Cambridge For Kids has produced a number of historical podcasts aimed at children and adults who are looking to further their knowledge in all things history. Episodes are all under 10 minutes, packed full of information that is easy to understand and entertaining. Written and narrated by Cambridge based archaeologist Matthew John Brooks.
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This tenth episode looks at the question Could We Bring Back Dinosaurs? Recent advances in science have made the idea of cloning dinosaurs more likely sometime in the future. The oldest DNA found intact was from around one million years ago. For dinosaurs, we would need to go back 66 million years. The question is, would a sample survive? In this episode, you will learn about DNA - the building blocks of life. What animals could we bring back today? How the movie Jurassic Park got the science wrong. And how scientists could clone dinosaurs in the future. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This tenth episode looks at The Legacy of the Romans. The ancient Romans have made a dramatic impact on the modern world. Having already acquired blueprints from the ancient Greeks by force, they added strength and conquest to a Greek worldview. The result was advancements in art, architecture, technology, literature, language, religion, and of course warfare. In this episode, you will learn about their influence on our world today, notably the United States Constitution. The fall of the Empire ushering in the Dark Ages. The Colosseum. And how a new religion called Christianity would change the Roman world forever. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com.
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This final tenth episode looks at The Legacy of Ancient Greece. The Ancient Greeks had a tremendous effect on not only the ancient world but throughout history, leading to the present day. Language, the arts, political systems, and science are but a few examples of what the Greeks advanced. In this final episode, you will learn about the remarkable innovations they made. How myth and philosophy developed, cosmic observations, and not only their influence on the mighty Roman Empire but on later movements such as the Islamic Golden Age. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians series by Cambridge For Kids. This last episode in the series looks at The Legacy of Ancient Egypt. Five thousand years ago, along the Nile River in Africa, lived one of the most extraordinary civilizations in history. They built awe-inspiring mega structures, invented ingenious devices, and pushed human knowledge in areas like science, to new heights. In this final episode, you will learn about the advancements they made in areas like medicine and mathematics. Their influence on the modern world. And how the world changed following the demise of this mysterious and fascinating ancient civilization. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This ninth episode looks at The Extinction of Dinosaurs. Around 65 million years ago the dinosaurs and many other species, became extinct. The mystery gave rise to countless theories on why. But in 1981 an outlandish proposal was put forward, that a huge meteor smashed into Earth obliterating life. What started off as a crazy idea has now grown into the best explanation of how and why the dinosaurs became extinct. In this episode, you will learn about the KT Extinction Event. The other explanations put forward by scientists. What happened to life after the meteor hit. And how a substance only found in space, solved the mystery Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This ninth episode looks at Latin Literature and Modern English. Latin, the language of the Ancient Romans was spoken throughout the Empire and gave rise to incredible works of literature. Today the Romans are but a memory but what survives is Latin. About 70% of all English words originate from Latin. Brought to Britain by Romanised Germanic tribes, following the invasion of Julius Caesar in 55 BC. In this episode, you will learn about the Golden Age of Roman literature with poets like Virgil, Horace, and Seneca. The formation of Modern English. And the change in culture and language when Catholic philosopher St. Augustine landed in Britain. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com.
