Ancient History Hound

Sparta in the Spotlight. Part III 03.06.2026 25min

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

Hannibal: surprise, Celts and not besieging Rome 04.05.2026 17min

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 https://linktr.ee/ancientblogger 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).

Sparta in the Spotlight. Part II 27.03.2026 30min

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). https://linktr.ee/ancientblogger 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' Rusch, SM. Sparta at War Special shoutout to the excellent BadAncient website,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Sparta episodes on The Ancients podcast.

Sparta in the Spotlight. Part I 24.02.2026 35min

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). 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 BadAncient website,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Life in Sparta and the truth about Sparta episode on The Ancients podcast.

2026 update 25.01.2026 2min

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).

Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 2). 30.12.2025 1h 12min

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 time to listen.

Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 1). 15.12.2025 1h 23min

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 History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's ancientblogger@hotmail.com Reviews and such are always greatly appreciated. Part two will be uploaded in a couple of weeks. Till then, keep safe and stay well.

Tacfarinas with Dr Jo Ball 01.12.2025 1h 4min

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 Ancient History Hound subreddit

Witches in ancient Rome 26.10.2025 26min

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

Festivals in ancient Rome: May & June 02.10.2025 29min

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 www.ancientblogger.com 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).

Festivals in ancient Rome: April 07.09.2025 28min

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 www.ancientblogger.com 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).

Festivals in ancient Rome: March 30.07.2025 25min

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 www.ancientblogger.com 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).

Festivals in ancient Rome: February 23.06.2025 23min

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 www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Festivals in ancient Rome: January 31.05.2025 25min

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 www.ancientblogger.com -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).

Film review: The Return with Lottie Luke. 21.04.2025 51min

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/

Ancient Sicily (pt7). Dionysius I: Poetry and Politics. 11.04.2025 34min

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 www.ancientblogger.com 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).

Podcast update! 02.03.2025 3min

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

Pliny the Younger 17.01.2025 30min

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 www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental)

Minisode: Gifts. 17.12.2024 14min

(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 www.ancientblogger.com 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.

Ancient Sicily (pt6). Dionysius I: Countering Carthage. 08.12.2024 37min

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 www.ancientblogger.com Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).