Prehistoric period and age studied in archaeology, part of the Holocene Epoch
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Maria is a second-generation dowser who is a leading authority on the geodetic system of earth energies. She was taught how to decode and divine the land by her late father, Dennis Wheatley, who was considered to be one of the UKs top Master Dowsers.Maria is an accomplished author of books on sacred sites and dowsing. She has researched the esoteric design canons of prehistoric sites, Druidic ceremonial enclosures and the Knights Templar for many years. Maria has studied Neolithic Britain and Bronze Age prehistory with the University of Bath and alongside other professionals, Maria combines her knowledge of archaeology, and earth energies with state of the art equipment to locate and detect the hidden frequencies that the Earth emits. Believing in the Earth Force or dowsing is simply not enough for Maria, she wants to show the world that the prehistoric designers of ancient sites could locate and harness earth energy. Her findings challenge our understanding of sacred sites.Maria has lectured and given workshops in America and Europe and has also appeared on the History Channel - she managed to get several of the participants who had never before held a dowsing rod - to successfully detect ley lines at Stonehenge,In the late 1980s, Maria studied astrology and tarot and during the 1990s turned her attention to hypnotherapy, past life regression and reflexology.She has taught complementary medicine at Swindon College for over 15 years. She has also written holistic diploma courses for private colleges such as the British School of Yoga (BSY Group). She recently founded the Avebury School of Esoteric Studies which offers certificated courses on holistic subjects including past life regression, astrology and dowsing and which is affiliated with the Association of British Correspondence Colleges.https://theaveburyexperience.co.uk/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.
For nearly two thousand years, swords reigned as humanity's weapon of choice—the first tools designed exclusively to kill other humans rather than hunt animals. When archaeologist Paul Gething rediscovered a rusty blade forgotten in a suitcase for thirty years, he unknowingly held one of history's most sophisticated weapons: a seventh-century Northumbrian sword so complex and finely crafted that only a king could have commanded its creation. The Bamburgh Sword tells the story of Anglo-Saxon England from 450 to 1066 AD, when feuding warlords wielded these pattern-welded blades with razor-sharp steel edges and bendy iron cores—weapons so precious they were covered with jeweled handles and ornate scabbards. Today's guest is Edoardo Albert, author of The Perfect Sword: Forging the Dark Ages. We discuss how Bronze Age smiths in Minoan Crete around 1700 BC created the first definitive swords, how the introduction of iron around 1300 BC democratized warfare by putting blades in everyone's hands, and why the Bamburgh Sword represents the pinnacle of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. We also explore what was lost when firearms replaced swords—as the Turkish folk hero Köroğlu reportedly lamented: "The rifle was invented, and bravery was ruined."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this 38th episode, Alan continues a (fingers crossed) monthly series of episodes featuring the comic book genre assigned to that month. Which makes this episode a discussion of ... global comics! And also global comic shops, and comics-related global travel.What international experiences to Ruth & Darrin Sutherland bring to the episode? And how just HOW MANY manga does Ruth recommend?????Listen to the episode ... and FIND OUT!!!Click on the player below to listen to the episode: Right-click to download episode directly Promo:Full Manga AlchemistLink: The Frank Slide CentreSend e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com You can follow the network on Twitter @Relatively_Geek and Professor Alan @ProfessorAlan You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.
Hey everybody! Al Sedano is back after a long hiatus! He and I have two awesome comics to talk about, and they're the first appearance of the Man-Wolf! Yes more werewolf action! There is some fantastic artwork in these issues plus a solid story to boot. So grab your silver bullets and let's go.As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). You can find Al on social media @adamthanospod and @thatgiffenshow on BlueSky. He's on virtually every podcast app, just search Resurrections an Adam Warlock and Thanos podcast!Thanks for listening!
2. This interview shifts to the aftermath of the Bronze Age collapse, focusing on the resilience of the Assyrians. Cline attributes their survival to strong leadership and redundant systems, such as their enduring military and government structures. While their previous trading partners struggled, the Assyrians adapted by using military force to acquire necessary resources and conducting near-constant warfare. The discussion also covers the complex, shifting relationship between the Assyrians and the Babylonians, who cycled between being allies and enemies. Ultimately, the Neo-Assyrians emerged as the dominant Near Eastern power for several centuries before being superseded by the Neo-Babylonians. (2)
So, get this — in Spain, a super old treasure called the Treasure of Villena has something totally out of this world.
Every other week, we focus on a Marvel series that sits on the fringes of mainstream Marvel continuity. The first episode of every new series that we cover is available on the public feed. The rest of the episodes are exclusive to our Patreon supporters. Not a Patron yet? Support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth for just $5 a month to get instant access to our bonus feed of nearly 200 extended and exclusive episodes! Stories Covered in this Episode: "River of Death!" - Master of Kung Fu #23, written by Doug Moench, art by Al Milgrom and Klaus Janson, letters by John Costanza, colors by Linda Lessmann, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "Massacre Along the Amazon!" - Master of Kung Fu #24, written by Doug Moench, art by Al Milgrom, Jim Starlin, Alan Weiss, and Walt Simonson, letters by Dave Hunt, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "Rites of Courage, Fists of Death!" - Master of Kung Fu #25, written by Doug Moench, art by Paul Gulacy with Sal Trapani, letters by John Costanza, colors by Bill Mantlo, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "MASTER (of Kung Fu) by the Month" theme written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne. Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth. Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
Alan's Eyes & Ears #037 - Anatomy of a Collection, pt 6In this sixth episode of this podcast mini-series, Alan continues his attempt to talk about EVERY comic in his collection. Picking up where he left off last time, he covers comics including but not limited to: Firestorm, Groo, Green Arrow, Fantastic Four, Fred Hembeck Destroys the Marvel Universe ... and MORE!How many of these comics are independent books from the eighties, anyway? Listen to this episode ... and find out! Click on the player below to listen to the episode: Right-click to download episode directly Promo: The Thing About ArsenalSend e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com You can follow the network on Twitter @Relatively_Geek and Professor Alan @ProfessorAlan You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.
