor adult content (thanks Martial), but no swearing. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instru...

In this podcast I look at the oddity that was ostracism in Ancient Athens. Why was it needed? What did it aim to do? There's also a brief chat about tyrants and which includes an instance which Herodotus calls the silliest trick in history. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

To what extent does Thucydides alter and tweak his account of the Athenian disaster? In this episode I look at some of the arguments which suggest Thucydides amended and changed his account to align with his views through subtle and none-too-subtle techniques. I also point out why Nicias would be an ideal guest at a poker night. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (...

On the back of a 5km march in Roman armour for the Rise UK charity ( here's my JustGiving ) I look at marching in the Roman empire including some fancy stats and how the reforms of Marius affected the legionary in this respect. Want to know how many Mars bars a legionary would work off? Who was Marius' favourite X-Men character? The important questions finally covered... Steve Kaye's fine work can...

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the final epsiode I go over what happened during the sack of Troy, why the wooden horse makes sense and how not to exit a wooden horse if you ever find yourself in one. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the seventh epsiode I unwrap the dialogue between Priam and Achilles, what the chariots did and wonder where the talking horse got to. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the sixth epsiode I consider whether we can date Patroclus' death, why Penthesilea would have terrified Hitler had she been on the moon and the big showdown between Achilles and Hector. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the fifth epsiode I examine the themes of infanticide, jumping off cliffs with Aphrodite and negotiating with Achilles. For obvious reasons Mean Girls gets a mention too. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I'll be following each episode live. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the fourth epsiode I consider a couple of interesting details from Homer's depiction of the duel between Paris and Menelaus, how to annoy Myrmidons and that kiss. I also possibly annoy you with a question. Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I'll be following each episode live… Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

A weekly recap of some pointers from Troy, Fall of a City. In the third epsiode I talk about Helen's wedding and why you should always wash your hands after a siege Feel free to find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as I'll be following each episode live... Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)