The History of Ancient Greece

112 Ah War, Here We Go Again

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the first three years of the Korinthian War from 395-393 BC, including the Persian-backed formation of the Quadruple Alliance of Thebes, Korinth, Argos, and Athens against Spartan expansionism; the Theban victory at the Battle of Haliartos, resulting in the death of Lysandros; the recall of Agesilaos from Asia Minor; the battles of Nemea and Koroneia, in which the Spartans prevailed but failed to break the Allied coalition; the Persian naval victory at Knidos under the Athenian general Konon which destroyed Spartan sea power; the political upheaval in Korinth; and the reestablishment of Athens' navy, its Long Walls, and its maritime influence

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2024/09/112-korinthian-war.html

111 The Spartan Hegemony

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss Spartan imperial policy at home and abroad in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War from 404-396 BC, including the overreaching imperial ambitions of Lysandros and his political downfall; Sparta's retribution and influence operations in the Peloponnesos and northern Greece; the ascension of Agesilaos II to the throne; Sparta's domestic tensions and Kinadon's foiled socio-political revolution; and Sparta's ultimately ineffective invasion of Persian-controlled Asia Minor to "liberate" the Eastern Greeks, a consequence of which was Persia bankrolling a powerful new fleet under the command of the exiled Athenian general Konon

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2024/02/111-spartan-hegemony.html

110 Xenophon and "The Ten Thousand"

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the Athenian military leader, philosopher, and historian—Xenophon (ca. 428-354 BC)—who was one of Sokrates' more famous pupils; and the post-Peloponnesian war Panhellenic campaign into the heart of the Persian Empire that he made famous through his Anabasis, including the Battle of Kounaxa and the "March of the Ten Thousand"

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2023/01/110-xenophon-and-ten-thousand.html

109 Sokrates

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life and death of Sokrates (ca. 470-399 BC), who is widely considered to be the father of Western philosophy, with in-depth overviews of Aristophanes' Clouds and Plato's dialogue Euthyphro, Apologia, Krito, and Phaido

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2022/03/109-sokrates.html

108 The Thirty Tyrants

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War at Athens, including the reign of the Thirty Tyrants, led by Kritias; the Athenian civil war, the restoration of the democracy; and a reflection on the consequences of the Peloponnesian War

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2021/10/108-thirty-tyrants.html

107 Sparta Triumphant

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the final two years of the Peloponnesian War (405 and 404 BC), including the comedic play "The Frogs" by Aristophanes; Lysandros' elevation to Persian satrap, his rebuilding of the Peloponnesian fleet, his tactical moves in the Hellespont, and his crushing victory over the Athenians at Aigospotamoi; the besiegement and blockade of Athens and the Peiraieus; and the Athenians' ultimate surrender and the terms of the peace treaty

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2021/04/107-sparta-triumphant.html

106 Frustrations and Poor Decisions (Part II)

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 409 to 406 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the Athenians' achieving control in the Hellespont and Bosporos, Alkibiades' triumphant return to Athens, the ascension of Lysandros and his bromance with Kyros, the Athenian defeat at Notion and the disgrace of Alkibiades, Kallikratidas' victory over Konon at Mytilene, and the subsequent Battle of Arginousai with its disastrous consequences for the Athenians

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/10/106-frustrations-and-poor-decisions.html

Special Guest Episode on Classics and White Supremacy w/Curtis Dozier

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In today's special guest episode, I am joined by Dr Curtis Dozier, Assistant Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at Vassar College. He is the producer and host of The Mirror of Antiquity, a podcast featuring classical scholars discussing the intersections of their research, the contemporary world, and their own lives. More importantly to our discussion, He is also the director of Pharos: Doing Justice to the Classics, a website devoted to documenting and responding to appropriations of ancient Greece and Rome by hate groups online. We discuss some of the reasons how, as well as why, White Supremacists have taken to coopting Classical imagery to support their twisted world views.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/10/special-guest-episode-on-classics-and.html

Special Guest Episode on Race, Antiquity, and Its Legacy w/Denise McCoskey

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In today's special guest episode, I am joined by Dr Denise Eileen McCoskey, Professor of Classics and affiliate of Black World Studies at Miami (OH) University. She has written extensively on the politics of race and gender in antiquity and is currently at work on a project examining the role of eugenics in early twentieth-century classical scholarship. In 2012, she published her book Race: Antiquity & Its Legacy, which will be the topic of today's conversation. It accounts for the various ways in which ancient cultures thought about race (including race as social practice and racial representations). We also dig into the "Black Athena" controversy a bit and why the field of Classics handled it so poorly.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/09/special-guest-episode-on-race-antiquity.html

105 Carthage Enters the War

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the Second Greco-Punic War (410-406 BC), as hostilities in Sicily draw in Carthage and the Syracusan fleet away from the eastern Aegean and the Hellespont, including Hannibal Mago's first invasion of Sicily and the destruction of Selinus and Himera, the rebellion of Hermocrates, the rise of Dionysius as tyrant of Syracuse, Hannibal Mago's second invasion of Sicily and his destruction of Akragas, and the ceasefire which would see Carthage and Syracuse as the two strongest powers on Sicily

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/08/105-carthage-enters-war.html

Introduction by Alex Goodman of Antiquity in Question

Website: https://anchor.fm/alexandergoodman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIQpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIQpodcast

104 The Democratic Empire Strikes Back

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 411 and 410 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the shifting of the naval war to the Hellespont, the vigor that the Athenian democracy at Samos showed in carrying on the war effort against Sparta and Pharnabazos with victories at Kynossema and Kyzikos, the re-establishment of the radical democracy at Athens, and the transition from the historical account of Thoukydides into that of Xenophon's Hellenika

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/08/104-athenian-empire-strikes-back.html

Intro by Megan Lewis of Digital Hammurabi

Website: https://www.digitalhammurabi.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQo27DbqeB-xG17-kekrdQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalhammurabi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/digi_hammurabi

Special Guest Episode on Greek Naval Warfare w/Marc DeSantis

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Marc DeSantis and I discuss his most recent book, "A Naval History of the Peloponnesian War: Ships, Men and Money in the War at Sea, 431-404 BC". In particular, we talk about the ship designs, naval combat, the financial burden of navies, and the overall war strategies of both sides.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/07/special-guest-episode-on-greek-naval.html

103 An Oligarchic Coup

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 411 and 410 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the third and final treaty between the Spartans and Tissaphernes; the comedic plays "Lysistrata" and "Thesmophoriazusai" by Aristophanes; how the Athenians succumbed to civil war for the first time in nearly a century and saw an overthrow of their democracy by what is known as the 400; the vicissitudes of this new oligarchic government; and how factionalism between extremists and moderates led to its downfall

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/06/103-oligarchic-coup.html

Intro by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom Speaks

Website: https://classicalwisdom.com/podcast-classical-wisdom-speaks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClassicalWisdom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicalWisdomWeekly/

102 Livin' on a (Persian) Prayer

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 413 and 412 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including Athens' response at home to the Sicilian Disaster, the Spartan and Theban devastation of Attic agriculture and commerce from Dekeleia, the dissolution of the "friendship" between Athens and Persia, Sparta's building up of a navy and encouraging of revolts of Athens' subject-allies, the shifting of the war to the eastern Aegean, and a series of treaties are made between Sparta and the Persian satrap Tissaphernes

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/05/102-livin-on-persian-prayer.html

Intro by Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle of What's Her Name Podcast

Website: https://www.whatshernamepodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatshernamepodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatsHerNamePC

Special Guest Episode on 'Ovid and the Art of Love' w/Esme von Hoffman

Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In today's special guest episode, I am joined by director and screenwriter Esme von Hoffman (Festival of Cinema NYC 2019 Winner for Best Director) for her film, Ovid and the Art of Love. Esme and I discuss her background with Classics and Roman history, what drew her to make a film about the life of Ovid, her artistic vision in adapting the film to a modern audience, and some of the decisions that she made in writing its script.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/05/special-guest-episode-on-ovid-and-art.html

***The film is available to stream on all major platforms on May 19th 2020***

Website: https://www.ovidandtheartoflove.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ovidandtheartoflove

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OvidLove

Special Guest Episode on Greek Land Warfare w/Owen Rees

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr. Owen Rees and I discuss Ancient Greek land warfare in general with lengthy discussions on the definition of a hoplite, its socio-political importance, and the problems surrounding its chronology and historiographic tradition; the problems with the traditional reconstructive models of ancient Greek battles; the important role of cavalry and light infantry, particularly in the Peloponnesian War onwards; and why the concept of an "honorable western way of war" which seeks its origins in ancient Greek warfare is bogus and hyped up in modern ideology. There are also lots of digression on logistics, slaves, baggage trains, training, the Spartan mirage, the brutal experience of war, the fear that it instilled, the war dead, and the transition of soldiers from civilian life to the battlefield and back again, including all the psychological and sociological problems that arise from this.

Show Notes:

http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/04/special-guest-episode-on-greek-land.html

Dr Owen Rees

Website: http://owenrees.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/reeshistory

101 Disaster in Sicily

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the year 413 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the rise of Archelaos to the Makedonian throne, the Spartan establishment of Dekeleia, the defeats by the Athenian army and navy at Syracuse, and the retreat and ultimate surrender of the Athenians, which brought the Sicilian Expedition to an end

Show Notes:

http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/03/101-disaster-in-sicily.html

Intro by Seth Michels of the History Uncensored Podcast

Website: http://historyuncensoredpod.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyuncensoredpod/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Seth4Nerds

100 A Sicilian Stalemate

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 415 and 414 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the Athenian attempt at blockading Syracuse, the death of Lamachos, the tactical blunders of Nikias, the arrival of Gylippos, and the "Birds" of Aristophanes

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/02/100-sicilian-stalemate.html

Intro by Neil Eckart of the War and Conquest Podcast

Website: https://www.warandconquest.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warandconquestpcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/warandconquest1

099 Frustrations and Poor Decisions

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 417 to 415 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the ostracism of Hyperbolos, the rivalry of Nikias and Alkibiades, the siege of Melos, the lead-up and first year of the Sicilian Expedition, and the prosecutions for the Hermai and Eleusinian Mysteries scandals

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2020/01/099-frustrations-and-poor-decisions.html

Intro by Kate Armstrong of The Exploress Podcast

Website: https://www.theexploresspodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theexploresspodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theexploresspod

098 The Peace Unravels

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 421 to 418 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the breakdowns of the Peace of Nikias; the rise of Alkibiades to prominence at Athens; the differences that arose between Sparta and some of their dissident allies; the diplomatic maneuverings that resulted in the quadruple alliance between Athens, Argos, Mantineia, and Eleia; and the decisive Spartan victory at the Battle of Mantineia

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/12/098-peace-unravels.html

Intro by Jacob Collier of The Podcast on Germany

Website: https://www.podcastongermany.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastonGermany/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/on_germany

Special Guest Episode on Mesopotamian Medicine w/Moudhy Al-Rashid

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 01:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid and I discuss ancient Mesopotamian medicine, in general, and her current research on the use of metaphor in descriptions of mental distress in cuneiform medical texts

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/11/special-guest-episode-on-mesopotamian.html

Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid

Post-Doc at Wolfson College, University of Oxford

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Moudhy

Special Guest Episode on Classical Monsters and Popular Culture w/Liz Gloyn

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr. Liz Gloyn and I discuss her forthcoming book, Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019).

This work is the first in-depth study on classical reception and monsters in Anglo-American popular culture from the 1950s to the present day. Throughout the book, Dr. Gloyn reveals the trends behind how we have used the monsters, and develops a broad theory of the ancient monster and its life after antiquity, investigating its relation to gender, genre and space to explore what it is that keeps drawing us back to these mythical beasts and why they have remained such a powerful presence in our shared cultural imagination. Specifically, her book takes us through a comprehensive tour of monsters on film and television, from the much-loved creations of Ray Harryhausen in Clash of the Titans to the monster of the week in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, before examining in detail the post-classical afterlives of the two most popular monsters, the Medusa and the Minotaur.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/10/special-guest-episode-on-classical.html

Dr Liz Gloyn

Senior Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London

Website: https://lizgloyn.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizgloyn

097 The Road to Peace

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 423-421 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the death of Artaxerxes and the succession struggle that ends with Darius II on the Persian throne; the continuation of Brasidas' Thracian and Macedonian campaign; the 'Wasps' and 'Peace' by Aristophanes; and the deaths of Brasidas and Kleon during the second battle of Amphipolis, culminating in the "Peace of Nikias" and the end of the Archidamian War

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/09/097-road-to-peace.html

Intro by Samuel Hume of Pax Brittanica

Website: https://paxbritannica.info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodBritannica/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/samuelhume10 and https://twitter.com/BritannicaPax

096 Athens on the Offensive

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 423 to 421 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the death of the Persian king Artaxerxes and the succession struggle that ends with Dareios II on the throne; the continuation of Brasidas' Thrakian and Makedonian campaign; the Wasps and Peace by Aristophanes; and the deaths of Brasidas and Kleon during the second battle of Amphipolis, culminating in the "Peace of Nikias" and the end of the Archidamian War

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/09/096-athens-on-offensive.html

Intro by SandRhoman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7pr_dQxm2Ns2KlzRSx5FZA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandRhoman/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sandrhoman

095 The Greek World Turned Upside Down

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 426 and 425 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the current nature of Athenian politics as dominated by Kleon the anti-aristocratic demagogue, his feud with Aristophanes as seen in the comedic plays "The Acharnians" and "The Knights", the Battles of Pylos and Sphakteria that turned the Greek world upside down, and the brutal conclusion to the Korkyraean civil war

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/08/095-greek-world-turned-upside-down.html

Intro by David Cot of the History of Spain Podcast

Website: https://thehistoryofspain.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehistoryofspain/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_spain

Special Guest Episode on Being a Modern Homeric Bard w/Joe Goodkin

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, I am joined by Joe Goodkin, a Chicago-based singer/songwriter, who tours the country performing his one-man folk-opera interpretation of Homer's Odyssey. We discuss what it's like to be a modern bard and how that has shaped his understanding of the Homeric poems and ancient audiences, as well as what it means to be "non-traditional" classicists, and what we can do and have been able to do to promote Classics to a general audience and why that is important.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/07/special-guest-episode-on-being-modern.html

Joe Goodkin

Websites: http://www.joesodyssey.com and http://www.joegoodkin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joesodysseysong/ and https://www.facebook.com/joegoodkinmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joegoodkin

Special Guest Episode on Translating Thucydides' Speeches w/Johanna Hanink

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr Johanna Hanink and I discuss her most recent book, How to Think about War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy (Princeton University Press, 2019), what it was like to translate Thucydides, and the deeper meaning behind many of his speeches

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/06/special-guest-episode-on-translating.html

Dr Johanna Hanink

Associate Professor of Classics at Brown University

Website: https://www.johannahanink.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johannahanink/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/johannahan

094 New Leaders and New Strategies

Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 427 and 426 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the destruction of Plataia, civil wars in both Megara and Korkyra, and Athenian campaigns in Sicily, central Greece, and northwestern Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/05/094-new-leaders-and-new-strategies.html

Intro by Trevor Culley of the History of Persia Podcast

Website: https://historyofpersiapodcast.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryofPersiaPodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryofPersia

093 Revolt in the Empire

Mon, 20 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 428 and 427 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including the introduction of Kleon and Nikias, the revolt of Mytilene (Lesbos) from the Athenian empire, and a "prison-style breakout" from Plataia

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/05/093-revolt-in-empire.html

Intro by Rachel and Aisling of the Good Book Podcast

Website: http://goodbookpod.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodBookPodcast

092 The End of an Era (Part II)

Mon, 13 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years 430-429 BC of the Peloponnesian War, including a failed Spartan invasion of Zakynthos and Akarnania, Phormio's naval victories at Rhion and Naupaktos, an Athenian debacle at Spartolos, the end of the siege of Potidaia, the deaths of Perikles and Phormio, and a Thrakian invasion of Makedonia

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/05/092-end-of-era-part-ii.html

Intro by Ryan Paulsen of Lexitecture

Website: http://www.lexitecture.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lexitecture/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexitecture and https://twitter.com/PRyanPaulsen

091 Attrition and Plague

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the first year and a half of the war (431-430 BC), as both Sparta and Athens initiated their war strategies, including a Theban sneak attack on Plataia that began the war, Peloponnesian land raids on Attika, Athenian naval raids on the Peloponnesos and northwestern Greece, Athenian alliances with Odrysian Thrake, a famous funeral oration by Perikles, and a deadly plague that devastated Athens

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/04/091-attrition-and-plague.html

Intro by Jonathan Adly of the History of the Copts Podcast

Website: https://hxofcoptspodcast.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hxofcopts/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HxCopts

090 The Road to War

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the two major events over 433/2 BC that led Perikles to claim that he could see war "coming out of the Peloponnesos" (the Potidaia revolt and the Megarian embargo); the speeches given by the Korinthians, Spartans, and Athenians on the eve of the Peloponnesian War; and both sides' financial and military resources, war aims, and tactical strategies

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/04/090-road-to-war.html

Intro by Gary Girod of The French History Podcast

Website: http://www.thefrenchhistorypodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFrenchHistoryPodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrenchHist

Special Guest Episode on Ten Caesars w/Barry Strauss

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr Barry Strauss and I discuss the content and the methodology behind his new book, the Ten Caesars, his podcast Antiquitas, the importance of public history and writing for non-scholars, and leadership lessons from the ancient world.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/04/special-guest-episode-on-ten-caesars.html

Dr Barry Strauss

Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University

***You can order Dr. Strauss' book here (Simon & Schuster or Amazon)***

Website: http://barrystrauss.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrystrauss.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/barrystrauss

Special Guest Episode at MFA Boston w/Phoebe Segal

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, I am joined by Dr. Phoebe Segal, Mary Bryce Comstock Curator, Greek and Roman Art, at Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA). She gave me a one-on-one tour of their new "Daily Life in Ancient Greece" exhibit (in Gallery 212A-B) and allowed me to record our conversation while doing it.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/03/special-guest-episode-at-mfa-boston.html

089 The Breakdown of Peace

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the mid-5th century BC history of two areas that were important economically and politically to Athens—the west (including the Sikel Revolt, Syracuse's defeat of Akragas, the establishment of the panhellenic colony of Thourii, and the new Athenian alliances with Segesta, Leontini, and Rhegion) and the northeast (including the founding of Brea and Amphipolis on the Strymon River and the rise of the Odrysrian kingdom of Thrake and the Spartokid dynasty of the Bosporan Kingdom); Athens' growing hostilities with Makedon; and the breakdown of the Thirty Years' Peace treaty (including its inadequacies, the Samian Revolt, and Korkyraean/Korinthian hostilities with the battles of Leukimme and Sybota)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/03/089-breakdown-of-peace.html

Intro by Joshua Hirschmann of The History of the Barbarians Podcast

Website: https://historyofthebarbarians.podbean.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyofthebarbarians/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HBarbarians

088 Thoukydides and Periklean Politics

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the "Father of Scientific History," Thoukydides (ca. 460-395 BC); the nature of Athenian politics and political organizations in the time of Perikles; and the domestic political scene in Athens in the late 440s and early 430s BC, including Perikles' ideological clash with the conservative Thoukydides (not the historian) and the series of personal and judicial attacks on him and his three closest associates (Pheidias, Aspasia, and Anaxagoras)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/02/088-thucydides-and-periclean-politics.html

Intro by Chris Hasler of the History of the World Podcast

Website: https://historyoftheworldpodcast.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HotWorldpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyoftheworldpodcast/

087 Rhetoric and the Sophists

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we describe the development of rhetoric in the ancient Greek world as an art that could be studied and employed in the law courts and politics, and its importance especially in Classical Athens; the roles and various opinions of the Sophists, who were lecturers that traveled from city to city, teaching not only rhetoric but also all of the other subjects that were not being covered by traditional education; and the lives, influences, writings, and various theories put forth by the earliest Rhetoricians and Sophists, including Protagoras, Gorgias, Antiphon, Hippias, Prodicus, and Thrasymachus, as well as synopses on four of Plato's dialogues (Protagoras, Gorgias, Hippias Major, and Hippias Minor)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/02/087-rhetoric-and-sophists.html

Intro by Devon Field of the Human Circus podcast

Website: https://humancircuspodcast.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/circus_human

Special Guest Episode on Drinking and 'Sportsing' w/Amy Pistone

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr Amy Pistone and I have a lively discussion about ancient Greek drinking culture with a side of sports, aka how college students can relate to the ancient Greeks.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2019/01/special-guest-episode-on-drinking-and.html

Dr. Amy Pistone

Visiting Professor of Classics at Notre Dame University

Website: https://www.amypistone.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/apistone

086 Early Astronomy

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, part four of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the earliest astronomical observations and calculations in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and their influence on ancient Greek astronomy; the various planets and star constellations found in Greek literature, as well as the origins of the Zodiac; the earliest Greek astronomical speculations of the universe found in Greek mythology (Homer and Hesiod) and in Pre-Socratic philosophy; the Pythagorean model of the universe put forward by Philolaus; and the astronomical calculations made by Oenopides and Meton

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/12/086-early-astronomy.html

Intro by Ahsan Irfan of the HistoryTeller podcast

Website: https://historytellerpodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyteller85/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/historyteller32

085 Mathematics and Early Pythagoreans

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, part three of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the lives, influences, and various theories and discoveries made by Greece's earliest mathematicians, including Thales, Pythagoras, Hippasus and the early Pythagoreans, Oenopides, Hippocrates, Antiphon, Bryson, Democritus, and Theodoros

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/12/085-mathematics-and-early-pythagoreans.html

Intro by Derek of The Hellenistic Age Podcast

Website: https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellenisticpod

The History of Ancient Greece is sponsored by the CLNS Media Network and Today's episode is brought to you by ZipRecruiter. And right now, my listeners can try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: www.ZipRecruiter.com/greece.

Today's episode is also brought to you by our new October 2018 Patreon supporters Juan Camilo Rodriguez, Andrew, Ine Jordens, and James Welch, as well as PayPal donors Ricardo Carvalho and Robin Allday. If you too would like to support The History of Ancient Greece, you can become a monthly Patreon supporter at (https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofancientgreecepodcast) or a one time donor at (https://www.paypal.me/RyanStitt).

084 Pluralists and Other Physiologoi

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, part two of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the lives, influences, and various theories put forth by the so-called Pluralist School (Anaxagoras, Empedokles, and Archelaos), as well as various other Pre-Socratic physiologoi (aka natural philosophers) not associated with a particular school, such as Hippon and Diogenes of Apollonia, and the philosopher/medical theorist Alkmeon

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/11/084-pluralists-and-other-physiologoi.html

Intro by Janell Rhiannon of Greek Mythology Retold Podcast

Website: https://www.janellrhiannon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanellRhiannonAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theravenangel

083 Eleatics and Atomists

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, part one of four on a series on Greek philosophy, mathematics, and science in the 5th century BC, we describe the lives, influences, and various theories put forth by the Eleatic School (Parmenides, Zeno, and Melissos) and the so-called Atomists (Leukippos and Demokritos)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/11/083-eleatics-and-atomists.html

Intro by Josh Harle of The Ancient History Guy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gQS5SByUgXeS8DwjTgSuw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAnceintHistoryGuy1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ancient_guy

082 The Leader of the Muses

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Apollo, the god of music, poetry, prophecy, truth, healing, medicine, plague, light, and knowledge, who served as a kind of symbol for young Greek boys to emulate

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/10/082-leader-of-muses.html

Intro by M.C. Williams of Myths Your Teacher Hated Podcast

Website: http://www.mythsyourteacherhated.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardcoreMyth/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HardcoreMyth

Special Guest Episode on Classics and Race/Ethnicity w/Rebecca Futo Kennedy

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr Rebecca Futo Kennedy and I have a lively discussion about race, ethnicity, immigration, and multiculturalism in the ancient Mediterranean in the first hour. Along the way we point out many of the misconceptions that there are on these topics, and in the second hour we discuss how these misconceptions were shaped by early modern European and American political thought (Fascism, Nationalism, and White Supremacism)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/10/special-guest-episode-on-classics-and.html

Dr. Rebecca Futo Kennedy

Associate Professor of Classical Studies at Denison University

Websites: https://rfkclassics.blogspot.com and https://medium.com/@rfutokennedy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kataplexis

Special Guest Episode on Classics and Misogyny w/Donna Zuckerberg

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Dr Donna Zuckerberg and I talk about her role as Editor-in-Chief of Eidolon, which is an online journal for scholarly writing about Classics that isn't formal scholarship. This leads us into a discussion about the importance of public-facing history. More importantly, though, we discuss her new book titled "Not All Dead White Men: Classics and Misogyny in the Digital Age", which is a study of the reception of Classics in Red Pill communities.

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/10/special-guest-episode-on-classics-and_7.html

***You can order Dr. Zuckerberg's book here (Harvard University Press or Amazon)***

Website: https://eidolon.pub

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eidolonjournal/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnazuck and https://twitter.com/eidolon_journal

081 Orphism, Omens, and Oracles

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Orpheus and his Mysteries; the Orphic Hymns and the Orphic Theogony; the Orphic Hymn to Melinoe and her connection to the Mysteries, Hekate, and Hermes Psychopompos; the roles of omens, divination, and itinerant seers (including the mythic figures of Teiresias, Mopsos, and Kalchas, as well as historical figures like Lampon); and the roles of oracles (including the myths and cultic worship of Apollo regarding Delphi, Python, the Pythia, the Sibyl, and Daphne, as well as the archaeological evidence, rituals, and importance of the oracles at Delphi, those in Boiotia, and those in Ionia (Didyma and Klaros)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/09/081-orphism-omens-and-oracles.html

Intro by Bry and Fry of Pontifacts Podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pontifactspod/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pontifactspod, https://twitter.com/BryJensen, https://twitter.com/frycurious

Website: https://pontifacts.podbean.com

Special Guest Episode on Roman Slavery and Gladiators w/Fiona Radford

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Fiona and I discuss slavery in the ancient Roman Republic and Empire and compare/contrast it with ancient Greece (plus lots on gladiators and Spartacus!)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/09/special-guest-episode-on-roman-slavery.html

Fiona Radford

Co-Host of the Partial Historians Podcast

Website: https://partialhistorians.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepartialhistorians/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/p_historians and https://twitter.com/FionaRadford1

080 Hekate and Magic

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Hekate, the goddess associated with magic, sorcery, witchcraft, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, crossroads, entrance-ways, ghosts, and necromancy; including her connections and/or syncretizations with Iphigenia, Artemis, Selene, the Erinyes (also known as the Furies), the Keres, the Semnai Theai, Empousa, Lamia, Kirke, and Medeia; and the "monstrous craft" of magikos in ancient Greece, including curse tablets, binding spells, love spells, potions, and amulets

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/09/080-hekate-and-magic.html

Intro by Genn McMenemy and Jenny Williamson of Ancient History Fangirl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncientHistoryFangirl/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gennmcmenemy, https://twitter.com/TheGenuineJenny, https://twitter.com/AncientHistFan

Website: http://www.ancienthistoryfangirl.com

Today's episode is brought to you by our new August 2018 Patreon supporters Matt Warren and Daniel Urquhart, as well as PayPal donor Hans Andersen. If you too would like to support The History of Ancient Greece, you can become a monthly Patreon supporter at (https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofancientgreecepodcast) or a one time donor at (https://www.paypal.me/RyanStitt).

079 Old Age, Death, and Burial

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss what life was like for the elderly in ancient Greece, the liminal stage between life and death, the rituals and importance of the funeral and burial, the archaeology of the Kerameikos in Athens and its significance in our understanding of Greek funerary practices, the importance of the demosion sema and epitaphios logos in Athenian democracy, and the evolution of Greek funerary monuments from the archaic into the Hellenistic period

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/08/079-old-age-death-and-burial.html

Intro by Dr Foxwede of Foxwede History

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCedWltyADAy7s8-WAVGxBLA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoxwedeHistory/

078 Healing, Medicine, and Disease

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss healing and medicine in the ancient Greek world by looking at Asklepios, his healing sanctuaries known as Asklepieia, and the earliest physicians, including Hippokrates of Kos, the Hippokratic School of Medicine, and the Hippokratic Corpus; and bacterial/viral diseases, mental diseases, and disabilities

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/08/078-healing-and-medicine.html

Introduction by Noah Tetzner of History of Vikings

Website: http://thehistoryofvikings.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryofViking

077 From Childbirth to Adolescence

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss what it was was like in ancient Athens for a young girl or boy from birth to adolescence, by looking at childbirth, childhood, the various rites of passages that they must surpass on the way to becoming teenagers, the paideia education system (both Old and New) and finally the training young boys undertook in order to be accepted as a hoplite citizen warrior

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/07/077-from-childbirth-to-adolescence.html

Intro by William Hubbard of the Layman's Historian Podcast

Website: https://laymenhistorian.podbean.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelaymanhistorian/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laymanhistorian

076 The Goddess of the Young

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Artemis, the virgin goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, the moon, and the protector of the young

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/06/076-goddess-of-young.html

Intro by Tanner Campbell of the Legends, Myths, and Whiskey Podcast

Website: https://legendsmythsandwhiskey.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TannerInMaine and https://twitter.com/LMAWpodcast

Special Guest Episode on Roman Women and Religion w/Peta Greenfield

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Peta and I discuss a few aspects in regards to the role of women in the religious sphere of Rome and compare/contrast it with ancient Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/10/special-guest-episode-on-roman-women.html

Peta Greenfield

Co-Host of the Partial Historians Podcast

Website: https://partialhistorians.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepartialhistorians/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/p_historians and https://twitter.com/peta_greenfield

TED-Ed Video: Who were the Vestal Virgins, and what was their job? - Peta Greenfield

075 Pregnancy, Abortion, and Divorce

Mon, 21 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the medical and philosophical writings on women's bodies, particularly the Hippokratic Corpus and Aristotle, relating to the topics of menstruation, pregnancy, and the "wandering womb"; the various methods and techniques for conception, contraception, abortion, and exposure; the legal procedure for divorces (usually due to childlessness and adultery); and the ways in which adulterers were punished in ancient Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/05/075-pregnancy-abortion-and-divorce.html

074 Marriage and Domesticity

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the legal status of women in Ancient Greece (including the dowry and the epikleros), the betrothal and marriage rituals, and the ideal of separation and seclusion for women (the evidence for and against it)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/04/074-marriage-and-domesticity.htm

073 The Oikos and Private Life

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the basic designs of ancient Greek homes and what type of furniture, decoration, lighting, and so forth might be found in them; the physical and idealistic seperation between the gynakeion (women's quarters) and the andron (men's quarters); the pitfalls to ancient Athens as an urban city (such as the street-side defecation), as well as the benefits (such as the gymnasia); the religious sphere of the oikos, particularly the role Hestia played in it; and the different type of clothing, jewelry, and hairstyles one might have seen on an ancient Athenian man or woman

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/04/073-oikos-and-private-life.html

072 The Wrathful Queen

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Hera, the queen of the heavens and wife of Zeus, and the guardian of women, marriage, childbirth, and the family unit

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/03/072-wrathful-queen.html

Intro by Liv Albert of Let's Talk About Myths, Baby!

Website: https://www.mythsbaby.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mythsbaby/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mythsbaby

Special Guest Episode on Roman Sexuality w/Aven McMaster

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this special guest episode, Aven and I discuss love, sex, and prostitution from the Roman perspective and compare/contrast it with ancient Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/03/special-guest-episode-on-roman.html

Aven McMaster

Assistant Professor of Ancient Studies at Thorneloe University at Laurentian

Co-Host of the Endless Knot Podcast

Website: http://www.alliterative.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliterativeendlessknot/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvenSarah and https://twitter.com/AvenMcMaster

071 Love, Sex, and Prostitution

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss Greek love and sexuality by examining the formal social institution known as pederasty; the various theories of love as described by Plato (through various speakers) in his treatise, the Symposion; the various methods in which Athenian males (and non-citizen women) were able to have sex; the depiction of nudity and genitalia in art and masturbation; the various types of female and male prostitutes; pictorial and medical evidence for the daily life of prostitutes and philosophical and comedic representation of prostitution; and the lives of several famous hetairai (Rhodopis, Thargelia, Aspasia, Phryne, and Neaira)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/03/071-love-sex-and-prostitution.html

Intro by Neil of the Ancient Blogger Podcast

Website: http://www.ancientblogger.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ancientblogger

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ancientblogger

070 The Goddess of Seduction

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, love, sexual pleasure, and procreation

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/02/070-goddess-of-seduction.html

069 Slaves and Foreigners

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the notion of the barbaroi in Greek culture; the origins and philosophical theories for slavery; and the legal status and type of roles (and importance) that slaves and metics (foreign residents) had in the Athenian economy

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/02/069-slaves-and-foreigners.html

068 Travel, Trade, and Work

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the various ways in which the ancient Greeks traveled, whether it was via land or sea; the physical layout of the port of Piraeus and the commercial activity that took place there; the mining district of Thorikos and how silver was mined for coinage and how coins were struck; farming techniques and how produce/goods were sold in the agora; the various types of manufacturing workshops at Athens and how they operated; and the disdain that the elites held for the merchant and manufacturing classes

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/01/068-travel-trade-and-work.html

067 Hephaistos and Hermes

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Hephaistos (the god of fire, metallurgy, and craftsmen) and Hermes (the messenger god of cunning and deceit and the protector of thieves, travelers, merchants, athletes, and boundaries)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/01/067-hephaistos-and-hermes.html

Intro by Abel Kay of The Tale of Rome Podcast

Website: http://thetaleofrome.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/west4east

066 The Athenian Agora

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the construction, history, and significance of the Athenian Agora (the civic, religious, legal, and commercial nerve center for Athenian democracy), including a walking tour of what a visitor then and now would see

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/12/066-athenian-agora.html

065 The Athenian Akropolis

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the construction, the history, and the significance of the buildings on the Athenian Akropolis (including the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and a few others); together, these buildings mark the high point of the glorification of Athens, a confident assertion of its cultural leadership of Greece, a bold endorsement of its self-image, and a dazzling instrument of political propaganda, with the result that many later would consider the Athenian Akropolis to be the symbol of the legacy and the glories of Classical Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/12/065-athenian-acropolis.html

064 The Protectress of Athens

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, craftsmanship, and strategic warfare who served as a kind of symbol for the city of Athens and civilization in general

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/12/064-protectress-of-athens.html

063 The Lord of the Sea

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Poseidon, the violent and unpredictable god who ruled over the sea

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/11/063-lord-of-sea.html

062 Agricultural Festivals

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the Attic calendar year with a focus on various agricultural festivals and ceremonies; starting in the fall at the time of sowing we work our way around the year, month-by-month, until it is time to sow once again; particular attention is given to the Thesmophoria and the Eleusinian Mysteries, including a walking tour of what a visitor then and now would see at the site of Eleusis, but a dozen or so other festivals are described, including the Pyanepsia, the Oschophoria, the Chalkeia, the Proerosia, the Apatouria, the Haloa, the Thargelia, the Skira, the Kronia, the Herakleia, and the Boedromia (excluded are the Dionysian festivals—the Rural Dionysia, the Lenaia, the City Dionysia, and the Anthesteria)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/11/062-agricultural-festivals.html

Intro by Travis Dow of Podcastnik

Website: http://www.podcastnik.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcastnik

061 The "Two Goddesses"

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the primordial goddess Gaia (the personification of Mother Earth) and her relationship with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture; the myths and iconography of the "two goddesses," Demeter and her daughter Persephone / Kore (including the daughter's abduction by Hades); Persephone's dual role as Queen of the Underworld and an agriculture goddess, like her mother; and the various ways in which these two were worshipped together, particularly in the Peloponnesos and Magna Graecia (but not including their Attic cults)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/11/061-two-goddesses.html

Intro by Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy Podcast

Website: https://www.atozhistorypage.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfThePapacyPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/atozhistory

060 Hades and the Underworld

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the mysterious, shadowy figure of Hades (Lord of the Underworld); the Greek perception of the afterlife and those who dwell in it; necromancy (the summoning of the dead to answer questions); where and how one can make a katabasis (decent) into the Underworld; and Homer's description of the abode of Hades in Book Eleven of the Odyssey and then comparing and contrasting that with the description found in Virgil's Aeneid Book Six, all while taking a tour of the Underworld, its major features, and its inhabitants

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/10/060-underworld.html

Intro by Chad Davies of The Scientific Odyssey Podcast

Website: http://thescientificodyssey.typepad.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescientificodyssey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaddavies

059 Olympian Zeus

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Zeus, the mighty patriarch who ruled over Mount Olympos; included are his Indo-European origins as the supreme sky god; his role as the god who maintains order and justice by presiding over normative civic, social, and family relationships; his connection with Themis (Divine Law), Nemesis (Revenge), and the three Moirai (the Fates); his worship as a rain-making, agricultural deity, both on mountain peaks (Attika and Krete) and the Underworld (symbolizing the regenerative life cycle); his worship in Arkadia and its relationship to werewolf transformation and human sacrifice; his oracles at Dodona and Siwa (where he was syncretized with Libyan god Ammon); his Panhellenic sanctuary at Olympia; his connection with Nike (Victory) and his worship as a savior or bringer of freedom against foreign foes (Persia and Carthage); and the "philosophical Zeus" that arose as some questioned polytheistic religions during the Hellenistic Period

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/10/059-olympian-zeus.html

Intro by Lee Accomando of the Viking Age Podcast

Website: http://vikingagepodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingagepod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VikingAgePod

058 Classical Temples

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the innovations during the 5th century BC in the realm of temple building (outside of Attika, that is); included are the Temple of Aphaia at Aigina, the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Hera II at Poseidonia (Paestum), the Temple of Victory at Himera, the Temple of Apollo at Syracuse, the Valley of the Temples at Akragas (Agrigento), the Temple of Hera at Selinous, the unfinished temple at Segesta, and the Temple of Apollo at Bassai

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/10/058-classical-temples.html

Intro by Ben Jacobs of the Wittenberg to Westphalia: Wars of the Reformation Podcast

Website: http://wittenbergtowestphaliapodcast.weebly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wittenbergtowestphalia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/w2wpodcast

057 Classical Paintings

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the innovations during the 5th century BC in the realm of painting on pottery, walls, and wooden panels; included are some of the most famous vase paintings of the Kleoprades Painter, the Berlin Painter, Onesimos, the Brygos Painter, the Pistoxenos Painter, Sotades, the Niobid Painter, the Achilles Painter, the Penthesilea Painter, the Pisticci Painter, and the Meidias Painter; the wall paintings of Polygnotos, Mikon, Timarete, Parrhasios, Zeuxis, Apollodoros, and the Tomb of the Diver at Poseidonia (Paestum); and the Pitsa Panels

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/10/057-classical-paintings.html

Intro by Ray Belli of the Words for Granted Podcast

Website: http://www.wordsforgranted.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordsforgranted

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wordsforgranted

056 Classical Sculptures

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the innovations during the 5th century BC in the realm of free-standing statuary in the round, stelai, and architectural relief; included are the Kritios Boy and the Angelitos' Athena from the "Persian debris", the Tyrannicides by Antenor, the Charioteer of Delphi, the Artemision Zeus/Poseidon, the Riace Warriors, the Statue of Zeus Carrying Ganymedes, the Mourning Athena, the Exaltation of the Flowers, the Enthroned Goddess, the Charioteer of Motya, the Relief of Hades and Persephone Enthroned, the Relief of Aphrodite and Hermes in a Chariot Drawn by Eros and Psyche, the Diskobolos (Discus Thrower) of Myron, the Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer) and Diadoumenos (Youth Tying a Headband) of Polykleitos, the Helmeted Athena, the Wound Amazon, the Cat Stele, and the Stele of Hegeso

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/09/056-classical-sculptures.html

Intro by Laura Carlson of The Feast Podcast

Website: http://www.thefeastpodcast.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Feast_Podcast

055 The Dionysian Mysteries

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the Phrygian goddess Kybele; her cult's transportation from Asia Minor to Greece in the 6th century BC; her assimilation with various aspects of the cults of Gaia, Rhea, and Demeter as the Great Mother and as a civic protector (particularly in Athens); her cultic rites and influence on Dionysos (Bakkhos), particularly music, wine, and an ecstatic following; the myths of two other Phrygian deities, Agdistis and Attis; some of the myths and the iconography of Dionysos and his companions (Seilenos, Pan, the Satyrs, and the Mainades); the historicity and major themes of Euripides' The Bakkhai ("The Followers of Bakkhos"); and the cultic elements of Dionysiac worship (particularly in Delphi, Boiotia, and the Peloponnesos)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/09/055-dionysian-mysteries.html

Intro by Savannah Marquardt of Ritual Podcast

Website: https://www.ritualpodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitualPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RitualPodcast

054 Old Comedy and Aristophanes

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the Lenaia, the intricacies of Old Comedy, and what is known about the lives and works of the earliest comedic poets, who set the stage for Aristophanes and his eleven surviving works that effectively define the genre today

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/09/054-old-comedy-and-aristophanes.html

053 Euripides at War

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the historical context and major themes of Euripides' surviving plays that he produced against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War, which include Children of Herakles, Andromache, Hekabe, Suppliants, Elektra, Madness of Herakles, Trojan Women, Iphigenia in Tauris, Ion, Helene, Phoenician Women, Orestes, and Iphigenia at Aulis (excluding Bakkhai)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/08/053-euripides-at-war.html

052 Early Euripides

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life, theatrical innovations, and tragic works of the third great Athenian playwright, Euripides; and the historicity and some of the major themes of his earliest surviving plays, which include Cyclops, Rhesus, Alcestis, Medea, and Hippolytus

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/08/052-early-euripides.html

Intro by Sam Hume of The History of Witchcraft Podcast

Website: http://witchcraftpodcast.libsyn.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyofwitchcraft

051 Sophokles

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life, theatrical innovations, and tragic works of the second great Athenian playwright, Sophokles; and the historical context and major themes of his seven surviving plays, which include Antigone, Ajax, Oidipous Tyrannos, Women of Trachis, Philoktetes, Elektra, and Oidipous at Kolonos

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/08/051-sophocles.html

050 Early Tragedy and Aischylos

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss what is known about the lives and works of the earliest tragic poets who set the stage for the first great Athenian playwright, Aischylos, to make all sorts of theatrical innovations at the onset of the Classical Period; and the historical context and major themes of his seven surviving plays, which include Persians, Prometheus Bound, Seven Against Thebes, Suppliants, and the trilogy known as Oresteia (whose three plays includes Agamemnon, Libation Bearers, and Eumenides)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/07/050-early-tragedy-and-aeschylus.html

049 Theater and the Dionysia

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the origins of drama in the Attic countryside, its relation to the cult of Dionysos, and its introduction to Athens in the late 6th century BC; its evolution from a chorus of satyrs singing dithyrambs to the addition of actors (aka Thespians from the first one, Thespis); the Dionysia festivals celebrating the cultivation of vines, both "Rural" throughout Attica during the month of Poseideon (late December/early January) and "City" in Athens during the month of Elaphebolion (late March/early April), as well as the Lenaia in the month of Gamelion (late January/early February); the physical space and early evolution of the theater in the sanctuary of Dionysos Eleutherios on the southern slope of the Athenian acropolis; the various roles of the actors and the chorus and their costumes; the components of tragic and comedic plays; and drama's civic importance in 5th century BC Athens

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/07/049-theater-and-dionysia.html

048 Food, Wine, and the Symposium

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss how, when, and where different subgroups of ancient Greeks consumed food each day; what particular foods were part of each subgroups' diet; some famous early cookbook authors; viticulture and the economic, religious, and medicinal role of wine; the festival of Anthesteria in the month of Anthesterion (late February/early March), which celebrated the beginning of spring and marked the ceremonious opening of the wine jars from the previous autumn's harvest; and the symposion (drinking-party), an aristocratic social event which included philosophical/light-hearted discussions, musical performances, song-singing, storytelling, flirting, and competitions (such as kottabos, aka ancient wine pong)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/07/048-food-wine-and-symposium.html

047 Herakles: From Zero to Hero

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the iconography of the hero Herakles (also known as Hercules); his early myths, his infamous twelve labors, and his later life; his heroic persona, how he was worshipped as a pan-Hellenic divine hero, and some of his cults, including those in initiatory and pederastic contexts, as a guardian of the city, and as a military and wrestling champion; and his role as a founder of many Greek cities and as an apostle of Hellenism in the western Mediterranean

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/06/047-herakles-from-zero-to-hero.html

046 Monsters and Heroes

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the importance of heroes in Greek myth, the creation of various beasts and monsters, and the lives and accomplishments of various mythic heroes who often times fought against these monsters; including Kadmos of Thebes and the Ismenian Dragon, Perseus of Argos and the Gorgon Medousa; Bellerophon of Korinth, Pegasos, and the Chimaira; the cursed family of Pelops and the Oath of Tyndareos; the Lapiths, the Kentauroi, and the Kentauromachia; Meleagros, Atalante, and the Kalydonian Boar Hunt; and the troublemaking of Peirithoos and Theseus

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/06/046-monsters-and-heroes.html

045 Music and Victory Odes

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the various types of ancient Greek musical instruments during the Classical Period; how and for what purpose they were used; and the lives and works of the three great 5th century BC lyric poets who pioneered the genre of the epinikion (victory ode)—Simonides of Keos (556-468 BC), Bacchylides of Keos (ca. 525-450 BC), and Pindar of Thebes (522-443 BC), as well as their connections with the lesser known poets Korrina of Tanagra, Lasos of Hermione, and Timokreon of Rhodes

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/06/045-music-and-victory-odes.html

044 Democracy under Pericles

Mon, 15 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the democratic machinations of Classical Athens in the mid-to-late 5th century BC; including the role that the Athenian statesman Perikles had on the radicalization of Athenian democracy, the magistracies, the Pynx and the ekklesia, the boule and prytaneis, the law courts and jury system, law and order, contemporary critiques of Athenian democracy, and the economics of running the democracy (through a system of public donations known as the liturgies)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/05/044-democracy-under-pericles.html

043 Imperial Athens

Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years spanning 454-446 BC, covering Athens' increasingly imperialistic behavior and the final years of the First Peloponnesian War

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/05/043-imperial-athens.html

Intro by Rob and Jamie of the Totalus Rankium Podcast

Website: https://totalusrankium.podbean.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romanemperorstotalusrankium

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TotalusRankium

042 The Undeclared War

Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the years spanning 461-454 BC, covering the early part of the First Peloponnesian War / "The Undeclared War"

Show Notes: www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/05/…war.html

Intro by Ahmet Ozakca of the Groovy Historian Podcast

Website: https://groovy-historian.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroovyHistorian

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GroovyHistorian

041 The End of an Era

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the 460s BC, including the battle of the Eurymedon River (in Asia Minor), which sees Kimon winning a dual land and naval victory over the Persians; Sparta's clashes with the anti-Spartan coalition of Argos, Tegea, Eleia, and Mantineia; the assassination of Xerxes and eventual ascension to the Persian throne of his son, Artaxerxes; Themistokles' medism trial and his defection to the court of Artaxerxes; the revolt of Thasos from the Delian League; the debilitating earthquake in the Peloponnesos and the resulting Helot revolt; the political downfall and ostracism of Kimon, which leads to the severing of the Athenian-Spartan alliance; and the democratic reforms, assassination of Ephialtes, and ascendency of Perikles

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/04/041-end-of-era.html

Intro by Peta Greenfield and Fiona Radford of the Partial Historians Podcast

Website: https://partialhistorians.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepartialhistorians

Twitter: https://twitter.com/p_historians

040 War Hawks and Peace Doves

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of the Persian Wars and how the Athenians and Spartans both come to terms with the new state of affairs; the formation of the Delian League under Athens to carry on the war effort against Persia at sea; and the post-war political factions in Athens (Themistokles and Xanthippos vs Kimon and Aristeides) and in Sparta (Leotychidas and Pausanias vs Pleistarchos) and their struggle to dictate Athenian-Spartan foreign policy in the 470s BC

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/04/040-war-hawks-and-peace-doves.html

Intro by Rob Sims of the History in the Making Podcast

Website: http://www.hitmpodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitmpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HITMpodcast

039 The Greek Counterattack

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the tensions between the Spartan-Athenian alliance during the winter of 480/79 BC over how to deal with the lingering Persian threat; Mardonios' strategy of turning the Athenians and Spartans against each other; the eventual makeup (sort of) of Athens and Sparta; the combined Greek counterattack against the Persians in the spring of 479 BC, culminating in the twin victories at Plataia (in Boiotia) and Mykale (in Ionia), which effectively ended the first phase of the Greco-Persian Wars; and the Athenians' first attempt on the Thrakian Chersonesos, which would come to define their foreign policy in the rest of the century

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/04/in-this-episode-we-discuss-tensions.html

Intro by Charlie of The Almost Forgotten Podcast

Website: http://almostforgotten.squarespace.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thealmostforgot

038 Behind the Wooden Walls

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of the Greek loss at Thermopylai, as the Persians advanced southwards to Athens and the rest of the Greeks fled to Salamis and to the Peloponnesos; the lead-up to and the naval Battle of Salamis itself (in 480 BC), in which Themistokles tricked the Persians into fighting in the narrows between Attika and Salamis, resulting in a stunning Greek victory at sea; and the battle's aftermath, which saw Xerxes' fleet and the bulk of his army retreat back to Asia

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/03/038-behind-wooden-walls.html

Intro by Katy and Nathan of Queens Podcast

Website: http://queenspodcast.libsyn.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueensPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Queens_Podcast

037 Molon Labe

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the death of Dareios and the ascension of his son Xerxes to the Persian throne; Xerxes' preparations for a much larger, second Persian invasion of Greece (in 480 BC); the formation of the Hellenic League and their own preparations and tactical maneuverings in order to defend Greek liberty against Persia; the simultaneous multi-day land and naval battles at Thermopylai and Artemision in central Greece; and the folklore that surrounded Thermopylai afterwards and its monuments

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/03/037-molon-labe.html

Intro by Nitin Sil of the Flash Point History Podcast

Website: http://flashpointhx.podomatic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLASHPOINTHX

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlashpointHx

036 The Marathonomachoi

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the events leading up to the first Persian invasion of Greece (in 490 BC), including both sides' preparations for war, shifting alliances amongst the Greeks and Persians, and regnal squabbles at Sparta; the Battle of Marathon itself and its aftermath; the folklore that surrounded the battle afterwards and its monuments; the ongoing military feud between the Athenians and Aiginetans; and the internal political happenings at Athens during the 480s BC

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/03/036-marathonomachoi.html

Intro by Roxanne of the Mythology Translated Podcast

Website: http://mythologytranslated.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mythtrans

035 The Ionian Revolt

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the events of the "Ionian Revolt," in which the eastern Greeks revolted from the Persian Empire, including the failed Naxos expedition, Miletos' role in the rebellion and its spread throughout the western coast of Asia Minor and Kypros, the Greek sack of Sardeis, the three-pronged Persian counteroffensive in Kypros, Karia, Ionia, the Hellespont, and the Propontis, the Persian naval victory at Lade, and their subsequent sack of Miletos; the Spartan destruction of Argos at Sepeia; the early life of one of Athens' key political figures for the next four decades, Themistokles; and the internal political happenings of Athens during the 490s BC

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/03/035-ionian-revolt.html

Intro by Aven McMaster & Mark Sundaram of the Endless Knot

Website: http://www.alliterative.net

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Alliterative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliterativeendlessknot

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvenSarah and https://twitter.com/Alliterative

034 Rising Tensions

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the final subjugation of the Ionian poleis to Persian-backed tyrannies, Dareios' failed invasion of Skythia, Megabazos' conquest of Thrake, and the submission of Makedon that brought Persia right up to the foothills of Mount Olympos, at the very borders of mainland Greece; the diplomatic follies of the Athenians; and whether war was or was not inevitable, at least in the last decade of the 500s BC

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/02/034-rising-tensions.html

Intro by Lantern Jack of Ancient Greece Declassified

Website: http://greecepodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greecepodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greecepodcast

033 The "Great King" Dareios

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the ascension of Dareios to the Persian throne; his consolidation of the empire and eastern campaigns into the Indus River valley; Zoroastrianism and the role Ahura-Mazda played in his reign; and his reform program, with a special focus on his creation of a new script (Old Persian), his new capital of Persepolis, a tour of the bureaucratic satrapies, the Royal Road, his "sort of" Red Sea/Nile River canal, and the creation of and influence of the gold "Daric" coin

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/02/033-great-king-darius.html

Intro by Jeff Wright of Trojan War: The Podcast

Website: http://trojanwarpodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trojanwarpodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrojanWarPod

032 Kambyses

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss events in the eastern Mediterranean during the reign of the Persian king, Kambyses, with a focus on the achievements and the political maneuverings between the Egyptian kings Amasis II and Psammetichos III, the Kyrenean kings Battos III and Arkesilaos III, the Samian tyrant Polykrates, and the Naxian tyrant Lygdamis; Kambyses' successful conquests of Kypros and Egypt; his failed campaigns in north Africa against the Nubians, Kyreneans, and Carthaginians; and his "madness" (as told by Herodotos) which ultimately brought his reign to an end

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/02/032-cambyses.html

Intro by Drew Vahrenkamp of the Wonders of the World Podcast

Website: wonderspodcast.libsyn.com/podcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wonderspodcast

Twitter: twitter.com/wonderspodcast

031 Kyros the Great

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss Kyros' conquests of the Lydian kingdom, the Greek city-states in western Anatolia, the nomadic step-tribes of central Asia, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire; the contingents and battle tactics of his multi-ethnic military; the administration of his multi-state empire that stretched from Anatolia in the west to the Hindu-Kush Mountains in the east and to the Aral Sea and the Jaxartes River in the northeast; and his other deeds and qualities that were deemed to be so exceptional by later historians that he earned the moniker "the Great"

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/01/031-cyrus-great.html

Intro by Vivek Vasan of the Historical India Podcast

Website: http://www.historicalindiapodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/histoindicast

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/histoindicast

030 Herodotos and the Rise of Persia

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the "Father of History", Herodotos; and the political events of the Near East in the 7th and early 6th centuries BC, including the rise of the Medians and Neo-Babylonians and their destruction of the diminishing Assyrian Empire, and culminating with a young vassal king from the Persian city of Anshan, named Kyros, who overthrew the Medes and elevated the Achaemenid Persians among the other chief powers of the time (the Lydians, the Neo-Babylonians, and the Egyptians)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/01/030-herodotus-and-rise-of-persia.html

Intro by Alison Innes and Darrin Sunstrum of the MythTake Podcast
Website: mythtake.blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mythtake
Twitter: twitter.com/InnesAlison and twitter.com/darrinsunstrum

029 The First Greco-Punic War

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, part 2 of 2 on the Greco-Etruscan-Carthaginian relations during the 6th/5th centuries BC, we discuss the tyrannies that arose and fell in Sicily in the first half of the 5th century BC at Rhegium/Zancle (Messana), Himera, Syracuse, Gela, and Akragas; the First Greco-Punic War and its aftermath/legacy; the decline of Etruscan power in Campania; the changes in the Carthaginian constitution following the war; and finally, the sea explorations of Himilco (northwest Europe) and Hanno the Navigator (western Africa)

Show Notes:http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/01/029-first-greco-punic-war.html

Intro by Guillaume Lamothe of the History of Exploration Podcast

Website: https://historyofexploration.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyofexploration

028 The Rise of Carthage

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, part 1 of 2 on the Greco-Etruscan-Carthaginian relations during the 6th/5th centuries BC, we discuss Carthage's foundation myths and early history as just another Phoenician colony, Tyre's decline and Carthage's rise as the dominant economic superpower in the western Mediterranean, the alliance between the Carthaginians and Etruscans against the western Greeks, and the Battle of Alalia and its aftermath

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2017/01/028-rise-of-carthage.html

Intro by Brandon Huebner of the Maritime History Podcast
Website: http://maritimehistorypodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maritimehistorypodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoriaMare

027 The Democracy of Kleisthenes

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the political struggle between Isagoras (who was now backed by the Spartan military) and Kleisthenes who ultimately was victorious, which allowed him to institute his overhaul of the Athenian constitution; the different democratic changes that he instituted in regards to the boule (the council) and ekklesia (the assembly); and the consequences (both good and bad) from this new revolutionary government, including the gerrymandering of Attika into new tribes, the reorganization of the military structure, Athens' first diplomatic folly with the Persians, and the threat of war with Thebes, Korinth, Sparta, Chalcis, and Aigina

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/12/027-democracy-of-cleisthenes.html

026 The Tyranny of the Peisistratidai

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the ascension of Peisistratos as the first tyrant of Athens and the political maneuverings that he and his two sons, Hippias and Hipparchos, took in maintaining (and sometimes regaining) their position, which included armed warfare, trickery, political marriages, and the expulsion of many of their political enemies (who would go and found several colonies in Athens' name); the economic reforms that Peisistratos and his two sons undertook; their patronage of the arts and public works in the Agora and the Akropolis, as well as at other religious sanctuaries in Attika; their encouragement of religious festivals, especially the Greater Panathenaia and the Dionysia; and the ultimate dissolution of the tyranny brought about by the assassination of Hipparchos, the subsequent cruelty and expulsion of Hippias, and the ascendency of Kleisthenes (with the help of the Spartans)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/12/026-tyranny-of-peisistratids.html

Intro by Doug Metzger of the Literature and History Podcast

Website: http://literatureandhistory.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lahpodcast

025 The Reforms of Solon

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the life and deeds of the great Athenian statesman, Solon, who, from his position of sole archonship, enacted various economic, political, and legal reforms that would later form the backbone for Athenian democracy in the Classical Period, but in doing so he took a moderate stance to appease everyone, which didn't quiet the ongoing social and economic problems of the state and shortly thereafter factionalism set in, leading to the next phase of Athenian political history (in which aristocratic infighting led to instability for decades and ultimately to tyranny)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/12/025-reforms-of-solon.html

024 Early Athens

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the early history of Athens beginning with its mythical past, and how and why the later Athenians promoted and propagandized these myths, with a particular focus on their first king Kekrops, the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the city's patronage, the birth of Erichthonios (the "love" child of Hephaistos-Athena-Gaia) who would go onto become king, the life of Theseus, and the death of the final king Kodras fighting the Herakleidai; in historical times, the abolishment of the monarchy in the Dark Ages that gave rise to the oligarchic government (first by the Medontidai and then the Eupatridai); the social organizations of the Athenians; and finally the social and economic crises at the end of the 7th century BC that brought about an unsuccessful tyranny attempt by an Olympic athlete named Kylon and Athens' first written constitution, orchestrated by a shadowy figure named Drakon

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/12/024-early-athens.html

023 THIS IS SPARTA

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the inner-workings of Sparta's unique political, economic, and social system; included are the diarchy (dual hereditary kingship), the gerousia (council of elders), the apella (assembly), and the ephors (judicial overseers); the so-called Lykourgan land reform and the devolution of Sparta's economy; the roles of the helots (slaves), the perioikoi (non-citizens), and Spartan women; the various steps of the agoge (Sparta's education and military training system) which created spartiatai (full-citizen males); and why this unique system ultimately failed

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/09/023-this-is-sparta.html

022 Sparta Ascendant

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the early history of the polis of Lakedaimon (Sparta), including their expansion in the southern Peloponnesos with the 1st and 2nd Messenian Wars (that brought about the formation of the helot system of slavery); Spartan society's social-class tensions and civil strife that led to reform, supposedly by the semi-mythical lawgiver Lykourgos in the 8th century BC, but more likely a gradual process during the 7th and 6th centuries BC; its military growing pains as Sparta suffered a series of losses to their neighbors, Argos (in the Argolid) and Tegea (in southern Arcadia), before eventually defeating them; the life of Chilon, one of the Seven Sages, and his role in making amendments to the Spartan constitution and in guiding foreign policy; and Sparta's ultimate rise to hegemony over their Peloponnesian and Isthmian neighbors, resulting in what modern scholars call the "Peloponnesian League"

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/08/022-sparta-ascendant.html

021 Athletics and the Panhellenic Games

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the culturally unifying importance of the four major Panhellenic festivals in the Greek world (Olympic, Pythian, Isthmian, and Nemean); the history and evolution of the athletic program of the Ancient Olympic games; how the various athletic events that the Greeks participated in were performed; and some famous athletes and their larger-than-life qualities

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/08/021-athletics-and-panhellenic-games.html

020 The Intellectual Revolution

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we describe the new schools of thought that began to percolate in the 6th century BC about our existence and role in this universe absent from the gods, and we detail the lives, influences, and various theories put forth by the earliest of these so-called "Pre-Socratic" philosophers; included among them are Thales, Anaximandros, Anaximenes, Pherekydes, Pythagoras, Xenophanes, and Heraklitos

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/08/020-intellectual-revolution.html

019 Poets and Wise Rulers

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss part 2 of 2 on the influential poets whose writings give us insight into the economic, social, and political happenings that reshaped Archaic Greece; in particular, we look at the turbulent history of late 7th and early 6th century BC Mytilene, which finds itself at the intersection of two great poets (Alkaios and Sappho), tyranny, and one of the so-called "Seven Sages" (Pittakos), making it a perfect case study; and the phenomenon of the lawgiver that arose in many city-states in response to all of these economic, social, and political changes

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/08/019-poets-and-wise-rulers.html

018 From Epic to Lyric

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the literary changes that took place in the 7th and 6th centuries BC (moving away from grand epic to the more personalized lyric, elegiac, and iambic forms of poetry); and part 1 of 2 on the influential poets whose writings gives us insight into the economic, social, and political happenings that reshaped archaic Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/08/018-from-lyric-to-epic.html

017 Archaic Art and Architecture

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the innovation taking place during the 7th and 6th centuries BC in the realm of vase painting (Orientalizing, Korinthian, and Attic black-figure and red-figure), statuary (kouros/kore and reliefs), and architecture (Doric/Ionic temples, treasuries, and stoas) by looking at some notable works of Archaic art and architecture

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/08/017-archaic-art-and-architecture.html

016 The "Age of Tyranny"

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the new political phenomena arising in various parts of the Greek world in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, called tyranny, by focusing on four poleis in the Peloponnesos in particular as case studies for its cause: Pheidon of Argos (the military cause), Kypselos and Periandros of Korinth (the economic cause), Kleisthenes of Sikyon (the ethnic cause), and Theogenes of Megara (the unsuccessful attempt)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/07/016-age-of-tyranny.html

015 Colonization and the East

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the Greek emigration northeastward into the Chalkidiki, Thrace, Hellespont, Bosporus, Black Sea, and southwards into northern Africa during the 7th and 6th centuries BC; the reigns of the Lydian and Egyptian kings of the 26th Saite Dynasty and their relations with the Greeks until around 550 BC; and the development of coinage (first in Lydia and then its widespread adoption and adaptation by the Greeks in the 6th century BC)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/07/015-colonization-and-east.html

Intro by Dominic Perry of the History of Egypt Podcast

Website: https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EgyptianPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EgyptianPodcast

014 Colonization and the West

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the various causes of Greek colonization (population growth, shortage of land, trade opportunities, civil strife, and new adventures); the Greek emigration westward into southern Italy and Sicily, the coasts of southern France and eastern Spain, and on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia during the 8th, 7th, and 6th centuries BC; the development of the trireme by the Phoenicians/Corinthians in order to protect their maritime trade networks from roving bands of pirates looking for ships laden with exotic goods; and the growing tensions in the central and western Mediterranean Sea between the western Greeks and the Etruscans and Phoenicians (specifically the Carthaginians) until around 550 BC

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/07/014-colonization-and-west.html

013 Hoplite Warfare

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the revolutionary changes in warfare that took place in the 8th and 7th centuries BC that were strictly Greek and reflect the abstract nature of the polis; the type of armor worn and weaponry employed by a typical hoplite; the organization and training of military forces; their application of tactics in a typical battle sequence; the cultic practices of the bloodlust god, Ares, who personifies the grim and horrific aspects of warfare; and the Lelantine War, the first large-scale war on the Greek record after the mythical Trojan War and the first instance in which these military changes were employed

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/07/013-hoplite-warfare.html

012 Oligarchs and Hesiod

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the transitional governments in the early stages of the centrally unified polis (oligarchia and aristokratia), as the waning power of the basileis becomes supplanted by a small landowning group of nobles; the economic and social divisions between the nobles and commoners brought on by a spike in population in Greece; and the second great author of ancient Greece, a man named Hesiod, who speaks to us about life and society in the emerging polis from the point of view of the ordinary citizen, in his Works and Days

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/06/012-oligarchs-and-hesiod.html

011 From Oikos to Polis

Mon, 13 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the community (demos) and household (oikos) in the late Dark Age; their socio-political and geographical unification (through a process called synoikismos), which lead to the city-state (polis) and brought about the transition from the Dark Age into the Archaic Period; and later Greek philosophical thought on the polis and polis identity and what it meant to live in a polis beyond just its physical space

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/06/011-from-oikos-to-polis.html

010 Religion and Panhellenism

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss early Greek religion as it was formalized in the writings of Homer and Hesiod; the various rituals that were performed when the Greeks worshipped their deities; the evidence for the earliest sanctuaries and hero cults in the 8th century BC that developed hand-in-hand with the city-state and their increasing wealth (as seen through votive offerings); the early developments of the idea of Panhellenism (a sense of a common Greek identity); and the foundation myths, archaeological evidence, and importance for the four predominant Panhellenic sanctuaries that gained massive popularity in the 8th and 7th centuries BC (Zeus and Hera at Olympia, Apollo and Artemis at Delos, Apollo at Delphi, and Zeus and Dione at Dodona—with the latter two having popular oracular shrines)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/06/010-panhellenism.html

009 Greek Resurgence

Mon, 30 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the archaeological evidence for the late "Dark Age" during the 9th and early 8th centuries BC, especially the Heroon at Lefkandi and the Keremeikos at Athens; Greece's cultural reawakening and reconnection with the Near East thanks to their contact with the Phoenicians; the development of the Greek alphabet and its impact on Greek cultural development; the establishment of three trading posts/colonies at El-Mina (in the Levant) and Pithekoussai and Kyme (central Italy); and the evolution of "Geometric" vase painting, especially on kraters and amphoras and their role in the funerary process

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/05/009-greek-resurgence.html

008 The "Dark Age" and Homer

Mon, 23 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the archaeological evidence for the early "Dark Age" during the 11th and 10th centuries BC, particularly at the site of Nichoria in Messenia and the pottery of the Sub-Mykenaian and Protogeometic periods; the emigration of mainland Greeks to the Aegean islands and the western coast of Anatolia; and the first great author of ancient Greece, the mysterious Homer, who gives us insight into early Dark Age society and culture through his two great epic poems—the Iliad and the Odyssey

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/05/008-dark-age-and-homer.html

007 Late Bronze Age Collapse

Mon, 16 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we briefly discuss the Trojan War myth; the historical evidence for Mykenaian conflict in the eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia (by looking at the Egyptian and Hittite records); the archaeological evidence for layer VI and VII on the citadel of Hisarlik, i.e. ancient Troy (Wilion/Ilion); the Bronze Age collapse in both Greece and the Near East and its possible causes/explanations; the mysterious group of people known as the "Sea Peoples"; and the so-called "Dorian Invasion" of Greece

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/007-late-bronze-age-collapse.html

006 Mycenaean Greece

Mon, 09 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the archaeological evidence of the Mycenaean Greeks of the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1650-1250 BC), particularly from the major palace centers at Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos; what the Linear B tablets can tell us about their society, economy, and religion; and their extensive trade network throughout the Mediterranean

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/006-mycenaean-greece.html

005 Minoan Crete

Mon, 02 May 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the myths and archaeological evidence for the Minoans on Crete, who were an early source of cultural inspiration for the Mycenaean Greeks; the palace complex (labyrinth) at Knossos; the volcanic eruption that blew apart the island of Thera (Santorini) in the mid-17th century BC, which was a catalyst for the decline of the Minoan civilization (and perhaps was the inspiration for Plato's infamous Atlantis); the ultimate subordination of the Minoans by the Mycenaean Greeks in the 15th and 14th centuries BC; and the decipherment of Linear B (an early form of Greek) by Michael Ventris in the mid-20th century AD

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/005-minoan-crete.html

004 Early Bronze Age

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss the archaeological evidence for the early Bronze Age on mainland Greece and the Cycladic Islands; the arrival of the Indo-Europeans in Greece (known as the proto-Greeks); and the rediscovery and excavation of three legendary Bronze Age cities (Troy, Knossos, and Mycenae) in the latter part of the 19th century AD by the infamous Heinrich Schliemann and Sir Arthur Evans that brought to light the Bronze Age peoples who would become known as the "Minoans" and "Mycenaeans"

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/004-early-bronze-age-greece.html

003 The Stone Age

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we leave the realm of myth and trace the development of early primate/human activity in Greece in the Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age), culminating in the domestication of plants and animals, the rise of the earliest villages, and the development of metallurgy in the Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/003-stone-age-greece.html

002 The Greek Genesis

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we take a look at Creation, according to the Greeks; the Titanomachia, the Gigantomachia, and the ascendancy of the Olympian Gods; the creation of the first humans; the story of Prometheus and the first woman, Pandora; Deucalion and the great flood; and the progenitors of the various Greek tribes

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/002-greek-genesis.html

001 Let There Be Greece!

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The first part of this episode is a brief introduction to the podcast (who I am, what my motivation is for doing this, and what I hope to achieve), and in the second part, we describe the geography of Greece (Hellas) and its natural resources

Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2016/04/001-let-there-be-greece.html

The History of Ancient Greece

112 Ah War, Here We Go Again

111 The Spartan Hegemony

110 Xenophon and "The Ten Thousand"

109 Sokrates

108 The Thirty Tyrants

107 Sparta Triumphant

106 Frustrations and Poor Decisions (Part II)

***Special Guest Episode on Classics and White Supremacy w/Curtis Dozier***

***Special Guest Episode on Race, Antiquity, and Its Legacy w/Denise McCoskey***

105 Carthage Enters the War

104 The Democratic Empire Strikes Back

***Special Guest Episode on Greek Naval Warfare w/Marc DeSantis***

103 An Oligarchic Coup

102 Livin' on a (Persian) Prayer

***Special Guest Episode on 'Ovid and the Art of Love' w/Esme von Hoffman***

***Special Guest Episode on Greek Land Warfare w/Owen Rees***

101 Disaster in Sicily

100 A Sicilian Stalemate

099 Frustrations and Poor Decisions

098 The Peace Unravels

***Special Guest Episode on Mesopotamian Medicine w/Moudhy Al-Rashid***

***Special Guest Episode on Classical Monsters and Popular Culture w/Liz Gloyn***

097 The Road to Peace

096 Athens on the Offensive

095 The Greek World Turned Upside Down

***Special Guest Episode on Being a Modern Homeric Bard w/Joe Goodkin***

***Special Guest Episode on Translating Thucydides' Speeches w/Johanna Hanink***

094 New Leaders and New Strategies

093 Revolt in the Empire

092 The End of an Era (Part II)

091 Attrition and Plague

090 The Road to War

***Special Guest Episode on Ten Caesars w/Barry Strauss***

***Special Guest Episode at MFA Boston w/Phoebe Segal***

089 The Breakdown of Peace

088 Thoukydides and Periklean Politics

087 Rhetoric and the Sophists

***Special Guest Episode on Drinking and 'Sportsing' w/Amy Pistone***

086 Early Astronomy

085 Mathematics and Early Pythagoreans

084 Pluralists and Other Physiologoi

083 Eleatics and Atomists

082 The Leader of the Muses

***Special Guest Episode on Classics and Race/Ethnicity w/Rebecca Futo Kennedy***

***Special Guest Episode on Classics and Misogyny w/Donna Zuckerberg***

081 Orphism, Omens, and Oracles

***Special Guest Episode on Roman Slavery and Gladiators w/Fiona Radford***

080 Hekate and Magic

079 Old Age, Death, and Burial

078 Healing, Medicine, and Disease

077 From Childbirth to Adolescence

076 The Goddess of the Young

***Special Guest Episode on Roman Women and Religion w/Peta Greenfield***

075 Pregnancy, Abortion, and Divorce

074 Marriage and Domesticity

073 The Oikos and Private Life

072 The Wrathful Queen

***Special Guest Episode on Roman Sexuality w/Aven McMaster***

071 Love, Sex, and Prostitution

070 The Goddess of Seduction

069 Slaves and Foreigners

068 Travel, Trade, and Work

067 Hephaistos and Hermes

066 The Athenian Agora

065 The Athenian Akropolis

064 The Protectress of Athens

063 The Lord of the Sea

062 Agricultural Festivals

061 The "Two Goddesses"

060 Hades and the Underworld

059 Olympian Zeus

058 Classical Temples

057 Classical Paintings

056 Classical Sculptures

055 The Dionysian Mysteries

054 Old Comedy and Aristophanes

053 Euripides at War

052 Early Euripides

051 Sophokles

Special Guest Episode on Classics and White Supremacy w/Curtis Dozier

Special Guest Episode on Race, Antiquity, and Its Legacy w/Denise McCoskey

Special Guest Episode on Greek Naval Warfare w/Marc DeSantis

Special Guest Episode on 'Ovid and the Art of Love' w/Esme von Hoffman

Special Guest Episode on Greek Land Warfare w/Owen Rees

Special Guest Episode on Mesopotamian Medicine w/Moudhy Al-Rashid

Special Guest Episode on Classical Monsters and Popular Culture w/Liz Gloyn

Special Guest Episode on Being a Modern Homeric Bard w/Joe Goodkin

Special Guest Episode on Translating Thucydides' Speeches w/Johanna Hanink

Special Guest Episode on Ten Caesars w/Barry Strauss

Special Guest Episode at MFA Boston w/Phoebe Segal

Special Guest Episode on Drinking and 'Sportsing' w/Amy Pistone

Special Guest Episode on Classics and Race/Ethnicity w/Rebecca Futo Kennedy

Special Guest Episode on Classics and Misogyny w/Donna Zuckerberg

Special Guest Episode on Roman Slavery and Gladiators w/Fiona Radford

Special Guest Episode on Roman Women and Religion w/Peta Greenfield

Special Guest Episode on Roman Sexuality w/Aven McMaster