That's Ancient History

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That's Ancient History: the podcast for all things classical, old & new. Exploring antiquity from its history to its place in today's world. Host Jean Menzies.

Jean Menzies


    • Jun 24, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 35 EPISODES

    4.8 from 87 ratings Listeners of That's Ancient History that love the show mention: jean, ancient, history, wonderful, first, awesome, great, love, madeline miller.


    Ivy Insights

    The That's Ancient History podcast is an amazing resource for anyone interested in learning about ancient history and classics in a fun and accessible way. Hosted by Jean, the podcast takes a deep dive into various aspects of ancient history and introduces topics that may be unfamiliar to listeners. Whether you're a beginner or an avid fan, this podcast provides the right balance of entertainment and education.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Jean's approach to making learning about ancient history enjoyable. She brings a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to the subject matter, making it engaging for listeners. With her lively storytelling style, Jean has a way of bringing ancient history to life and making it relatable. This makes the podcast suitable for both beginners who have studied little at school as well as those who have a strong interest in classics.

    Another great aspect of the podcast is its ability to inspire further exploration. Many listeners have expressed their desire to read more ancient literature after listening to the episodes. Jean's passion for the subject matter is contagious, and her discussions often pique curiosity and encourage further research and reading.

    While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential downside is that it may leave listeners wanting more. Some reviewers wished for weekly uploads or more episodes because they found the content so enjoyable. However, it's important to note that producing high-quality episodes takes time and effort, so it's understandable that there may not be an extensive backlog of episodes available.

    In conclusion, The That's Ancient History podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in ancient history and classics. Jean's enthusiasm, storytelling skills, and ability to make complex topics accessible make this podcast a must-listen for both beginners and seasoned fans alike. With each episode providing a wealth of knowledge in an entertaining format, this podcast will leave you eager for more ancient history adventures.



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    Latest episodes from That's Ancient History

    S.6 E.4 Psyche & Eros with Luna McNamara

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 42:58


    Psyche & Eros is out now: https://amzn.to/3KULp5P Find Luna: Website: https://www.lunamcnamarawriter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luna_mcnamara_writer X: https://x.com/McnamaraLuna Find Jean: Website: www.jeanmenzies.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/jeansthoughts TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@jeansthoughts Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeansthoughts/ Follow the podcast on X: twitter.com/thatsancient You can support the podcast via... Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts Patreon: www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts The Books We Talked About: The Golden Ass (tr. Sarah Ruden): https://amzn.to/4bfjqJ0 Jason and the Golden Fleece (The Argonautica): https://amzn.to/3zeOKdv The Wolf Den: https://amzn.to/45FhKr6 Apuleius in European Literature (Dr Regine May): https://amzn.to/3XyQecA The Last Tale of the Flower Bride: https://amzn.to/4eOgSEL

    S.6 E.3 Hera the Mother of Monsters with Jennifer Saint

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 35:21


    Hera is out now: https://amzn.to/4biSxEN Find Jennifer: Website: https://www.jennifersaint.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.saint.author/ Find Jean: Website: https://www.jeanmenzies.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jeansthoughts TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeansthoughts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeansthoughts/ Follow the podcast on X: https://twitter.com/thatsancient You can support the podcast via... Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts The Books We Talked About: Atalanta: https://amzn.to/3K1mgGc The Iliad: https://amzn.to/3UHjACG Lilith: https://amzn.to/3yi42Oe Women's Lore: https://amzn.to/3QLaUtI

    S.6 E.2 Reimagining the Oedipus Cycle with Meagan Cleveland

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 37:09


    Riddles of the Sphinx is out now: https://amzn.to/43ikAkB Check out Meagan... Website: https://www.meagancleveland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleredreading/ X: https://twitter.com/MeaganClevelan8 Follow the podcast on X: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Listen to this Podcast on... Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-591915376/classics-is-for-everyone Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bfJsiS4eV9MN4A3pYMXNt Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=1387485444 The Books We Talked About: Sophocles' Theban Plays (Antigone, Oedipus Rex & Oedipus at Colonus): https://amzn.to/48XXXmC Statius' Thebiad: https://amzn.to/3vchEJD Medea by Eilish Quin: https://www.waterstones.com/book/medea/eilish-quin/9781668020760 Winter Harvest by Ioanna Papadopoulou: https://www.waterstones.com/book/winter-harvest/ioanna-papadopoulou/9781739234850 Threads that Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou: https://www.waterstones.com/book/threads-that-bind/kika-hatzopoulou/9780241614648 You can support my content via... Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S. 6 E. 1 Classics is for Everyone with Erica Stevenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 51:29


