The Ancients

A figure of wealth, wisdom, and global fascination - how did the Queen of Sheba become one of history’s most enduring royal icons? In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Jillian Stinchcomb to trace the enduring story of the Queen of Sheba — from her biblical debut to her roles in Islamic tradition and Ethiopian royal ancestry. Where might her true origins lie? Why has she become such a powerful cross-cultural icon? Discover how this once-minor figure became a legend spanning continents and religions. MORE The Biblical Kingdom of Israel: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SQM9TGIN1DHeFDkYAjuNb [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SQM9TGIN1DHeFDkYAjuNb] Ancient Ethiopia: The Kingdom of Aksum: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ogrAegnatj535vwYHesm6 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ogrAegnatj535vwYHesm6] Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor and producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/ [https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/] Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe [https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe].  You can take part in our listener survey here [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]

Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Rachel Bynoe who has literally dived into the enigmatic world of Doggerland, a prehistoric landmass now submerged beneath the North Sea. They discuss how archaeological research is conducted underwater, the challenges and discoveries associated with Doggerland, and insights into human and animal life dating back 200,000 years. Follow the journey through past climates, the habitats of early human settlers, and the fascinating story of the once-thriving landscape that connected Britain to the continent. MORE The First Britons https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cKCCdeptxhxOMRD8HGavq [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cKCCdeptxhxOMRD8HGavq] Ice Age Britain; Finding the First Homo Sapiens https://open.spotify.com/episode/4u19HuMXM6JlicPr8FGok3 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4u19HuMXM6JlicPr8FGok3] LIVE SHOW: Buy tickets for The Ancients at the London Podcast Festival here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/ [https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/the-ancients-2/] Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe [https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe].  You can take part in our listener survey here [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]

It was perhaps Hannibal’s greatest gamble — after years of victories, not least his famed trek across the snow-capped Alps, could he strike at Rome itself? In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Louis Rawlings to explore the dramatic years after Hannibal’s crushing triumph at Cannae. With Rome refusing to surrender despite horrific losses, Hannibal changed strategy in 211 BC and set his sights on the Roman capital. Join us to discover how the Carthaginian genius kept his army alive deep in enemy territory, why Rome’s resilience frustrated him, and how close he came to rewriting history. MORE Rise of Hannibal: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZSg0gwceToyk01XXNJtCb [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZSg0gwceToyk01XXNJtCb] Hannibal: Crossing the Alps: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7a4XOqxY8J3GhEaRDwX315 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7a4XOqxY8J3GhEaRDwX315] Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe [https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe].  You can take part in our listener survey here [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]

Today we journey into the creation of Plato's Republic. Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. James Romm to discover how Plato's encounters with the tyrant-ruled city of Syracuse and its rulers, Dionysius the Elder and Dionysius the Younger, deeply influenced his philosophical masterpiece. Plato's involvement in a civil war, Syracuse's power struggles and Plato's own missteps contributed to the timeless ideas of justice and governance in 'The Republic.' Tristan and James demystify the divine image of Plato to reveal a profoundly human philosopher shaped by real-world political intrigue and conflict. MORE Atlantis https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XdAg3rreBhW6Od4WIUne7 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XdAg3rreBhW6Od4WIUne7] Watch Tristan and Roel argue over Ancient Greek Theories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd7-guKlr40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd7-guKlr40] Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Arstall, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe [https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe].  You can take part in our listener survey here [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]

If you've heard of the mysterious and often controversial Apocryphal Gospels, you may have been told that they weren't important, or useful; that they 'didn't make the cut' to be included in the Canonical Bible. Not at all, these early Christian texts were hugely significant and influential as well as completely fascinating. Tristan Hughes is joined by Catherine Nixey to hear stories including the Infancy Gospel of James, where a midwife's hand is burnt off after doubting Mary's virginity, and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, portraying a young Jesus with startling powers and a fiery temper. Together they discuss how these writings reveal the radical thoughts of some early Christians - from alternative crucifixion narratives to magical texts showing Jesus using a wand - and shed light on the vibrant diversity and theological debates of early Christianity. MORE The Wise Men https://open.spotify.com/episode/30JcS3z8gUODOvbR8k47mh [https://open.spotify.com/episode/30JcS3z8gUODOvbR8k47mh] Jesus of Nazareth https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qFWoLLNQFgL0FmBhUoKe2 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qFWoLLNQFgL0FmBhUoKe2] Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor and producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe [https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe].  You can take part in our listener survey here [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on [https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on]