Hey there bloodsuckers! Scott and I are back, and we've got two issues to talk about starting our favorite vampire! The first issue is a bit of a mixed bag (we explain why), but the second one is fantastic! We see the birth of Dracula junior! I dare not say more, so hit that play button and jump in!As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). You can find Scott on Twitter @ScottMWest69 and on his Substack - He Tampered in God's Domain. You can also check out his books on Amazon (Strange Stories for Weird People, and Ghosts on the Highway. Thanks for listening!
In 1999, a mysterious bronze disc buried for millennia in central Europe transformed how we see the prehistoric world. The Nebra Sky Disk - forged 3,600 years ago - is the oldest known depiction of the night sky.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined, once again, by archaeologist Raven Todd DeSilva to uncover the remarkable story of this Bronze Age star map. Discovered in Germany in thrilling and illegal circumstances, this precious artefact reveals a sophisticated understanding of the heavens long before classical astronomy. Together, Tristan and Raven explore how ancient Europeans mapped the stars, what the disk's symbols may represent, and why this extraordinary object continues to reshape our understanding of prehistoric science and belief.MOREThe Skulls of Jericho:Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyThe Bronze Age Collapse:Listen on AppleListen on Spotify Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: @TheAncientsPodcastPresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here:https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if some of history's greatest civilizations didn't fall in spectacular wars… but stopped?Tonight on Juxtaposition, we explore four ancient mysteries in which entire systems of human organization faded, fractured, or vanished — leaving behind monuments, cities, and ruins… but with almost no explanation.We begin with the urban giants of the Indus Valley Civilization, whose meticulously planned cities suddenly lost cohesion after six centuries of stability.We travel back even further to Göbekli Tepe, where hunter-gatherers built massive stone temples thousands of years before agriculture — and then deliberately buried them.From there, we examine the mysterious maritime raiders known as the Sea Peoples, recorded in Egyptian reliefs during the reign of Ramesses III, whose sudden appearance coincides with the collapse of Bronze Age powers across the Mediterranean.Finally, we confront the larger puzzle historians still struggle to explain: the Late Bronze Age collapse, when interconnected kingdoms, trade networks, and writing systems disappeared within a generation.These civilizations built cities, monuments, and international systems that lasted centuries.Then something changed.Not all collapses come with conquering armies or burning cities. Sometimes the structures remain… but the system that gave them meaning dissolves.Tonight we explore the ruins — and the silence they left behind.
For TWO HOURS of bonus content — including our coverage of the conclusion of Iron Fist's solo series in Marvel Team-Up #64, plus 18 more Marvel comics in the Mighty MBTM Checklist — support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth. $5 a month gets you instant access to our bonus feed of almost 200 extended and exclusive episodes. $10 a month lets you help pick the comics we cover in depth and gets you a shout-out at the end of the episode! Stories Covered in this Episode: "Death Watch!" - Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2, written by Jim Starlin, art by Jim Starlin with Joe Rubinstein, letters by Annette Kawecki, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Archie Goodwin, ©1977 Marvel Comics "Armageddon Now!" - X-Men #108, written by Chris Claremont, art by John Byrne with Terry Austin, letters by Denise Wohl and Tom Orzechowski, colors by Andy Yanchus, edited by Archie Goodwin, ©1977 Marvel Comics "Marvel by the Month" theme v. 4 written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne. Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth. Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
Efforts continue to repatriate hundreds of Czech tourists stranded in the Middle East, Stone found in a South Moravian backyard identified as Bronze Age spearhead mould, Prague-based chocolate company Steiner & Kovarik
A brand-new comic is already selling for multiples of cover price before most readers have even opened a copy - and this week we're asking what's really going on with the market.Hot Book of the Week: Is Ted OK? #1 from Mad Cave Comics is the latest indie debut catching rapid aftermarket attention, joining a growing list of new releases heating up almost instantly. Is this genuine demand…or another short-term flip cycle?Then our Old Fart Rule heads back to 1986 with Legends #1, DC's major post-Crisis event that helped redefine the superhero landscape and launch a new era for multiple titles across the DC Universe.And for Underrated Books of the Week, we spotlight:Mech Cadet Yu #1 — a modern mecha underdog story that quietly built a strong following.Life With Archie #190 — featuring Archie Comics' own mad scientist Doctor Doom in one of the strangest Bronze Age stories you'll ever hear about… involving eternal life, foam rubber, and pulverized nacho chips.Plus Viewer Mail, Show & Tell, market talk, and more from the comic community.
This month we play the 1979 classic, Galaxian. Was this the first color game? Is this a Bronze Age game? Who of us is the worst Galaxian player? Listen and find out. Enjoy!
