logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
41m 27s

The Mysteries of Easter Island

History Hit
About this episode
tail spinning
Up next
Mar 16
The Commanders: Eisenhower
As Supreme Commander, Eisenhower spearheaded the successful Allied invasions of North Africa, Italy and Western Europe. He's consequently one of the most celebrated leaders of the Second World War - but how much of that success came down to strategic brilliance, and how much came ... Show More
59m 11s
Mar 12
The Battle of Gettysburg
In July 1863, the quiet town of Gettysburg became the site of one of the most decisive clashes of the American Civil War. Over three intense days, Union and Confederate forces fought across fields, hills and ridges in a battle that helped shape the future of the United States.To ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 10
Can Air Power Alone Topple Governments?
With the Iran war still unfolding, we ask the question: Can air power alone topple a government?From the First World War onward, military strategists have argued that bombing from the air could break a nation’s will and force political change without costly ground invasions. Toda ... Show More
45m 19s
Recommended Episodes
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
Oct 2025
The First Hawaiians
Tristan Hughes goes on an exploration of Hawaii's earliest settlers, guided by the insights of Dr. Patrick Kirch, a leading expert on Hawaiian archeology. From the arrival of Polynesians around AD 1000, using sophisticated double-hull canoes, to their unique agricultural practice ... Show More
51m 57s
Jun 2023
The Toba Eruption
74,000 years ago, the Earth suffered the greatest natural disaster that it has seen in the last several million years.  A supervolcano erupted in what is today the country of Indonesia.  In addition to completely changing the Earth’s climate for years, it may have pushed a specie ... Show More
13m 17s
Jun 2025
Rise of the Minoans
<p>Tristan Hughes journeys into the heart of one of history's most intriguing civilisations: the Minoans. With Professor Nicoletta Momigliano, he explores the origins and rise of these Bronze Age titans on Crete around 7,000 BC, their early settlements, and the emergence of compl ... Show More
44m 44s
Jul 2025
Megalodon
As part of our week of Sharks on the Ancients, today we tell the story of Megalodon, the largest living marine animal, ever.Does this colossal prehistoric shark still lurk beneath the waves? Tristan Hughes is joined by leading expert Professor John Long to unveil the jaw-dropping ... Show More
40m 20s
Oct 2024
Introducing: Real Survival Stories - Tsunami in Sri Lanka
This is a taster episode from our sister show, Real Survival Stories. Hosted by our very own John Hopkins, the show brings you astonishing tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary survival situations. In this episode, we meet Pat and Pete Etheridge. One tranquil day on ... Show More
51m 41s
Nov 2024
Stonehenge
For centuries, a mysterious stone structure has captured the imagination of travelers, historians, and dreamers alike: Stonehenge. Shrouded in legend and steeped in ancient mystery, this iconic monument has stood the test of time. But who built it, and why? What secrets do its st ... Show More
44m 7s
May 2025
Glendalough & The History Tourists Are Never Told
Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Its medieval monastery and stunning mountain landscape attract around one million tourists every year. However behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a history that rarely makes it into the tourist brochu ... Show More
35 m
Oct 2025
Boudica's Tribe: How the Iceni Survived the Romans
Join us for a special episode of The Ancients, recorded on-site in Norfolk, as we delve into the fascinating history of the Iceni tribe both before and after Boudica's famed revolt against the legions. Tristan Hughes joins Professor William Bowden at the dig to hear about Iceni r ... Show More
1 h
Feb 2023
66 History of Everything: Aidan and Steven History Ramble
On todays Episode I am sitting down with Aidanmattis who came in from out of town so that we could nerd out over varying history topics and fun fact all across history. With special attention to the British Isles ancient history check out aidan here Bonus episodes as well as ad-f ... Show More
1h 14m