Ancient History Hound

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 time to listen.  

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.

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

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  

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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/  

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).

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  

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)

(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.

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).

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 www.ancientblogger.com with a reading list, transcription and more. 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! 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. Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).