Hey there all you monsters! It's time once again for another dive into Creepy, the fantastic horror magazine from Warren publishing. There are 5 big stories in this issue, so we don't have any time to waste! Jump in and join the fun! As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). You can find Kirby on BlueSky @fearlessfreep and definitely check out Stop! Let's Team Up where he and Ross talk Fantastic Four, Starman and Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew! Thanks for listening!
How did the Phoenicians create the alphabet we still use today? Was the Bronze Age collapse comparable to the fall of Rome? What does DNA evidence tell us about the origins of the Philistines and Israelites? William is joined by Professor Eric Cline, author of 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed and After 1177 B.C.: The Survival Of Civilizations, to explore the era of recovery that followed the Bronze Age collapse and the new world which emerged from its ashes. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Adam Thornton Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Quarter-Bin Podcast #236John Carter Warlord of Mars 23, Marvel Comics, cover-dated April 1979."The Master Assassin of Mars Chapter 8: The Man Who Makes Murder!" by Chris Claremont, with art by Mike Vosburg and Ricardo Villamonte. What happens when Professor Alan jumps into part 8 of a 12 (!) part storyline? Can he make sense of the story? Is this a "running down corridors" issue? How does Claremont do at channeling the purple prose of Burroughs?Listen to the episode and find out! Click on the player below to listen to the episode: Right-click to download episode directly You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed. Link: Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.Promo: Fanholes PodcastNext Episode: Star Trek 62 & 63, DC Comics, August & September, 1994.Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com "Like" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/relativelygeekyYou can follow the network on Twitter @Relatively_Geek and the host @ProfessorAlanYou can follow the network on Bluesky @relativelygeeky.bsky.social Source: Half Price BooksMusic in the episode:Friendzoned, by Gritz16 Music promoted by Pixabay
The Marvelists pays heartfelt tribute to one of Marvel's most prolific and beloved artists, the late Sal Buscema (1936–2026), in this special memorial episode. Hosts Peter Melnick and Eddie Wilson are joined by special guest co-host, the man, the myth, the Dunf - Matt Dunford (Chairman of San Diego Comic Fest and longtime Marvel enthusiast) for an in-depth celebration of Sal's incredible career spanning more than four decades at Marvel Comics. The panel dives into Sal's legendary ten-year run on The Incredible Hulk — often hailed as the definitive version of the Green Goliath—his astonishing 100+ issue stint on Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man, and his foundational work on titles like Captain America, The Defenders, The Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, Daredevil, and the cult-favorite ROM Space Knight (with Bill Mantlo). They reflect on Sal's dynamic, action-packed storytelling style, his reliability as one of Marvel's go-to pencillers and inkers during the Bronze Age, his family legacy alongside brother John Buscema, and the countless heroes and villains he brought to life across the Marvel Universe. Listeners will hear personal anecdotes, favorite issues, underrated gems, and why Sal's contributions remain essential to Marvel history. The episode closes with tributes from the comics community and thoughts on Sal's enduring influence. Whether you're a longtime Buscema fan or discovering his work for the first time, this episode is a loving salute to a true Marvel mainstay.
The research led by researchers in University College Dublin, has revealed that the old Irish goat, a recognised and distinct breed, shares a 3,000 year genetic link with goats living in Ireland during the late Bronze Age. Assistant Professor Kevin Daly, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, supervised the study.
Catwoman has been around for over 80 years, and like all good Bat villains, she has changed with the times. But it's amazing how much of the character has been there through the ages. Patreon backer and friend of the show Sam Hopper joins us to look at the evolution of Catwoman, what has stayed the same and what has changed, in three stories from three different eras. In a Golden Age story, Selina works to prove she's gone straight. In a Bronze Age story, well she also works to prove she's gone straight. And in a glorious story of Silver Age madness, she is not going straight at all, but is instead turning Lois Lane into another Catwoman and Superman into a housecat. It's as wild as it sounds. Catwoman: Empress of the Underworld (Batman V.1 # 65) The Catwoman's Black Magic (Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane # 70-71) Shadow of the Cat (Batman V.1 # 323-324) Check out our current ranking list at www.comicsxf.com/batchat-rankings/ Thanks to Geri Nonnewitz for our podcast logo Support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/batchatwithmattandwill
Every other week, we focus on a Marvel series that sits on the fringes of mainstream Marvel continuity. The first episode of every new series that we cover is available on the public feed. The rest of the episodes are exclusive to our Patreon supporters. Not a Patron yet? Support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth for just $5 a month to get instant access to our bonus feed of nearly 200 extended and exclusive episodes! Stories Covered in this Episode: "Masterstroke!" - Giant-Size Spider-Man #2, written by Len Wein, art by Ross Andru with Al Milgrom, letters by John Costanza, colors by Glynis Wein, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "A Fortune of Death!" - Master of Kung Fu #22, written by Doug Moench, art by Paul Gulacy with Dan Adkins, letters by Artie Simek, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "The Devil-Doctor's Triumph!" - Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #2, written by Doug Moench, art by Paul Gulacy with Jack Abel, letters by Jean Simek, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "MASTER (of Kung Fu) by the Month" theme written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne. Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth. Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
Which ancient civilisation was the best at surviving the Apocalypse, and which was the worst? Who were the Hittites, and what did they actually call themselves? Does the Bronze Age collapse serve as a warning to the modern world? William and Anita are joined by Professor Eric Cline, author of 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed and After 1177 B.C.: The Survival Of Civilizations, to discuss how the end of the ancient "globalised" system serves as a chilling warning for our own interconnected world. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Charlie Rodwell Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hey everybody, it's time for more swashbuckling, sword swinging action! It's also time to dim the lights and get busy (not just because it was Valentine's Day)! Join Jeremiah and I, as we dive into this fun but sometimes perplexing issue of Silverblade! Monsters, sex, talking birds, you name it, this one has it all. As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). You can find Jeremiah on IG or BlueSky @bigox737! He can also be found at his blog comicscomicscomics.blog! Thanks for listening!
Welcome back to The Dark Paranormal.During a summer workaway trip in rural Ireland, a listener finds themselves living on an isolated homestead surrounded by ancient sites, abandoned spiritual retreats and Bronze Age ringforts. What began with a storm-torn caravan door, evolves into a series of increasingly unsettling encounters — from oppressive shifts in atmosphere and strange lightning strikes to experiences at a fairy field long fearfully respected by locals. As folklore, geography and personal fear intertwine, this episode explores what happens when the land itself seems to respond to your presence… and when ignoring a warning might not be an option.Stay safe,Kevin.We're giving a full weeks trial of our Patreon away! Just head over on the link below and away you go!www.patreon.com/thedarkparanormalIf it's not for you? Simply cancel before your trial expires, meanwhile enjoy FULL access to our highest tier, and thank you for being the best listeners by miles.By making the choice of joining our Patreon team now, not only gives you early Ad-Free access to all our episodes, including video releases of Dark Realms, it can also give you access to the Patreon only podcast, Dark Bites. Dark Bites releases each and every week, even on the down time between seasons. There are already well over 180+ hours of unheard true paranormal experiences for you to binge at your leisure. Simply head over to:www.patreon.com/thedarkparanormalTo send us YOUR experience, please either click on the below link:The Dark Paranormal - We Need Your True Ghost StoryOr head to our website: www.thedarkparanormal.comYou can also follow us on the below Social Media links:www.twitter.com/darkparanormalxwww.facebook.com/thedarkparanormalwww.youtube.com/thedarkparanormalwww.instagram.com/thedarkparanormalOur Sponsors:* Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/DARKPARANORMAL* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Who were the ‘Sea Peoples'? Was the Bronze Age Collapse caused by a single catastrophic event? How did the Egyptians try to adapt to the changing climate? From the scientific evidence hidden in ancient pollen to the first historical mention of "Israel" and the rise of the Philistines, this episode uncovers how a global systemic collapse redrew the map of the ancient world. William and Anita are joined by Professor Eric Cline, author of 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed, and After 1177 B.C.: The Survival Of Civilizations, to explore how a series of catastrophes shattered the interconnected superpowers of the Pharaohs, Hittites, and Mycenaeans… Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editors: Bruno Di Castri and Jack Meek Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brett Kaufman is an archaeologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.His work lives at a rare intersection: field excavation + ancient languages + hard science. He studies the peoples, states, and empires of the Middle East and North Africa—from the Bronze Age to the present—combining archaeological evidence with historical texts and Semitic inscriptions to understand how power, identity, and institutions are built (and rebuilt).He's directed or supervised excavations across Tunisia, China, Italy, Israel, and New York, and his research has been supported by major institutions including NSF, National Geographic, China's NSFC, and the Getty. In the lab, he uses materials-science tools to reverse-engineer ancient technology—especially metals—so the past becomes something you can test, not just imagine.In this episode, we follow Kaufman's core obsession: the human experience under pressure. What part of the human experience are you trying to understand right now?*EPISODE LINKS:*- Brett Kaufman's UIUC Website: https://classics.illinois.edu/directory/profile/bsk- Phoenicia, Carthage, and Popular Government in the Pre-Classical Mediterranean: The Other Democracy by Brett Kaufman: https://amzn.to/4qLAQEx*OUTLINE:*0:00 Preview0:53 Host intro2:40 Speaking Dead Languages: Phoenician, Punic, Hebrew3:48 When History Lies7:35 Fieldwork: How Archaeology Actually Happens9:32 Who Decides Where We Dig? 11:27 Ethics12:25 Tunisia After the Arab Spring13:59 How Long Does an Excavation Last?15:21 When Your Hypothesis Is Wrong16:03 Is Archaeology Dying?17:00 What Is the Point of Archaeology?18:28 Tourism, UNESCO, and Shared Heritage20:04 Why Archaeology Doesn't Make Money21:39 Should There Be More Archaeologists?23:37 Luck, Tenure, and Academic Stress24:54 Fear of Failure26:18 What Brings Humans Together?27:04 Us vs. Them30:27 Breaking Social Constructs31:36 Was the Past Actually Better?32:33 The Agricultural Revolution: Teeth Rot & Arthritis33:49 Hunter-Gatherer Emotions, Medieval Institutions, Star Wars Technology40:57 Bronze in Mesopotamia & the Andes42:21 Is There Objective Truth?43:50 Good vs. Evil1:12:18 Feasting, Ritual, Taboo1:13:51 How Brett Kaufman Finds Meaning1:14:18 Nine Animals & a Neolithic Household1:16:57 Why Young People Feel Lost1:21:22 Responsibility as Meaning1:27:12 Fear of Failure1:31:41 Ignore Bullies1:33:15 Why Civilizations Collapse1:34:43 Climate Oscillations & Scarcity1:37:17 Climate Volatility1:40:22 Can Archaeology Predict the Future?1:42:21 Idealism vs. Pragmatism1:44:40 Different Human Species Sharing Tools1:46:42 Animal Welfare & Habitat Loss1:47:44 The Third Epidemiological Transition
Jim Starlin is the Eisner Award Hall of Famer who created Thanos, Drax the Destroyer, Pip the Troll, and Gamora, and co-created Shang-Chi with Steve Englehart. He brought the Infinity Gauntlet into the Marvel Universe and took Jason Todd out of the DC Universe (for a little while anyway). His creator-owned epic, Dreadstar, is currently being collected in a series of beautiful softcover omnibus editions by Dark Horse Comics.For TWO HOURS of bonus content — including 20 more minutes of our conversation with Jim Starlin where we talk about who owns Thanos, why Captain Marvel has stayed dead, and the infamous "1,000 Clowns" Warlock story, plus 21 more Marvel comics in the Mighty MBTM Checklist — support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth. $5 a month gets you instant access to our bonus feed of almost 200 extended and exclusive episodes. $10 a month lets you help pick the comics we cover in depth and gets you a shout-out at the end of the episode! Stories Covered in this Episode:"The Final Threat" - Avengers Annual #7, written by Jim Starlin, art by Jim Starlin with Joe Rubenstein, letters by Tom Orzechowski, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Archie Goodwin, ©1977 Marvel Comics "Marvel by the Month" theme v. 4 written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne.Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth.Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
The legendary ancient Greek poet, Homer, is a key source to our understanding of the Bronze Age Collapse, but did a single genius named Homer even exist? How could sophisticated poems like The Iliad and The Odyssey survive a "Dark Age" where even writing was destroyed? And what can the depiction of Greek gods in these poems tell us about religion at the time? William and Anita are joined by Simon Goldhill, Professor in Greek Literature and Culture at King's College, Cambridge, to discuss whether Homer wrote History… Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/EMPIRE. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Bruno Di Castri Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Please follow us on: Instagram or Facebook ! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences after living in Italy for almost a month. They discuss the daily adjustments, from understanding local customs to enjoying Italian cuisine. Key Points: The Italian Tabacchi: More Than Meets the Eye: Kimberly and Tommaso explain how a “tabacchi” in Italy serves multiple purposes beyond selling cigarettes. It is a place to purchase a “Marco da Bolo,” a stamp needed for immigration applications. This discovery highlights the unique role of local establishments in daily Italian life. The Rhythm of Reposo: Kimberly and Tommaso describe the challenge of adapting to store closing times for “riposo” or “pausa,” the Italian equivalent of a siesta. Store hours vary, making it tricky to plan errands. They joke about needing a spreadsheet or an “Airtable database” to keep track of business hours. These closures offer a peaceful atmosphere, especially during midday, creating a quiet charm in the streets. Grocery Shopping Adventures: A humorous incident occurs when Kimberly attempts to bring a two-wheel shopping cart into a grocery store. She learns that these carts are not allowed inside due to unspoken rules. Kimberly ‘s New York City instincts made her hesitant to leave her cart unattended. The grocery manager's reaction to her concern about theft provides a moment of cultural contrast. A Culinary Awakening: Kimberly and express their delight in the quality and accessibility of Italian food. Small “alimentaries” (local markets) specialize in different products, from prosciutto to Parmigiano. Even simple roasted vegetables become a culinary revelation due to the fresh ingredients and olive oil. They highlight the artistic display of food in shops, which makes shopping a visually appealing experience. The Echoes of History: Living in a village with roots dating back to the Bronze Age give Kimberly and Tommaso a deeper appreciation for history. The Venetian architecture in their village adds to its charm. Tommaso Il Favoloso reflects on his lifelong dream of living in Europe and the magical feeling of making Italy his home. Ciao!
In this 36th episode, Alan continues a (fingers crossed) monthly series of episodes featuring the comic book genre assigned to that month. Which makes this episode a discussion of ... romance comics! And also romances IN comics.What romance comics has the Professor been reading the last few years? How do Iowa's Joe and Derek Crabbe answer dating questions from 50 years ago? Who are their (and some listeners) favorite couple?Listen to the episode ... and FIND OUT!!!Click on the player below to listen to the episode: Right-click to download episode directly Promo:V for VendettaLink: Derek's Fanholes podcastSend e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com You can follow the network on Twitter @Relatively_Geek and Professor Alan @ProfessorAlan You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.