    Follow That's Ancient History on X: twitter.com/thatsancient In the first episode of season six Dr Jean Menzies chats classics and accessibility with creator and producer of the MoanIn project (Modern Ancients) Erica Stevenson. Find Erica & MoanInc: Website: https://www.moaninc.co.uk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/moaninc X: https://twitter.com/moaninc Find Jean: Website: https://www.jeanmenzies.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jeansthoughts X: https://twitter.com/jeansthoughts The Books We Talked About: The Iliad: https://amzn.to/3I3MF54 The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours: https://amzn.to/49nk4E9 Savage Beasts: https://amzn.to/3I6m5bz

    S.5 E.4 Writing Greek Myth for Children with Jen Campbell & Jean Menzies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 30:51


    Jen Campbell Interviews Jean Menzies (That's Ancient History host) about her debut children's book Greek Myths, published by DK and illustrated by Katie Ponder. Jean's book Greek Myths: https://amzn.to/3IlJHqN Also in the series is Norse Myths by Matt Ralphs: https://amzn.to/3FMVKfg And you can currently preorder Egyptian Myths by Jean Menzies: https://amzn.to/33S0pz8 Check out Jen's latest book, The Girl Who Ate Her Brothers and other Gruesome Tales: https://amzn.to/3rCQwNU As well as her series on the history of fairytales on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_-yiIwc8I&t=0s

    S.5 E.3 Ask a Classicist with my boyfriend: Hobbies, Courting, and Social Life in Antiquity

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 34:22


    Just a Couple of Meeples Board Game Review: https://www.instagram.com/justacoupleofmeeples/ That's Ancient History on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Books Mentioned: Aphrodite's Tortoise: https://amzn.to/30NVhux The Old Kingdom Series: The Old Kingdom

    S.5 E.2 Medusa & Modern Women with Jessie Burton

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 39:12


    In this episode of That's Ancient History Jean talks to author Jessie Burton about her new book Medusa: https://amzn.to/3Guqp2B More from Jessie Burton: https://www.jessieburton.co.uk Follow That's Ancient History on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient

    S. 5 E. 1 Answering the Most Googled Questions About Ancient Greece with Jill Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 28:24


    Support the podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient And check out our website: https://www.jeanmenzies.com/podcast Check out host Jean's book on greek myths: https://amzn.to/3oVrqKv And discover more about antiquity in video format on her YouTube channel: https://www.jeanmenzies.com/ancient-history-videos And tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeansthoughts In this week's episode Jean Menzies and regular guest Jill Scott welcome back the podcast for a new season by finding out what the most googled questions about Ancient Greece are and have a go at answering them. Books recommended: The Darkening Age by Catherine Nixey: https://amzn.to/3aveXF3 Democracy by Paul Cartledge: https://amzn.to/2YN8mTY The Class Struggle in the Ancient Greek by G.E.M. De Ste Croix: https://amzn.to/3iTkcCX Greek Myths by Jean Menzies: https://amzn.to/3oVrqKv

    S. 4. E. 4 Myth Digest: The Gorgon Medusa

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 18:24


    Support the podcast on... Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts Follow the podcast on twitter: http://twitter.com/thatsancient Listen to my interview with Anwen Hayward: https://soundcloud.com/user-591915376/medusa?in=user-591915376/sets/season-3 Listen to all of the myth digests: https://soundcloud.com/user-591915376/sets/myth-digests

    S.4 E.3 Coming of Age in Greek Mythology with Grace Page

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 22:05


    Follow the podcast on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Support the podcast with a ÂŁ3 donation on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts Follow Grace on twitter: https://twitter.com/grace_page_ Follow Grace on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracenataliepage/

    S.4 E.2 Intersectionality in Classics with Aimee Hinds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2020 31:28


    Follow the podcast on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Support the podcast on Ko-fi with a ÂŁ3 donation: https://ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts Aimee Hinds on twitter: https://twitter.com/aimee_hinds Aimee's piece for Eidolon: https://eidolon.pub/rape-or-romance-1b3d584585b8 Books Recommended by Aimee: Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie: https://www.bookdepository.com/Home-Fire/9781408886793?a_aid=bookishthoughts XO Orpheus edited by Kate Bernheimer: https://www.bookdepository.com/xo-Orpheus/9780143122425?a_aid=bookishthoughts

    S.4 E.1 Ask a Classicist with Emma Oulton: Myth vs. Reality in Ancient Greece

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2020 30:11


    Check Emma out on... Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drinkingbymyshelf Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkbymyshelf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkbymyshelf/ Follow the podcast on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Support the podcast on Ko-fi with a ÂŁ3 donation: https://ko-fi.com/jeansthoughts As always thank you so much for listening and your continued support. Do feel free to get in touch on twitter if you have any questions or requests for future episodes. All of the books mentioned: Emily Wilson's translation of the Odyssey: https://www.bookdepository.com/Odyssey-Homer/9780393356250?ref=grid-view&qid=1581344571395&sr=1-1?a_aid=bookishthoughts Inventing the Barbarian by Edith Hall: https://www.bookdepository.com/Inventing-Barbarian-Edith-Hall/9780198147800?ref=grid-view&qid=1581344587807&sr=1-1?a_aid=bookishthoughts Circe by Madeline Miller: https://www.bookdepository.com/Circe/9781408890042?a_aid=bookishthoughts A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes: https://www.bookdepository.com/A-Thousand-Ships/9781509836192?a_aid=bookishthoughts Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Children-of-Jocasta/9781509836178?a_aid=bookishthoughts Hippolytus (a play) by Euripides: https://www.bookdepository.com/Euripides-I-David-Grene/9780226308807?ref=grid-view&qid=1581344657533&sr=1-3?a_aid=bookishthoughts The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Penelopiad/9781786892485?a_aid=bookishthoughts Orpheus Girl by Brynne Rebele-Henry: https://amzn.to/2SsU7g4 Here, the World Entire by Anwen Hayward: https://amzn.to/2vnU5OQ Weight by Jeanette Winterson: https://www.bookdepository.com/Weight-Jeanette-Winterson/9781786892492?ref=grid-view&qid=1581344734831&sr=1-1?a_aid=bookishthoughts

    S.3 E.6 The Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire with Harriet Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2019 24:46


    Religion was a central part of the Roman Empire and in today's episode host Jean Menzies is joined by now regular guest Harriet Scott to explore the history of Christianity under the Roman Empire: from the persecution of ordinary Christians all the way to the adoption of Christianity as the state religion. My, how things can change in a few centuries! Harriet on twitter: http://twitter.com/hattiescott17 Jean on twitter: http://twitter.com/jeansthoughts Follow the podcast on twitter: http://twitter.com/thatsancient

    S.3 E.5 Ancient True Crime: Cleopatra VIII with Harriet Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 21:00


    Today Jean is joined by ancient history enthusiast and my favourite murder fangirl Harriet Scott (from season one episode one and eight). Harriet brings the true crime genre to antiquity through discussing the various theories and unsolved questions surrounding the death of Cleopatra VIII - lover of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, ruler of Egypt, and fierce, intelligent woman. Was it suicide or was it murder? Harriet on twitter: https://twitter.com/hattiescott17 Jean on twitter: https://twitter.com/jeansthoughts Follow the podcast on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient My Favourite Murder: https://twitter.com/MyFavMurder The Murder of Cleopatra: History's Greatest Cold Case: https://amzn.to/2jQcJcK Smithsonian Article Referenced: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/maybe-cleopatra-didnt-commit-suicide-12023891/

    S.3 E.4 Creative Writing Meets Academia with Anwen Hayward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 34:30


    In today's episode host Jean Menzies is joined by author and academic Anwen Hayward. They discuss Anwen's retelling of the Medusa myth, her PhD research, the intersections between creative writing and academia, and monsters in Greek and Romann myth. That's Ancient History on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Anwen on twitter: https://twitter.com/kyatic Here, the World Entire by Anwen Hayward (medusa retelling): https://amzn.to/2Xth8nK My database of myth retellings: https://morejeansthoughts.wordpress.com/classical-myth-retellings/

    S.3 E.3 Myth Digest: Pandora and Her Non-existent Box

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2019 20:01


    That's Ancient History is back with another 'myth digest' where host Jean Menzies tells the tale of one classical myth in particular, breaks down its themes and discusses its significance to ancient culture. This episode is all about the myth of Pandora, the first ever mortal woman, created my Zeus, king of the gods, as a punishment for man. Follow That's Ancient History on twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsancient Check out Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days: https://amzn.to/2KERjdA

    S.3 E.2 Ask a Classicist with Sanne Vliegenthart: Classics is Everywhere!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2019 25:43


    It's the third round of That's Ancient History's 'Ask a Classicist' specials where host Jean Menzies is joined by a complete classics novice and answers all of their pressing antiquity related questions (or tries to). Jean's classical myth retellings database: https://morejeansthoughts.wordpress.com/classical-myth-retellings/ Check out Sanne: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/booksandquills Twitter: https://twitter.com/booksandquills

    S.3 E.1 The Trojan War with Natalie Haynes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2019 23:13


    Welcome back to That's Ancient History. In this episode host Jean interviews comedian, presenter and author Natalie Haynes about her latest book. A Thousand Ships is Natalie Haynes' second Greek Myth retelling (after The Children of Jocasta) and it explores the events surrounding the Trojan War from the perspectives of the numerous women involved. Follow the podcast on twitter: http://twitter.com/thatsancient Check out these books: A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes: https://amzn.to/2DZonbP Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes: https://amzn.to/2VsoLdF The Iliad by Homer: https://amzn.to/2E0UCaV

    S.2 E.7 Classics After the Classroom with Stan Christoforou

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2019 20:39


    Classics? What can you do with that? Host Jean is joined one again by Stan Christoforou from previous episode 'Combat Trauma in Ancient Greece' to chat about Classics After the Classroom. This project is exploring the impact of Classics after the classroom and demonstrating just how many different directions Classics can take you. Classics After the Classroom: https://twitter.com/classicsATC Stan on twitter: https://twitter.com/ADE_stan

    S.2 E.6 Classics and the Cinema Part 1 with Jill Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2019 32:05


    S.2 E.6 Classics and the Cinema Part 1 with Jill Scott by Jean Menzies

    S.2 E.5 If the Olympian Gods were alive in the 21st Century with Alexandra Sheppard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2019 25:31


    This episode Jean is joined by author Alexandra Sheppard whose deput novel explores the life of 14 year old Helen, the half-mortal daughter of Zeus living in London and trying to keep her family's heritage hidden whilst dealing with the everyday turmoil of teenage life. Check out Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard: https://amzn.to/2SDXLmd Alexandra Sheppard on twitter: https://twitter.com/alexsheppard The other books mentioned: Circe by Madeline Miller: https://amzn.to/2C9zopA I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith: https://amzn.to/2TB9i5V

    S.2 E.4 Myth Digest: The Life of Helen of Troy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2018 22:31


    In this episode of That's Ancient History host Jean Menzies goes in-depth exploring the ancient myth of Helen aka Helen of Troy. Helen is a figure of mythology who has continued to be talked about to the present day. Often used as an example of women's dangerous beauty is Helen's myth as simple as you've been led to believe? Of course not, Helen's story is complex, with numerous as many variations as a myth can have. It is also much more than simply the story of the Trojan War. Why not listen and learn a little more!

    S.2 E.3 Ask a Classicist with Lauren Wade: what is classics anyway?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2018 31:23


    In 'Ask a Classicist' host Jean Menzies invites a guest with no background in classics to quiz her on everything they've ever wondered about antiquity. In this episode she is joined by friend, fellow booktuber and Feminist Orchestra bookclub co-host Lauren Wade. Lauren asks Jean to really get to the heart of things by explaining what exactly 'classics' actually is. They also discuss everything they themselves are curious about from the Greeks to the Celts, but know nothing about... Follow Lauren online: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LaurenWade Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenwadereads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenwadereads/ Check out the books mentioned in this episode: The Celts by Alice Roberts: https://amzn.to/2zsvgAv

    S.2 E.2 Classics and Early Modern Theatre with Elle Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2018 28:05


    Ever wondered why William Shakspeare was so obsessed with classical mythology and ancient history? He wasn't alone! In this week's podcast episode Jean is joined by Elle Jones, classics and theatre enthusiast, to talk all about the classical influences abundant throughout early modern theatre; from Shakspeare to Christopher Marlow; from Greek mythology to Roman history; Elle knows it all! Check out Elle on instagram and Twitter @ellefjones Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellefjones Instagram: http://instagram.com/ellefjones And follow the podcast on twitter @thatsancient Twitter: http://twitter.com/thatsancient Books Mentioned: The Iliad by Homer: https://amzn.to/2z5T7ph Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe: https://amzn.to/2z4iQOL Dido, Queen of Carthage by Christopher Marlowe: https://amzn.to/2z66h5I Troilus and Cressida by William Shakspeare: https://amzn.to/2zNIIhl Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakspeare: https://amzn.to/2JWd0TU Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare: https://amzn.to/2QyxwfN Macbeth by William Shakspeare: https://amzn.to/2ODXuga Romeo and Juliet by William Shakspeare: https://amzn.to/2z5d3IJ 'Tis Pity She's a Whore by John Ford: https://amzn.to/2Dh4Own Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where Is An Hind (poem) by Thomas Wyatt The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster: https://amzn.to/2zJtrhS The Witch of Edmonton: https://amzn.to/2PkWaEe The Tale of Troy by Roger Lancelyn Green: https://amzn.to/2JV0mV7

    S.2 E.1 Women in Wartime with Pat Barker

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2018 26:23


    Welcome back for season two of That's Ancient History! We are kicking things off with a very special first episode featuring an interview with award-winning author Pat Barker. Pat Barker's latest book, The Silence of the Girls, retells Homer's Iliad from the perspective of Briseis a Trojan Queen who has been captured during the Trojan War and given as a slave to the Greek hero Achilles. This podcast discussed the experience of women during wartime, enslavement, sexual violence, PTSD, retelling ancient myths and the timeless themes of Homer's poetry. Follow That's Ancient History on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thatsancient Books Mentioned: The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker: https://amzn.to/2PTIvAc War Music by Christopher Logue: https://amzn.to/2O7jFva The Iliad by Homer: https://amzn.to/2ApKUxa Country by Michael Hughes: https://amzn.to/2O2vtyG Antigone by Jean Anouilh: https://amzn.to/2Po6dI0

    S.1 E.9 Reading Women Crossover Episode - Women in Classics & Mythology

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2018 36:44


    This very special podcast episode comes to you in collaboration with the Reading Women podcast. Jean is joined by Autumn and Kendra to discuss women in classics and mythology. They cover everything from sexism in antiquity to modern day scholarship, as well as perceptions of women in mythology including goddesses such as Athena. You'll find plenty of interesting discussion topics as well book recommendations in this latest episode. Plus it doesn't stop here. This is one part of the two-part crossover special, the second episode of which you can find over on the Reading Women podcast now! Reading Women Podcast: https://www.readingwomenpodcast.com Part 1 of our crossover: https://www.readingwomenpodcast.com/blog/2018/08/29/ep-505-collab-with-thats-ancient-history Reading Women on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thereadingwomen Autumn on twitter: https://twitter.com/autumnprivett Kendra on twitter: https://twitter.com/kdwinchester Kendra on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeOsY9TGb2UitTOr-Qn5wJg Books Mentioned: Ovid's Metamorphoses: https://www.bookdepository.com/Metamorphoses-Ovid/9780140447897?ref=grid-view&qid=1535887146730&sr=1-3?a_aid=bookishthoughts Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Silence-of-the-Girls/9780241338094?a_aid=bookishthoughts The Odyssey by Homer (translated by Emily Wilson): https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Odyssey/9780393089059?a_aid=bookishthoughts The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood: https://www.bookdepository.com/Penelopiad-Myth-Penelope-Odysseus-Text-Myth-Series-Margaret-Atwood/9781920885953?ref=grid-view&qid=1535887108308&sr=1-1?a_aid=bookishthoughts The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Magic-Toyshop/9780860681908?a_aid=bookishthoughts Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif by Rick Riordan: https://www.bookdepository.com/Percy-Jackson-and-the-Lightning-Thief--Book-1-/9780141346809?a_aid=bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.8 Visiting Ancient Sites with Harriet Scott & Jill Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2018 44:59


    From the Colosseum to the Palace of Knossos, from Hadrian's Wall to the Parthenon, this episode of That's Ancient History travels the Ancient World as it survives today. Jean is joined by classics graduates Jill & Harriet (who you might recognise from previous episodes) to talk about their experiences visiting ancient sites. The sites discussed include the Athenian Acropolis and its many temples; Delphi the home of the oracle of Apollo; Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda; the Roman Forum and Flavian Amphitheatre (aka the Colosseum); Pompeii and Herculaneum; the Palace of Knossos on the island Crete and even Petra in Jordan (with a few more in between). Jean, Harriet and Jill talk about their experiences visiting these places, how they compared with their expectations, their favourites and share with you the history behind these magnificent buildings. Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts Follow the podcast on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thatsancient

    S.1 E.7 Clytemnestra, Gender and Greek Tragedy with Grace Page

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2018 22:51


    In this week's episode Jean is joined by Grace Page whose current research focuses on gender roles in Aeschylus' tragic trilogy of plays, The Oresteia. Grace hones in on Clytemnestra's role in the Greek tragedies and how Aeschylus uses the art of persuasion, speech and deception to characterize her and play with gender roles. Clytemnestra was the Queen of Argos, wife of the Greek hero Agamemnon and mother of Orestes, Electra and Iphigenia in Greek myth. She is a controversial character that audiences can sympathize with but also detest. Time to make up your own mind! Find Grace @gracenatpage on Twitter & @gracenataliepage on Instagram. Books mentioned: The Oresteia by Aeschylus: https://amzn.to/2M1TKaW Revenge and Gender in Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Literature edited by Fiona McHardy: https://amzn.to/2OBaNzb Revenge in Athenian Culture by Fiona McHardy: https://amzn.to/2Kimszr Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.6 Ask a Classicist with Jen Campbell: Fairy Tales, Disney Films & Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2018 21:45


    In 'Ask a Classicist' host Jean Menzies invites a guest with no background in classics to quiz her on everything they've ever wondered about antiquity. In this episode she is joined by author Jen Campbell as they discuss Disney's Hercules, the similarities between myth and fairy tales and how the ancients dined. Find Jen @jenvcampbell on Twitter. Books Mentioned: The Constellation Myths of Eratosthenes & Hyginus: https://amzn.to/2zRYRWi The Tale of Tales by Giambattista Bastile: https://amzn.to/2LnJpTr Grimm's Fairy Tales translated by Jack Zipes: https://amzn.to/2LgAjL6 Titus Andronicus by Shakespeare: https://amzn.to/2Lp0egG Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.5 The Ancient Inspiration Behind Fantasy & Science Fiction with Jill Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2018 39:57


    In this podcast Jean is joined by fellow ancient history and fantasy/sci-fi fan to talk about the paralels between mythology, ancient history and their favourite books. Jill delves deep into the legends of J.R.R Tolkein's Lord of the Rings and Middle Earth, highlighting some major comparisons with Greek mythology. George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones series turns out to resemble the Roman empire. The hosts demonstrate how J. K. Rowling threaded classics throughout Harry Potter's characters and spells. And the mythological inspiration behind The Hunger Games turns out to involve a Minotaur. Discover all of this and more in detail in this week's episode. Works mentioned: Lord of the Rings: https://amzn.to/2Li2Yzu The Silmarillian: https://amzn.to/2LoKVVh Beren and Luthien: https://amzn.to/2zQEhGa A Game of Thrones: https://amzn.to/2LkUbNy The Harry Potter Series: https://amzn.to/2uEU7h5 The Hunger Games: https://amzn.to/2Lkn7F4 Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.4 Myth Digest: Procne and Philomela Athenian Princesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2018 17:47


    In this episode of That's Ancient History host Jean Menzies goes in-depth exploring the ancient myth of Procne and Philomela, Athenian princesses, and sisters. The podcast will introduce you to the myth, some of its major variations over time and what it perhaps meant to the ancient people who told it - along with some bonus Shakespearean reception. Works Mentioned: Tereus by Sophocles (fragmentary play) Ovid's Metamorphosis: https://amzn.to/2uF06ST Apollodorus' Library of Greek Mythology: https://amzn.to/2Ngl2Y4 Aristophanes' Birds: https://amzn.to/2urQADm Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare: https://amzn.to/2uF0alB Inventing the Barbarian by Edith Hall: https://amzn.to/2uCTjct A Tale of Two Sisters: Studies in Sophocles’ Tereus’ (article) by Lyndsay Coo Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.3 Combat Trauma in Ancient Greece with Stan Christoforou

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2018 29:50


    In this episode of That's Ancient History Jean talks to fellow PhD student Stan Christoforou about his research on combat trauma in 5th century BC Greece. His research involves dealing with modern psychology and to what extent it can be used to inform our understanding of antiquity, as well as looking at ancient mythological Greek heroes and the burden of war upon their lives. Stan is also currently collecting information for Classics After the Classroom, a project intended to promote classics in state schools so don't forget to check out @ClassicsATC on twitter to learn more. Books mentioned in this episode: Achilles in Vietnam by Jonathan Shay: https://amzn.to/2uEk809 Euripides' Ajax: https://amzn.to/2urQg7C Euripides' Heracles: https://amzn.to/2LaFOez Aeschylus' Oresteia: https://amzn.to/2zHTyZz Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.2 Retelling Classical Myths with Madeline Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2018 27:22


    In this episode Jean is joined by Madeline Miller, author of the award-winning Song of Achilles to discuss her latest book Circe as well as the process of retelling ancient myths in modern fiction. The topics discussed include the origins of Madeline Miller's passion for ancient history and mythology, the decisions that need to be made when writing a myth retelling and what themes from Circe's story resonate with the 21st audience. Books Mentioned: Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: https://amzn.to/2NiBpni Circe by Madeline Miller: https://amzn.to/2urPwzm Homer's Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson: https://amzn.to/2zJEGKh Ovid's Metamorphosis: https://amzn.to/2uFAV2y Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare: https://amzn.to/2uG4ukH Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare: https://amzn.to/2LjOxrt Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    S.1 E.1 Where it all began? Getting into classics with Harriet Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2018 31:25


    In the first episode of season one Jean is joined by fellow classics graduate Harriet, who now works in charities, to chat about how they both discovered ancient history and mythology and developed a passion for the topics. Both were educated at comprehensive state schools in Scotland and had no formal education in classics prior to university so relied on pop culture, television documentaries and encouraging family members to introduce them to antiquity. Hopefully, their experiences will help you discover a passion for the topic too! Books & Shows Mentioned: Asterix the Gaul: https://amzn.to/2uHxfOa Plebs Time Team The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood: https://amzn.to/2uHxQiS Homer's Odyssey: https://amzn.to/2JuageD Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars: https://amzn.to/2JqJhkc The Secret History by Donna Tartt: https://amzn.to/2uGUK9M Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookishthoughts

    That's Ancient History Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2018 2:59


    That's Ancient History Introduction by Jean Menzies

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