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This ninth episode looks at The Olympian Gods. In order for the Ancient Greeks to make sense of a chaotic universe, the immortal gods were used to explain the forces of nature and the human experience. The greatest of these gods lived atop Mount Olympus, ruled over by Zeus the thunderer. They were passionate, spiteful, jealous and insecure beings that both loved and despised humanity. In this episode, you will learn about the twelve most important Greek gods. What each of them had control over and their awesome godly powers. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This ninth episode looks at Egyptian Art and Architecture. The Ancient Egyptians did things big. They were a deeply religious civilization so the bigger the structure or more profound the art, the greater the reward would be in the afterlife. Huge monuments cut from granite and brightly painted statues with precious jewels were a common theme that continued from the Old to the New Kingdom. In this episode, you will learn about the changes in style spanning over 1000 years. Half-human half-animal cube statues. Tomb art and wall paintings. And legendary temples such as the Temple of Amun and the Great Sphinx of Giza. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This eighth episode looks at The Herbivores. 100 million years ago during the Jurassic and the Cretaceous Periods, some of the largest animals lumbered around the Earth. They had small brains with complex digestive systems and only ate plants. Other plant-eaters like the hadrosaurs and stegosaurus had armor and sharp horns to protect themselves from hungry carnivores. In this episode, you will learn about the varying sizes of plant-eaters. Their anatomy and digestive systems. Why the hadrosaurs used their horns as snorkels and why the stegosaurus had body armor like a tank. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This eighth episode looks at Julius Caesar. One of the greatest military generals in history, he conquered most of Europe, for Rome. He was once kidnapped by pirates, invaded the land of Britons, had a love affair with Cleopatra and started a bloody civil war that effectively ended the Roman Republic and started the age of the Emperors. In this episode, you will learn about his family and his many military campaigns. Why he laid siege to Rome itself. The ensuing civil war and how and why he was assassinated. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This eighth episode looks at Athens and Sparta. The Athenians, skilled traders with a well-rounded society, they valued art, culture and democracy. The Spartans, experts in warfare valued strength, the monarchy and were suspicious of outsiders. They were once allies, but these powerful Greek city-states would become fierce enemies igniting a bloody civil war that ripped ancient Greece apart. In this episode, you will learn about their many differences. How they were governed. The differences in education and why they became bitter enemies. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This eighth episode looks at Egyptian Customs and Beliefs. Ancient Egyptians believed that each person's soul was immortal. In order for the soul to reach the afterlife a complex, traditional set of customs was required, sometimes ending with mummification. If these rites were not completed the dead would come back to haunt the living in the form of a ghost. In this episode, you will learn about burial customs and what they represented. The nine aspects of the soul. The use of shabti dolls to work for the god Osiris. And the different realms of the afterlife such as the Hall of Truth and the Field of Reeds. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This sixth episode looks at The Velociraptor. Velociraptors walked the Earth during the late Cretaceous period, about 90 to 65 million years ago and are closely related to modern birds. Extremely clever and deadly predators, these turkey-sized dinosaurs evolved to become perfect trackers and some could even glide using strong feathered wings. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the ancient world by Cambridge For Kids. This seventh episode looks at The Great Pyramid of Giza. Situated on the Giza plateau near the modern-day city of Cairo in Egypt, the great pyramid was the tallest structure ever built until the 19th century. Part of a royal burial complex it rises to a height of 146m and is made up of over two million blocks of hand-worked stone. But important questions still linger over the pyramids. How was it built? And who built them? Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This seventh episode looks at Roman Art. The Romans greatly appreciated the ancient Greeks, especially their art. Instead of inventing new forms of art the Romans simply copied Greek styles and called it Roman. But where they truly flourished was in its revolutionary architecture, portraits and carved relief sculptures. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This seventh episode looks at Greek Mythology. Thousands of years ago people did not have sciences like we have today to help them understand life. Ancient Greek people could see sickness, death, and natural disasters, but they did not understand what caused them. Mythology in the ancient world was used as a way to explain these things which contained monsters, bizarre beasts, and the gods.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This seventh episode looks at The Great Pyramid and Aliens. Archaeologists have spent many years trying to crack the mysteries of the ancient pharaohs' burial tombs, but are yet to even scratch the surface of the pyramids' true history and nature. The pyramids' baffling past has given rise, over the course of the 20th and 21st century to countless theories about their construction, mostly involving aliens!Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This sixth episode looks at The T-Rex, King of Dinosaurs. The name Tyrannosaurus Rex means ‘king of the tyrant lizards’ in Greek. It stood 4m tall and 12m long and weighed as much as 9 tons. It had very powerful legs and a muscular tail, which was necessary to balance its large, heavy head and permitted it to move quickly. Studies suggest the giant could run 10 to 25 mph. The T-rex's bite could utilize up to 13,000 pounds of pressure, which is equal to the force of a medium-sized elephant falling on top of you. ✅ GET IT HERE!Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This sixth episode looks at Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. It was a huge burial chamber built for Mausolus, the leader of Caria and governor of the Persian Empire, in 350 BC. It was built using Persia's rich source of marble, set on a rectangular platform and contained Ionic columns with a stepped roof in the shape of a pyramid. On top of the roof was a gigantic statue of Mausolus riding a chariot, in the image of Hercules. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This sixth episode looks at Life as a Roman. Everyday life in a Roman city was totally reliant on your status in society. The city, however, contained a mix of rich and poor people. The rich had the advantage of slave labour, whether it was warming the water at the baths, cooking and serving them their late afternoon meal, or educating their children. The poor, on the other hand, had no education, lived in run-down apartment blocks, and lived off the assistance of the government.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This sixth episode looks at Architecture and Art. Ancient Greek architects and artists have provided some of the finest and most unique buildings ever seen in the ancient world. Through the design and use of their temples, sculptures and pottery, the Greeks would live by a central code, which was clear to see in their art and architecture. They would, in turn, be responsible for the start of classical design, which now dominates the western world.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This sixth episode looks at Tutankhamun and the Curse. The Pharaoh Tutankhamun died in 1323 BC aged around 18. His body was moved to the Valley of the Kings, across the Nile from the city of Luxor in Egypt. When famous British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 it was worldwide news but, what got more headlines was the story of the Curse of the Pharaoh, which is said to still exist day.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fifth episode looks at the Modern-Day Study of Dinosaurs. In these modern times, we are just beginning to decode the information hidden within the fossil record. But keeping in mind that these remains have changed from their original living state to fossils over millions of years. Nevertheless, scientists are making huge progress in the way this research is captured. These new techniques have also helped develop new medicine for the sick.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fifth episode looks at The Statue of Zeus at Olympia. The Statue of Zeus was a massive 12 meters high, statue of the god Zeus, the King of the Ancient Greek gods. The statue was made from an inner wooden structure then enclosed with luxurious materials such as ivory, ebony, bronze, gold leaf and precious jewels. Zeus’s eyes were made of vibrant gems and around his head was a silver olive branch. The statue of Zeus stood for over 800 years and was considered the biggest statue the Ancient Greeks ever created.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fifth episode looks at Architecture and Engineering. The Romans developed fascinating architecture and were outstanding engineers. While being strongly influenced by Greek and Etruscan designs, they were the finest builders of roads, bridges, and aqueducts in the ancient world. More than 50,000 miles of road connected Rome with the frontiers of the Roman Empire. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fifth episode looks at Literature and The Theatre. One of the favourite forms of entertainment for the Ancient Greeks was the Theatre. It began as part of a festival to the Greek god Dionysus, but eventually became extremely popular amongst the public and nobility. Literature and theatre was an important aspect of Greek culture and influenced modern drama, bringing together elements of myth, ritual, religion, dance and music.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fifth episode looks at Cleopatra. Cleopatra, who reigned as queen of Egypt during the 1st century B.C., is one of the most famous female rulers in history. Her life inspired a Shakespeare play and several movies. Famous in history and drama as the lover of Julius Caesar and later as the wife of Mark Antony. She was the last of a series of rulers called the Ptolemies who ruled Egypt for nearly 300 years. She was also the last true pharaoh of Egypt. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fourth episode looks at The Discovery of Dinosaurs Existence. Ancient peoples most likely uncovered fossils of dinosaur bones from time to time, but they had no idea what they had found. Ancient Chinese writings from over 2,000 years ago found "dragon" bones. In 1676, Reverend Robert Plot discovered a large thigh bone in England. He believed it belonged to an ancient species of human "giants". Today we call them, dinosaurs!Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World podcast Series by Cambridge For Kids. This fourth episode details The Lighthouse of Alexandria. The Lighthouse at Alexandria was the first known lighthouse and stood for 1600 years on the coast of Egypt. It was built on the island of Pharos, to help guide trade ships into its busy harbor at Alexandria. The lighthouse was damaged by several earthquakes and eventually became an abandoned ruin.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fourth episode looks at the Inventions of Transportation. Ancient Romans traveled by land and sea. From the earliest times, the Romans displayed remarkable skill at building and engineering. They constructed bridges across the river Tiber, aqueducts to supply Rome with water, and sewers to drain the Forum and keep the city healthy.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fourth episode looks at Greek Philosophy, the First Thinkers. The philosophers of ancient Greece were among the greatest thinkers to ever grace humanity. Ancient Greek philosophy and medical writing were extremely important on later thought, both in the West and in the East. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This fourth episode looks at Inventions. Egyptian inventions were vast and it might be easier to list the things they did not invent such as the wheel; not unexpected in a civilization where boats were mainly used as the means of transport. The Pyramids. Writing. Papyrus Sheets. Black Ink. The Ox-drawn Plough. The Sickle. Irrigation. The Sundial. Are but a few of their many inventions.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This third episode looks at Biology, the Biggest, Smallest and the Strangest. Size has been one of the most interesting aspects of dinosaur science to the general public and to scientists. Dinosaurs show some of the most extreme variations in any species that roamed the Earth. We will also look at some of the strangest dinosaurs ever discovered. Incredibly weird beasts that baffled scientists for many years.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This third episode looks at The Temple Of Artemis. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, in present-day Turkey, was built to honor the goddess Artemis, the protector of woman. It has been described as the most beautiful and dazzling of all of the Seven Wonders. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This third episode looks at the Romans and the Economy. During the Roman Republic, the Roman economy was largely based on farming and trade, centered on goods such as grain and wine. Military expansion powered the economy, bringing in slaves and riches back to Rome, which transformed the city of Rome and the Romans themselves. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This third episode looks at Government and Law. The Ancient Greek world had no single system of law; individual states like Athens and Sparta, instead created their own political and legal ideas. The most common systems of Greek government were Democracy - where the people made the decisions. Monarchy - rule by one individual who had inherited his role, much like a King. Oligarchy - rule by a small group of people. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This third episode looks at The Language of Hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphic writing died out in Egypt in the fourth century C.E. Over time the knowledge of how to read hieroglyphs was lost, until the discovery of the Rosetta Stone. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brooks cambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This second episode looks at The Dinosaurs. The dinosaurs were among the most successful animals ever to live on the Earth. Their reign lasted over 100 million years. 65 million years ago a city-sized asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs and three-quarters of all life on Earth.✅ GET IT HERE!Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This second episode looks at The Colossus of Rhodes. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the most ambitious and tallest statue of the Hellenistic period. It represented the god Helios, and was built to thank the gods for the victory over the fierce warmongers, the Macedonians.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This second episode looks at The Roman Conquest and Expansion. The Romans had to fight countless wars to defend their growing territory and to conquer new lands. Along the way, Rome itself changed from a small town into a bustling city.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This second episode looks at The Olympic Games. The Ancient Greeks loved competition of all sorts. Each year, the various city-states of Greece sent athletes to festivals of games, which were held to honor Zeus The Thunderer.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This second episode looks at The Nile River. Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River in large part because the river's annual flooding ensured reliable, rich soil for growing crops. The Nile supported and allowed life to thrive in the grueling climate.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth podcast Series by Cambridge For Kids. This biting series details one of the most interesting creatures to roam the earth, millions and millions of years ago, the dinosaurs. This first episode details Evolution and Origins of Life. In this episode, we will go back in time to the very start of life on earth, as we look at how life started. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World podcast Series by Cambridge For Kids. This first episode details The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were marvels of architecture, human ingenuity, and engineering on a scale that even the greatest minds today would struggle to reproduce. How did the ancients manage such a feat? Let's find out.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Rise of The Roman Empire podcast Series by Cambridge For Kids. This episode is an Introduction to the Romans. The mighty Roman Empire's rise and fall, its culture, economy and famous leaders, and how it laid the foundations of the modern world, will all be revealed in this epic series.Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Ancient Greeks podcast Series by Cambridge For Kids. This episode is an Introduction to The Ancient Greeks. Packed full of political, philosophical, artistic, and scientific achievements that formed a lasting legacy. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
Welcome to The Age of the Egyptians podcast series by Cambridge For Kids. This first episode is an Introduction to the Egyptians. Who were they? How long ago did they live? Hopefully in the next 10 episodes, all your questions will be answered and will give you a good understanding of this fascinating ancient civilization. Written and Narrated by Cambridge University Archaeologist: Matthew John Brookscambridgeforkids.podbean.com
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
