Derek | The Hellenistic Age Podcast
@hellenisticpod.bsky.social
Official account of The Hellenistic Age Podcast, a show covering the history of Eurasia & North Africa from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra VII.
www.hellenisticagepodcast.com
www.hellenisticagepodcast.com
I hope you’ve enjoyed the newest episode!
Next time, we’ll end 2025 by covering the history of the Nabataeans, an Arab-speaking peoples who came to prominence during the late Hellenistic period, and are most known for the awe-inspiring ruins of their capital city of Petra.
Stay tuned!
Next time, we’ll end 2025 by covering the history of the Nabataeans, an Arab-speaking peoples who came to prominence during the late Hellenistic period, and are most known for the awe-inspiring ruins of their capital city of Petra.
Stay tuned!
November 24, 2025 at 1:29 PM
I hope you’ve enjoyed the newest episode!
Next time, we’ll end 2025 by covering the history of the Nabataeans, an Arab-speaking peoples who came to prominence during the late Hellenistic period, and are most known for the awe-inspiring ruins of their capital city of Petra.
Stay tuned!
Next time, we’ll end 2025 by covering the history of the Nabataeans, an Arab-speaking peoples who came to prominence during the late Hellenistic period, and are most known for the awe-inspiring ruins of their capital city of Petra.
Stay tuned!
I hope you've enjoyed the latest episode!
Next time will be the last episode of the Levant and Egypt for a while, as we look at the reign of Alexander I Balas, the civil war between him and Demetrius II, and the intervention of Ptolemy VI culminating in a showdown at Oenoparus in 145 BC
Stay tuned!
Next time will be the last episode of the Levant and Egypt for a while, as we look at the reign of Alexander I Balas, the civil war between him and Demetrius II, and the intervention of Ptolemy VI culminating in a showdown at Oenoparus in 145 BC
Stay tuned!
November 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
I hope you've enjoyed the latest episode!
Next time will be the last episode of the Levant and Egypt for a while, as we look at the reign of Alexander I Balas, the civil war between him and Demetrius II, and the intervention of Ptolemy VI culminating in a showdown at Oenoparus in 145 BC
Stay tuned!
Next time will be the last episode of the Levant and Egypt for a while, as we look at the reign of Alexander I Balas, the civil war between him and Demetrius II, and the intervention of Ptolemy VI culminating in a showdown at Oenoparus in 145 BC
Stay tuned!
Now reading: “The Fall of Carthage” - A. Goldsworthy
With the show fast approaching the Third Punic War, I wanted to refresh myself with this excellent account to trace the history of Romano-Punic relations from start to finish. Goldsworthy is an excellent author, as per usual.
With the show fast approaching the Third Punic War, I wanted to refresh myself with this excellent account to trace the history of Romano-Punic relations from start to finish. Goldsworthy is an excellent author, as per usual.
November 12, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Now reading: “The Fall of Carthage” - A. Goldsworthy
With the show fast approaching the Third Punic War, I wanted to refresh myself with this excellent account to trace the history of Romano-Punic relations from start to finish. Goldsworthy is an excellent author, as per usual.
With the show fast approaching the Third Punic War, I wanted to refresh myself with this excellent account to trace the history of Romano-Punic relations from start to finish. Goldsworthy is an excellent author, as per usual.
The holiday season is fast approaching once again, and for those looking to feel inspired while reading your new history or classics books while supporting the podcast, consider picking up a bookmark from the Hellenistic Age Etsy page:
www.etsy.com/shop/Helleni...
www.etsy.com/shop/Helleni...
November 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM
The holiday season is fast approaching once again, and for those looking to feel inspired while reading your new history or classics books while supporting the podcast, consider picking up a bookmark from the Hellenistic Age Etsy page:
www.etsy.com/shop/Helleni...
www.etsy.com/shop/Helleni...
Now reading:
“The Ancient Shore” - P. Kosmin
A study of the shoreline and seas in antiquity, from the treatises of Hellenistic explorers to ancient frameworks of the inhabited world and these “transition” zones.
Kosmin is one of my favorite authors, I’m really enjoying it so far.
“The Ancient Shore” - P. Kosmin
A study of the shoreline and seas in antiquity, from the treatises of Hellenistic explorers to ancient frameworks of the inhabited world and these “transition” zones.
