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Ancient History Hound

Ancient Blogger

I'm all about ancient history so why not join me as I explore Greece, Rome and other cultures from antiquity. I cover a range of topics which are suitable for all levels of understanding. Have a scroll through and start listening.

Find me on Instagram, TikTok, X and Bluesky as @ancientblogger. There's also the @ancientblogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hi!

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Saturday · 26 min
Night of the Livy Dead. Human sacrifice in ancient Greece
Content warning: references to violence and sexual assault. It's that time of year for another Night of the Livy Dead halloween special and this time I'm looking at evidence for human sacrifice in the rituals and myths of the Greeks. From the Trojan war through to a fearsome cheese based challenge and more. There's also a word from the Clueless on Classics podcast (go check them out). I've also just put up a video about the link with human sacrifice and werewolves on my YouTube channel https://youtu.be/9PRFY2ehAqE Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading list Bremmer, J. Scapegoat rituals in ancient Greece Friesen, CJP. Dying like a woman: Euripides' Polyxena Hughes, DH. Human sacrifice in ancient Greece Macco, KAJ. Analysis of a Scapegoat Sacrifice at the Ancient Greek Thargelia Festival Marshall, CW. Death and the maiden Nooter, S. Tragedy, sacrifice and the averted gaze. Recht, L. Symbolic Order
September 28 · 19 min
The Sicilian Expedition. Part I
The Sicilian Expedition is famous for being an utter disaster for ancient Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Over the course of several episodes I will get into what happened, how and why. I begin by considering an earlier expedition Athens undertook against Syracuse as well as how Thucydides presents it. I also talk about Syracuse and much more to set the scene for it all. You can find me here. If you can review or recommend that would be great, feel free to use those links (or email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com) to say hi! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading List and modern sources used: Kagan, D. The Peloponnesian War Kagan, D. Thucydides Smith, DG. Thucydides' ignorant Athenians and the drama of the Sicilian Expedition.
September 6 · 27 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: September to December
Four months of ancient Roman festivals in one episode? What great value, well, perhaps not entirely but I explain why this is the case. The ancient Roman festival series ends with aplomb and includes an all out brawl, scandal, secret drinking and how a public performance at a party can be highly consequential In case you notice my voice started going towards the end but hopefully won't notice it much. But in case you do that's what it is (as opposed to just bad audio). You can find me here. If you can review or recommend that would be great, feel free to use those links (or email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com) to say hi! Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). Reading list and modern sources used: Arnhold, M. Male worshippers and the Cult of Bona Dea Bennet Pascal, C. October Horse Brouwer, HH. Bona Dea, the sources and description of the cult Dolansky, F. Celebrating the Saturnalia Green, MA. Dying for the Gods Mastrocinque, A. October Equus Michaels, A. Roman Festivals Versnel, HS. Festival for Bona Dea and the Thesmophoria Warde-Fowler, W. Roman Festivals
August 3 · 26 min
Oddities in the Odyssey
The Odyssey is trending so I though I would pick out some elements from the poem and discuss them. From trying to advocate for the suitors through to a theme I think is often missed, there is a lot to chat about. I also include a promo for something you might be interested in, Alexandria: A Hellenistic World podcast. Find me across social media and the like here and don't forget to check out the Ancient History Hound subreddit Reading / sources used The Odyssey (translated by Emily Wilson), this has a great introduction which covers a couple of the points raised. Gazing at Helen with Stesichorus, Kampakoglu & A. Novokatko Odyssey 5.234-53 and Homeric Ship Construction: A Reappraisal. Samuel E Mark. Bronze and iron in Homer. Andrew Lang Megarons and ΜΕΓΑΡΑ: Homer and Archaeology. Mary O Knox. Artemidorus at the dream gates: Myth, theory, and the restoration of liminality. Vered Lev Kenaan Hades, Homer and the Hittites. Gunnel Ekroth. (for a great piece on katabasis and how it wasn't undertaken by Odysseus by Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts click here) Priam's Katabasis: Traces of the Epic Journey to Hades in Iliad 24. Miguel Herrero de Jauregui
June 22 · 23 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: July & August
In this episode I get speculative and try to piece together what happened at the Consualia and an infamous event in Rome's early history. Alongside that there's Roman women saving the day, the strange disappearance of Romulus and more. You can find me here. If you can review or recommend that would be great, feel free to use those links (or email me at ancientblogger@hotmail.com) to say hi!
June 3 · 25 min
Sparta in the Spotlight. Part III
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
May 4 · 17 min
Hannibal: surprise, Celts and not besieging Rome
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 Find me here 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).
March 27 · 30 min
Sparta in the Spotlight. Part II
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). Find me here 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.
February 24 · 35 min
Sparta in the Spotlight. Part I
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). Find me here 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.
January 25 · 2 min
2026 update
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).
Dec 30, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 2).
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.
Dec 15, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
Exploring Place in Regal Rome (Part 1).
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.
Dec 1, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Tacfarinas with Dr Jo Ball
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. You can find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental). If you can leave a review please do and check out the Ancient History Hound subreddit
Oct 26, 2025 · 26 min
Witches in ancient Rome
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. Find me here! 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
Oct 2, 2025 · 29 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: May & June
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. 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! You can find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).
Sep 7, 2025 · 28 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: April
It's time for April in ancient Rome which means overseas deities setting down roots, Romulus getting a free pass, sheep and much more. You can find me here 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).
Jul 30, 2025 · 25 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: March
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. You can find me here 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).
Jun 23, 2025 · 23 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: February
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. You can find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).
May 31, 2025 · 25 min
Festivals in ancient Rome: January
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 festivals celebrated in January and a bit about the name of the month. Find me here Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).
Apr 21, 2025 · 51 min
Film review: The Return with Lottie Luke.
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/ You can find me here

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