The Ancient World
LATEST SERIES: Carchemish (C Episodes) - tracing the life and death of the Neo-Hittite kingdoms; PREVIOUS SERIES: The Ancient World - from the earliest human civilizations down through 500 BC; Rediscovery (R Episodes) - the stories of the modern scholars and adventurers who rediscovered the ancient world; Bloodline (B Episodes) - tracing the descendants of Mark Antony and Cleopatra over ten generations; Thea (T Episodes) - tracing the disintegration of the Seleucid Empire
Our Editor's Take
The Ancient World podcast reveals secrets of the old world. What was happening thousands of years ago? Feudal kingdoms reigned, and fierce kings battled for control of coveted territories. Listeners hear about Roman gods, wars among the Greeks, and Bronze-Age Egyptians. Host Scott Chesworth shares his passion on this history podcast. In each season, he focuses on a particular historical period and location.
In the "Carchemish" series, the podcast host discusses the ancient capital in northern Syria. Scott begins its story in the later part of the 14th Century BC. He starts with King Suppiluliuma, who won Syria from the hands of the Hurrian kingdom. The stories that follow tell of wars with pharaohs and divine commands. A surprising diplomatic move from Hattusili III resulted in the "Eternal Treaty." It is the first known peace treaty and took place in 1259. How long did peace last? Who decided to become enemies with the king of Assyria and battle the Assyrian armies? Whose heirs were the most ferocious?
During the Iron Age, political upheaval began between the Hamath and Aram-Damascus kingdoms. This led to a new ruler, King Omri. He was a successful ruler and military man who expanded the borders of Israel. Toward the end of the "Carchemish" podcast episodes, Scott tells the tale of Shamsi-Adad V's wife. When he died, Shammumarat reigned as regent for their young son. Together, they crossed the Euphrates River and began a military campaign. Shammuramat is the only ancient Assyrian woman to have accomplished such a feat. Years later, writers would herald her as a warrior queen and heroine. In "Like a Fire," Scott details the rebellion of crown prince Assur-danin-pal. The king's younger brother attempted to save the kingdom from his brother’s plans.
In other podcast episodes, listeners learn about the royal city of Qarqar, civil wars, the kings of Canaan, and ancient Rome. What role do eclipses have in this ancient history? What happened in the House of David?
With the "Carchemish" series, eager listeners have much to excite them. Those new to the podcast can begin with the story of Gilgamesh, the famous warrior of Mesopotamia. New episodes of The Ancient World podcast come out every two weeks.
Episodes