Advertise on podcast: The Ancient World

Synopsis: The long-lived rulers of Egypt’s Twelfth Dynasty undertook the kingdom’s revitalization – restoring the depleted Faiyum Oasis and raising a massive chain of forts to subjugate Nubian lands. While the south Levant faced Egyptian raids, north Syria saw increased trade under newly-ascendant Amorite dynasties. The city of Assur on the upper Tigris took its first steps toward the economic domination of Anatolia. “I made my way northward. I reached the ‘Walls of the Ruler’, which were made to repel the Asiatics and to crush the Sand-farers. I crouched in a bush for fear of being seen by the guard on duty upon the wall. I set out at night. At dawn I reached Peten. I halted at ‘Isle-of-Kem-Wer’. An attack of thirst overtook me; I was parched, my throat burned. I said, “This is the taste of death.” I raised my heart and collected myself when I heard the lowing sound of cattle and saw Asiatics. One of their leaders, who had been in Egypt, recognized me. He gave me water and boiled milk for me. I went with him to his tribe. What they did for me was good. Land gave me to land.” – The Story of Sinuhe Map of Lower Nubia showing the Egyptian fortresses of the middle kingdom (from https://sites.brown.edu/urap/): https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Egypt_Forts.jpeg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720336021890/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A17_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: The Sintashta way of life and death seeds aspects of Vedic Aryan Hinduism and Iranian Zoroastrianism, while their quest for a lucrative market for metals brings them into contact with the Oxus Civilization and – through them – the larger Near Eastern world. In post-Ur III Sumer, Amorite chiefs and military leaders begin to flex a newfound power and prestige. “The robe they spread upon the Horse to clothe him, The upper covering and the golden trappings, The halters which restrain the Steed, the heel-ropes, - All these, as grateful to the Gods, they offer.” – Rig-Veda, Book 1, Hymn 162, The Horse Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 2100 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS2100.jpg Map of the Near East c. 1950 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Near_East_1950.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335716108/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A16_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: Yamnaya migrations east and west carried their language and culture to the mountains of Siberia and plains of Hungary. Over the following centuries, their Corded Ware/Bell Beaker successors spread their daughter languages to the frontiers of Europe. As the Aridification Event began to take hold, increasing violence and declining herds drove some steppe tribes to migrate east of the Urals. The move gave rise to the metal-working, chariot-driving, Indo-Iranian-speaking Sintashta culture. Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 3200 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS3200M.jpg Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 2800 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS2800.jpg Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 2100 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS2100.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335547107/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A15_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: The fall of Old Europe and dissolution of the Cucuteni-Tripolye Culture left horse-riding steppe-herders the unchallenged paradigm on the Pontic-Caspian steppe. The introduction of the wagon around 3500 BC enabled their adoption of a fully-nomadic lifestyle, culminating with the complete dominance of the Proto-Indo-European-speaking Yamnaya horizon. “I will declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the Thunder-wielder. He slew the Dragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the channels of the mountain torrents. He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvastar fashioned. Like lowing kine in rapid flow descending the waters glided downward to the ocean.” - The Rig-Veda Book 1, Hymn XXXII. Indra Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4050 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4050.jpg Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 3200 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS3200.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335342929/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A14_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEASON 3 PREMIERE Synopsis: Despite the generally inhospitable environment, many ancient hunter-gatherers made the Northern Steppe their home. During the 6th and 5th millennia BC, their interactions with successive waves of migrating farmer-herders prompted a new cultural orientation toward the acquisition and control of large herds of cattle. Toward end of the period, the development of horse-riding enabled steppe tribes to invade the wealthy, sophisticated metalworking culture of Old Europe. Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 5800 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS5800.jpg Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4800 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4800.jpg Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4050 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4050.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335097086 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A13_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEASON 2 FINALE Synopsis: Shulgi and his successors face major challenges to Ur III rule, including Amorite attacks, Sumerian rivals, and a newly-emboldened Shimashki. “The god Enlil granted to Shu-Sin a long lifespan, a crown and tiara, a scepter of long days, a royal throne, a firm foundation, years of abundance, a weapon – the flood – which casts terror…” – Copy of an inscription from a statue of Shu-Sin commemorating a victory over Shimashki Map of the Near East c. 2060 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2060BC.jpg Map of the Near East c. 2028 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2028BC.jpg Map of the Near East c. 2000 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2000BC.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720332382139/with/55129840383 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A12_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: The Proto-Elamite horizon sparked innovation and trade throughout Iran and Central Asia, and its collapse saw the emergence of numerous “secondary states”. Toward the end of the Third Millennium BC, the dominant polity east of the Zagros was the Oxus Civilization. Map of the Middle Asian Interaction Sphere: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/MAIS.png Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720332227258/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A11_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: Ur-Namma unifies Sumer and ejects the Elamites. His son, King Shulgi, designs a new empire and begins a push for Zagros domination. “The trustworthy shepherd, king, the sword of Sumer, Ur-Namma, the king of the Land, was taken to the …house…he who was beloved by the troops, could not raise his neck anymore. The wise one…lay down; silence descended. As he, who was the vigor of the Land, had fallen, the Land became demolished like a mountain…He passed away in his prime…abandoned, like a broken jar.” – The Death of Ur-Namma Map of the Near East c. 2112 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2112BC.jpg Map of the Near East c. 2060 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2060BC.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331669262/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A10_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: With the fall of the Old Kingdom, power devolves to the various nomes. The Herakleopolitan House of Khety extends control over most of Egypt before eventually being defeated and deposed by the rival House of Thebes. “I took care of the towns of Hefat and Hormer in every situation of crisis, when the sky was clouded and the earth was parched and everybody died of hunger. The south came with its people and the north with its children; they brought the finest oil in exchange for the barley that was given to them. The whole of Upper Egypt died of hunger and each individual had reached such a state of hunger that he ate his own children. But I refused to see anyone die of hunger and gave to the north the grain of Upper Egypt. I brought life to the provinces of Nekhen and Edfu, Elephantine and Ombos.” – Tomb Inscription of the Nomarch Ankhtifi Episode Image: Painted osiride sandstone seated Ka statue of king Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II, on display at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. By Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118201367. Map of Egypt in the First Intermediate Period: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A9_Egypt.png Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331395977 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A9_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[NOTE: This new version features improved audio] Synopsis: The impacts of the Aridification Event lead to Akkadian collapse. Gudea of Lagash asserts independence and shepherds the south through the aftermath. The brief period of Guti domination is terminated by the Elamite invasion of Kutik-Inshushinak and the Sumerian revolt of Utu-Hegal of Uruk. “They placed fetters on (Tirigan’s) hands and put a cloth over his eyes. Utu-Hegal made him lie at Utu’s feet and on his neck he set his foot. Gutium, the fanged snake of the mountain ranges, he made drink from the cracks in the earth.” – Victory Stele of Utu-Hegal of Uruk Episode Image: Statue of Gudea, Ensi of Lagash, on display at the British Museum, 2025. My photo. Map of the Near East c. 2200 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2200BC.jpg Map of the Near East c. 2112 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2112BC.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331179161/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A8_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: The science behind the 4.2 kiloyear BPE Aridification Event. “The great farming tracts brought forth no grain, The irrigated farming tracts brought forth no fish, The well-watered orchard brought forth neither syrup nor wine. The gathering clouds brought no rain, not even weeds would grow.” – The Curse of Agade Map of the Near East c. 2200 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2200BC.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720330980851 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A7_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: The science behind the 4.2 kiloyear BPE Aridification Event. “The great farming tracts brought forth no grain, The irrigated farming tracts brought forth no fish, The well-watered orchard brought forth neither syrup nor wine. The gathering clouds brought no rain, not even weeds would grow.” – The Curse of Agade Map of the Near East c. 2200 BC: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2200BC.jpg Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720330980851 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A7_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast.

Synopsis: The Akkadian Empire reaches its zenith under the rule of Naram-Sin. “Its king, the shepherd, Naram-Sin, Shone forth like sunrise on the holy throne of Agade, Its walls, like a mountain range, reached up to graze the sky. Holy Inanna opened in them spacious gates, Big enough to let the Tigris flow out through them to the sea.” - The Curse of Agade Original Episode Art by Mike Oeming: https://michaelavonoeming.com Bust of Naram-sin by Museum Art Replicas: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MuseumArtReplicas Map of SW Eurasia: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A6_Map.png Map of the Akkadian Empire (by Simeon Netchev, World History Encyclopedia): https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15457.png?v=1748640186-0 Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720327300092 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A6_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: Sargon of Akkad forges the world’s first Empire. “After Enlil’s baleful glare Had slain Kish like the Bull of Heaven, Had slaughtered house and land of Uruk in the dust,      like that monster bull, And Enlil had then and there given Sargon, king of Agade, Lordship of Uruk, kingship of Kish, From the lowlands to the upper regions, Then did holy Inanna busy herself to build Agade, the temple city, as her sublime dwelling, In Ulmash let her throne be set.” – The curse of Agade Map of SW Eurasia: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A5_Map.png Map of the Akkadian Empire (by Simeon Netchev, World History Encyclopedia): https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15457.png?v=1748640186-0 Episode Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720326959608/ References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A5_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Synopsis: This episode covers the rise and fall of the Egyptian Old Kingdom. “The Second Dynasty consists of nine kings of This. The first was Boethos, for 38 years. In his reign a chasm opened at Bubastis, and many perished. Kaiechos, for 39 years. In his reign the bulls, Apis at Memphis and Mnevis at Heliopolis, and the Mendelsian goat were worshipped as gods. Binothris, for 47 years. In his reign it was decided that women might hold the kingly office. Tlas, for 17 years. Sethenes, for 41 years. Chaires, for 17 years. Nephercheres, for 25 years. In his reign (the story goes), the Nile flowed blended with honey for 11 days.”  – Manetho’s Aegyptiaca, as quoted by Syncellus Map of SW Eurasia: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_Map.png Map of Egypt: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_Egypt.png Map of the Pyramid Fields: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_Pyramids.jpg Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720326636138 References and Further Reading: https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A4_References.pdf Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices