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Dan Horning and Bernie Maopolski discuss the events of ancient history all over the world, decade by decade, starting at 1000 BC and moving forward. We love history! History, History, History! That’s all we think of … History in the morning, History for lunch, History for dinner… even history right before bed! And we talk about all the key people in Ancient History – Julius Caesar, Gilgamesh, Jesus, Budha, Lao Tzu, Confucious, Solon, Pythagoras, Alexander the Great, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Herodotus, Homer, Ashurnasirpal, Sennacherib, Ashurbanipal, Croesus, Cyrus the Great, and Pisistratus. And the Great Historical Civilizations in History like the Assyrian Empire, Israel, Judah, Babylonia, Egypt, Ancient Greece, Roman Republic and Roman Empire, The Zhou of China, India, and the historical civilizations of the Americas like The Olmecs, Maya, and Chauvin. We have another show on this same feed - What’s New In History - that spans all the eras of history. On What’s New in History we talk about AI, DNA studies, archeology, and characters of history like Christopher Columbus, Napoleon, Adolf Hitler, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Charles Darwin, and Jesus. We have guests like Daniele Bolelli of History on Fire, Gil Kidron of a podcast of Biblical Proportions, and Gary Stevens of History in the Bible. Dan Horning Talks about history from Stockholm Sweden and Bernie Maopolski talks about history from Scranton, PA, USA So if you like History podcasts, like Dan Carlin Hardcore History, you will like our history podcast too! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fanofhistory?locale=sv_SE E-mail: zimwaypodcast (at) gmail.com for Eva and Zimway and [email protected] for Bernie Follow Dan on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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248. Origins of the Zhou Part 2: All Hail Duke Dan! The Birth of the Zhou Dynasty

2026/10/28

Overthrowing a dynasty is one thing. Building a new one—and keeping it alive—is something else entirely. After the Zhou victory at Muye, the real struggle begins. The Shang are defeated, but the new rulers face a big challenge: how do you govern a conquered kingdom, keep ambitious relatives in line, and persuade the world that your revolution was approved by Heaven itself? Bernie and Dan explore the turbulent early years of the Zhou dynasty, the revolutionary idea of the Mandate of Heaven, and the political crises that threaten to undo everything the Zhou have achieved. And then there's the Duke of Zhou—Duke Dan—whose role in the story gives our own Dan an entirely new level of historical importance. Behind the family drama and political upheaval lies a much bigger story: the creation of an order that Confucius would regard as a model centuries later. EMAIL US FOR T-SHIRTS and STICKERS!! Arthur's Sleepy History Links Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AMQOoqVGQVmbotdkcgn48?si=_BTVBIiwRkKYYZBBSUgMeg YouTube episode I'm watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8f51HtfyK0 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

247. The Origins of the Zhou 1046 BC: Wine Lakes, Meat Forests & the Battle of Muye

2026/10/13

Dan and Bernie recorded this together in Stockholm! Before Confucius, before the Spring and Autumn period, and before the political world we've been exploring on Fan of History, there was the revolution that created it. Bernie and Dan travel back to the final days of the Shang dynasty and the rise of the Zhou—the civilization Confucius would look back upon centuries later as a model of political and moral order. Along the way we meet King Wen and King Wu, the emerging idea of Heaven's approval of righteous rule, and some crazy accusations: a lake of wine, a forest of meat, horrific punishments, and even human meat cakes. Legend, propaganda and history collide as the Zhou prepare to challenge the Shang at the Battle of Muye. Oh and we recorded this IN PERSON in Sweden with special guest Thomas the Norwegian Viking (dude's got hands that can definitely crush skulls!) EMAIL US FOR T-SHIRTS and STICKERS!! Arthur's Sleepy History Links Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AMQOoqVGQVmbotdkcgn48?si=_BTVBIiwRkKYYZBBSUgMeg YouTube episode I'm watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8f51HtfyK0 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's New in History - Bernie and Thomas together in Stockholm talk about a 1,000 year old whale trap found in Norway

