The Ancient World

Synopsis: The fall of Old Europe and dissolution of the Cucuteni-Tripolye Culture left horse-riding steppe-herders the unchallenged paradigm on the Pontic-Caspian steppe. The introduction of the wagon around 3500 BC enabled their adoption of a fully-nomadic lifestyle, culminating with the complete dominance of the Proto-Indo-European-speaking Yamnaya horizon.

“I will declare the manly deeds of Indra, the first that he achieved, the Thunder-wielder. He slew the Dragon, then disclosed the waters, and cleft the channels of the mountain torrents. He slew the Dragon lying on the mountain: his heavenly bolt of thunder Tvastar fashioned. Like lowing kine in rapid flow descending the waters glided downward to the ocean.” - The Rig-Veda Book 1, Hymn XXXII. Indra

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4050 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4050.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 3200 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS3200.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335342929/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A14_References.pdf

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SEASON 3 PREMIERE

Synopsis: Despite the generally inhospitable environment, many ancient hunter-gatherers made the Northern Steppe their home. During the 6th and 5th millennia BC, their interactions with successive waves of migrating farmer-herders prompted a new cultural orientation toward the acquisition and control of large herds of cattle. Toward end of the period, the development of horse-riding enabled steppe tribes to invade the wealthy, sophisticated metalworking culture of Old Europe.

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 5800 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS5800.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4800 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4800.jpg

Map of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe c. 4050 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/PCS4050.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720335097086

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A13_References.pdf

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SEASON 2 FINALE

Synopsis: Shulgi and his successors face major challenges to Ur III rule, including Amorite attacks, Sumerian rivals, and a newly-emboldened Shimashki.

“The god Enlil granted to Shu-Sin a long lifespan, a crown and tiara, a scepter of long days, a royal throne, a firm foundation, years of abundance,
a weapon – the flood – which casts terror…” – Copy of an inscription from a statue of Shu-Sin commemorating a victory over Shimashki
Map of the
Near East c. 2060 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2060BC.jpg

Map of the
Near East c. 2028 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2028BC.jpg

Map of the
Near East c. 2000 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2000BC.jpg

Episode
Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720332382139/with/55129840383

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A12_References.pdf

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Synopsis: The Proto-Elamite horizon sparked innovation and trade throughout Iran and Central Asia, and its collapse saw the emergence of numerous “secondary states”. Toward the end of the Third Millennium BC, the dominant polity east of the Zagros was the Oxus Civilization.

Map of the Middle Asian Interaction Sphere:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/MAIS.png

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720332227258/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A11_References.pdf

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Synopsis: Ur-Namma unifies Sumer and ejects the Elamites. His son, King Shulgi, designs a new empire and begins a push for Zagros domination.

“The trustworthy shepherd, king, the sword of Sumer, Ur-Namma, the king of the Land, was taken to the …house…he who was beloved by the troops, could not raise his neck anymore. The wise one…lay down; silence descended. As he, who was the vigor of the Land, had fallen, the Land became demolished like a mountain…He passed away in his prime…abandoned, like a broken jar.” – The Death of Ur-Namma

Map of the Near East c. 2112 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2112BC.jpg

Map of the Near East c. 2060 BC:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/2060BC.jpg

Episode Images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75506172@N07/albums/72177720331669262/

References and Further Reading:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/A10_References.pdf

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