Kosmin is one of my favorite authors, I’m really enjoying it so far.
November 7, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Now reading:
“The Ancient Shore” - P. Kosmin
A study of the shoreline and seas in antiquity, from the treatises of Hellenistic explorers to ancient frameworks of the inhabited world and these “transition” zones.
Kosmin is one of my favorite authors, I’m really enjoying it so far.
“The Ancient Shore” - P. Kosmin
A study of the shoreline and seas in antiquity, from the treatises of Hellenistic explorers to ancient frameworks of the inhabited world and these “transition” zones.
Kosmin is one of my favorite authors, I’m really enjoying it so far.
Can any classicists/ancient history people recommend what they consider to be "essential" to understanding the Late Republic and its transition to the Principate?
I have a few books on hand, such as:
Party Politics in the Age of Caesar
The Roman Revolution
Any suggestions are appreciated!
I have a few books on hand, such as:
Party Politics in the Age of Caesar
The Roman Revolution
Any suggestions are appreciated!
November 3, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Can any classicists/ancient history people recommend what they consider to be "essential" to understanding the Late Republic and its transition to the Principate?
I have a few books on hand, such as:
Party Politics in the Age of Caesar
The Roman Revolution
Any suggestions are appreciated!
I have a few books on hand, such as:
Party Politics in the Age of Caesar
The Roman Revolution
Any suggestions are appreciated!
Flashback: my attempt at a deified Alexander the Great/Alexander-Ammon during last Halloween.
October 31, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Flashback: my attempt at a deified Alexander the Great/Alexander-Ammon during last Halloween.
Hope you enjoyed the latest episode!
Next we cover the reign of Demetrius I Soter, who crushes his enemies in Babylonia and Judea. Yet his aggressive energy gains him enemies everywhere, and his rule is challenged by the arrival of Alexander Balas, alleged son of Antiochus Epiphanes. Stay tuned!
Next we cover the reign of Demetrius I Soter, who crushes his enemies in Babylonia and Judea. Yet his aggressive energy gains him enemies everywhere, and his rule is challenged by the arrival of Alexander Balas, alleged son of Antiochus Epiphanes. Stay tuned!
October 21, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Hope you enjoyed the latest episode!
Next we cover the reign of Demetrius I Soter, who crushes his enemies in Babylonia and Judea. Yet his aggressive energy gains him enemies everywhere, and his rule is challenged by the arrival of Alexander Balas, alleged son of Antiochus Epiphanes. Stay tuned!
Next we cover the reign of Demetrius I Soter, who crushes his enemies in Babylonia and Judea. Yet his aggressive energy gains him enemies everywhere, and his rule is challenged by the arrival of Alexander Balas, alleged son of Antiochus Epiphanes. Stay tuned!
A silver drachm of Vahbarz, one of the “Frataraka” who ruled in Persis under the authority of the Seleucid Empire (mid-3rd cent. BC?)
His coins portray a Persian killing a Greek soldier, either a Seleucid or perhaps one of the Greek enemies of the Seleucids.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
His coins portray a Persian killing a Greek soldier, either a Seleucid or perhaps one of the Greek enemies of the Seleucids.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
October 17, 2025 at 4:23 PM
A silver drachm of Vahbarz, one of the “Frataraka” who ruled in Persis under the authority of the Seleucid Empire (mid-3rd cent. BC?)
His coins portray a Persian killing a Greek soldier, either a Seleucid or perhaps one of the Greek enemies of the Seleucids.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
His coins portray a Persian killing a Greek soldier, either a Seleucid or perhaps one of the Greek enemies of the Seleucids.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Now reading: “The Seleukid Empire, 281-222 BC: War Within the Family” - Kyle Erickson (ed)
Multiple essays on the early-to-middle period of the Seleucid Empire. An old reliable for the show’s history, but this is the first time I was able to get a physical copy and read from cover to cover.
Multiple essays on the early-to-middle period of the Seleucid Empire. An old reliable for the show’s history, but this is the first time I was able to get a physical copy and read from cover to cover.
October 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Now reading: “The Seleukid Empire, 281-222 BC: War Within the Family” - Kyle Erickson (ed)
Multiple essays on the early-to-middle period of the Seleucid Empire. An old reliable for the show’s history, but this is the first time I was able to get a physical copy and read from cover to cover.
Multiple essays on the early-to-middle period of the Seleucid Empire. An old reliable for the show’s history, but this is the first time I was able to get a physical copy and read from cover to cover.
A marble bust identified as that of Antiochus V Eupator. Put on the throne of the Seleucid Empire at only 10 years old, his reign would be brief (164-162 BC), and most known depictions unsuccessfully tried their best to “age” the boy-king.
📸 Istanbul Airport Museum, originally Hatay (9/2023)
📸 Istanbul Airport Museum, originally Hatay (9/2023)
October 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM
A marble bust identified as that of Antiochus V Eupator. Put on the throne of the Seleucid Empire at only 10 years old, his reign would be brief (164-162 BC), and most known depictions unsuccessfully tried their best to “age” the boy-king.
📸 Istanbul Airport Museum, originally Hatay (9/2023)
📸 Istanbul Airport Museum, originally Hatay (9/2023)
Now reading: “Roman Arabia” by G.W. Bowersock
A concise account of western Arabia, running from the earliest days of the Nabatean Kingdom through its provincialization in the Roman Empire.
With my trip to Jordan and Petra earlier this year, an episode dedicated to the Nabateans is assured.
A concise account of western Arabia, running from the earliest days of the Nabatean Kingdom through its provincialization in the Roman Empire.
With my trip to Jordan and Petra earlier this year, an episode dedicated to the Nabateans is assured.
October 9, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Now reading: “Roman Arabia” by G.W. Bowersock
A concise account of western Arabia, running from the earliest days of the Nabatean Kingdom through its provincialization in the Roman Empire.
With my trip to Jordan and Petra earlier this year, an episode dedicated to the Nabateans is assured.
A concise account of western Arabia, running from the earliest days of the Nabatean Kingdom through its provincialization in the Roman Empire.
With my trip to Jordan and Petra earlier this year, an episode dedicated to the Nabateans is assured.
Now reading:
“Ancient Antioch: From the Seleucid Era to the Islamic Conquest” - Andrea U. De Giorgi
A history of the most famous Seleucid foundation, going from one of many capitals to a premier city rivaled only by Rome and Alexandria.
Thank you to listener Scott for donating!
“Ancient Antioch: From the Seleucid Era to the Islamic Conquest” - Andrea U. De Giorgi
A history of the most famous Seleucid foundation, going from one of many capitals to a premier city rivaled only by Rome and Alexandria.
Thank you to listener Scott for donating!
September 28, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Now reading:
“Ancient Antioch: From the Seleucid Era to the Islamic Conquest” - Andrea U. De Giorgi
A history of the most famous Seleucid foundation, going from one of many capitals to a premier city rivaled only by Rome and Alexandria.
Thank you to listener Scott for donating!
“Ancient Antioch: From the Seleucid Era to the Islamic Conquest” - Andrea U. De Giorgi
A history of the most famous Seleucid foundation, going from one of many capitals to a premier city rivaled only by Rome and Alexandria.
Thank you to listener Scott for donating!
Hope you've enjoyed our latest episode!
Next time we return to Syria, as the reign of the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias is troubled by usurpers, Maccabees, and arrogant Romans. Yet the biggest threat was his uncle Demetrius, who escapes Italy to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned!
Next time we return to Syria, as the reign of the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias is troubled by usurpers, Maccabees, and arrogant Romans. Yet the biggest threat was his uncle Demetrius, who escapes Italy to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned!
September 27, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Hope you've enjoyed our latest episode!
Next time we return to Syria, as the reign of the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias is troubled by usurpers, Maccabees, and arrogant Romans. Yet the biggest threat was his uncle Demetrius, who escapes Italy to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned!
Next time we return to Syria, as the reign of the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and regent Lysias is troubled by usurpers, Maccabees, and arrogant Romans. Yet the biggest threat was his uncle Demetrius, who escapes Italy to reclaim the throne. Stay tuned!
In antiquity, there was a popular Greek expression known as “tria kappa kakista” essentially “the three bad k’s”: this refers to Cilicia, Cappadocia, and Crete. These regions were notorious for producing brigands, mercenaries, pirates, and other “lowly“ professions.
(Suda, s.v. tria kappa kakista)
(Suda, s.v. tria kappa kakista)
September 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
In antiquity, there was a popular Greek expression known as “tria kappa kakista” essentially “the three bad k’s”: this refers to Cilicia, Cappadocia, and Crete. These regions were notorious for producing brigands, mercenaries, pirates, and other “lowly“ professions.
(Suda, s.v. tria kappa kakista)
(Suda, s.v. tria kappa kakista)
A silver denarius, issued by Octavian (now the Emperor Augustus) in 28 BC. The reverse of this coin shows a Nile Crocodile with the phrase “AEGYPTO CAPTA” (“Egypt is Captured”), celebrating his victory over Cleopatra VII and annexation of Egypt
📸 Art Institute of Chicago (9/2025)
📸 Art Institute of Chicago (9/2025)
September 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
A silver denarius, issued by Octavian (now the Emperor Augustus) in 28 BC. The reverse of this coin shows a Nile Crocodile with the phrase “AEGYPTO CAPTA” (“Egypt is Captured”), celebrating his victory over Cleopatra VII and annexation of Egypt
📸 Art Institute of Chicago (9/2025)
📸 Art Institute of Chicago (9/2025)
Now reading: “War in the Hellenistic World” by Angelos Chaniotis
Rather than tactics or strategy, this work delves into the ideology, motivations, and consequences of warfare throughout the Hellenistic Age, an era that saw a great number of macro- and micro-level conflicts.
Rather than tactics or strategy, this work delves into the ideology, motivations, and consequences of warfare throughout the Hellenistic Age, an era that saw a great number of macro- and micro-level conflicts.
September 18, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Now reading: “War in the Hellenistic World” by Angelos Chaniotis
Rather than tactics or strategy, this work delves into the ideology, motivations, and consequences of warfare throughout the Hellenistic Age, an era that saw a great number of macro- and micro-level conflicts.
Rather than tactics or strategy, this work delves into the ideology, motivations, and consequences of warfare throughout the Hellenistic Age, an era that saw a great number of macro- and micro-level conflicts.
“Should any mortal fate befall me before I can leave behind heirs to the throne, I bequeath the kingdom that belongs to me to the Romans, for whom I have from the beginning preserved our friendship and alliance with sincerity. "
-Ptolemy VIII Physcon, March 155 B.C. (SEG 9.7)
-Ptolemy VIII Physcon, March 155 B.C. (SEG 9.7)
September 15, 2025 at 1:19 PM
“Should any mortal fate befall me before I can leave behind heirs to the throne, I bequeath the kingdom that belongs to me to the Romans, for whom I have from the beginning preserved our friendship and alliance with sincerity. "
-Ptolemy VIII Physcon, March 155 B.C. (SEG 9.7)
-Ptolemy VIII Physcon, March 155 B.C. (SEG 9.7)
Now reading:
“Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires: Integration, Communication, and Resistance”
- ed. C. Fischer-Bovet and S. von Reden
A recent publication offering a cross examination of the two mightiest Hellenistic empires (and the fiercest rivals). Thanks to listeners for donating!
“Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires: Integration, Communication, and Resistance”
- ed. C. Fischer-Bovet and S. von Reden
A recent publication offering a cross examination of the two mightiest Hellenistic empires (and the fiercest rivals). Thanks to listeners for donating!
September 7, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Now reading:
“Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires: Integration, Communication, and Resistance”
- ed. C. Fischer-Bovet and S. von Reden
A recent publication offering a cross examination of the two mightiest Hellenistic empires (and the fiercest rivals). Thanks to listeners for donating!
“Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires: Integration, Communication, and Resistance”
- ed. C. Fischer-Bovet and S. von Reden
A recent publication offering a cross examination of the two mightiest Hellenistic empires (and the fiercest rivals). Thanks to listeners for donating!
I hope you've enjoyed the newest episode!
Next time, we'll return to Egypt to see how Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II recover from their near-destruction in the Sixth Syrian War: by immediately plotting to oust each other out of power. Did you expect anything less?
Stay tuned!
Next time, we'll return to Egypt to see how Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II recover from their near-destruction in the Sixth Syrian War: by immediately plotting to oust each other out of power. Did you expect anything less?
Stay tuned!
September 6, 2025 at 3:25 AM
I hope you've enjoyed the newest episode!
Next time, we'll return to Egypt to see how Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II recover from their near-destruction in the Sixth Syrian War: by immediately plotting to oust each other out of power. Did you expect anything less?
