Ancient Civilisations Podcast
1) Easter Island
First inhabited by the Rapa Nui people a thousand years ago, Easter Island is best known for its hundreds of giant stone statues. But what inspired a group of ancient Polynesian explorers to settle in...Show More
2) The Conquistadors
From the end of the 15th century, the Conquistadors changed the face of the Americas. Invading first the Caribbean and Mexico, they then plunged on into the rest of the continent and plundered the Pac...Show More
3) Cleopatra
The last of the Ptolemaic Pharoahs, the enduring legend of Cleopatra has captivated imaginations for centuries. Though some write her off as a manipulative femme fatale, her competence as a ruler rest...Show More
4) Stonehenge
Older than the pyramids and just as cryptic, the prehistoric British site of Stonehenge has dominated its landscape for thousands of years. But what is Stonehenge? A celestial clock? An ancient comput...Show More
5) Marco Polo
In the thirteenth century, Marco Polo spent decades travelling the world. His adventures took him from his home in Venice as far east as the Yellow Sea, where he was a valued courtier of the legendary...Show More
6) The Spartans
In 480BC, the Spartans secured their place in history when 300 of their soldiers fought to the death against the mighty Persian army at Thermopylae. Their reputation for brutal decisiveness and simple...Show More
7) Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Covering thousands of miles in the Andes, the Inca Trail was the backbone of the ancient empire, connecting the millions of people who lived under its rule. The jewel in its crown, Machu Picchu, was r...Show More
8) The Knights Templar
For almost two hundred years, the Knights Templar were one of the most fearsome military forces in the world. Despite their strict vows of individual poverty, the Order was a global financial powerhou...Show More
9) The Pirate Queen
Itâs November 28th, 1809. The Imperial fleet in Tung Chung Bay is aflame. But the crew of Zheng I Saoâs ship watch on and cheer. This is the greatest victory of the Pirate Queen, scourge of the South ...Show More
10) The Pyramids
Sakkara, Egypt, 2,630BC. A man stands atop a structure of dizzying height as the final block grinds into place. For Imhotep, it is the culmination of his lifeâs work: a mountain made by man. He checks...Show More