The Ancients cover art

The Ancients

The Ancients

By: History Hit
Listen for free

About this listen

A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.


New episodes every Sunday and Thursday.


From History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hit Networks
World
Episodes
  • Alexander the Great | Lord of Asia
    Feb 26 2026

    As friendships fracture and old alliances break, Tristan Hughes and Dr Adrian Goldsworthy chronicle the epic downfall of Alexander the Great.


    Alexander’s relentless campaigns from Bactria to Babylon push his empire, army and inner circle to breaking point, hear the battles, betrayals and decisions that hastened a legendary conqueror’s tragic end.


    MORE

    The Romans and India with William Dalrymple

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify


    Successors of Alexander the Great

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    You can take part in our listener survey here:

    https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • The House of Ramesses II: Egypt's Greatest Pharaoh?
    Feb 22 2026

    The name of Ramesses the Great is etched deeper into Egypt than almost any other ruler. Colossal statues moulded in his image tower over the Nile. Reliefs of his victories are carved into countless temple walls. But were did Ramesses II come from? And how was this legend of Egyptian history born?


    In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Campbell Price to uncover the rise of the House of Ramesses and the century of crisis that paved the way for Egypt’s most famous pharaoh. From dynastic turmoil and religious upheaval to military revival and monumental propaganda, discover how Ramesses II seized his moment and shaped a legacy that has endured for over 3,000 years. Was he Egypt’s greatest ruler or its greatest architect of reputation?


    MORE


    The Great Sphinx

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify


    The Pyramids of Giza

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify


    Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: @TheAncientsPodcast


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    You can take part in our listener survey here:

    https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • The Fall of Persia | Alexander the Great
    Feb 19 2026

    Tristan Hughes and Dr Adrian Goldsworthy continue the special series on Alexander the Great, delving into the epic sieges of Tyre and Gaza in 332 BC, and Alexander's triumphant campaign through Egypt.


    They explore the strategic brilliance at the Battle of Gaugamela, the fall of Persepolis, and the eventual demise of Darius III. As Alexander's army pushes further east, tackling internal conspiracies and relentless combat, they traverse the formidable landscapes of Bactria and Afghanistan, capturing Alexander's the blend of military genius, relentless ambition, and the complex legacy of one of history's most formidable commanders.


    MORE

    The Ancient Amazon

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify


    The Walls of Babylon

    Listen on Apple

    Listen on Spotify


    Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

    All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

    The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    You can take part in our listener survey here:

    https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Although my main interests are Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egyptian. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about other cultures beside. Each Sunday and Thursday I can't wait to see which episode has dropped.

Fantastic podcast - always looking forward to next

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I really like the subjects that this podcast covers. Although Greek Myths are a favourite area, the episodes on Egypt, Rome and other civilisations/periods are always interesting and informative. Tristram’s voice is pleasant to listen to and the guest specialists are always engaging.

Great subjects and excellent explanations

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Love this podcast Tristan’s voice is mesmerising. Can’t wait for podcast to be posted, really informative too

Podcast

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Nice to listen to and nice there are so many, it would be nice to get a little more in depth though

Entertaining

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Loved it! This podcast has taught me and introduced me to so much history and new topics, but chuck Mary Beard in and wow! she never fails to teach and entertain. Definitely worth a listen.

Brilliant!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews