The Dirt Diaries

Episodes

• At World's End: The Cave of Medusa 10.06.2026 46m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! I hope you brought a mirror or a reflective shield, because we are heading to the edge of the world to take a peek inside Medusa's lair. Her image was found at the base of a pillar of Heracles a few years ago. So what was the image of a gorgon doing in a place connected to mythology? Who put her here and why?At world's end, we are looking for the answers!-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Dressing a Bronze Age Warrior: Arming an Ancient Hero 27.05.2026 1h 2m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! It is finally the time you all have been asking for: we are delving into the era of ancient Greek heroes and examining the helmets and shields available to Bronze Age warriors in the Aegean. And now that the full trailer is out, it's time we chatted about what we could have had. From me to you, I wish you all could see how incredible this time period is, and maybe one day we will get the epic armor we deserve. So what shields did they have? Do we have any surviving armor, and, more importantly, does it even offer protection?Grab your translations of Homer's work and get ready to be a warrior of the mind because we're talking about dressing a Bronze Age hero. -Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Chambers of the Queens: Merneith, Sobekneferu, and Hatshepsut 06.05.2026 50m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are back in the tombs today to see what we have for three female rulers of Egypt: a mother who ensured Egypt would be there for her son to rule, a woman at the end of her family line, and one who has often been vilified for taking too much power from her step-son. Yes, we are talking about Merneith (dynasty I), Sobekneferu (dynasty XII), and Hatshepsut (dynasty XVIII).What do we have? What do we know? And what do we still have to uncover?-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Cursing the Competition: Doing Anything For the Ancient Win 22.04.2026 52m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! With baseball back, we are talking about how the ancients ensured their teams and favorite athletes would win. It's not just rally hats and cursing like a sailor; the ancients took it a step further by involving their gods when they wrote curse tablets to bind their competitors. What did they write? How graphic were these? And more importantly, did they work? Grab your snacks and defense signs, because today we are cursing the competition. -Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tennResearch mentioned: Folmer, M., & Elitzur-Leiman, R. (2023). A Jewish Aramaic Circus Curse Tablet from Antioch. Aramaic Studies, 21(1), 64-111.Daniel, R., & Porath, Y. (2018). A Greek Curse Tablet from the Eastern Circus at Caesarea Maritima (pp. 167–174). 'Atiqot, 92(1), 11.See also: Gager, J. G. (Ed.). (1999). Curse tablets and binding spells from the ancient world. Oxford University Press, USA.
• Copper Crash Out: The World's Oldest Complaint and the Most Infamous Conman 01.04.2026 46m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are staying in Ur this week to discuss the oldest crash out we have on record! What happened to cause this? What broke the camel's back? And is this, in fact, an image of Ea-Nasir?We are talking all things hate mail and votive stares today, so bring your finest clay tablet as we talk the copper complaint of Ea-Nasir. -Stay curious!Travel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Monarchs of Mesopotamia: Who's Who In The Royal Cemetery of Ur 18.03.2026 1h 4m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are going on an ancient tour of sorts today as we analyze the evidence from the 16 graves at the Cemetery of Ur that Woolley termed royal. Who was buried here? Who were these tombs intended for? And what was found? Grab your shovel and notes, it's time to dig deeper into the Royal Cemetery of Ur.-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• No Man Will Find My Tomb: Legend or Legitimate Words From the Last Pharaoh of Egypt 03.03.2026 56m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are analyzing the infamous words of the last pharaoh of Egypt. Did Cleopatra actually state that no man would find her tomb? Is this legit or a legend? And if so, when did it come about? We are trying to get to the bottom of this rumor that has seemingly become bigger than Cleopatra VII herself...But what do you think?-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• The Mummy: Analyzing What the 1999 Cinematic Masterpiece Got Right 18.02.2026 53m

  Welcome back to Season 3 of the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are looking at what the 1999 cinematic masterpiece starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz got right in terms of ancient history, Egyptology, and more! From the curse of the Hom Dai, Imhotep, and the Book of the Dead, we are covering it all!-Stay Curious! Travel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Closing the Tomb on 2025: Ancient Tattoos, a Forgotten Prince, Odysseus & More Top Finds 17.12.2025 1h 3m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! In this final episode of the season, we are going over some of my top finds of the year before we shut the tomb of 2025! From ancient tattoos, new Mesopotamian myths, a sanctuary to Odysseus, and a new Egyptian prince, we are covering it all here! Out of all of them listed, which was your favorite? If it wasn't mentioned, drop it below! Of course, after I filmed this, more news and reports have come out, but that gives us more to talk about next year!-Stay curiousTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tennFor more information on the finds, see: House of Helle and Phrixus: M. Rispoli, M. Tartari, G. Zuchtriegel, Disastri stratificati: nuovi dati dalla Casa di Hele e Frixo – Regio V, insula 6, civico 10. E-Journal Scavi di Pompei 30.04.25Mesopotamian Myth: Matuszak, J. (2024). Of captive storm gods and cunning foxes: New insights into early Sumerian mythology, with an edition of Ni 12501. Iraq, 86, 79–108. doi:10.1017/irq.2024.19Ancient Tattoos: Caspari, G., Deter-Wolf, A., Riday, D., Vavulin, M., & Pankova, S. (2025). High-resolution near-infrared data reveal Pazyryk tattooing methods. Antiquity, 1–15. doi:10.15184/aqy.2025.10150
• Amulets of Antiquity: How Scarabs, Mjölnir, and More Protected Ancient Wearers 19.11.2025 45m

  How did the ancients protect themselves with pendants? What were some of these amulets of antiquity? Well, we're exploring a few today, including a scarab, seals of Solomon, Mjölnir, and more! With all the holiday commercials showing jewelry of today, what were people wearing millennia ago? While every kiss begins with Kay, to the ancients, it may have been more along the lines of every talisman tells a tale! Which one was your favorite, and which would you wear? -Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• The Necromancy Cave: Ancient Rituals, Rites and Roman Mysteries 29.10.2025 44m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are exploring the cave of skulls where ancient necromancies were believed to take place. What was found? What is necromancy? And could the ancient peoples actually raise the dead? Get ready for the Halloween episode with ghosts, spirits, scary stories, and more!-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• The Cursed Well of Athens: Ancient Magic and Curses 2300 years Later 15.10.2025 47m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are delving into an ancient Greek well in the heart of Athens that turned up ancient curses! Who was cursed? What did they inflict? And what does this tell us about the people in ancient Athens?Get ready for another spooky season episode as we dive into ancient curses, magic, the underworld, and more!-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• The Tomb of Cerberus: Tales of the Underworld and an Ancient Hero 01.10.2025 45m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries podcast! Today, as we welcome October, we are cracking open an ancient tomb to explore where archaeology and mythology meet! That's right, if you love Heracles or Greek Mythology this is the episode for you. From the labors of Heracles to the legends themselves, we are going into this Roman-era tomb that is slowly revealing its secrets. -Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• A Clash of Chariots & Kings: The Battle of Kadesh 17.09.2025 50m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Today, we are getting into our war chariots to examine an ancient battle, one that pitted kings and empires against one another in the Bronze Age game of thrones. We are discussing armies, weapons, and the world's oldest peace treaty that emerged from this conflict. Who do you think won this round? As usual, I will be doing my make-up as I get ready with you all as we chat about the battle of Kadesh.-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Oldest Food: Ancient Eats and Crafting the World's Oldest Charcuterie 03.09.2025 39m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! It's almost Fall, which means the season of baking, cooking, and more is upon us! Now, if you were to bring an appetizer to a party or gathering, what would you serve? Some bread? Maybe some cheese and wine? Well, today we are crafting our own version of an ancient charcuterie! So gather around, bring your own snacks and drinks, and let's dive in! Which would you try?-Stay CuriousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Ancient Initiation? Secrets of Pompeii's Villa of the Mysteries 20.08.2025 50m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries. Today, we're exploring a secret room in the heart of an ancient villa that was preserved during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, known today as the Villa of the Mysteries, which may contain scenes of cultic activity.Is this room connected to initiation into the cult of Dionysus? You be the judge, as we also examine a find that was discovered 100 years later. Perhaps the mystery will finally be solved.What do you think?-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Artemis of Ephesus: The Goddess, Her Art, and the Ancient Wonder of the World 06.08.2025 38m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! Crack open your mythology books because we are heading to the ancient temple to Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world! We're talking about her temple, the goddess, Alexander the Great, and why her art looks so different here. For those who love ancient history, mythology, and more, this is the episode for you. -Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Pylos Combat Agate and the Griffin Warrior 23.07.2025 50m

  Welcome back to the Dirt Diaries! We are headed back to the Bronze Age to discuss the famed site of Pylos and this incredible find. Dating to approximately 1450 BCE, this grave and the agate belong to the man known as the Griffin Warrior. Who was he? Who was the victorious warrior? And how does this all fit into the Bronze Age? Let's dive in...-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries? Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• Cleopatra's Dinner: The Most Expensive Meal Ever?! 25.06.2025 30m

  Was this history’s most extravagant dinner? Well, we're diving into the legendary tale of Cleopatra’s lavish banquet, where it is said she dissolved a priceless pearl in vinegar and then drank it. All to win a bet with Mark Antony. But what really happened that night?Was it opulence, science, or myth-making at its finest? Tune in for the fascinating blend of history, drama, and chemistry behind one of antiquity’s most iconic meals.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, comment, and leave a review for more Dirt Diaries!-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn
• William the Hippo: The Mammal, the Myth, the Icon 10.06.2025 38m

  At 4000 years old, this small blue hippo is anything but ancient history. We are delving into the beloved faience votive known today as William, who has become a museum icon in his own right. So, how did he get his name? Why was a hippo found in a tomb? And what else lies under his blue glaze...-Stay curiousWant more Dirt Diaries?Join patreon with all your history-loving friends!patreon.com/TheDirtDiariesTravel with me, my socials, and more!https://beacons.ai/dirtdiaries.tenn