Ancient History Hound

Sparta, what do we know about it exactly and what's been exaggerated, or just made up? In the first of three episodes I look at the education system (agoge), communal mess (syssitia) and get into the Krypteia (not literally though). What do the sources say about these and how do they differ from ways they are sometimes depicted?
In addition to all of this I have a quick overview of the sources which have their part to play and get into a few anecdotes. 
Find me on X, Instagram, Bluesky and TikTok as ancientblogger (see links below). There's my AncientBlogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hello (you can even go full old school and email me on [email protected]).
https://linktr.ee/ancientblogger
Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).
Reading list and sources used
Berry, PE & Knotterus JD. Spartan Society: Structural ritualization in an ancient social system
Cartledge, P. The Spartans
Davidson, J. The Greeks and Greek Love
Figueira, T. Mess contributions and subsistence at Sparta
Kennell, NM. Gymnasium of Virtue: education & culture in ancient Sparta
Luraghi & Alcock. Helots and their masters in Laconia and Messenia
Matyszak, P. Sparta, rise of a warrior nation
Miller, S.G. Ancient Greek Athletics.
Special shoutout to the excellent BadAncient website,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Life in Sparta and the truth about Sparta episode on The Ancients podcast.

Time for a quick update about what to expect in 2026 and when the next episode will drop. 
Let me know what you think, I'm @ancientblogger on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok. There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and AncientBlogger YouTube channel. Or just good old email [email protected]
Thanks for listening and here's to a 2026 with more ancient history content.
Cheers,
Neil (and Bodhi).

This is the second of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the Partial Historians, a fantastic podcast which I suggest you check out. Over two epsiodes we discuss the places in ancient Rome linked to the Regal period, or at least tied to it by the later sources.
In the second episode I get into a fruit controversy at the Tullianum, what I think is the most important structure in early Rome, Ostia and more.
Thanks again to the Partial Historians for letting me share these episodes. You can find their podcast via the link and also read their books, 'Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome' and 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire', both well worth a read.
Feedback is always welcome (as are reviews). Feel free to contact me on social media (@ancientblogger on TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and X). There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's [email protected]
I hope you enjoy the second episode and thanks for taking the time to listen.

This is the first of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the Partial Historians, a fantastic podcast which I suggest you check out. Over two epsiodes we discuss the places in ancient Rome linked to the Regal period, or at least tied to it by the later sources.
In the first episode it's time to consider the strategic position of Rome, some of the hills, the Tiber, Pomerium and much more. Plenty of tangents ensued which were all my fault as you will hear. Dr G and Dr Rad were fab hosts and I hope you enjoy the chat we had.
Thanks again to the Partial Historians for letting me share these episodes. You can find their podcast via the link and also read their books, 'Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome' and 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire', both well worth a read.
I'm keen to know your thoughts on how I came across, I was both nervy and excited and a bit manic but I think I did ok. Feel free to contact me on social media (@ancientblogger on TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and X). There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's [email protected]
Reviews and such are always greatly appreciated. Part two will be uploaded in a couple of weeks.
Till then, keep safe and stay well.

Dr Jo Ball returns as a guest on the podcast to talk about Tacfarinas, the subject of her latest book.
In the early 1st century AD Tacfarinas led a rebellion against Rome in north west Africa. Listen to find out how Rome responded, what we know about Tacfarinas and much, much more.
The problems with triumphs, nepotism, psychology and how dangerous this rebellion was are amongst some of the other areas covered. You'll also get to hear what made the emperor Tiberius angrier than he had ever been.
Find Dr Ball on TikTok, Instagram and X as @drjeball. Find me as @ancientblogger on TikTok, Instragram, X, Bluesky and the Ancient Blogger YouTube channel
Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).
If you can leave a reivew please do and check out the Ancient History Hound subreddit