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The History of Ancient Greece

Ryan Stitt·129 episodes

HistorySocietyCultureSolo-led historyLongformChronologicalAncient worldExpert guestsStart from episode 1

The History of Ancient Greece Podcast is a deep-dive into one of the most influential and fundamental civilization in world history. Hosted by philhellene Ryan Stitt, THOAG spans over two millennia. From the Bronze Age to the Archaic Period, from Classical Greece to the Hellenistic kingdoms, and finally to the Roman conquest, this podcast will tell the history of a fundamental civilization by bringing to life the fascinating stories of all the ancient sources and scholarly interpretations of the archaeological evidence. And we won't just detail their military and political history, but their society, how the Greeks lived day-to-day, as...

Why listen

The History of Ancient Greece is a chronological deep dive for listeners who want Greek history in full context, not just famous battles and philosophers. Ryan Stitt works through politics, war, religion, literature, society, archaeology, and ancient sources in patient solo narration, with occasional expert interviews that widen the lens. It is best for history listeners who enjoy long arcs, scholarly detail, and starting at the beginning of a civilization rather than sampling isolated stories.

Series(2)

Episodes

2 hr 35 min
Sep 12, 2024
112 The Korinthian War

In this episode, we discuss the first three years of the Korinthian War from 395-393 BC Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2024/09/112-korinthian-war.html

2 hr 18 min
Feb 28, 2024
111 The Spartan Hegemony

In this episode, we discuss Spartan imperial policy at home and abroad in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War at Sparta from 404-396 BC, including their war with Eleia, the imperial ambitions of Lysandros and the ascension of Agesilaos, Kinadon's foiled socio-political revolution, and Sparta's invasion of Persia to "free" the Eastern Greeks Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2024/02/111-spartan-hegemony.html

2 hr 40 min
Jan 5, 2023
110 Xenophon and "The Ten Thousand"

In this episode, we discuss the life, influences, drawbacks, and positives of the Athenian military leader, philosopher, and historian--Xenophon (ca. 430-354 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 writings (the Anabasis) Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2023/01/110-xenophon-and-ten-thousand.html

1 hr 46 min
Mar 21, 2022
109 Sokrates

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 Euphyro, Apologia, Krito, and Phaido.  Show Notes: http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2022/03/109-sokrates.html

1 hr 37 min
Oct 11, 2021
108 The Thirty Tyrants

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

1 hr 15 min
Apr 12, 2021
107 Sparta Triumphant

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

2 hr 14 min
Oct 26, 2020
106 Frustrations and Poor Decisions (Part II)

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

59 min
Oct 5, 2020
***Special Guest Episode on Classics and White Supremacy w/Curtis Dozier***

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

1 hr 12 min
Sep 21, 2020
***Special Guest Episode on Race, Antiquity, and Its Legacy w/Denise McCoskey***

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

1 hr 24 min
Aug 24, 2020
105 Carthage Enters the War

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

1 hr 42 min
Aug 3, 2020
104 The Democratic Empire Strikes Back

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

1 hr 19 min
Jul 13, 2020
***Special Guest Episode on Greek Naval Warfare w/Marc DeSantis***

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

2 hr 19 min
Jun 22, 2020
103 An Oligarchic Coup

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/

1 hr 41 min
Jun 1, 2020
102 Livin' on a (Persian) Prayer

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

52 min
May 18, 2020
***Special Guest Episode on 'Ovid and the Art of Love' w/Esme von Hoffman***

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 <span style= "font-family: 'helvetica neue' , 'arial' , 'helvetica' , sans-serif;" data-blogger-escaped-style= "font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helve

1 hr 47 min
Apr 27, 2020
***Special Guest Episode on Greek Land Warfare w/Owen Rees***

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

1 hr 50 min
Mar 16, 2020
101 Disaster in Sicily

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

1 hr 23 min
Feb 17, 2020
100 A Sicilian Stalemate

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

1 hr 40 min
Jan 6, 2020
099 Frustrations and Poor Decisions

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

1 hr 51 min
Dec 2, 2019
098 The Peace Unravels

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

53 min
Nov 11, 2019
***Special Guest Episode on Mesopotamian Medicine w/Moudhy Al-Rashid***

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

55 min
Oct 7, 2019
***Special Guest Episode on Classical Monsters and Popular Culture w/Liz Gloyn***

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

1 hr 52 min
Sep 30, 2019
097 The Road to Peace

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

1 hr 41 min
Sep 9, 2019
096 Athens on the Offensive

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

2 hr 6 min
Aug 19, 2019
095 The Greek World Turned Upside Down

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

1 hr 10 min
Jul 8, 2019
***Special Guest Episode on Being a Modern Homeric Bard w/Joe Goodkin***

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

1 hr 15 min
Jun 24, 2019
***Special Guest Episode on Translating Thucydides' Speeches w/Johanna Hanink***

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

1 hr 26 min
May 27, 2019
094 New Leaders and New Strategies

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

1 hr 5 min
May 20, 2019
093 Revolt in the Empire

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

1 hr 33 min
May 13, 2019
092 The End of an Era (Part II)

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

1 hr 11 min
Apr 29, 2019
091 Attrition and Plague

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

1 hr 27 min
Apr 22, 2019
090 The Road to War

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

37 min
Apr 15, 2019
***Special Guest Episode on Ten Caesars w/Barry Strauss***

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

49 min
Apr 1, 2019
***Special Guest Episode at MFA Boston w/Phoebe Segal***

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

1 hr 47 min
Mar 11, 2019
089 The Breakdown of Peace

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

1 hr 8 min
Feb 18, 2019
088 Thoukydides and Periklean Politics

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/

1 hr 29 min
Feb 4, 2019
087 Rhetoric and the Sophists

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

1 hr 17 min
Jan 21, 2019
***Special Guest Episode on Drinking and 'Sportsing' w/Amy Pistone***

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

1 hr 4 min
Dec 24, 2018
086 Early Astronomy

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

1 hr 1 min
Dec 10, 2018
085 Mathematics and Early Pythagoreans

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).

46 min
Nov 26, 2018
084 Pluralists and Other Physiologoi

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

56 min
Nov 11, 2018
083 Eleatics and Atomists

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

1 hr 25 min
Oct 29, 2018
082 The Leader of the Muses

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

1 hr 55 min
Oct 15, 2018
***Special Guest Episode on Classics and Race/Ethnicity w/Rebecca Futo Kennedy***

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

58 min
Oct 8, 2018
***Special Guest Episode on Classics and Misogyny w/Donna Zuckerberg***

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

1 hr 41 min
Oct 1, 2018
081 Orphism, Omens, and Oracles

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

1 hr 24 min
Sep 17, 2018
***Special Guest Episode on Roman Slavery and Gladiators w/Fiona Radford***

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

1 hr 15 min
Sep 3, 2018
080 Hekate and Magic

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).

1 hr 20 min
Aug 20, 2018
079 Old Age, Death, and Burial

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/

1 hr 12 min
Aug 6, 2018
078 Healing, Medicine, and Disease

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