Hey there all you vultures! My good buddy Dr Anj is here and he's brought a fun anthology comic from DC with him! We get three stories in this book, and they're all a ton of fun. The feature/cover story is especially memorable for Dr Anj. So grab your Molotov cocktail and hit the play button! As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). You can find Dr Anj in n social media @dranj70 and definitely check out his fantastic blog comicboxcommentary! Thanks for listening!
oin Steven as he goes on a ride-along with an odd couple of hyper-violent cops, braving the squalid urban underworld of the futuristic, philosophical crime story that is UNTAMED (Epic Comics, 1993) ; written and drawn by Neil Hansen, this comic is a madly ambitious and profoundly bizarre piece of mainstream comic art that was somehow willed into existence by the passionate vision of one man.COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwriters Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN GUN) and Christopher Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) discuss their favorite books, runs, and creators from the Bronze Age.This Artist Made The Most Shocking Marvel Comic Ever, Then Disappeared - UNTAMED (Epic Comics, 1993)Drop us a line! Support the show+ Check out our YouTube channel to get a look at some of the fantastic art featured in our episodes. Visit ComicsRotYourBrain.com to sign up for our newsletter, Letter Column. You can also find us wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.+ We appreciate your support of the show via Patreon: ComicsRotYourBrain+ For even more cool shit, read Chris's Substack (cinema, comics, and culture) - THIN ICE©2024 Comics Rot Your Brain!#comicbooks #comics #graphicnovel
.The Gaza Strip is home to some extraordinary remnants of human history, dating from the Bronze Age through to the Ottoman and British empires.Many historic sites suffered from neglect before the war - but the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, says it has verified damage to at least 150 historic heritage sites since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are reckoning with how to save their historical monuments.
Stephen Fry joins William and Anita to discuss how Greek Myths have shaped our understanding of the Bronze Age Collapse. Was the Trojan Horse real? What can we learn about the end of ancient civilisations through The Odyssey and The Iliad? How much truth lies within the story of the Trojan War, and where is the real archaeological site of Troy today? Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Bruno Di Castri Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of Unsupervised Learning Razib talks to Peter Nimitz about the rise of the Slavs. His Substack, titled Nemets, explores world history through the lenses of archaeology, paleogenetics, and historical processes. His writing focuses on "deep history," such as the Bronze Age Collapse and the migration of Indo-European peoples, while connecting these ancient shifts to broader patterns of civilizational rise and fall. Nimitz often integrates technical data from genetics and climate science to challenge traditional narratives about nomadic tribes and early state formations across Eurasia. Beyond antiquity, the newsletter also touches on modern geopolitical developments and regional studies, ranging from the war in Ukraine to the cultural history of the Americas. Razib and Nimitz explore the thousands of years of Slavic history and prehistory, from their fragmentary mentions in antiquity, to their explosion in the Middle Ages. Nimitz discusses the many archaeological cultures in northeastern Europe that might be candidates for the proto-Slavs as they emerged from the Corded Ware Culture during the Bronze Age, as well as the historical, cultural and genetic effects of the Slavic migrations that impacted Christian Europe after 600 AD. He also addresses the role of Slavs as one of Europe's preeminent ethnolinguistic configurations in early modern Europe.
In this episode of Word Balloon, I sit down with longtime DC writer and historian Bob Rozakis for a deep dive into his Bronze Age experiences writing Robin, Teen Titans, Superman, and more during one of the most transitional eras in comics history. Bob reflects on crafting character-driven stories at a time when DC was recalibrating its identity, sharing behind-the-scenes insight into working with iconic heroes while balancing continuity, editorial demands, and the evolving tastes of readers in the 1970s and early '80s. From Robin back-ups to Titans team drama and Superman tales, Bob paints a vivid picture of what it was like working inside DC when the Bronze Age was firing on all cylinders. We also revisit one of the most unique chapters in DC lore, when Bob literally drove the DC Comics promotional “mobile” around New York and New Jersey hand-selling books like a Good Humor ice cream man.He shares stories of being there when Christopher Reeve judged a Superman movie contest at DC, capturing that moment when comics and Hollywood suddenly collided in a big way. Bob offers candid memories of the DC Implosion. What it felt like from the inside as titles were slashed and uncertainty hit the staff, and how creators adapted during a turbulent stretch in the company's history.We also discuss his fascinating alternate-history essays published in Alter Ego, where Bob imagines a world in which DC and All-American Comics never consolidated the way they did. It's a smart, playful exploration of “what if” publishing scenarios from someone who knows the real history inside and out.
Every other week, we focus on a Marvel series that sits on the fringes of mainstream Marvel continuity. The first episode of every new series that we cover is available on the public feed. The rest of the episodes are exclusive to our Patreon supporters.Not a Patron yet? Support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth for just $5 a month to get instant access to our bonus feed of nearly 200 extended and exclusive episodes! Stories Covered in this Episode: "Weapon of the Soul" - Master of Kung Fu #20, written by Gerry Conway and Doug Moench, art by Paul Gulacy with Al Milgrom, letters by Dave Hunt, colors by George Roussos, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics"Season of Vengeance..." - Master of Kung Fu #21, written by Doug Moench, art by Ron Wilson and Al Milgrom, letters by John Costanza, colors by Stan Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics"Death Masque!" - Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #1, written by Doug Moench, art by Paul Gulacy, Dan Adkins, and Craig Russell, letters by Artie Simek, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics"Reflections In a Rippled Pool" - Giant-Size Master of Kung Fu #1, written by Doug Moench, art by Ron Wilson and Mike Esposito, letters by Dave Hunt, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "MASTER (of Kung Fu) by the Month" theme written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne.Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth.Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
This is the beginning of the most dramatic imperial collapses in history. Why were Ancient civilisations so interconnected 3000 years ago? How did this interconnectedness lead to their downfall? Did people at the time know that disaster was on the horizon? In Episode 1 of a brand new series, Anita and William are joined by Josephine Quinn, author of How The World Made The West, and Professor of Ancient History at Cambridge University, to discuss the interconnected Ancient Mediterranean city states on the brink of the Bronze Age Collapse of 1147 BCE. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: James Clayden Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dive into a captivating discussion with Biblical archaeologist Clayton Van Huss as he explores Joshua's conquest of Canaan and the archaeological evidence supporting biblical accounts. Discover insights on ancient Bronze Age documents and how they relate to the biblical narrative. Tune in for more on the end times from Josh Davis, and learn about the proper study of Bible prophecy with Dr. Lonnie Shipman.
Hey everybody! My good buddy Scott is back, so we've got a couple of fun issues to discuss. First, Dracula fights a demon? Then, a fundraiser for the church of Satan , with top shelf guests like Edith Bunker and the Fouke Monster. Oh and Deacon Frost is there, too. Plus, Blade dies. No for real, he dies. Not a hoax, not a dream, not an imaginary story. He dead. So you can't miss this one! As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). You can find Scott on Twitter @ScottMWest69 and on his Substack - He Tampered in God's Domain. You can also check out his books on Amazon (Strange Stories for Weird People, and Ghosts on the Highway. Thanks for listening!
Approximately 3,200 years ago, one of the most momentous events in human history took place. Multiple major civilizations during the Bronze Age collapsed within a generation. International trade ground to a halt, almost every major city around the Mediterranean was destroyed, and much of the world entered a dark age. Despite its significance, this event is one of the least known and understood periods in human history. Learn more about the Late Bronze Age Collapse and its possible causes on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Subscribe to the podcast! https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/ Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mars aka ThatComicGirl has been delivering spicy comics takes since her days co-hosting Casually Comics with our dearly missed friend Jennifer (Comics Will Break Your Heart). Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for some of the most delightful comics commentary on the internet.For TWO HOURS of bonus content — including our coverage of Doctor Doom's humiliation of Magneto in Super-Villain Team-Up #14, plus 22 more Marvel comics in the Mighty MBTM Checklist — support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth. $5 a month gets you instant access to our bonus feed of almost 200 extended and exclusive episodes. $10 a month lets you help pick the comics we cover in depth and gets you a shout-out at the end of the episode! Stories Covered in this Episode:"Doctor Bong!" - Howard the Duck #17, written by Steve Gerber, art by Gene Colan with Klaus Janson, letters by Annette Kawecki, colors by Janice Cohen, edited by Steve Gerber, ©1977 Marvel Comics"Where No X-Man Has Gone Before!" - X-Men #107, written by Chris Claremont, art by Dave Cockrum with Dan Green, letters by Joe Rosen, colors by Andy Yanchus, edited by Archie Goodwin, ©1977 Marvel Comics "Marvel by the Month" theme v. 4 written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne.Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth.Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
Sadly, this juxtaposition was bound to happen sooner or later when one deals with morality and death. Religion has claimed that realm as an unyielding sovereign for millennia - until philosophy and history wrestled it away from religion's sole territory. My nurse tried to take it back to those days, when religion reigned over the quivering, foolish masses. Unfortunately, for her, I'm not one of them.
Welcome to the second installment of my Warren magazines coverage, here in 2026! This fantastic magazine has a cover for the ages (Frank Frazetta!), and the inside of a pretty awesome as well. My friend Kirby is back here with me, and we're here to deep dive this one right now! As usual, if you'd like to leave any feedback for the show, you can do so through email at Magazinesandmonsters@gmail.com or to me on Twitter @Billyd_licious or on the show's FB page (just search Magazines and Monsters). Kirby can be found on BlueSky and IG @fearlessfreep and definitely check him out on the Stop! Let's Team Up network (with Ross)! Thanks for listening!
Writer and ecologist Sophie Strand thinks at a scale that can feel dizzying—in the best way. In a single conversation, she can move from the chemical structure of cells to mushroom spores, from ancient weather gods to mycorrhizal fungi, from Bronze Age collapse to the slow intelligence of soil.In this episode of Wonder Cabinet, we talk with Strand about wonder that doesn't float upward but roots downward—into bodies, ecosystems, decay, and deep time. We begin with her essay “Your Body Is an Ancestor,” published shortly before Halloween and the Day of the Dead, and follow her imagery into our shared prehistoric past. The conversation also explores how Strand's experience of chronic illness reshaped her understanding of nature, selfhood, and health. Rather than seeing the sick body as broken, she turns to ecological metaphors: spider webs, soil structures, caterpillars dissolving inside cocoons. What might it mean to understand ourselves not as machines that fail, but as landscapes that change?Along the way, we talk about fantasy and “romantasy,” Tolkien, Harry Potter, Dramione fan fiction and communal storytelling rituals. This is a conversation about wonder with dirt under its fingernails: embodied, mythic, ecological, and deeply alive to the cycles of death and regeneration that bind us all.---Substack: "Your Body is an Ancestor": https://sophiestrand.substack.com/p/your-body-is-an-ancestorSophie Strand's website: https://sophiestrand.com/You can follow her work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmogyny/Follow her on Substack: https://substack.com/@sophiestrandOrder her memoir: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/sophie-strand/the-body-is-a-doorway-a-memoir/9780762487417/?lens=running-press---Chapters:00:00:00 Meet Sophie Strand00:04:34 Body as Ancestor00:10:08 Roots of Sin00:18:21 Spores and Consciousness00:27:49 Stories We Can't Explain00:35:39 Science as Wonder---If you love Wonder Cabinet, sign up for email updates and never miss an episode. https://wondercabinetproductions.com/
Every other week, we focus on a Marvel series that sits on the fringes of mainstream Marvel continuity. The first episode of every new series that we cover is available on the public feed. The rest of the episodes are exclusive to our Patreon supporters.Not a Patron yet? Support us at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth for just $5 a month to get instant access to our bonus feed of nearly 200 extended and exclusive episodes! Stories Covered in this Episode: "Lair of the Lost!" - Master of Kung Fu #17, written by Steve Englehart, art by Jim Starlin with Al Milgrom, letters by Tom Orzechowski, colors by George Roussos, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics"Attack!" - Master of Kung Fu #18, written by Steve Englehart, art by Paul Gulacy with Al Milgrom, letters by Tom Orzechowski, colors by Petra Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics"Retreat" - Master of Kung Fu #19, written by Steve Englehart, art by Paul Gulacy with Al Milgrom, letters by Tom Orzechowski, colors by Stan Goldberg, edited by Roy Thomas, ©1974 Marvel Comics "MASTER (of Kung Fu) by the Month" theme written and performed by Robb Milne. All incidental music by Robb Milne.Visit us on the internet (and buy some stuff) at marvelbythemonth.com, follow us on Bluesky at @marvelbythemonth.com and Instagram (for now) at @marvelbythemonth, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/marvelbythemonth.Much of our historical context information comes from Wikipedia. Please join us in supporting them at wikimediafoundation.org. And many thanks to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, an invaluable resource for release dates and issue information. (RIP Mike.)
