Podcast - Ithacabound.com

Final Series Episode (Ep. 188): Greek Pantheon w. Professor Ivana Petrovic

Andrew Schiestel Jan 21, 2022

In the final series episode of the Ithaca Bound Podcast, Ivana Petrovic, Hugh H. Obear Professor of Classics and Department Chair, University of Virginia, joins the show to explore what scholars know about the Greek pantheon. Some topics…

Pottery in Archaic & Classical Sparta w. Dr Adrien Delahaye

Andrew Schiestel Nov 12, 2021

Pottery in ancient Sparta was used for storage, shipping, communicating moral lessons, and more. Dr Adrien Delahaye, Scientific Member, French School at Athens, joins the show to explore what scholars know about Spartan pottery in the…

Marseille Becoming French w. Professor Junko Takeda

Andrew Schiestel Nov 5, 2021

Marseille is the oldest city in France but not the oldest French city. Professor Junko Takeda, Syracuse University, joins the show to speak about the period of time when Marseille became part of France. Listen to the episode The…

Ottoman Syria in the 16th Century w. Prof. Stefan Winter

Andrew Schiestel Oct 29, 2021

In 1516, the Ottoman Empire took over the region of Syria from the Mamluk Empire. Professor Stefan Winter, Koç University & the University of Quebec at Montreal, joins the show to discuss Ottoman Syria during the century. Listen to…

Umayyad‘s Hegemony in the Mediterranean in the 7th Century w. Dr. Antoine Borrut

Andrew Schiestel Oct 22, 2021

Much happened in the 7th century during Umayyad’s prominence including two fitnas (commonly referred to as civil wars), printing coins, and the assembly of a navy. Dr. Antoine Borrut, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, joins the…

Court Trials in Classical Athens w. Dr Edward Harris

Andrew Schiestel Oct 14, 2021

Classical Athens had a principles-based legal system that echoes in many legal systems today. Emeritus Professor Edward Harris, University of Durham, makes a return appearance on the show to discuss what court trials were like in the…

Government in Classical Sparta w. Dr Philip Davies

Andrew Schiestel Oct 8, 2021

Classical Sparta functioned for years with a body of citizens who passed laws while co-existing with two contemporaneously sitting kings (a diarchy). Dr Philip Davies, Assistant Professor in Ancient Greek History, Faculty of Arts,…

Bronze Age Palaikastro Crete w. Professor Carl Knappett

Andrew Schiestel Oct 4, 2021

The Bronze Age urban centre of Palaikastro on the Island of Crete remarkably persisted for over two millennia, and peculiarly, may never have had a palatial building. Professor Carl Knappett, Walter Graham/Homer Thompson Chair in Aegean…

Pompeii in the 5th & 4th Centuries BCE w. Dr. Ivo van der Graaff

Andrew Schiestel Oct 1, 2021

Pompeii became largely uninhabited in the fifth century and began a repopulation process in the fourth. Ivo van der Graaff, Associate Professor, University of New Hampshire, Durham, returns to the show to discuss what was occurring in…

Abbasid Caliphate‘s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Dr Harry Munt

Andrew Schiestel Sep 28, 2021

The Abbasid Caliphate existed for hundreds of years longer than its Islamic predecessors. Dr Harry Munt, Senior Lecturer in Medieval History, University of York, returns to the show to explain their reign and longevity. Listen to the…

Carthage After the Second Punic War w. Dr Kathryn Lomas

Andrew Schiestel Sep 23, 2021

Dr Kathryn Lomas, Honorary Research Fellow, Durham University, makes a fifth appearance on the show to share what scholars know about Carthage during the interregnum between the Second and Third Punic Wars. Dr Lomas has appeared…

Religion in Ptolemaic Egypt w. Dr Julietta Steinhauer

Andrew Schiestel Sep 21, 2021

Religion during the Ptolemaic Egypt was diverse and included: traditional religion, Hellenistic worship, and Judaism, and more. Dr Julietta Steinhauer, Lecturer, University College London, returns to the show to discuss what religion was…

Thessaly in Greek Mythology w. Professor Emma Aston

Andrew Schiestel Sep 20, 2021

In Greek mythology, the region of Thessaly is home to centaurs, Achilles, Jason, and more. Emma Aston, Professor, Department of Classics, University of Reading, returns to the show to chat about Thessaly appearing in Greek mythology.…

Late Bronze Age Cyprus w. Professor Louise Steel

Andrew Schiestel Sep 16, 2021

During the Late Bronze Age, the Cypriots had a variety of settlements, their own language, and were seafaring. Louise Steel, Professor, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, joins the show to…

Iron Age Crete w. Dr Saro Wallace

Andrew Schiestel Sep 15, 2021

After the Bronze Age, life on the Island of Crete continued. Dr Saro Wallace, Senior Research Fellow, Gerda Henkel Research Foundation, joins the show to explain what civilization was like in this period of time on the island. Listen to…

Founding of the Caliphate of Córdoba w. Dr. Brian Catlos

Andrew Schiestel Sep 14, 2021

In the 10th century, in response to the growing presence of the Fatimid Caliphate in northern Africa, an Emir in Córdoba declared himself a Caliph, transforming the Emirate of Córdoba into a Caliphate. Professor Brian Catlos returns to the…

Kingdom of Hattusa in the 17th & 16th Centuries BCE w. Dr Mark Weeden

Andrew Schiestel Sep 13, 2021

In the 17th century, the people commonly known as the Hittites created a kingdom called Hattusa. Dr Mark Weeden, Associate Professor of Ancient Middle Eastern Languages, University College London, returns to the show to speak about the…

Ancient Roman Farming on the Italian Peninsula w. Dr Annalisa Marzano

Andrew Schiestel Sep 10, 2021

Rome and farming were inextricable. Professor Annalisa Marzano, Department of Classics, University of Reading, joins the show to talk about how ancient Romans farmed. Professor Marzano is an Italian-American Ancient Historian &…

Almohad Empire‘s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Professor Amira K. Bennison

Andrew Schiestel Sep 9, 2021

In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Almohads operated an empire that stretched across much of the Maghreb and southern Iberia, and are known for such features as their level of bureaucracy and minting squared coins. Professor Amira K.…

The Social War – Year 3 of 5 w. Dr. Seth Kendall

Andrew Schiestel Sep 8, 2021

The Social War was a five-year war fought in the 1st century BCE (91-87) between the Roman Republic and many of its allied communities. Dr. Seth Kendall, Associate Professor, Georgia Gwinnett College, returns to the show to speak about the…

Religion in Old Kingdom Egypt w. Dr Fayza Haikal

Andrew Schiestel Sep 7, 2021

The Old Kingdom was not only a period that's known for its pyramids, but also its pantheon of deities. Professor Emerita Fayza Haikal, The American University in Cairo, joins the show to share what religion was like in the Old Kingdom of…

Amarna w. Dr Thais Rocha da Silva

Andrew Schiestel Sep 6, 2021

In the 14th century BCE, Pharaoh Akhenaten controversially moved the capital of Egypt to Amarna (what contemporaries called Akhetaten). Dr Thais Rocha da Silva, Departmental Lecturer, History Department, University of São Paulo, and…

Writing in Cyprus During the Late Bronze Age w. Dr Philippa Steele

Andrew Schiestel Sep 3, 2021

The writing system used on the Island of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age is known by the neologism, Cypro-Minoan. Dr Philippa Steele, Senior Research Associate, Faculty of Classics, University of Cambridge, joins the show to explain…

Linear B w. Dr. Dimitri Nakassis

Andrew Schiestel Sep 2, 2021

Linear B is the writing system that was used by the civilization(s) known as the Mycenaeans. Professor and Chair of the Department of Classics at the University of Colorado Boulder, Professor Dimitri Nakassis, Chair, Department of Classics,…

Samnites in the 5th Century BCE w. Dr Rafael Scopacasa

Andrew Schiestel Sep 1, 2021

The Samnites were a group of communities from the central Apennine Mountains who shared certain traits and that predominantly appear in the historical sources in the second half of the first millennium BCE. Dr Rafael Scopacasa, Lecturer in…

Almoravid Empire’s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Professor Amira K. Bennison

Andrew Schiestel Aug 31, 2021

In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Almoravid Empire held vast amounts of territory in northern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, and capitalized their state in Marrakesh. Professor Amira K. Bennison, History and Culture of the Maghrib,…

Greek Calendars in the 1st Millennium BCE w. Dr. Alexander Jones

Andrew Schiestel Aug 30, 2021

Greek calendars, in the first millennium BCE, were plentiful and varied. Dr. Alexander Jones, Leon Levy Director & Professor of the History of the Exact Sciences in Antiquity at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, New York…

Early Greek Literacy w. Dr Adam Schwartz

Andrew Schiestel Aug 29, 2021

After an evidential hiatus of a few hundred years, an alphabet arrived in Greece, and with it, literacy. Dr Adam Schwartz, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen, returns to the show to talk about early literacy in Greece. Dr…

Urban Life in Catalonia in the 14th Century w. Dr Jeff Fynn-Paul

Andrew Schiestel Aug 28, 2021

The Principality of Catalonia encompassed Barcelona, and in the fourteenth century, was part of the Crown of Aragon. Dr Jeff Fynn-Paul, Leiden University, joins the show to talk about what urban life was like in this part of the…

Infrastructure in Late Ancient Pompeii w. Dr. Eric Poehler

Andrew Schiestel Aug 27, 2021

Pompeii presents an opportunity to understand the dynamics of city infrastructure better in the ancient period. Professor Eric Poehler, Department of Classics, University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins the show to explore Pompeii's…

Chimera in Greek Mythology w. Dr. Scott Smith

Andrew Schiestel Aug 26, 2021

In Greek mythology, the Chimera is a figure that is comprised of lion, goat and snake. Dr. Scott Scott, Professor of Classics & Department Chair, Department of Classics, Humanities, & Italian Studies, University of New Hampshire,…

Greece After King Alexander III of Macedon’s Life w. Dr Charlotte Dunn

Andrew Schiestel Aug 25, 2021

After Alexander III's death, the relationship that Greek polities had with the Kingdom of Macedon was mixed: some were congenial, some acquiesced, and others outright revolted. Dr Charlotte Dunn, University of Tasmania, returns to the show…

Mycenaeans on Crete During the Bronze Age w. Dr Louise Hitchcock

Andrew Schiestel Aug 24, 2021

In the 14th century BCE, the Mycenaeans gained dominion of at least Knossos on the Island of Crete, and possibly, the entire island. Professor Louise Hitchcock, Professor of Archaeology, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, The…

Roman Republic in the Late 4th Century BCE w. Dr. Gary Forsythe

Andrew Schiestel Aug 23, 2021

Three major wars, substantial territorial annexation, and a new format for the election of Consuls, all occurred between 349 to 300 BCE (late 4th Century BCE). Dr. Gary Forsythe, Associate Professor, Department of History, Texas Tech…

Roman Apartments in Ancient Ostia w. Dr Janet DeLaine

Andrew Schiestel Aug 22, 2021

Ancient Ostia was a major port city of Rome, and at one point, bustling and diverse. Retired associate professor at the University of Oxford, and emeritus fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford, Dr Janet DeLaine, joins the show to discuss what…

Pharaoh Djoser and His Pyramid w. Dr Kamil Kuraszkiewicz

Andrew Schiestel Aug 21, 2021

In the 3rd millennium BCE, Egypt accomplished a remarkable feat for its time under Pharaoh Djoser—it united. Polish Egyptologist, Dr Kamil Kuraszkiewicz, Professor, Department of Egyptology, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of…

Etruscans in the 6th Century BCE w. Dr. Alexandra Carpino

Andrew Schiestel Aug 20, 2021

The Etruscans were a group of communities, connected through language and culture, that flourished on the Italian peninsula before the Romans. Professor Professor Alexandra Carpino, Department of Comparative Culture Studies at Northern…

Ancient Roman Clothing w. Dr. Kelly Olson

Andrew Schiestel Aug 19, 2021

Professor & Graduate Chair, Kelly Olson, Western University, joins the show to discuss what ancient Romans wore. Topics discussed include: the attire, fabrics used, what colour was meant to communicate about the bearer, if undergarments…

Linear A w. Dr Brent Davis

Andrew Schiestel Aug 18, 2021

Linear A is the writing system that was used by Minoans on the Island of Crete in the Bronze Age. Undeciphered for over a century, Dr Brent Davis, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and Ancient Egyptian, Historical and Philosophical Studies,…

Athenian Theatre in the 5th Century BCE w. Dr. Andrew Walker White

Andrew Schiestel Aug 17, 2021

The fifth century BCE was not only important for the history of theatre in Athens, but formative for the industry as it's known today. Dr. Andrew Walker White, George Mason University, joins the show to treat this period of history and…

Ptolemy I’s Reign in Egypt w. Dr Ian Worthington

Andrew Schiestel Aug 16, 2021

By many standards, Ptolemy’s reign in Egypt was successful, including an heir, Ptolemy II, who succeeded him without turbulence. Professor Ian Worthington, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University, returns to the show to…

Pompeii in the 6th Century BCE w. Dr. Ivo van der Graaff

Andrew Schiestel Aug 15, 2021

Pompeii comes into the records in the seventh century BCE, and more materially, in the sixth century. Dr. Ivo van der Graaff, Assistant Professor, University of New Hampshire, Durham, joins the show to discuss what scholars know about…

Founding of the 19th Dynasty of Egypt w. Dr Nicky Nielsen

Andrew Schiestel Aug 14, 2021

The Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt saw increased political stability and achievements on foreign and domestic fronts. Danish Egyptologist, Dr Nicky Nielsen, Senior Lecturer in Egyptology, The University of Manchester, returns to the show to…

Ancient Christian Anchorites in the Mediterranean w. Dr Andrew Jotischky

Andrew Schiestel Aug 13, 2021

Ancient Christian anchorites rejected many aspects of ordinary life and practiced denying various bodily pleasures. Dr Andrew Jotischky, Professor of Medieval History, Royal Holloway, University of London, returns to the show to discuss…

Mycenaean Settlements on Mainland Greece w. Dr. Kim Shelton

Andrew Schiestel Aug 12, 2021

he Mycenaeans were a group of prehistoric Greek people. Dr. Kim Shelton, Associate Professor of Classics & Director, Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology, University of California, Berkley, joins the show to share what's known about…

Samnites During the Iron Age w. Dr. Rafael Scopacasa

Andrew Schiestel Aug 11, 2021

To understand the Italian community, Samnium, in the Iron Age (9th to 6th centuries), scholars predominantly rely on funerary evidence. Dr. Rafael Scopacasa returns to the show to share what's known about Samnites in this period of time.…

Household Items in Ancient Pompeii w. Dr Ria Berg

Andrew Schiestel Aug 10, 2021

The Pompeiians had a wide variety of products at their disposal. Dr Ria Berg, Director, Institutum Romanum Finlandiae, joins the show to discuss the products that were being used in Pompeii by the 1st century CE. Some topics explored…

Ancient Delphi w. Dr Michael Scott

Andrew Schiestel Aug 9, 2021

In the ancient period, Delphi offered highly sought-after oracular services, hosted quadrennial sporting games, and was a nexus for culture and information sharing. Dr Michael Scott, Professor of Classics and Ancient History, Warwick…

Paris in Greek Mythology w. Dr. Joel Christensen

Andrew Schiestel Aug 8, 2021

In Greek mythology, the Trojan prince, Paris, choosing Aphrodite as the most beautiful Goddess, laid the antecedents for the Trojan War. Professor Joel Christensen, Brandeis University, returns to the show to discuss who Paris is in Greek…

Batonian War w. Dr Danijel Džino

Andrew Schiestel Aug 7, 2021

In 6 CE, inhabitants of the Province of Illyricum rebelled against Roman rule, resulting in a four-year war, known as the Batonian War (6-9 CE). Dr Danijel Džino, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University, joins the show to explain what's known…

Minoan Settlements in the Bronze Age w. Dr Louise Hitchcock

Andrew Schiestel Aug 6, 2021

Minoan settlements in the Bronze Age were advanced for the time, including featuring labyrinthine architecture in their palatial buildings. Dr Louise Hitchcock, Professor in Archaeology, The University of Melbourne, makes a fourth…

The Social War – Year 2 of 5 w. Dr. Seth Kendall

Andrew Schiestel Aug 5, 2021

The Social War was a five-year war (91-87 BCE) fought between Rome and many of its allied communities—some communities pursued citizenship; others yearned for independence. Dr. Seth Kendall, Associate Professor, Georgia Gwinnett College,…

Ancient Olympic Games w. Dr Judith Barringer

Andrew Schiestel Aug 4, 2021

The ancient Olympic Games occurred every four years, prizes only went to the sole winner of an event, and some city-states enshrined victors with tax exemptions and free food for life. Professor Judith Barringer, Professor of Greek Art and…

Rise of the Ptolemys w. Dr Charlotte Dunn

Andrew Schiestel Aug 3, 2021

Ptolemy I was the forefather of a dynasty in Egypt that lasted nearly 300 years, eventually ending with Cleopatra VII. Dr Charlotte Dunn, Lecturer in Classics, History & Classics, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania, returns to…

Pharaoh Thutmose I w. Dr Filip Taterka

Andrew Schiestel Aug 2, 2021

Thutmose I was an Egyptian pharaoh from the 18th dynasty. Dr Filip Taterka, Assistant Professor, Institute of Mediterranean & Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences, joins the show to share who he was and the life he lived.…

Hannibal w. Dr Eve MacDonald

Andrew Schiestel Aug 1, 2021

Hannibal Barca (247-c.182 BCE) is one of the most well-documented Carthaginians and became legendary because of his efforts in the Second Punic War. Dr Eve MacDonald, Lecturer in Ancient History, School of History, Archaeology and Religion,…

Roman Republic in the Early 4th Century w. Dr. Gary Forsythe

Andrew Schiestel Jul 31, 2021

The volume of Roman history builds, along with its perceived historicity, in the 4th century BCE. Dr. Gary Forsythe, Associate Professor, Department of History, Texas Tech University, returns to the show to discuss the Roman Republic in the…

Ottomans in the 14th Century w. Dr. Huseyin Yilmaz

Andrew Schiestel Jul 30, 2021

In less than a century from inception, the Ottomans began minting coins; formed an independent state; and originating from the Anatolian peninsula, expanded its hegemony as far west as the Balkans. Dr. Huseyin Yilmaz, Associate Professor,…

Founding of the Republic of Florence w. Dr. Brian Brege

Andrew Schiestel Jul 29, 2021

The Republic of Florence formed in the 12th century and became one of the premiere states in Europe during the period. Dr. Brian Brege, Assistant Professor, History, Syracuse University, returns to the show to explain how it was…

Second Punic War w. Dr Kathryn Lomas

Andrew Schiestel Jul 28, 2021

The Second Punic War was the second of three wars principally fought between Rome and Carthage, and lasted 17 years. Dr Kathryn Lomas, Durham University, returns to the show to explain the series of events. Dr Lomas has appeared…

Julius Caesar’s Middle Years w. Dr Richard Alston

Andrew Schiestel Jul 27, 2021

On January 10th, 49 BCE, Julius Caesar, with an army, crossed the Rubicon River, hence, commencing a civil war in Rome. Professor Richard Alston, Head of the Classics Department, Royal Holloway, University of London, makes a fifth…

Succession After Alexander III’s Life w. Dr Charlotte Dunn

Andrew Schiestel Jul 26, 2021

The unexpected death of King Alexander III of Macedon (commonly known as Alexander the Great) ended the Classical period and ushered in the Hellenistic period. Dr Charlotte Dunn, Lecturer in Classics, History & Classics, School of…

Pharaoh Tutankhamun w. Dr Nicky Nielsen

Andrew Schiestel Jul 25, 2021

Tutankhamun was an Egyptian King of the 18th dynasty who came to rule as a child and lived until approximately the age of 18. British egyptologist, Dr Nicky Nielsen, Lecturer in Egyptology, Department of Classics, Ancient History,…

Pharaoh Hatshepsut w. Dr Filip Taterka

Andrew Schiestel Jul 24, 2021

Hatshepsut was a female Pharaoh from the 15th century BCE who demonstrated agency and integrity to the customs of Egypt. Polish Egyptologist, Dr Filip Taterka, Assistant Professor, Institute of Mediterranean & Oriental Cultures of the…

Umayyad Caliphate’s Administration in the Mediterranean w. Dr Marie Legendre

Andrew Schiestel Jul 23, 2021

The Umayyad Caliphate not only held substantial land holdings in the Mediterranean Basin, but they situated their capital in the Basin—in Damascus. Dr Marie Legendre, Lecturer in Islamic History, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, in the…

Ancient Libraries in Rome w. Dr. Stephanie Ann Frampton

Andrew Schiestel Jul 22, 2021

Roman libraries began being built in the 1st century BCE and held a variety of Latin and Greek texts. Classicist and a co-chair at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Stephanie Frampton, joins the show to share what's known about…

Ancient Pompeii w. Dr Ray Laurence

Andrew Schiestel Jul 21, 2021

In less than a millennium, Pompeii went from being indigenous, to Samnite, to Roman, and in the 1st century CE, was cataclysmically destroyed by the eruption of a volcano. Professor & chair in the Department of History & Archaeology…

Medici Family During the Italian Renaissance w. Dr. Brian Sandberg

Andrew Schiestel Jul 20, 2021

Family members of the Medici family were banking pioneers, nobility, monarchs, and popes. Historian Dr. Brian Sandberg, Northern Illinois University, joins the show to share more about the Medici's manifold of activities, and rise to…

The Social War – Year 1 of 5 w. Dr. Seth Kendall

Andrew Schiestel Jul 19, 2021

The Social War was a peninsular war that lasted five years and was fought between Rome and many of its allied communities. Roman historian, Dr. Seth Kendall, Associate Professor of History, Georgia Gwinnett College, joins the show to share…

Roman Republic in the Fifth Century w. Dr. Gary Forsythe

Andrew Schiestel Jul 18, 2021

A codified law, nascent territorial expansion, and the creation of such offices as the Quaestor and Tribune of the Plebs, all occurred in Rome during the 5th century BCE. Dr. Gary Forsythe, Texas Tech University, returns to the show to…

Ancient Roman Villas in the Bay of Naples w. Dr. Mantha Zarmakoupi

Andrew Schiestel Jul 17, 2021

The Bay of Naples featured a mosaic of luxury estates by the first century. Classical archaeologist, Dr. Mantha Zarmakoupi, Morris Russell and Josephine Chidsey Williams Assistant Professor in Roman Architecture, University of Pennsylvania,…

Aegean Trade in Egypt During the Late Bronze Age w. Dr. Uroš Matić

Andrew Schiestel Jul 16, 2021

Communities from the Aegean, including the Minoans and Mycenaeans, conducted trade in Egypt. Dr. Uroš Matić, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austrian Archaeological Institute, joins the show to discuss. Listen to the episode The episode…

Hellenistic Art in the Eastern Mediterranean w. Dr Jane Masséglia

Andrew Schiestel Jul 15, 2021

The Hellenistic period brought increased variety and diversity in art in the Mediterranean. Archaeologist and ancient historian, Dr Jane Masséglia, Lecturer, University of Leicester, joins the show to discuss art in the Hellenistic period…

Roman Province of Asia w. Dr. Julietta Steinhauer

Andrew Schiestel Jul 14, 2021

The seventh province of Rome was called Asia. Dr. Julietta Steinhauer, Lecturer, University College London, joins the show to discuss it. Some topics explored Etymology of the word Asia What Romans called the province in…

Early Christian Monasticism in the Eastern Mediterranean w. Dr Andrew Jotischky

Andrew Schiestel Jul 13, 2021

Evidence shows that Christian monasticism started in the eastern Mediterranean, and more specifically, Egypt. Professor of Medieval History, Dr Andrew Jotischky, Royal Holloway, University of London, returns to the show to discuss the…

Ancient Illyrians w. Dr Danijel Džino

Andrew Schiestel Jul 12, 2021

The ancient Illyrians were indigenous communities along the Dalmatian coast and stretching across to the central Balkans. Dr Danijel Džino, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University, joins the show to discuss what’s known about these peoples.…

Julius Caesar’s Early Years w. Dr Richard Alston

Andrew Schiestel Jul 11, 2021

Julius Caesar is considered by many as a key individual that ended the Roman Republic. His life was complex, and in modern times, his legacy lives on in facets like the Month of “July”. Head of the Classics Department, Professor Richard…

Pharaoh Akhenaten w. Dr Joyce Tyldesley

Andrew Schiestel Jul 10, 2021

Akhenaten was an Egyptian Pharaoh in the 18th dynasty that departed from traditional worship by primarily worship the sun deity, Aten, moving Egypt from polytheism to henotheism. British Egyptologist, Dr Joyce Tyldesley, The University of…

Social War w. Dr Federico Santangelo

Andrew Schiestel Jul 9, 2021

The Social War, also known as the Marsic War, took place on the Italian Peninsula in the 1st century BCE between Rome and its allied communities. Dr Federico Santangelo, Professor of Ancient History, Newcastle University, joins the show to…

Minoan Civilization in the Bronze Age w. Dr Louise Hitchcock

Andrew Schiestel Jul 8, 2021

The Minoans were a civilization on the Island of Crete that flourished, and ended, during the Bronze Age. Professor in Archeology, Dr Louise Hitchcock, The University of Melbourne, joins the show again to share what's known about them.…

Ancient Etruscans w. Dr. Alexandra Carpino

Andrew Schiestel Jul 7, 2021

The Etruscans were an ancient civilization on the Italian Peninsula that had a distinct language, were skilled at seafaring, and worshiped their own pantheon of deities. Professor Alexandra Carpino, Department of Comparative Cultural…

The Tetrarchy w. Dr Roger Rees

Andrew Schiestel Jul 6, 2021

The Tetrarchy was a collegiate form of government when four emperors ruled Rome during the same period of time. Dr Roger Rees, School of Classics, University of St Andrews, joins the show again to explain what the Tetrarchy was, how it…

Rome After the First Punic War w. Dr Kathryn Lomas

Andrew Schiestel Jul 5, 2021

Dr Kathryn Lomas, Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Classics and Ancient History, Durham University, joins the show again to discuss what occurred with Rome during the interregnum between the First and Second Punic Wars (241-281…

Geopolitics in Ravenna in Late Antiquity w. Dr Veronica West-Harling

Andrew Schiestel Jul 4, 2021

In Late Antiquity, Ravenna became one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean, including becoming the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Dr Veronica West-Harling, Research Assistant, History Faculty, University of Oxford, joins…

Founding of the Ottomans w. Dr. Huseyin Yilmaz

Andrew Schiestel Jul 3, 2021

A nomadic Turkic community in the Anatolian Peninsula became the Ottomans. Dr. Huseyin Yilmaz, George Mason University, joins the show to explain what scholars know about their formative years. Listen to the episode The episode can be…

Seljuk Empire’s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Dr. Suleiman Mourad

Andrew Schiestel Jul 2, 2021

The Seljuk Empire was a Turkic state that served an important role in the history of the development of the eastern Mediterranean. Professor of Religion, Dr. Suleiman Mourad, Smith College, joins the show to explain the Seljuk's previous…

Centaurs in Greek Mythology w. Dr Emma Aston

Andrew Schiestel Jul 1, 2021

Part-human, part-horse, centaurs show up in various Greek mythology. Dr Emma Aston, Associate Professor, Department of Classics, University of Reading, joins the show to discuss centaurs in Greek mythology. Listen to the episode The…

Italian Renaissance Art w. Dr Jason Cardone

Andrew Schiestel Jun 30, 2021

Adjunct Professor of Art History at The American University of Rome, Dr Jason Cardone, joins the show to discuss art during the Italian Renaissance. Listen to the episode The episode can be streamed below and is also available on…

100. Athena w. Dr. Mary Lefkowitz

Andrew Schiestel Jun 29, 2021

Known for her intelligence and power, Athena is one of the most important, and written about, deities in Greek mythology. Dr. Mary Lefkowitz, Professor Emerita of Classical Studies, Wellesley College, joins the show to discuss Athena in…

Rashidun Caliphate’s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Dr Harry Munt

Andrew Schiestel Jun 28, 2021

The Rashidun Caliphate is a term used to describe the period of the caliphs in the Muslim community following Muhammad and preceding the Umayyad Caliphate. Dr Harry Munt, Senior Lecturer in Medieval History, University of York, joins the…

Alexander III of Macedon w. Dr Pat Wheatley

Andrew Schiestel Jun 27, 2021

Alexander III, known to many as Alexander the Great, was King of Macedon, and in a short period of time, conquered an immense amount of territory, including defeating the formidable Achaemenid Empire. Dr Pat Wheatley, Associate Professor,…

Commerce in Florence During the Renaissance w. Dr. Brian Brege

Andrew Schiestel Jun 26, 2021

Florence during the Renaissance was precocious on several fronts, including commerce. American historian, Dr. Brian Brege, Assistant Professor, Syracuse University, joins the show to talk about what commerce was like in Florence during the…

Law in Ptolemaic & Roman Egypt w. Professor Uri Yiftach

Andrew Schiestel Jun 25, 2021

Professor Uri Yiftach, Department of Classics, Tel Aviv University, joins the show to share what law was like in the Ptolemaic & Roman Egyptian periods. Listen to the episode The episode is available on major podcast apps: Apple…

Plato’s Myths w. Dr. Tae-Yeoun Keum

Andrew Schiestel Jun 24, 2021

Plato wrote on a variety of topics, including mythology. Dr. Tae-Yeoun Keum, University of California, Santa Barbara, joins the show to discuss the myths that show up in Plato's writings. Listen to the episode The episode is available…

Carthage w. Dr Eve MacDonald

Andrew Schiestel Jun 23, 2021

Carthage was a major power, and destination, in the first millennium BCE in the Mediterranean; and despite losing the Punic Wars, its history, and lore, never seems to fade. Dr Eve MacDonald, Cardiff University, joins the show to discuss…

Diocletian w. Dr Roger Rees

Andrew Schiestel Jun 22, 2021

Diocletian's reign as Roman Emperor had many voluminous points: his antipathy towards Christianity, the creation of the Tetrarchy, and a rare imperial retirement. Dr Roger Rees, School of Classics, University of St Andrews, joins the show…

Italian Renaissance w. Dr. Kenneth Bartlett

Andrew Schiestel Jun 21, 2021

Renaissance historian, Dr. Kenneth Bartlett, Department of History, Victoria College, University of Toronto, joins the show to discuss what the Italian Renaissance was, how long it lasted, and some of its other aspects, including the…

Carthage After the First Punic War w. Dr Kathryn Lomas

Andrew Schiestel Jun 20, 2021

There was an approximate 23-year interregnum between the first and second Punic Wars. Dr Kathryn Lomas, Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Classics and Ancient History, Durham University, joins the show to explain what occurred with…

Umayyad Caliphate’s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Dr Gerald Hawting

Andrew Schiestel Jun 19, 2021

For nearly a century, the Umayyad Caliphate controlled a vast amount of territory in the Mediterranean Basin stretching from the Levant, through northern Africa, and even most of the Iberian Peninsula. British scholar, Islamacist, and…

Sasanian Empire’s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Dr. Michael Decker

Andrew Schiestel Jun 18, 2021

The Sasanian Empire was a Persian Empire that existed in the third to seventh centuries, and for a period of time, held hegemony in various parts of the eastern Mediterranean Basin. Dr. Michael Decker, Associate Professor, United Arab…

Pre-Christian Religion in Rome w. Dr. Michele R. Salzman

Andrew Schiestel Jun 17, 2021

Before Christianity in ancient Rome, religion was diverse and vast. Professor Michele R. Salzman, Department of History, University of California, Riverside, joins the show to share what religions and forms of worship existed in ancient…

Livia w. Dr Richard Alston

Andrew Schiestel Jun 16, 2021

Livia, also known as Julia Augusta, was wife of Rome’s first emperor and mother of its second. Professor & Head of the Classics Department at Royal Holloway, University of London, Dr Richard Alston, joins the show again to discuss what…

Marius w. Dr Federico Santangelo

Andrew Schiestel Jun 15, 2021

Gaius Marius was a Roman Consul an unprecedented seven times, and lived in a period of much military turmoil and activity in Rome. Dr Federico Santangelo, Professor of Ancient History, Newcastle University, joins the show again to share…

Ancient Civilization of Samnium w. Dr Rafael Scopacasa

Andrew Schiestel Jun 14, 2021

The Samnites were an ancient group of people that lived amongst the Apennine Mountains in the Italian Peninsula. Dr Rafael Scopacasa joins the show to discuss what's known about who they were and how they lived. Dr Scopacasa is Lecturer…

Theran Civilization During the Bronze Age w. Dr Louise Hitchcock

Andrew Schiestel Jun 13, 2021

The Greek Island of Santorini, in the context of the Bronze Age, was called Thera. Professor of Archaeology, Dr Louise Hitchcock, The University of Melbourne, joins the show again to discuss what civilization on Thera was like during the…

Constantine’s Reign w. Dr. David Potter

Andrew Schiestel Jun 12, 2021

Constantine I became a Christian, founded the City of Constantinople, was involved in civil and international military affairs, and more, during his reign as Roman Emperor. Dr. David Potter, Francis W Kelsey Collegiate Professor of Greek…

Life in the Emirate of Córdoba w. Dr. Brian Catlos

Andrew Schiestel Jun 11, 2021

The Emirate of Córdoba was a muslim-oriented state that comprised of most of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th-10th centuries. Dr. Brian Catlos joins the show again to discuss what life was like in the emirate. Dr. Catlos is Professor,…

Contrasting Constantinople & Rome in the 4th Century w. Dr Lucy Grig

Andrew Schiestel Jun 10, 2021

In the fourth century Rome was still a prominent city and Constantinople became a principal city of Rome. Dr Lucy Grig, Senior Lecturer & Head of the Classics Department, The University of Edinburgh, joins the show to discuss the…

Early Greek Theatre w. Dr. Andrew Walker White

Andrew Schiestel Jun 9, 2021

Historian, Dr. Andrew Walker White, George Mason University, joins the show to discuss what scholars know about early theatre in Greece. Professor White is a theatre artist and cultural historian. Some topics explored When theatre…

Textiles in Northern Italy in the Late Bronze Age w. Dr Serena Sabatini

Andrew Schiestel Jun 8, 2021

Flax, wool, dyes, and more were used in the Bronze Age to produce textiles in the Mediterranean Basin. Dr Serena Sabatini, Researcher, Department of Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg, joins the show to discuss textile production…

Roman Kingdom to Republic w. Dr. Gary Forsythe

Andrew Schiestel Jun 7, 2021

Before Rome was a republic, it was a kingdom. Dr. Gary Forsythe, Associate Professor, Department of History, Texas Tech University, joins the show again to discuss how Rome's transition from a regal structure to a republic. Listen to the…

Sulla w. Dr Federico Santangelo

Andrew Schiestel Jun 6, 2021

The Roman Republic statesman & general, Sulla, did something unusual for the time—he led an army on Rome. Dr Federico Santangelo, Professor of Ancient History, Newcastle University, joins the show to speak about Sulla. Some topics…

Jewish Commerce in Byzantium w. Dr. Joshua Holo

Andrew Schiestel Jun 5, 2021

Dean & Professor at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, Dr. Joshua David Holo, joins the show to share how Jewish people conducted commerce in the Byzantine Empire. Dr. David Holo is Dean, Jack H. Skirball…

Cyclopes in Greek Mythology w. Drs Mercedes Aguirre & Richard Buxton

Andrew Schiestel Jun 4, 2021

Are Cyclopes in Greek mythology malevolent, benign, or something else? Dr Mercedes Aguirre Castro & Dr Richard Buxton join the show to explore the role of Cyclopes in Greek mythology. Dr Aguirre is Honorary Research Fellow,…

Henry III of Navarre Becoming King of France w. Dr. Mack Holt

Andrew Schiestel Jun 3, 2021

Through a series of unexpected events, King Henry III of Navarre became King Henry IV of France. Professor Emeritus Mack Holt, George Mason University, joins the show to share Henry's accession to the French throne. Some topics explored…

Greek Mythology w. Dr. Sarah Iles Johnston

Andrew Schiestel Jun 2, 2021

Greek mythology is not only proverbial, it's legendary. Dr. Sarah Iles Johnston, College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Religion in the Department of Classics and Comparative Studies at The Ohio State University joins the…

Law in Classical Athens w. Dr Edward Harris

Andrew Schiestel Jun 1, 2021

Amongst other things, Athens was an early adopter of the rule of law. Emeritus Professor Edward M. Harris, Durham University, joins the show to explain how law functioned in Classical Athens. Some topics explored What the period of…

Romance During the Plague w. Dr. Guido Ruggiero

Andrew Schiestel May 31, 2021

The Plague in Europe in the 14th century was devastating and changed society in many ways. Dr. Guido Ruggiero joins the show to discuss what romantic relationship were like in northern Italy during the Plague. Some topics explored…

Achilles w. Dr. Joel Christensen

Andrew Schiestel May 30, 2021

Achilles is one of the central figures in Homer's The Iliad. He not only lives on in Greek mythology but in the popular idiom Achilles' heel. Dr. Joel Chistensen, Brandeis University, joins the show to talk in depth about the Greek…

Astronomy in Hellenistic & Roman Egypt w. Dr. Alexander Jones

Andrew Schiestel May 29, 2021

Egypt is where astronomy is known to have begun in the Mediterranean Basin. Dr. Alexander Jones, Leon Levy Director & Professor of the History of the Exact Sciences in Antiquity, New York University, joins the show to explore what…

Colonnaded Streets in Eastern Rome w. Dr Ross Burns

Andrew Schiestel May 28, 2021

Colonnaded streets were constructed in the eastern Roman Empire prior to occurring in the City of Rome. Australian scholar, Dr Ross Burns, joins the show to discuss what's known about colonnaded streets that existed in the eastern Roman…

King Philip II of Macedon w. Dr Ian Worthington

Andrew Schiestel May 27, 2021

King Philip II of Macedon is famous for a number of things including being the father of Alexander the Great. Dr Ian Worthington, Professor of Ancient History, Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia), joins the show to discuss what…

King Juba II of Mauretania w. Dr. Duane W. Roller

Andrew Schiestel May 26, 2021

Juba II of Mauretania was married to Cleopatra VII of Egypt's daughter, Cleopatra Selene II, was king of the ancient indigenous Maghreb state of Mauretania, and received the epithet The Scholarly King. Dr. Duane W. Roller, Professor…

Civilization in the Anatolian Peninsula in the Sixth Century w. Dr. Hugh Elton

Andrew Schiestel May 25, 2021

Dr. Hugh Elton, Professor of Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, Trent University, joins the show to share what life was like in the Anatolian Peninsula in the sixth century C.E. Some topics explored The government and geopolitical…

King Philip II of Spain’s Territories in the Mediterranean w. Dr Gonzalo Velasco Berenguer

Andrew Schiestel May 24, 2021

Philip II of Spain inherited the Kingdoms of Valencia, Granada, Naples & Sicily, Sardinia, the County of Barcelona, the Duchy of Milan, and more. Dr Gonzalo Velasco Berenguer, University of Bristol, joins the show to discuss Philip's…

Queen Berenice II of Egypt w. Dr. Dee L. Clayman

Andrew Schiestel May 23, 2021

Berenice II ("Berenikē" in Greek) was a Queen of Egypt in the third century B.C.E. and married to Pharaoh Ptolemy III. Dr. Dee L. Clayman, Professor of Classics & Executive Officer of the PhD Program in Classics, The Graduate Centre,…

Founding of Constantinople w. Dr. Michael Decker

Andrew Schiestel May 23, 2021

Constantinople was the principal city of the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium, was held by the Ottomans for centuries, and continues contemporarily as Istanbul in Turkey. Dr. Michael Decker, Associate Professor, United Arab Emirates…

Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius w. Dr. Michael Kulikowski

Andrew Schiestel May 21, 2021

Antoninus Pius is known as one of the "Five Good Emperors". Professor & Head of the Department of History at Penn State University, Dr. Michael Kulikowski, is back on the show to discuss what's known about his life. Professor…

Fortress of Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham w. Dr Steven Snape

Andrew Schiestel May 20, 2021

A Bronze Age Egyptian fortress, Zawiyet Umm el-Rakham, that existed near the border with Libya was used for defence and to support the network of maritime trade in the Mediterranean in the Bronze Age. Dr Steven Snape, Department of…

Life in Roman Egypt w. Dr. Anna Lucille Boozer

Andrew Schiestel May 19, 2021

Rome ruled Egypt for several hundred years. Professor Anna Lucille Boozer, the Graduate Centre and Baruch College, The City University of New York, joins the show to discuss what life was like in Roman Egypt. Some topics explored…

Achaemenid Empire’s Hegemony in the Mediterranean w. Dr Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones

Andrew Schiestel May 18, 2021

The Achaemenid Empire was the largest empire of its time and held substantial holdings in the eastern Mediterranean Basin. Dr Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, Professor in Ancient History, Cardiff University, joins the show to discuss the Achaemenid…

Queen Nefertiti of Egypt w. Dr Joyce Tyldesley

Andrew Schiestel May 17, 2021

Nefertiti (Neferneferuaten Nefertiti) was a queen in Egypt in the fourteenth century BCE. Famously she was Queen consort of Pharaoh Akhenaten who was known to worship the Egyptian sun deity, Aten. British archaeologist and Egyptologist, Dr…

Byzantine Empress Irene w. Dr Judith Herrin

Andrew Schiestel May 16, 2021

A woman from Attica, Greece, Irene (Eirene) Sarantapechaina, became Empress of the Byzantine Empire. Professor Emerita Judith Herrin, King's College London, joins the show to discuss who Irene was and the life she lived. Some topics…

Mummy & Life of Takabuti w. Dr Rosalie David

Andrew Schiestel May 15, 2021

Takabuti was a woman believed to have lived in Thebes, Egypt, during the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. British Egyptologist, Emeritus Professor, Dr Rosalie David, The University of Manchester, joins the show to discuss the mummy and life of…

Evolution of the Company in the Eastern Mediterranean w. Dr Ron Harris

Andrew Schiestel May 14, 2021

The Levant, Egypt, Italian city states, Caliphates, and more, all played a role in the evolution of the concept of a company in the eastern Mediterranean. Tel Aviv University professor, and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Ron Harris,…

Ancient Egyptians Relationship with Animals w. Dr Salima Ikram

Andrew Schiestel May 13, 2021

Ancient Egyptians had a sustenance, linguistic, cultural, and religious relationship with animals. Egyptologist Dr Salima Ikram, American University in Cairo, joins the show to explain. Some topics explored Ancient Egyptians'…

Ancient Lydia w. Dr. Andrew Ramage

Andrew Schiestel May 12, 2021

Lydia was an ancient civilization in the Anatolian Peninsula, and amongst other things, considered to have first used coinage. Dr. Andrew Ramage, an archaeologist & Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, joins the show to discuss…

Food in Medieval Rome w. Dr Caroline Goodson

Andrew Schiestel May 11, 2021

The way food was sourced in the City of Rome changed in the Middle Ages. Dr Caroline Goodson, University of Cambridge, joins the show to explain. Dr Caroline Goodson is University Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval History, University…

Roman Contract Law w. Dr. Bruce W. Frier

Andrew Schiestel May 10, 2021

Dr. Bruce W. Frier, University of Michigan Law School, University of Michigan, joins the show to discuss the composition of contract law in Rome. Professor Bruce W. Frier is the John and Teresa D'arms Distinguished University Professor…

Venice During the Renaissance w. Dr. Edward Muir

Andrew Schiestel May 9, 2021

Dr. Edward Muir, Northwestern University, joins the show to talk about Venice during the Renaissance: island infrastructure projects, trade, governance, level of religious tolerance, & more. Professor Edward Muir is Clarence L.…

Florence’s Economy in the 13th & 14th Centuries w. Dr. William Caferro

Andrew Schiestel May 8, 2021

In the 14th century, Florence's economy took off. Director & Professor at Vanderbilt University, Dr. William Caferro, joins the show to explore what happened. Some topics explored Florence, Tuscany's governance structure at the…

Greek Hoplites w. Dr Adam Schwartz

Andrew Schiestel May 7, 2021

Hoplites were Greek people, many of which were citizens, who fought in battles as their city-states required. Dr Adam Schwartz, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen, joins the show to explain this military post in ancient Greek…

First Punic War w. Dr Kathryn Lomas

Andrew Schiestel May 6, 2021

The Punic Wars was a series of three wars fought between two of the Mediterranean's superpowers: Carthage and Rome; the result of which changed the balance of power in the basin. Dr Kathryn Lomas, Honorary Research Fellow, Durham…

Emirate of Córdoba w. Dr Alejandro García-Sanjuán

Andrew Schiestel May 5, 2021

After the Umayyad Caliphate was deposed, a surviving family member fled and founded the Emirate of Córdoba in the Iberian Peninsula. Dr Alejandro García-Sanjuán, Associate Professor, University of Huelva, comes on the show to chat about…

Life of Mark Antony w. Dr Richard Alston

Andrew Schiestel May 4, 2021

Mark Antony was a prominent figure in Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire; he was also famously a partner of Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Professor Richard Alston, Royal Holloway, University of London, is back on the show to…

Civil Wars During the Late Western Roman Empire Period w. Dr Adrastos Omissi

Andrew Schiestel May 3, 2021

The third and fourth centuries in the Roman Empire were marked with perpetual civil military conflict. Dr Adrastos Omissi, University of Glasgow, joins the show to explain. Some topics explored Civil wars in the Roman Empire in…

Cicero’s Middle & Later Years w. Dr. Katharina Volk

Andrew Schiestel May 2, 2021

Cicero lived, orated, and wrote, in a very tumultuous time in Roman history. Professor Katharina Volk, Department of Classics, Columbia University in the City of New York, joins the show to examine the middle and later periods of his life.…

Byzantine Canon Law w. Dr James Morton

Andrew Schiestel May 1, 2021

British historian, Dr James Morton, Assistant Professor, Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, joins the show to discuss Byzantine Canon law. Some topics explored What Byzantine Canon law is How it…

Ancient Olympia w. Dr Judith Barringer

Andrew Schiestel Apr 30, 2021

Olympia, Greece, is where the ancient Olympic Games began. Dr Judith Barringer, Professor of Greek Art and Archaeology, The University of Edinburgh, joins the show to discuss Olympia's ancient history. Some topics explored Where…

The Rosetta Stone w. Dr. Jed Buchwald

Andrew Schiestel Apr 29, 2021

The Rosetta Stone is one of the most significant artifacts known to have been found in the Mediterranean Basin. Dr. Jed Z. Buchwald, Doris and Henry Dreyfuss Professor of History, Caltech, joins the show to discuss the stone. Some…

Byzantine Physician John Aktouarios w. Dr Petros Bouras-Vallianatos

Andrew Schiestel Apr 28, 2021

John Zacharias Aktouarios was a physician who lived in the 13th & 14th centuries in Constantinople. Dr Petros Bouras-Vallianatos, Wellcome Lecturer in History of Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, joins the show to discuss John's…

Myths & Legends of the Founding of Rome w. Dr. Gary Forsythe

Andrew Schiestel Apr 27, 2021

There are many stories of the founding of Rome. Dr. Gary Forsythe, Associate Professor, Department of History, Texas Tech University, joins the show to explore how Rome was formed in mythology and legend. Some topics explored…

Constructing the City of Republican Rome w. Dr. Seth Bernard

Andrew Schiestel Apr 26, 2021

University of Toronto, Associate Professor, Dr. Seth Bernard, joins the show to discuss how the city of Rome in the republican period was constructed. Some topics explored Types of construction including: Aqueducts, roads,…

Military in Ancient Sparta w. Dr Stephen Hodkinson

Andrew Schiestel Apr 25, 2021

The reputation of ancient Sparta’s military is revered. Dr Stephen Hodgkinson, Emeritus Professor, Department of Classics & Archaeology, University of Nottingham, joins the show to discuss its past military practices, and to what…

Venice in the Middle Ages w. Dr. John Osborne

Andrew Schiestel Apr 24, 2021

Venice became a prominent city in the Middle Ages. Dr. John Osborne, Distinguished Research Professor and Retired Faculty Member, Carleton University, joins the show to discuss its evolution over the medieval period. Some topics explored…

Formation & Enforcement of Canon Law in Late Antiquity w. Dr David d’Avray

Andrew Schiestel Apr 23, 2021

Emeritus Professor Dr David d’Avray, University College London, joins the show to discuss the formation, and enforcement, of Canon law in the Late Antiquity period. Some topics explored Council of Nicaea (AD 325) Acts of the…

Legendary Battle of Thermopylae w. Dr Chris Carey

Andrew Schiestel Apr 22, 2021

The story of a heavily outnumbered Greek army, led by a Spartan commander, called the Battle of Thermopylae has captured people's interests, and imaginations, for eons. Dr Chris Carey, Emeritus Professor, University College London,…

Constantine Becoming Emperor of Rome w. Dr. David Potter

Andrew Schiestel Apr 21, 2021

Constantine I was one of the most pivotal emperors of the Roman Empire. Dr. David Potter, Francis W. Kelsey Collegiate Professor of Greek and Roman History, University of Michigan, joins the show to share Constantine’s accession to…

Commerce in Archaic Greece w. Dr Paul Cartledge

Andrew Schiestel Apr 20, 2021

University of Cambridge Emeritus Professor, Dr Paul Cartledge, joins the show to discuss commerce in archaic Greece. Dr Cartledge is A.G. Leventis Senior Research Fellow, Clare College, University of Cambridge, and Emeritus A.G. Leventis…

Athens Rise to Prominence w. Dr. Jeffrey Rusten

Andrew Schiestel Apr 19, 2021

Athens wasn't the first major city-state in Greece but it became the most prominent. Dr. Jeffrey Rusten, Professor, Cornell University, joins the show to discuss Athens' rise to prominence in the Classical period. Some topics explored…

Building Construction in Ancient Rome w. Dr Christopher Siwicki

Andrew Schiestel Apr 18, 2021

Dr Christopher Siwicki, Postdoctoral Fellow, The Norwegian Institute in Rome, joined the show (from Rome) to discuss how buildings were constructed in ancient Rome. Some topics explored Vestiges of ancient Roman architecture The…

Life of Tacitus w. Dr Gavin Kelly

Andrew Schiestel Apr 17, 2021

Many scholars regard Tacitus as the greatest Roman historian from the period. Dr Gavin Kelly, Professor, The University of Edinburgh, joins the show to discuss the life and writings of Tacitus. Some topics explored Why many scholars…

Evolution of Sculptures in Ancient Greece w. Dr Olympia Bobou

Andrew Schiestel Apr 16, 2021

Classical archaeologist in Greek sculpture, Dr Olympia Bobou, Aarhus University, joins the show to discuss ancient sculptures, and their evolution, in Greece. Listen to the episode The episode can be streamed below and is also…

Herodotus w. Dr Oswyn Murray

Andrew Schiestel Apr 15, 2021

Herodotus is the oldest Greek historian whose works survive. He has been called the “father of history.” Dr Oswyn Murray, Emeritus Fellow, Balliol College, University of Oxford, joins the show to discuss Herodotus’ life and writings.…

Battle of Ager Sanguinis w. Dr Nicholas Morton

Andrew Schiestel Apr 14, 2021

During the Crusades in 1119, a Seljuk Turkic army defeated a Frankish Crusading army in an important battle near Aleppo. Dr Nicholas Morton, Senior Lecturer, School of Arts & Humanities, Nottingham Trent University, shares what…

Greek Island Architecture in the Bronze Age w. Dr Louise Hitchcock

Andrew Schiestel Apr 13, 2021

Dr Louise Hitchcock, The University of Melbourne, joins the show to discuss architecture on the Greek islands in the Bronze Age, including the islands of Crete and Santorini. Some topics explored How the Bronze Age…

Inception of Habsburg Family Ruling Spain w. Dr John Edwards

Andrew Schiestel Apr 12, 2021

Arguably the most powerful family in western Europe during the early modern period, the Habsburg dynasty, began ruling early modern Spain, not by conquest, but by a marriage. Dr John Edwards, University of Oxford, joins the show to tell…

Life of Cleopatra Selene II w. Dr. Duane W. Roller

Andrew Schiestel Apr 11, 2021

Cleopatra Selene II was the daughter of the famous historical figures, Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Mark Antony of Rome. Dr. Duane W. Roller, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University, joins the show to explore what's known about…

Michelangelo’s Later Years w. Professor William Wallace

Andrew Schiestel Apr 10, 2021

Professor William Wallace, Department of Art History and Archaeology, Washington University in St. Louis, has studied studied the life, and works, of Michelangelo for about 40 years. Professor Wallace joins the show to share more about …

Umayyad Caliphate Gaining Hegemony in Iberia w. Dr. Brian Catlos

Andrew Schiestel Apr 9, 2021

An Islamic dynasty, the Umayyad Caliphate, began to settle in the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, a reign that would last over 700 years, and remarkably influence culture and architecture in Spain. Dr. Brian Catlos joins the show…

Emperor Constantine’s Adoption of Christianity w. Dr. Harold Drake

Andrew Schiestel Apr 8, 2021

Roman Emperor Constantine I is believed to be the first emperor of the Roman Empire to become Christian. Professor Emeritus, Dr. Harold Drake, University of California, Santa Barbara, joins the show to illuminate this event in history.…

Architecture in Giotto’s Artwork w. Dr Francesco Benelli

Andrew Schiestel Apr 7, 2021

Giotto di Bondone was a revolutionary artist from Florence who lived in the 13th & 14th centuries. Dr Francesco Benelli, Università di Bologna (Italy), joins the show to explain how architecture may have influenced Giotto's artwork, and…

Monasticism During the Crusades w. Dr Andrew Jotischky

Andrew Schiestel Apr 6, 2021

Professor, Medieval History, Royal Holloway, University of London, Dr Andrew Jotischky, joins the show to discuss monasticism, focusing on how it was applied during the crusading period in the eastern Mediterranean. Some topics explored…

Attica Greece in Late Antiquity w. Dr. Anthony Kaldellis

Andrew Schiestel Apr 5, 2021

Dr. Anthony Kaldellis, Professor & Chair of the Department of Classics, The Ohio State University, joins the show to discuss what civilization was like in Attica, Greece (Athens & region) in Late Antiquity. He's also the host of…

Life of Anna Komnene w. Dr. Leonora Neville

Andrew Schiestel Apr 4, 2021

Anna Komnene was a historian, intellectual, and daughter of Byzantine Emperor, Alexios I Komnenos. Dr. Leonora Neville joins the show to explore more about Anna's life and writings. Professor Neville is John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe Chair of…

Roman Emperor Hadrian w. Dr. Michael Kulikowski

Andrew Schiestel Apr 3, 2021

Hadrian was the first Roman Emperor to have a fully provincial background. Professor & Head of the Department of History, Penn State University, Dr. Michael Kulikowski, joins the show to discuss Hadrian’s life. Some topics explored…

Forming of the Papacy w. Dr Rosamond McKitterick

Andrew Schiestel Apr 2, 2021

Professor Emerita & Chair in Medieval History, University of Cambridge, Dr Rosamond McKitterick, joins the show to discuss the formation of the papacy (office of the pope). Dr McKitterick is also a Fellow of Sidney Sussex College.…

Commerce in Ancient Northern Aegean w. Dr Zosia Archibald

Andrew Schiestel Apr 1, 2021

Primeval coinage, bars of iron, animal products, olive oil, wine, and more, were used to facilitate trade in the Northern Aegean region in the eastern Mediterranean in ancient times. Senior Lecturer, Dr Zosia Archibald, University of…

Life of Cicero w. Dr Gesine Manuwald

Andrew Schiestel Mar 31, 2021

Marcus Tullius Cicero (Cicero) is one of the most talked about, and cited, figures from the Roman Republic. Professor of Latin, Department of Greek & Latin, University College London, Dr Gesine Manuwald, joins the show to discuss…

The Story of Masada w. Dr. Jodi Magness

Andrew Schiestel Mar 30, 2021

The story of the Jewish resistance to a Roman siege at Masada, and the fortress' eventual fall, has gripped religious, and scholarly, interests for many years. Archaeologist, Dr. Jodi Magness, Professor, The University of North Carolina at…

Column of Justinian w. Dr. Elena Boeck

Andrew Schiestel Mar 29, 2021

A triumphal column, the Column of Justinian, built in the 6th century in Constantinople, is considered to have been a tour de force, and over a thousand years ahead of its time as a constructional feat. Dr. Elena Boeck, Professor of History…

Leonardo da Vinci & the Anatomy w. Dr. George Bent

Andrew Schiestel Mar 28, 2021

Leonardo da Vinci was ahead of his time in painting remarkably delineated anatomical features. Art history professor, Dr. George Bent, Washington & Lee University, joins the show to discuss Leonardo's life, and this area of artistic…

Greek Titans w. Dr. William Hansen

Andrew Schiestel Mar 27, 2021

In Greek mythology, the Titans reigned over the cosmos before the existence of humans, and preceded the Olympian Gods. Professor Emeritus of Classical Studies & Folklore, Indiana University, Bloomington, Dr. William Hansen, joins…

Egyptian Hieroglyphs w. Dr Bill Manley

Andrew Schiestel Mar 26, 2021

Egyptian hieroglyphs were the writing system of Ancient Egypt. The writing system has captured the interest of scholars, governments, and the public for many years. Egyptologist, and Honorary President, Egyptology Scotland, Dr Bill…

Hittites Civilization w. Dr Mark Weeden

Andrew Schiestel Mar 25, 2021

The Hittites, people formerly domesticated in the Anatolia Peninsula, were considered a significant civilization in the Bronze Age. Senior Lecturer, SOAS, University of London, Dr Mark Weeden, joins the show to discuss these people.…

Phoenicians Settling in Iberia w. Dr. Carolina López-Ruiz

Andrew Schiestel Mar 24, 2021

The Phoenician people were indigenous to the Levant, were considered ahead of their time as seafarers, and were the founders of the legendary city of Carthage. Dr. Carolina López-Ruiz, Professor, Department of Classics, The Ohio State…

Roman Republic to Empire w. Dr Richard Alston

Andrew Schiestel Mar 23, 2021

Professor & Head of the Classics Department at Royal Holloway, University of London, Dr Richard Alston, joins the show to discuss the transition of when Rome went from a republic to an empire. Some topics explored The…

Mycenaean Period w. Dr. Michael Galaty

Andrew Schiestel Mar 22, 2021

The Mycenaean Greeks, during the Bronze Age, were one of the most prominent civilization(s) in the Mediterranean Basin. Archaeologist, Dr. Michael Galaty, University of Michigan, and Andrew Schiestel, speak more about this civilization and…