logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
50m 21s

483. The Mysterious Case of the Ape Man

Goalhanger
About this episode
In Sussex, in 1912, men quarrying in a gravel pit near Piltdown village turned up a human skull. According to Charles Dawson, a lawyer and amateur archeologist with a remarkable track record for finding ancient treasures, it belonged to a palaeolithic man, possibly millions of years old, and was therefore the earliest trace of mankind ever found in England. ... Show More
Up next
Nov 20
619. Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen (Part 4)
How was Elizabeth I finally crowned Queen of England, after long years of perilous waiting? Why was her early reign so fraught with danger? Who was William Cecil, Elizabeth’s new secretary, and the key political player of her rule? And, why was she so determined to remain the unm ... Show More
1h 9m
Nov 17
618. Elizabeth I: The Shadow of the Tower (Part 3)
Why did Elizabeth I’s brother, Henry VIII’s heir, Edward VI, choose his cousin Jane Grey to succeed him, rather than either of his wily Tudor sisters? Later, how did Elizabeth survive the reign of her once dear Catholic sister, “Bloody Mary”, given Mary’s growing resentment? And, ... Show More
1h 12m
Nov 13
617. Elizabeth I: Anne Boleyn's Bastard (Part 2)
What happened to the infant Elizabeth I following the bloody execution of her mother Anne Boleyn? How did her father Henry VIII and his next four wives treat her? And, what became of Elizabeth following the death of Henry, and the succession of her protestant brother Edward…?  ... Show More
1h 1m
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
The Last Neanderthals
<p>For hundreds of thousands of years Neanderthals have roamed the lands of what is today Europe and western Asia. But how did they survive, and what caused their decline?</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes delves into the fate of the last Neanderthals and continues our Ice Age mini-series ... Show More
53m 57s
Dec 2021
Top Human Origins Discoveries of 2021
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2021 was a big year in science! Fossil discoveries introduced new relatives to our family tree, new findings added fascinating twists to the human story, and breakthroughs in research methods opened new worlds to explore. In this episode, five s ... Show More
31m 16s
Oct 2024
Your Prehistoric Ancestors: More Sophisticated than you think!
<p><em>Check out my new podcast 'Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast' with Damian Shiels https://linktr.ee/transatlanticpod</em></p><br><p>In this captivating episode, I explore the enigmatic world of prehistoric Ireland. I am joined by Professor Gabriel Cooney to di ... Show More
31m 16s
Nov 2024
Journey inside Africa's cave of Great Apes to upend your understanding of the human origin story
<p>Lee Berger, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and real-life Indiana Jones with tales of his hominid discoveries, many of which have rewritten the story of palaeoanthropology. (R)</p><p>National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Lee Berger, entered the field of palaeoan ... Show More
51m 30s
Mar 2025
Jurassic America
<p>Tristan Hughes explores Ancient America's true age; how 19th-century fossil discoveries across North America revealed a history far older than previously believed, challenging the notion that the Americas were a 'New World.'</p><br><p>Tristan is joined by Professor Caroline Wi ... Show More
43m 13s
Nov 2024
Prehistoric Japan
<p>From the arrival of the first humans reaching the Japanese archipelago some 50,000 years ago to the enduring Jomon culture, Japan has a fascinating prehistory. This is discovered in the rich archaeological record that includes stone circles, intricate ceramics and evidence of ... Show More
53m 36s
Dec 2024
Origins of the Wheel
<p>It is one of the most pivotal inventions in human history - the wheel.</p><br><p>New research suggests that the wheel was first created by prehistoric miners in the Carpathian Mountains to transport copper. Tristan Hughes speaks to the team behind this fascinating theory; arch ... Show More
52m 10s
Dec 2024
The First South Americans
<p>The prehistoric archaeology of South America is fascinating and constantly developing.</p><br><p>Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Tom Dillehay to discuss how early humans navigated their migration from North to South America, adapting to diverse environments and leaving a rich ... Show More
46m 57s
Oct 2
Origins of Mythology
From Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast, the roots of fairy tales stretch back thousands of years — to the dawn of Indo-European languages and beyond.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by author and journalist Laura Spinney to explore the origins of mytholo ... Show More
47m 45s