Synopsis: Monotheism, modern Syria, the world’s first romance story, and the end of the Bloodline.
“The oasis and town of Palmyra owe their existence to the plentiful spring that runs from Jebel Muntar. This spring dominates a narrow passage in the principal route between the Homs pass and the Euphrates River and is in the heart of the Syrian desert. The oasis furnishes a resting place between Iraq and Central Syria, and it was a primary stop for caravans plying between the Gulf, Iran, and the Mediterranean.” – Khaled Al-Asaad and Adnan Bounni, Palmyra: History, Monuments & Museum
References and Further Reading:
Just finished the last of Bloodlines. Been listing since '13 or so I think, and look forward to your next project. You do great work.
Thanks Vince! Very happy to hear you've been listening so long & enjoying all the series. It's great fun for me, but also hard work, so looking forward to a break. Take care! – Scott C.
Good post
I've listened and loved every single one of them. You're top quality – on the same level as Mike Duncan and Dan Carlin. Why aren't sponsors throwing you money?
Scott! Love these, but looking for a way to start from the beginning.
I know I’m late, working my way through, but wow what an episode that was!
You do mighty fine work sir, but you surpassed yourself on this one!
Much gratitude!
That’s probably the single episode I’m most proud of. Thanks very much for the the feedback, take care!
Sorry for the late reply, was off on vacation. To listen in sequence, I recommend getting the episodes off iTunes, Stitcher, or some other podcasting websites or apps. Thanks!
I can get all episodes through podcast app on iPhone. Go to Available Episodes..
Awesome work Scott! Thanks.
Good to hear, and thanks!!
Scott, thank you so much for you’re amazing series and all the hard work you’ve put in to making it so wonderful!
I discovered your podcast only in February and have binged all the episodes since then, having just listened to this final episode of blood lines. I have to second Stephen’s comment and say you truly are one of the very best podcasters out there. I can’t wait for the next series in The Ancient World or for any other podcast you put out.
As a final question, what history podcasts do you listen to? I feel like I’ve listened to most of the more well known ones and would love to know of any hidden gems you might recommend.
Scott, thanks for all your work. You've made a really great series. One small question: The world's first romance story? Isn't Greek literature full of earlier love stories? Orpheus and Eurydice, for example?
Thanks! To be more precise, Iamblichus is commonly regarded as the first "romance novelist," where "romance novel" is defined as one where the primary focus in on the couple's romantic love and which has an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending." Not the first romantic tale per se, but a slightly narrower field 😉 – Scott C.
I’m really late to this but I found the Ancient World podcast on Spotify 3 weeks ago and started from OG Season Ep 1 and then Rediscovered and just finished Bloodline just now.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the work you did putting these together. You’ve made a fan out of me.
Hi Aaron, you’re quite welcome!! Very glad you’re enjoying the series. Just dropped a new episode today, hope you like it. Take care & thanks for stopping by!!