Stay tuned!
Next time, we'll return to Egypt to see how Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II recover from their near-destruction in the Sixth Syrian War: by immediately plotting to oust each other out of power. Did you expect anything less?
Stay tuned!
Something tells me that Ptolemy VIII is going to be a fan-favorite of the show. This guy is a real piece of work.
September 2, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Something tells me that Ptolemy VIII is going to be a fan-favorite of the show. This guy is a real piece of work.
I hope you've enjoyed our latest episode!
Next time, we conclude the reign of Antiochus IV, who holds an enormous celebration in Daphne to dazzle the Greek world, before departing on his ill-fated anabasis into the Upper Satrapies, leaving the empire dancing on a knife's edge.
Stay tuned!
Next time, we conclude the reign of Antiochus IV, who holds an enormous celebration in Daphne to dazzle the Greek world, before departing on his ill-fated anabasis into the Upper Satrapies, leaving the empire dancing on a knife's edge.
Stay tuned!
August 29, 2025 at 11:15 PM
I hope you've enjoyed our latest episode!
Next time, we conclude the reign of Antiochus IV, who holds an enormous celebration in Daphne to dazzle the Greek world, before departing on his ill-fated anabasis into the Upper Satrapies, leaving the empire dancing on a knife's edge.
Stay tuned!
Next time, we conclude the reign of Antiochus IV, who holds an enormous celebration in Daphne to dazzle the Greek world, before departing on his ill-fated anabasis into the Upper Satrapies, leaving the empire dancing on a knife's edge.
Stay tuned!
Seleucid troops from the Daphne Procession of Antiochus IV in 166/165 B.C. The painting depicts cataphracts (left), a rider of the Companion cavalry (top right), and a mercenary of the “thureophoroi” (bottom right).
Painted by the late great Angus McBride.
Painted by the late great Angus McBride.
August 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Seleucid troops from the Daphne Procession of Antiochus IV in 166/165 B.C. The painting depicts cataphracts (left), a rider of the Companion cavalry (top right), and a mercenary of the “thureophoroi” (bottom right).
Painted by the late great Angus McBride.
Painted by the late great Angus McBride.
Now reading:
“The Civil Wars” - Appian
Writing in the second century AD, the historian Appian of Alexandria provides us with the only comprehensive account of the late Roman Republic from the reforms of the Gracchi down to the formation of the Second Triumvirate (133-35 BC).
“The Civil Wars” - Appian
Writing in the second century AD, the historian Appian of Alexandria provides us with the only comprehensive account of the late Roman Republic from the reforms of the Gracchi down to the formation of the Second Triumvirate (133-35 BC).
August 11, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Now reading:
“The Civil Wars” - Appian
Writing in the second century AD, the historian Appian of Alexandria provides us with the only comprehensive account of the late Roman Republic from the reforms of the Gracchi down to the formation of the Second Triumvirate (133-35 BC).
“The Civil Wars” - Appian
Writing in the second century AD, the historian Appian of Alexandria provides us with the only comprehensive account of the late Roman Republic from the reforms of the Gracchi down to the formation of the Second Triumvirate (133-35 BC).
Now reading:
“On the Syrian Goddess” by Lucian of Samosata
Written by a Roman satirist of the second century AD, Lucian (allegedly) describes the practices of the cult of Atargartis in Hierapolis (Pammukale), providing a rare eyewitness account of the religious customs of the Greco-Roman Near East.
“On the Syrian Goddess” by Lucian of Samosata
Written by a Roman satirist of the second century AD, Lucian (allegedly) describes the practices of the cult of Atargartis in Hierapolis (Pammukale), providing a rare eyewitness account of the religious customs of the Greco-Roman Near East.
August 9, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Now reading:
“On the Syrian Goddess” by Lucian of Samosata
Written by a Roman satirist of the second century AD, Lucian (allegedly) describes the practices of the cult of Atargartis in Hierapolis (Pammukale), providing a rare eyewitness account of the religious customs of the Greco-Roman Near East.
“On the Syrian Goddess” by Lucian of Samosata
Written by a Roman satirist of the second century AD, Lucian (allegedly) describes the practices of the cult of Atargartis in Hierapolis (Pammukale), providing a rare eyewitness account of the religious customs of the Greco-Roman Near East.