What is Literature and History about?

Literature and History traces major works of ancient and early medieval literature in chronological order, explaining the texts alongside the cultures and historical events around them.

Who hosts Literature and History?

Literature and History is hosted and produced by Doug Metzger.

How long are Literature and History episodes?

Most recent episodes run about two to two and a half hours, with earlier episodes often closer to one to two hours.

Where can I listen to Literature and History?

You can listen through podcast apps using its RSS feed, and the show also has episode pages, transcripts, quizzes, and bonus material at literatureandhistory.com.

How often does Literature and History release?

The show releases on an irregular but roughly monthly cadence, with longer gaps between some major episodes.

Literature and History

Doug Metzger·125 episodes

ArtsBooksHistorySolo narratorChronological2+ hrs/epSoundtrackedLiterary historyAncient world

With millions of downloads, hundreds of hours of soundtracked content, and an overall emphasis on the cultural history behind famous works of literature, Literature and History is one of the most popular independent podcasts on its subject. Starting with Sumerian cuneiform in 3,100 BCE, Literature and History moves forward in chronological order through Assyriology, Egyptology, the Old Testament, Ancient Greece and Rome, the birth of Christianity, and the early Middle Ages. The show's current season is on early Islamic history. A typical episode (they average about two hours) features a general introduction to a work of literature, then a full summary...

Why listen

Literature and History is a chronological journey through the world's early texts, with Doug Metzger explaining each work alongside the cultures, empires, religions, and languages that produced it. Episodes feel like carefully written audio lectures with music, summaries, historical context, and occasional humor, making ancient literature far more approachable than a syllabus. It is ideal for listeners who love books, ancient history, mythology, biblical studies, or big learning projects they can follow over months.

Series(8)

3 eps

0/3

Series

Homer's Iliad

3 eps

0/3

Series

Homer's Odyssey

3 eps

0/3

Series

Aeschylus' Oresteia

4 eps

0/4

Series

Virgil's Aeneid

3 eps

0/3

Series

Ovid's Metamorphoses

2 eps

0/2

Series

Gregory of Tours

3 eps

0/3

Series

The Life of Muhammad

3 eps

0/3

Series

The Qur'an

Episodes

2 hr 2 min

May 15, 2026Episode 125

The Zoroastrian Bundahisn

The Bundahisn is the Zoroastrian creation story. At once an epic and encyclopedia, it's also a window into the end of Zoroastrianism's ascendancy in Iran. Episode 125 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-125/ Episode 125 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-125-the-zoroastrian-bundahisn Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 13 min

Apr 15, 2026Episode 124

The Last Great War of Antiquity

DOUG'S NEW BOOK - The Odyssey: An Illustrated Guide COLORING BOOK VERSION - The Odyssey Coloring Book Episode 124 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-124/ Episode 124 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-124-the-last-great-war-of-antiquity Image Credit: Alborz Fallah Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 1 min

Mar 15, 2026Episode 123

An Introduction to the Hadiths

The hadiths are second only to the Qur'an in Islam. Short narratives about the Prophet Muhammad - the things he said and did - hadiths have been a source of wisdom and inspiration for Muslims for more than a thousand years. Episode 123 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-123/ Episode 123 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-123-an-introduction-to-the-hadiths Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 25 min

Feb 15, 2026Episode 122

The Early Abbasid Caliphate

From 750-861, a dynasty of ten caliphs seated in modern-day Iraq ruled one of history's largest empires. The territory they lost and won, the wars they fought, and the cultural renaissance that they helped usher in all had far reaching impacts on world history. Ancient Novels Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zrUMtCpNt4 Oresteia Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK7e8WOOl4g Episode 122 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-122/ Episode 122 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-122-the-early-abbasid-caliphate Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 15 min

Jan 15, 2026Episode 121

The Umayyad Caliphate

The Umayyad Caliphate, from 661-750, became the largest empire the world had ever known, even as it suffered through two civil wars and significant internal divisions. This episode covers its overall military, political, and cultural history. Episode 121 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-121/ Episode 121 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-121-the-umayyad-caliphate Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 24 min