In this episode, we break down the composition of the Neo-Assyrian Army under the Sargonid dynasty (Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, and their successors) and explain why Assyria's battlefield dominance in the 8th–7th centuries BCE was not just “more men” or “more brutality,” but a specific military system built around logistics, organization, and a flexible combined-arms force.You'll learn what the core Assyrian infantryman looked like in practice: a general-purpose soldier equipped for multiple battlefield roles (spear, sword, bow, and shield), and why that versatility mattered for campaigns, garrisons, policing, construction, and sieges. We also examine how Assyrian military service worked, including seasonal call-ups, corvée-style obligations, land-grant service (ilkum), and the expectation of plunder—structures that helped sustain long campaigns without a fully modern “paid army” model.From there, we move to the elite infantry (often associated with the royal guard) and the implications of lamellar armor in the Near Eastern heat. Armor, discipline, conditioning, and unit performance are treated as connected variables, not isolated trivia. We then reconstruct the iconic Assyrian shield-wall-and-archer system: tower shields, spear line behavior, the archer line directly behind the shields, and how this formation changes the psychology of spear-range fighting by making “safe distance” impossible.The episode also covers the auxiliary/light infantry contingents organized along ethnic lines across the Assyrian Empire—why they were valued, how unit cohesion and veterancy can create tactical flexibility, and how these forces complemented the main line. Finally, we examine mounted forces during the Sargonid period: the maturation of true cavalry, the decline of chariotry into more limited roles, early spear cavalry, horse archery, equipment constraints before saddles and widespread horse armor, and how Assyria used mobility to exploit gaps, pursue breaks, and keep operational tempo high.If you are interested in ancient warfare, the Bronze Age collapse aftermath, Neo-Assyrian history, Near Eastern military organization, imperial logistics, siege warfare, and the military reforms that shaped the ancient world, this episode is a deep, practical reconstruction grounded in how armies actually functioned on campaign and in battle.Key topics and terms for search: Neo-Assyrian Empire, Sargon II, Sargonids, Tiglath-Pileser III, Sennacherib, Assyrian army, Assyrian infantry, Assyrian royal guard, lamellar armor, scale armor, tower shields, shield wall, Assyrian archers, composite recurve bow, ancient logistics, corvée labor, ilkum land grants, plunder economy, auxiliary troops, Itu'eans, Arameans, Hittites, Elamites, Urartu, cavalry origins, chariots to cavalry transition, combined arms in antiquity, ancient battle tactics, Near East military history, 8th century BCE, 7th century BCE.Next episode preview: the campaign of 714 BCE against Urartu—one of the best documented operations of the ancient world, including intelligence, logistics, and royal correspondence.I am also doing daily history facts again, at least until I run out of time again. You can find Oldest Stories daily on Tiktok and Youtube Shorts.If you like the show, consider sharing with your friends, leaving a like, subscribing, or even supporting financially:Buy the Oldest Stories books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate here: https://oldeststories.net/or on patreon: https://patreon.com/JamesBleckleyor on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCG2tPxnHNNvMd0VrInekaA/joinYoutube and Patreon members get access to bonus content produced when and as I have time.
On this episode of Peace Bound and Down: A Wonder Woman Podcast, Sean is joined by Ross Aitken from Opal City Confidential, to discuss issue 15 of volume two of Wonder Woman. The book enters a new era with a bit more focus on super heroics. Meet the new Silver Swan! Is she going to be one of Diana's greatest enemies? Does she have the most Bronze Age origin story ever? And what is up with those opening pages of Diana dreaming of Superman. That's a spicy meatball! This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK: Fire & Water website: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com Fire & Water Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Fire & Water on Twitter/X: https://x.com/FWPodcasts Fire & Water on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fwpodcasts.bsky.social Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Promos: Once Upon a Geek Bringing a little peace to man's world each month.