Helots of Sparta

The first of a mini series on ancient Sicily. I begin with a brief sojurn around the island and an overview of the original inhabitants. Then it's onto the Greeks and Phoenicians who founded colonies on the island. I unwrap what form these initially took and what can be inferred from them.

If you can leave a review please do!

Episode notes including a reading list and full transcription on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Ever wonder who the worst Roman Emperors were? Well, LJ Trafford has written a book on this question and we sit down to chat about three candidates I selected from it.

This is LJ's third appearance on the podcast and as ever she was fab to chat to. Have a listen and see if you agree!

If you can rate and/or review on the platform you are using to listen to this episode please do. It really helps. 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's that time of the year for a look at the Roman Saturnalia. This was a Roman midwinter festival in which people gave presents, partied and even slaves got time off. In this episode I look into the important themes behind it, what was added, what was changed and how it all fitted together. Plus I take a look at what present options there were and the whole politics of gift giving. 

Episode notes including a transcription, readling list and other supporting content at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

My first go at an episode swap and it's with The Delicious Legacy Podcast which explores food throughout history. 

In this episode Thomas travels back to ancient Rome to consider what the average Roman ate. He unwraps the workings of a Roman kitchen and how the Romans cooked their food.

Food and ancient history - what's not to love!

In this Halloween special I pick out a few characters from antiquity who you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, or pretty much anywhere. A Mesopotamian demon, shapeshifters and a terrifying trio all feature.

You can find previous Night of the Livy Dead episodes on here - just scroll down. For episode notes (reading list, transcription, links and images) go to www.ancientblogger.com 

If you can rate or review please do but more importantly have a great Halloween.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

A re-release of a previous Night of the Livy Dead Halloween special. This one was all about witchcraft and demons in Mesopotamia and how you might counter them.

If you enjoy this why not have a scroll through and find other Night of the Livy Dead Halloween specials? 

Any reviews on the platform you use to listen are always greatly appreciated. If you love ancient history be sure to check out my website www.ancientblogger.com 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Bees and honey have been incredibly important for different peoples for a long, long time. In this episode I discuss exactly how bees were kept, how honey was produced and what it was used for. I also get into how the bee manifested in different cultures.

Episode notes, including a transcript at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

If you can rate or review - please do!

The story of Hannibal didn't stop at Cannae. Following this victory he met obstacle and success as he took on Rome in southern Italy.

In this episode I unwrap what happened and how it all led to his final battle with Rome at Zama (which I also discuss).

Episode notes with a readling list, transcription and other useful content is on my website www.ancientblogger.com

If you can rate or review please do - it makes a big difference. 

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The Greeks established numerous colonies in southern Italy. In this episode I'm delving into the history of them, how they interacted with local peoples and of course each other. Dancing animals, a drunken diplomatic incident and 'hands-off' pottery all feature.

Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The helots of Sparta were a people who were indispensible for the Spartan state. But what did they do, how had Sparta acquired them and how did it go about controlling this population?

Episode notes (including transcription) on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).