Dec 15, 2025Episode 120

The Rashidun Caliphate

The Rashidun caliphate, from 632-661, completely changed the history of the world. Learn the story of the greatest imperial expansion of the first millennium, together with the complex political and theological history behind it. Episode 120 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-120/ Episode 120 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-120-the-rashidun-caliphate Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 19 min

Oct 22, 2025Episode 119

The Qur'an, Part 3: Origins

The Qur'an has deep roots in the Bible and in the unique religious climate of Late Antique Mecca. Learn about its many references to the Bible and ancient Arabian religion in this episode. Kevin Stroud's The History of English: https://historyofenglishpodcast.com/ Episode 119 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-119/ Episode 119 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-119-the-quran-part-3 Oxford M.A.S. Abdel Haleem Qur'an Penguin Tarif Khalidi Qur'an HarperOne Study Qur'an, ed. Seyyed Hossein Nasr et. al. Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 17 min

Oct 15, 2025Episode 118

The Qur'an, Part 2: Ordinances

Learn about the foundations of Islamic Law in the Qur'an - the 350 or so verses that tell believers what they're required to do, and what's prohibited. Episode 118 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-118/ Episode 118 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-118-the-quran-part-2 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 6 min

Oct 8, 2025Episode 117

The Qur'an, Part 1: Overview

Learn the basics of the Qur'an - its size, structure, how and when it came together, and the book's most important contents. Episode 117 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-117/ Episode 117 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-117-the-quran-part-1 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 4 min

Sep 15, 2025Episode 116

The Life of Muhammad, Part 3: Conquest

During the final years of the Prophet Muhammad's life and the immediate aftermath of his death, the Muslims conquered Mecca, the first caliph Abu Bakr came to power, and the stage was set for the great Islamic conquests of the seventh century. Episode 116 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-116/ Episode 116 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-116-the-life-of-muhammad-part-3 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 15 min

Aug 15, 2025Episode 115

The Life of Muhammad, Part 2: Community

Between 622 and 628, Muhammad and the first Muslims made a home from themselves in Medina, fended off assaults from the Quraysh and others, and changed the course of history forever. New Spotify Bonus Content Channel: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lahbonuscontent/subscribe New Patreon Store: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory/shop Episode 115 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-115/ Episode 115 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-115-the-life-of-muhammad-part-2 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 21 min

Jul 15, 2025Episode 114

The Life of Muhammad, Part 1: Cobwebs

An orphan and caravan trade agent, Muhammad (570-632) lived a fairly ordinary life up until the age of 40. Then, everything changed. New Songs Page: https://literatureandhistory.com/songs/ Episode 114 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-114/ Episode 114 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-114-the-life-of-muhammad-part-1 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 4 min

Jun 15, 2025Episode 113

Antarah ibn Shaddad

Antarah ibn Shaddad, a killer, a lover, and an epic hero, was also one of early Arabic literature's most famous poets. Parker's Song: https://youtu.be/bTVWrxfb5wk Episode 113 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-113/ Episode 113 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-113-antarah-ibn-shaddad Antarah's Poetry: War Songs (Library of Arabic Literature) Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 19 min

May 14, 2025Episode 112

Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry

Prior to the dawn of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula had a great poetic tradition, with many genres, and many poets who are still celebrated and studied today. Episode 112 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-112/ Episode 112 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-112-pre-islamic-arabic-poetry/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibs86z0py04 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 22 min

Apr 15, 2025Episode 111

Pre-Islamic Arabia

Leading up to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in about 570 CE, the Arabian Peninsula was an increasingly populous and globally interconnected region. Episode 111 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-111/ Episode 111 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-111-pre-islamic-arabia/ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 20 min

Mar 22, 2025Episode 110

Questions

In Episode 110, Literature and History host Doug Metzger answers dozens of listener questions about making the show, books, and how and why the podcast came to be. Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.com/upcoming-seasons/ The Actual First Novels Bonus Series: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content#tafn Episode 110 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-110-questions/ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 9 min

Mar 15, 2025Episode 109

Cornerstones

Episode 109 brings our long season on Late Antiquity to a close, reviews the past 24 programs on the beginnings of the Middle Ages, and introduces our new season on early Islamic History. The Actual First Novels Bonus Series: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content#tafn Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.com/upcoming-seasons/ Episode 109 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-109-cornerstones/ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 14 min

Feb 15, 2025Episode 108

Isidore of Seville

One of the great scholars of Late Antiquity, Isidore (c. 560-636) left behind a compendium called the Etymologies, an encyclopedia of his epoch's knowledge, a book second only to the Bible during the Middle Ages. Episode 108 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-108/ Episode 108 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-108-isidore-of-seville/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kT74jAXCA4 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 12 min

Jan 15, 2025Episode 107

Venantius Fortunatus

The Merovingian court poet Venantius Fortunatus (c. 530-600), at work in Francia in the late 500s, shows us the world of the Middle Ages blooming from Roman ruins. Episode 107 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-107/ Episode 107 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-107-venantius-fortunatus/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpQP2na7oFM Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 7 min

Dec 14, 2024Episode 106

Gregory of Tours, Part 2

The second half of the History of the Franks (591) is a deep dive into the grime and intrigue of the Merovingian dynasty, written in a style that's as medieval as it is classical. Episode 106 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-106/ Episode 106 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-106-gregory-of-tours-part-2/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekc6frwUohI Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 27 min

Nov 7, 2024Episode 105

Gregory of Tours, Part 1

Gregory of Tours (c. 539-594) completed The History of the Franks in 591. The long book's account of Clovis and the Merovingian Dynasty has been one of our most important sources on early Medieval History, ever since. Episode 105 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-105/ Episode 105 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-105-gregory-of-tours-part-1/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLz16V1Gr7E Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 21 min

Aug 9, 2024Episode 104

An Introduction to the Talmud

Second only to the Tanakh, the 63 Tractates of the Talmud are the main text of Rabbinic Judaism, containing the teachings of thousands of ancient rabbis. Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.com/upcoming-seasons/ Episode 104 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-104/ Episode 104 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-104-introduction-to-the-talmud Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqpgvj_r6wk Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 21 min

Sep 22, 2023Episode 103

Boethius

In the twilight of the Western Empire, Boethius (c. 476-523) served as consul, but ended his life imprisoned by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric, writing The Consolation of Philosophy. Episode 103 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-103/ Episode 103 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-103-boethius Song https://youtu.be/ul1PUVPDAcQ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 27 min

Mar 4, 2023Episode 102

An Old Man's Book (Augustine's City of God, Part 2 of 2)

Augustine's City of God, Part 2 of 2. The second half of the City of God contains some of Late Antiquity's most influential writings – most notably Augustine's take on Original Sin. Episode 102 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-102/ Episode 102 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-102-an-old-mans-book Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYwI5aM4ZP8 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 15 min

Feb 4, 2023Episode 101

Against the Pagans (Augustine's City of God, Part 1 of 2)

Augustine's City of God, Part 1 of 2. The first half of the City of God is a broadside against paganism – its culture, religion, and history, subjects about which Augustine had much to say. Episode 101 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-101/ Episode 101 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-101-against-the-pagans Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3sErObfrVc&pp=0gcJCYsJAYcqIYzv Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 5 min

Dec 30, 2022Episode 100

Late Have I Loved You (Augustine's Confessions, Books 9-13)

Augustine's Confessions, Part 2 of 2. The second half of Augustine's Confessions contains some of the most famous theology in Christian history. Episode 100 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-100/ Episode 100 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-100-late-have-i-loved-you Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6wJQNQqq1Q Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 55 min

