The Ancient World

Synopsis: The long-lived rulers of Egypt’s Twelfth Dynasty undertook the kingdom’s revitalization – restoring the depleted Faiyum Oasis and raising a massive chain of forts to subjugate Nubian lands. While the south Levant faced Egyptian raids, north Syria saw increased trade under newly-ascendant Amorite dynasties. The city of Assur on the upper Tigris took its first steps toward the economic domination of Anatolia.

“I made my way northward. I reached the ‘Walls of the Ruler’, which were made to repel the Asiatics and to crush the Sand-farers. I crouched in a bush for fear of being seen by the guard on duty upon the wall. I set out at night. At dawn I reached Peten. I halted at ‘Isle-of-Kem-Wer’. An attack of thirst overtook me; I was parched, my throat burned. I said, “This is the taste of death.” I raised my heart and collected myself when I heard the lowing sound of cattle and saw Asiatics. One of their leaders, who had been in Egypt, recognized me. He gave me water and boiled milk for me. I went with him to his tribe. What they did for me was good. Land gave me to land.” – The Story of Sinuhe

Map of Lower Nubia showing the Egyptian fortresses of the middle kingdom (from https://sites.brown.edu/urap/):

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Egypt_Forts.jpeg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720336021890/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A17_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The Sintashta way of life and death seeds aspects of Vedic Aryan Hinduism and Iranian Zoroastrianism, while their quest for a lucrative market for metals brings them into contact with the Oxus Civilization and – through them – the larger Near Eastern world. In post-Ur III Sumer, Amorite chiefs and military leaders begin to flex a newfound power and prestige.

“The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him,

The upper covering and the golden trappings,

The halters which restrain the Steed, the heel-ropes, -

All these, as grateful to the Gods, they offer.”

– Rig-Veda, Book 1, Hymn 162, The Horse

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 2100 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS2100.jpg

Map of the Near East c. 1950 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Near_East_1950.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335716108/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A16_References.pdf

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Synopsis: Yamnaya migrations east and west carried their language and culture to the mountains of Siberia and plains of Hungary. Over the following centuries, their Corded Ware/Bell Beaker successors spread their daughter languages to the frontiers of Europe. As the Aridification Event began to take hold, increasing violence and declining herds drove some steppe tribes to migrate east of the Urals. The move gave rise to the metal-working, chariot-driving, Indo-Iranian-speaking Sintashta culture.

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 3200 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS3200M.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 2800 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS2800.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 2100 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS2100.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335547107/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A15_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The fall of Old Europe and dissolution of the Cucuteni-Tripolye Culture left horse-riding steppe-herders the unchallenged paradigm on the Pontic-Caspian steppe. The introduction of the wagon around 3500 BC enabled their adoption of a fully-nomadic lifestyle, culminating with the complete dominance of the Proto-Indo-European-speaking Yamnaya horizon.

“I will declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the Thunder-wielder. He slew the Dragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the channels of the mountain torrents. He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvastar fashioned. Like lowing kine in rapid flow descending the waters glided downward to the ocean.” - The Rig-Veda Book 1, Hymn XXXII. Indra

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4050 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4050.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 3200 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS3200.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335342929/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A14_References.pdf

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SEASON 3 PREMIERE

Synopsis: Despite the generally inhospitable environment, many ancient hunter-gatherers made the Northern Steppe their home. During the 6th and 5th millennia BC, their interactions with successive waves of migrating farmer-herders prompted a new cultural orientation toward the acquisition and control of large herds of cattle. Toward end of the period, the development of horse-riding enabled steppe tribes to invade the wealthy, sophisticated metalworking culture of Old Europe.

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 5800 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS5800.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4800 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4800.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4050 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4050.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335097086

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A13_References.pdf

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SEASON 2 FINALE

Synopsis: Shulgi and his successors face major challenges to Ur III rule, including Amorite attacks, Sumerian rivals, and a newly-emboldened Shimashki.

“The god Enlil granted to Shu-Sin a long lifespan, a crown and tiara, a scepter of long days, a royal throne, a firm foundation, years of abundance, a weapon – the flood – which casts terror…” – Copy of an inscription from a statue of Shu-Sin commemorating a victory over Shimashki Map of the Near East c. 2060 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2060BC.jpg

Map of the Near East c. 2028 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2028BC.jpg

Map of the Near East c. 2000 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2000BC.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720332382139/with/55129840383

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A12_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The Proto-Elamite horizon sparked innovation and trade throughout Iran and Central Asia, and its collapse saw the emergence of numerous “secondary states”. Toward the end of the Third Millennium BC, the dominant polity east of the Zagros was the Oxus Civilization.

Map of the Middle Asian Interaction Sphere:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/MAIS.png

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720332227258/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A11_References.pdf

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Synopsis: Ur-Namma unifies Sumer and ejects the Elamites. His son, King Shulgi, designs a new empire and begins a push for Zagros domination.

“The trustworthy shepherd, king, the sword of Sumer, Ur-Namma, the king of the Land, was taken to the …house…he who was beloved by the troops, could not raise his neck anymore. The wise one…lay down; silence descended. As he, who was the vigor of the Land, had fallen, the Land became demolished like a mountain…He passed away in his prime…abandoned, like a broken jar.” – The Death of Ur-Namma

Map of the Near East c. 2112 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2112BC.jpg

Map of the Near East c. 2060 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2060BC.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331669262/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A10_References.pdf

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Synopsis: With the fall of the Old Kingdom, power devolves to the various nomes. The Herakleopolitan House of Khety extends control over most of Egypt before eventually being defeated and deposed by the rival House of Thebes.

“I took care of the towns of Hefat and Hormer in every situation of crisis, when the sky was clouded and the earth was parched and everybody died of hunger. The south came with its people and the north with its children; they brought the finest oil in exchange for the barley that was given to them. The whole of Upper Egypt died of hunger and each individual had reached such a state of hunger that he ate his own children. But I refused to see anyone die of hunger and gave to the north the grain of Upper Egypt. I brought life to the provinces of Nekhen and Edfu, Elephantine and Ombos.” – Tomb Inscription of the Nomarch Ankhtifi

Episode Image: Painted osiride sandstone seated Ka statue of king Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II, on display at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. By Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118201367.

Map of Egypt in the First Intermediate Period:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A9_Egypt.png

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331395977

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A9_References.pdf

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[NOTE: This new version features improved audio]

Synopsis: The impacts of the Aridification Event lead to Akkadian collapse. Gudea of Lagash asserts independence and shepherds the south through the aftermath. The brief period of Guti domination is terminated by the Elamite invasion of Kutik-Inshushinak and the Sumerian revolt of Utu-Hegal of Uruk.

“They placed fetters on (Tirigan’s) hands and put a cloth over his eyes. Utu-Hegal made him lie at Utu’s feet and on his neck he set his foot. Gutium, the fanged snake of the mountain ranges, he made drink from the cracks in the earth.” – Victory Stele of Utu-Hegal of Uruk

Episode Image: Statue of Gudea, Ensi of Lagash, on display at the British Museum, 2025. My photo.

Map of the Near East c. 2200 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2200BC.jpg

Map of the Near East c. 2112 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2112BC.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331179161/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A8_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The science behind the 4.2 kiloyear BPE Aridification Event.

“The great farming tracts brought forth no grain,

The irrigated farming tracts brought forth no fish,

The well-watered orchard brought forth neither syrup nor wine.

The gathering clouds brought no rain, not even weeds would grow.” – The Curse of Agade

Map of the Near East c. 2200 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2200BC.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720330980851

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A7_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The Akkadian Empire reaches its zenith under the rule of Naram-Sin.

“Its king, the shepherd, Naram-Sin,

Shone forth like sunrise on the holy throne of Agade,

Its walls, like a mountain range, reached up to graze the sky.

Holy Inanna opened in them spacious gates,

Big enough to let the Tigris flow out through them to the sea.” - The Curse of Agade

Original Episode Art by Mike Oeming:

https://michaelavonoeming.com/

Bust of Naram-sin by Museum Art Replicas:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MuseumArtReplicas

Map of SW Eurasia:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A6_Map.png

Map of the Akkadian Empire (by Simeon Netchev, World History Encyclopedia):

https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15457.png?v=1748640186-0

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720327300092

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A6_References.pdf

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Synopsis: Sargon of Akkad forges the world’s first Empire.

“After Enlil’s baleful glare

Had slain Kish like the Bull of Heaven,

Had slaughtered house and land of Uruk in the dust,

like that monster bull,

And Enlil had then and there given Sargon, king of Agade,

Lordship of Uruk, kingship of Kish,

From the lowlands to the upper regions,

Then did holy Inanna busy herself to build

Agade, the temple city, as her sublime dwelling,

In Ulmash let her throne be set.” – The curse of Agade

Map of SW Eurasia:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A5_Map.png

Map of the Akkadian Empire (by Simeon Netchev, World History Encyclopedia):

https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15457.png?v=1748640186-0

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720326959608/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A5_References.pdf

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Synopsis: This episode covers the rise and fall of the Egyptian Old Kingdom.

“The Second Dynasty consists of nine kings of This. The first was Boethos, for 38 years. In his reign a chasm opened at Bubastis, and many perished.

Kaiechos, for 39 years. In his reign the bulls, Apis at Memphis and Mnevis at Heliopolis, and the Mendelsian goat were worshipped as gods.

Binothris, for 47 years. In his reign it was decided that women might hold the kingly office.

Tlas, for 17 years. Sethenes, for 41 years. Chaires, for 17 years.

Nephercheres, for 25 years. In his reign (the story goes), the Nile flowed blended with honey for 11 days.”

– Manetho’s Aegyptiaca, as quoted by Syncellus

Map of SW Eurasia:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_Map.png

Map of Egypt:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_Egypt.png

Map of the Pyramid Fields:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_Pyramids.jpg

Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720326636138

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_References.pdf

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Hi everyone! My friend Dominic at THoE and I are doing a feed-swap this week. It's a great chance to introduce you to his new set of episodes on the pharaoh Ramesses II. More details from Dominic below. Enjoy! - Scott C.

In a land famous for its monarchs – the legendary pharaohs – there is no one quite like Ramesses II. He might be the most famous of all, and we know a heck of a lot more about Ramesses than other rulers like Tutankhamun or Cleopatra VII. Now, after twelve years of narrative history, The History of Egypt Podcast is finally beginning the reign of this immortal monarch. The age of Ramesses defines much of what scholars and historians know about ancient Egypt; from the construction of temples and monuments, to the daily life of ordinary citizens… The History of Egypt Podcast is exploring all of it, in as much detail as possible. Along the way, we’ll explore tales like the Battle of Kadesh, when Egypt and the Hittites went head-to-head in bloody conflict; or the Biblical Exodus – did it really happen, and what do we know about it? We’ll visit monuments like Abu Simbel and the famed Ramesseum, home of the largest statues ever built in Egyptian history. And throughout these tales, we’ll meet ordinary folks, in different walks of life, who left their mark on history.

The History of Egypt Podcast is available on all podcasting apps, just follow the links below to learn more.

Website: http://www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ancientegypthist

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EK7aL9zF57EV1eZb4X6Qg

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-history-of-egypt-podcast/id626129639

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Synopsis: This episode covers the Early Dynastic Period in Sumer and northern Syria.

“Eannatum gave the great battle net of Enlil to the leader of Umma and made him swear to him by it. The leader of Umma swore to Eannatum: ‘By the life of Enlil, king of heaven and earth! I may exploit the field of Ningirsu as an interest-bearing loan. I shall not destroy the irrigation channel! Forever and evermore, I shall not transgress the territory of Ningirsu! I shall not shift the course of its irrigation channels and canals! I shall not smash its monuments! Whenever I do transgress, may the great battle net of Enlil, king of heaven and earth, by which I have sworn, descend upon Umma’.” – The Stele of the Vultures

Original Episode Art by Mike Oeming:

https://michaelavonoeming.com/

Map of SW Eurasia:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A3_Map.png

Map of Sumer and Northern Syria (c. 2380 BC):

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A3_Sumer.png

Kings List:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A3_Kings.pdf

Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720326251557/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A3_References.pdf

Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.

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Synopsis: This episode covers the early civilizations of Egypt and the Caucasus region, including the Kura-Araxes and Maikop.

“In succession to the Spirits of the Dead and the Demigods, the Egyptians reckon the First Dynasty to consist of eight kings. Among these was Menes (Narmer), whose rule in Egypt was illustrious. I shall record the rulers of each race from the time of Menes. Their succession is as follows…” – Manetho’s Aegyptiaca, as quoted by Syncellus.

Map of SW Eurasia:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A2_Map.png

Map of Egypt:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A2_Egypt.png

Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720325959543/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A2_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The launch of “The Ancient World – Ages”, a new series covering the Early Bronze Age Collapse (c. 2200 BC) and the remaking of Southwest Eurasia. We start things off with a discussion of the Ubaid and Uruk Periods of early Mesopotamia.

“After Anu, Enlil, Enki, and Ninhursag

Had fashioned the black-headed people,

Vegetation luxuriated from the earth,

Animals, four-legged creatures of the plain, were brought

artfully into existence.” – The Deluge Myth

Original Episode Art By:

https://michaelavonoeming.com

Map of Southwest Eurasia:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A1_Map.png

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A1_References.pdf

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Synopsis: Part 2 of a two-part Spotlight series on the rise and fall of the Roman Emperor Galerius: refugee, herdsman, soldier, Caesar, Augustus, Tetrarch, conqueror, schemer, would-be ruler of the (Dacian?) Empire, and persecutor of the Christians. A rollicking Third Century romp inspired by my current residence in his former tetrarchal capital of Thessaloniki, Greece.

“Galerius…was born to wipe out the disgrace incurred by Valerian’s capture.” – The Historia Augusta

“Had I a hundred mouths, a hundred tongues, A voice of brass, and adamantine lungs, Not half the dreadful scene could I disclose.” – Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors

Episode Images:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/S8_Images.pdf

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/S8_References.pdf

Use promo code ancientworld at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual plan at

incogni.com/ancientworld.

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Synopsis: Part 1 of a two-part Spotlight series on the rise and fall of the Roman Emperor Galerius: refugee, herdsman, soldier, Caesar, Augustus, Tetrarch, conqueror, schemer, would-be ruler of the (Dacian?) Empire, and persecutor of the Christians. A rollicking Third Century romp inspired by my current residence in his former tetrarchal capital of Thessaloniki, Greece.

“Galerius…(was) trained to arms in the severe school of Aurelian and Probus.” – Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

“In this wild beast there dwelt a native barbarity and a savageness foreign to Roman blood; and no wonder, for his mother was born beyond the Danube.” – Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors

Episode Images:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/S7_Images.pdf

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/S7_References.pdf

Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.

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