2026/10/07

For once, Bernie and Thomas aren't separated by an ocean—they're sitting together in Sweden! And appropriately enough, we're staying in Scandinavia for a fascinating new archaeological discovery beneath the waters of western Norway. Archaeologists have discovered a massive man-made stone structure stretching across the bottom of a narrow strait. What is it? It's the remains of a roughly 1,000-year-old system designed to trap whales inside a bay. Bernie and Thomas explore the discovery, the remarkable medieval hunting methods described in historical sources, and that archaeologists have finally found physical evidence for a practice that until now was known largely from old texts. It's underwater archaeology, medieval Norway, ancient law—and a whale trap big enough to reshape an entire strait. Link to article https://arkeonews.net/huge-1000-year-old-stone-structure-found-underwater-in-norway-may-be-an-ancient-whale-trap/ EMAIL US FOR T-SHIRTS and STICKERS!! Arthur's Sleepy History Links Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AMQOoqVGQVmbotdkcgn48?si=_BTVBIiwRkKYYZBBSUgMeg YouTube episode I'm watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8f51HtfyK0 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

246. Confucius Part 4 — Yang Hu's Wild Ride & Confucius' Rise

2026/09/15

Yang Hu just doesn't know when to leave the story. In Part 4 of Confucius: The World That Created the Sage, Bernie and Dan finish the remarkable adventures of the rebellious retainer who briefly turned the political order of Lu upside down. Defeated but far from finished, Yang Hu's story involves escapes, stolen symbols of state authority, new masters, and an apparently inexhaustible ability to survive his own political disasters. But then our story takes an important turn. After years of teaching, advising, waiting, and wondering whether there was any government worth serving, Confucius finally gets his chance. We follow his entrance into public office and his surprisingly rapid rise through the government of Lu, culminating in his appointment as Minister of Crime. For the first time, Confucius is no longer simply explaining how a state ought to be governed. He's going to have an opportunity to try it. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What´s New In History - The Secret of Rome's Self-Repairing Concrete — Solved?

2026/09/09

Some Roman concrete has been standing for nearly two millennia—and in certain environments, it seems to have gotten remarkably good at repairing its own cracks. How? Bernie and Garry Stevens from History IN the Bible explore the science and history behind Roman concrete, from volcanic materials and ancient building techniques to recent research suggesting that something once dismissed as evidence of sloppy mixing may actually have been an important part of the recipe. Were Roman engineers deliberately creating self-healing concrete? Did different builders use different recipes for different jobs? And how much have we really rediscovered about one of the ancient world's most impressive technologies? The Romans left us the concrete. Figuring out exactly how they made it is another matter. Of course we have a lot of fun along the way and meet a very interesting character - Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. DEFINITELY check this episode out! Article links: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-a-1-900-year-old-latrine-helps-explain-why-roman-concrete-lasts/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-ancient-construction-site-in-the-ruins-of-pompeii-is-revealing-new-secrets-about-the-2000-year-old-recipe-for-roman-concrete-180987845/ https://news.mit.edu/2025/pompeii-offers-insights-ancient-roman-building-technology-1209 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

245. Confucius Part 3:The Pig, the Philosopher and the Rebel

2026/09/01

Last time it was a cockfight. This time it's a pig. In Part 3 of Confucius: The World That Created the Sage, Bernie and Dan follow Confucius to the powerful state of Qi, where he finally gets the opportunity to discuss government with Duke Jing—and comes tantalizingly close to getting the political opportunity he has been waiting for. But when Confucius returns home to Lu, the political order has somehow become even more upside down. The great families who stripped power from their duke are now discovering that their own servants have learned the same lesson. Enter Yang Hu: a household retainer who rises to become one of the most powerful men in Lu—and who very much wants Confucius on his side. What follows includes political intrigue, rebellion, assassination plots, an attempted kidnapping, and one extraordinarily well-chosen gift of pork. And once again, the chaos surrounding Confucius helps us understand the philosophy taking shape in his mind. What does it mean to say "let the ruler be a ruler and the minister a minister" when rulers can't rule, ministers won't obey—and servants are beginning to rule their masters? PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BeerParty Announcement

2026/08/31

We are doing a beer meet and greet in Stockholm, Sweden, on september 25th together with Dan's Swedish history podcast. https://www.patreon.com/fanofhistory/posts/fan-of-history-167291940 This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

244. Confucius Part 2: The Cockfight That Started a Civil War

2026/08/18

History is full of conflicts that begin as cockfights between powerful men. This one started with an actual cockfight. In 517 BC, a dispute between two aristocratic households in Lu helped ignite a much larger political crisis. There was cheating, revenge, old grudges, conspiracy, and finally Duke Zhao's attempt to reclaim his authority from the powerful families who had steadily stripped it away. In Part 2 of Confucius: The World That Created the Sage, Bernie and Dan follow this remarkable chain of events as the political world around Confucius begins to come apart. We also explore the legendary meeting between Confucius and Laozi—and ask whether it actually happened. And through it all, we continue to see why the history matters. Confucius was living in a world where rulers struggled to rule, powerful families pursued their own interests, and the political and social order was breaking down around him. To understand the philosophy that would emerge, we first have to understand the world that created it. Link to music that will stop you from eating meat for 3 months. You've been warned! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTyo6OTc1a0&list=RDJTyo6OTc1a0&start_radio=1 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What´s New In History: The Biblical Discovery That Has Archaeologists Arguing

2026/08/11

Claims of newly deciphered inscriptions of King Hezekiah made headlines around the world. One called them one of the greatest biblical archaeological discoveries ever. Others urged caution, arguing that extraordinary claims require peer-reviewed evidence before rewriting history. And then they proceeded to attack each other with archeological tools. In this episode, Gary Stevens and Bernie explore the controversy, explain what was actually claimed, why many archaeologists remain skeptical, and what this debate reveals about how archaeology—and good science—really works. Links to the aah-ticals https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-725074https://www.timesofisrael.com/bible-scholars-sensational-hezekiah-inscription-claims-prompt-researchers-outcry/ FAN OF HISTORY Shirts and Stickers are Available NOW! Email Bernie. [email protected] Garry's Podcast: History IN the Bible https://podfollow.com/986634977 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

243. Confucius: The World That Created the Sage Part 1— The Man Before the Philosopher

2026/08/04

Confucius is one of history's most influential figures. But who was the man before he became the sage? This is the first episode in an ambitious multi-part series following the life of Confucius within the historical world that shaped him. Bernie and Dan start where the story really begins—with the political intrigue, social upheaval, and cultural traditions of the late Spring and Autumn period. We'll trace Confucius's life from his birth through the events that transformed the state of Lu and helped inspire one of history's most enduring systems of thought. Along the way we'll meet the rulers, ministers, rival families, and ordinary people whose lives intersected with his, discovering not only what Confucius taught, but why he came to teach it. Drawing on both Chinese and Western scholarship, this series aims to be one of the most comprehensive historical explorations of Confucius available in English—not simply what he taught, but why he taught it. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

242. 490s BC China: The Partition of Jin Begins

2026/07/21

The state of Jin stands at the height of its power—but beneath the surface, the balance of power is shifting. Bernie and Dan explore the growing dominance of Jin's great aristocratic clans, the weakening authority of its rulers, and the political maneuvering that will eventually lead to one of the most important turning points in ancient Chinese history: the Partition of Jin. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

241. 490's BC The Ionian Revolt: An Epic Finale

2026/07/07

The final chapter of the Ionian Revolt plays out like an ancient epic: great fleets, secret deals, shifting loyalties, unexpected betrayals, and one remarkable character who simply refuses to leave the story. Bernie and Dan follow the revolt from the aftermath of Aristagoras' death through the climactic struggle for Ionia and the strange final chapter of Histiaeus. The action moves from political intrigue to the battlefield and back again as the revolt races toward an ending full of surprises. And while one war is coming to an end, a much larger confrontation between Greece and Persia is now on the horizon. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What´s New In History - Did Accountants Build Civilization?

2026/06/30

This week on What's New in History, I sit down with archaeologist Dr. William Hafford to discuss his fascinating paper, Countdown to Cities: Numeracy and the Development of Urban Society. Could something as simple as counting have helped create the world's first cities? We explore the origins of numeracy, clay tokens, early accounting, the birth of writing, and how archaeology allows us to reconstruct humanity's distant past. Along the way, Bill also shares what it's really like to work as an archaeologist and how new discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of early civilization. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

240. 490s BC Ionian Revolt: The Empire Strikes Back

2026/06/23

The popular thing to do in the Greek world of the 490s BC was to revolt against the Persians Having launched their revolt in the name of freedom, the Ionian "freedom fighters" soon discover that the Persian Empire has no intention of quietly accepting rebellion. Bernie and Dan follow the next stage of the conflict as the Great King's forces begin to recover the initiative and the fortunes of Aristagoras take an increasingly uncertain turn. But the plucky rebels are putting up quite a fight. Can they pull it off? We've got naval battles, biting horses, ambushes, and pull out your Fan of History bingo card because you might hear "Gyges". Links: How to Build, Sail, and Ram and Ancient Greek Trireme Maritime History Podcast: https://music.youtube.com/podcast/cGp0EeB-Jm4 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT'S NEW IN HISTORY YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnewinhistory This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

239. 490s BC These ships were the beginning of troubles for Greeks and Barbarians

2026/06/10

Aristagoras leaves Sparta empty-handed but finds a more receptive audience in Athens. Can Athens help "Make the World Safe for Democracy" in the 490s BC?? In this episode, Bernie and Dan follow the Ionian Revolt from the Athenian embassy and the dispatch of the famous twenty ships to the.... What happens next you'll need to listen! Along the way, we discuss Athens' curious mission of spreading democracy, the cult of Cybele and her self-castrating priests, and how an intervention would set Greeks and Persians on a collision course for generations. The story is really heating up! This is a podcast by Dan Hörning and Bernie Maopolski. Contact information: E-mail: [email protected] http://facebook.com/fanofhistory https://twitter.com/danhorning https://www.instagram.com/dan_horning/ Music: “Tudor Theme” by urmymuse. Used here under a commercial Creative Commons license. Find out more at http://ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/40020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

Read Fan of History podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

41 reviews

★☆☆☆☆

Mikey Likes Podcasts 2025/05/02

Downgraded to 1

He went there again. Another 1. It's getting old Bernie. Very old. And 1 it will be if he takes this down the political drain. Dan doesn't and the f...

★★★★★

Jeffgalella 2023/09/23

I like to learn, but man do I hate being taught!!

I’ve only just discovered this podcast and for want of of more I have ripped through their entire catalog in short order!! I look forward to every new...

★★★★★

J.D.Coleman 2023/05/06

Great podcast!

One of my favorite podcasts to listen to lately. It’s actually been quite binge-able, which is perfect for me. Dan and Bernie do great work, and I fee...

★★★★★

anfan of history 2023/03/23

A Fan of History ~ Kristy

Anyone who is a Fan of History will really enjoy this podcast. I found myself laughing while learning some fascinating things regarding ancient histor...

★★★★★

Credibility specialist 2023/03/10

Credibility specialist

I took some time today to listen to your show!! fan of history, is a fantastic podcast with great info, advice, and perspectives. You won't regret li...

★☆☆☆☆

DropJimmyPlease 2023/01/01

Amazingly boring

These 2 douche bags reading and repeating could only be more interesting if one of them was banging a married women……wait,….at least one of them is……

★★★★★

Kmonroe19 2020/10/22

Great Show

This podcast is extremely educational and backed by verifiable sources for you to check out on your own if you want to learn even more than they alre...

★★★★★

LilyMao123 2020/06/25

Fan of Fan of History

Love this show!!

★★★★★

Bmaopolski 2019/11/26

Love it!

Ok so YES I am the Co-Host but I'm the NEW co-host... I loved this podcast since I first found it and when I heard Dan was looking for new writers and...

★★★★★

Pete McGurty 2017/11/10

Solid science, fun stories

If you are intersested in the Ancient Near East the science is solid. If you love to talk about history and listen to a very enthusiatic history podc...

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