Dec 10, 2022Episode 99

The Boy Who Stole Pears (Augustine's Confessions, Books 1-7)

Augustine's Confessions, Part 1 of 2. The first half of Augustine's Confessions tells of his wayward early years, his intellectual journey, and his spiritual awakening. Episode 99 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-099/ Episode 99 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-099-the-boy-who-stole-pears Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km3WeynabBI Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 9 min

Nov 11, 2022Episode 98

The Life and Works of Saint Jerome

Polyglot Jerome (347-420) had a gigantic impact on all subsequent Christian history, leaving behind a huge body of works, including the Latin Bible. Episode 98 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-098/ Episode 98 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-098-saint-jerome Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx1qZaUHm58 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 32 min

May 8, 2022Episode 97

Blood and Ivy (Nonnus' Dionysiaca, Books 25-48)

The Dionysiaca, Part 2 of 2. The last surviving Greek epic of antiquity draws to a close with Dionysus fighting wars far to the east, in India. Episode 97 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-097/ Episode 97 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-097-blood-and-ivy Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 13 min

Oct 31, 2021Episode 96

The Last Pagan Epic (Nonnus' Dionysiaca, Books 1-24)

The last epic from Greco-Roman antiquity that survives in full, Nonnus' fifth-century Dionysiaca tells of the wine god Dionysus' journey eastward, to India. Episode 96 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-096/ Episode 96 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-096-the-last-pagan-epic Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 2 min

Oct 17, 2021Episode 95

Rutilius Namatianus

In 417 CE, the Roman poet Rutilius Namatianus journeyed from Rome back to his homeland of Gaul, not knowing whether there was a home to return to. Episode 95 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-095/ Episode 95 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-095-rutilius-namatianus Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcDdTfoe0dI&pp=0gcJCYsJAYcqIYzv Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 53 min

Sep 12, 2021Episode 94

Ausonius

One of the later Latin poets of the Empire, Ausonius' expansive body of work gives us a window into the changing world of fourth-century Roman culture. Episode 94 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-094/ Episode 94 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-094-ausonius Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkiw5KgkYjE&pp=0gcJCYsJAYcqIYzv Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 57 min

Aug 18, 2021Episode 93

Severus' Life of Saint Martin

Sulpicius Severus' (c. 363-425) life of St. Martin is one of the great hagiographies – a portrait of a timeless saint, but also of a human being and working bishop. Episode 93 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-093/ Episode 93 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-093-severus-life-of-st-martin Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyNRs8hLcUM Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 6 min

Aug 8, 2021Episode 92

Athanasius' Life of Antony

Athanasius (c. 297-373) wrote a wildly popular biography of the desert hermit St. Anthony, touting the ideals of asceticism and triumph over demonic temptation. Episode 92 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-092/ Episode 92 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-092-athanasius-life-of-antony Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 12 min

Jul 25, 2021Episode 91

The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity

In Carthage, in 203 CE, a Roman noblewoman and her retinue were butchered in an amphitheater. Learn her story, and the earliest history of Christian martyrs. Episode 91 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-091/ Episode 91 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-091-the-passion-of-perpetua Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv7pZLqV5zk Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 4 min

Jul 4, 2021Episode 90

Ante-Nicene Catholicism

Learn the documentary history behind how the Catholic Church was founded and set up as an organization, together with some of the works of the earliest church fathers. Episode 90 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-090/ Episode 90 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-090-ante-nicene-catholicism Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ai9nKRy7lc Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 12 min

Jun 19, 2021Episode 89

The Aethiopica of Heliodorus

Heliodorus of Emesa (3rd/4th century CE) wrote the longest novel to have survived from antiquity, an adventurous romance that reemerged into Europe in the 1500s. Episode 89 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-089/ Episode 89 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-089-the-aethiopica-of-heliodorus Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2stXERdUMhY Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Great Anthology of Ancient Greek Fiction: B.P. Reardon's Collected Ancient Greek Novels Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 55 min

May 21, 2021Episode 88

Ancient Greek Sci-fi

In roughly the 160s CE, the Greek satirist Lucian of Samosata wrote A True Story, one of history's earliest surviving novels, with strong tinges of what we'd call science fiction. Episode 88 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-088/ Episode 88 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-088-ancient-greek-sci-fi Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH2nNnkYICE Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 42 min

May 7, 2021Episode 87

Lucian of Samosata

The satirist Lucian (c. 125-180) was popular in his own time and during the Renaissance, among other things probably being the first author of science fiction. Episode 87 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-087/ Episode 87 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-087-lucian-of-samosata Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 22 min

Apr 25, 2021Episode 86

An Introduction to Late Antiquity

Once pervasively described as a period of fall and decline, today Late Antiquity is often understood as a period of cultural flowering and economic revolution. Episode 86 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-086/ Episode 86 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-086-intro-to-late-antiquity Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnDhBOPfW-Q Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 56 min

Apr 4, 2021Episode 85

River

A primer on Biblical canon formation, retrospective on what we've covered so far, and introduction to the upcoming season. Episode 85 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-085 Episode 85 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-085-river Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 58 min

Mar 14, 2021Episode 84

Manichaeism

After 300 CE, Manichaeism spread quickly from its origins in modern day Iraq and Iran. Recent archaeological discoveries have finally allowed us to learn about it firsthand. Episode 84 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-084/ Episode 84 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-084-manichaeism Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVHB2ALuKGw Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 15 min

Feb 28, 2021Episode 83

Gnosticism

The Nag Hammadi Library, Codex Tchacos, and Berlin Codex, as they came to light in the twentieth century, radically changed our understanding of early Christianity. Episode 83 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-083/ Episode 83 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-083-gnosticism Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wj0NRDRiZk Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content HarperOne Nag Hammadi Scriptures https://harperone.com/9780061626005/the-nag-hammadi-scriptures/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 19 min

Jan 31, 2021Episode 82

Zoroastrianism

Learn the basic tenets and early history of Zoroastrianism, one of the most important and widespread religions in the ancient world, and possibly earth's oldest living monotheism. Episode 82 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-082/ Episode 82 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-082-zoroastrianism Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVWusBEJv9E Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 17 min

Jan 10, 2021Episode 81

Revelation

One of the most spectacular pieces of writing in the world's religious texts, Revelation influenced generations of writers and theologians. Episode 81 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-081/ Episode 81 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-081-revelation Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tWGEcZW_tM Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 3 min

Oct 14, 2020Episode 80

The General Epistles

The later epistles of the New Testament show early Christian theology expanding and evolving in the ancient Mediterranean. Episode 80 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-080/ Episode 80 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-080-the-general-epistles Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 17 min

Sep 25, 2020Episode 79

The Pauline Epistles

Possibly the most influential theologian in history, Paul codified and clarified Christianity as it emerged into the diverse world of the Eastern Mediterranean. Episode 79 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-079/ Episode 79 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-079-the-pauline-epistles Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DS4AQWs7lw Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 15 min

Sep 11, 2020Episode 78

The Book of Acts

The story of Christianity's first missionaries is a sweeping , intercontinental narrative, filled with danger, strange encounters, and the hope for a better future. Episode 78 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-078/ Episode 78 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-078-the-book-of-acts Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFkAys_DsbY Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

2 hr 40 min

Jun 30, 2020Episode 77

The Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the heart of the New Testament. And today, historians and Biblical scholars know more about them than ever before. Episode 77 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-077/ Episode 77 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-077-the-gospels Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t16jixyX8zU Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

1 hr 51 min

Jun 7, 2020Episode 76

Judea Under Herod

The Roman client king Herod (c. 73-4 BCE) ruled Judea for thirty years. Learn about his rule, and the political and religious climate of Judea just before the birth of Christ. Episode 76 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-076/ Episode 76 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-076-judea-under-herod Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ijfD3Qn-Vk Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast