First off I wanted to let everyone know that I am deep into researching and writing the upcoming season of “The Ancient World – Carchemish.” It’s got lots of fun stuff: Tiglath-pileser III, Sargon II and - most importantly - the final demise of the Neo-Hittite and Aramean kingdoms. Just a really interesting period and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you. So keep an eye out for new Episodes starting around mid-October.
I also wanted to update you all that there is a whole extra season of “The Ancient World – Carchemish” already available on the Patreon site. Over the past year I’ve produced 12 mini-Episodes – which basically equate to a full 6-episode season - running alongside the current series. They flesh out events in Babylonia, Phoenicia, Syria and the Zagros Mountains – and also include a fun 2-parter on the Libyan pharaohs of Egypt. The best part is you can have access to all of them at this very moment – along with new monthly mini-Episodes going forward – by signing up at the “Lugal” tier at www.patreon.com/TheAncientWorld.
To sweeten the deal I’m doing a special Limited Time Offer: Sign up for a year at any level and I will shoot you a signed PDF script of your favorite episode from any season of the series. The offer’s only good through September 30, 2023 so please join up now to take advantage.
That’s it for now. I’ll see you all again in October and thanks again for listening!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Update and Patreon Offer

Synopsis: Sarduri II rules at the pinnacle of Urartian power, conquering lands from the Black Sea coast to the Zagros Mountains to the kingdoms of northern Syria. Matti’el of Arpad unifies Aramean lands north of Damascus then allies with Urartu against the Assyrians. His defeat by the mysterious ruler of KTK only results in a temporary setback, and an Assyrian Empire pressed on all fronts seems destined for imminent collapse.
“I am the ruler Yariri - the prince beloved by the Storm God, Kubaba, Karhuha and the Sun. The gods have made me strong and exalted over Carchemish. I strengthened Carchemish and I exalted my lord’s house in Carchemish. I caused the river to pass (here)…I built the temple of the god of Harmana and I made my own statue...I brought up Kamani as a successor, wherefore I showed virtue above all kings. And I brought up his younger brothers, I let them in as brothers and I extended protection to them, the children of my lord Astiruwa.” – Yariri’s inscription on the Royal Buttress at Carchemish
Map of the Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Map of Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Regional Kings List:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C24_Kings_List.pdf
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C24_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C24_References.pdf
Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C24 - A Kingdom of Sand

Synopsis: A siege by Adad-nirari’s subordinate, Nergal-Eresh, finally breaks the Damascene hold over southern Syria and Canaan. The Urartian kings Menua and Argishti press Assyria’s frontiers, even as they conquer and secure new territories in the Araxes River valley. In the reigns of Adad-nirari’s sons, the Empire is beset by plague, rebellions, and disturbing omens.
“Through the god Haldi’s power, Argishti, son of Menua, speaks: a city for my power I erected, and gave it the name of Argishtihinli. The land around was never inhabited, nothing was established here, therefore I have led four canals from the Manu river, I had vineyards and orchards established, I have done good things here. I am Argishti, son of Menua, powerful king, the great king, the king of the Land Biai, the Lord of the city of Tushpa.” – Inscription of Argishti of Urartu
Map of the Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Map of Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C23_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C23_References.pdf
Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C23 - Eclipse

Synopsis: Emerging triumphant from civil war, Shamshi-Adad V devotes his energies to humbling Babylonia. Upon his death, his wife Shammuramat acts as regent for their son, Adad-nirari III, and both campaign across the Euphrates to confront a resurgent Arpad. Under its vigorous king Menua, Urartu begins the military conquests that would end with its regional dominance.
“When Suppiluliuma, king of Kummuh, caused Adad-nirari, king of Assyria and Shammuramat, queen, to cross the Euphrates river; I smashed Attar-shumki, son of Hadram, of the city Arpad, together with eight kings, who were with him at the city Paqarhubunu, their boundary and land…In that year they put up this boundary stone between Suppiluliuma, king of Kummuh, and Halpartuntiya, son of Larama, king of Gurgum.’” – the Pazarcik Stele
Map of the Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Map of Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Regional Kings List:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C22_Kings_List.pdf
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C22_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C22_References.pdf
Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C22 - Shammuramat

Synopsis: During Neo-Assyria’s absence from the region, King Hazael of Aram-Damascus forges an Aramean Empire that extends to the borders of Egypt.
“And Hazael said, ‘Why does my lord weep?’ He answered, ‘Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.’” – 2 Kings 8:12, English Standard Bible
Map of the Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Map of Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C21_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C21_References.pdf
Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C21 - Son of a Nobody

Synopsis: In Shalmaneser’s final years, his eldest son – the crown prince Assur-danin-pal – enters into rebellion, while his younger son, Shamshi-Adad, struggles to defend his father’s legacy.
“Where my brother Assur-danin-pal, in the time of Shalmaneser, his father, acted wickedly, bringing about sedition, rebellion, and wicked plotting, caused the land to rise in revolt, prepared for war, brought the people of Assyria, north and south, to his side, and made bold speeches, brought the cities into the rebellion and set his face to begin strife and battle… 27 cities, along with their fortifications… revolted against Shalmaneser, king of the four regions of the world, my father, and… had gone to the side of Assur-danin-pal.” – Annals of King Shamshi-Adad V
Map of the Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Map of Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C20_Images.pdf
Regional Kings List:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C19_C20_Kings_List.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C20_References.pdf
Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C20 - Like a Fire

Synopsis: Hazael of Aram-Damascus and Jehu of Israel bring desolation to the house of Omri. After decades of leading Assyrian campaigns, Shalmaneser III dispatches his turtanu, Dayan-Assur, to fight the newly-formed kingdom of Urartu.
“And the Lord said unto (Elijah), Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus:
And then thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel:…
And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay.” – 1 Kings 19: 15-17
Map of the Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Map of Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C19_Images.pdf
Regional Kings List:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C19_C20_Kings_List.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C19_References.pdf
Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C19 - The Anointed

Synopsis: A coalition marshalled by Hadad-ezer of Aram-Damascus and Urahilina of Hamath successfully defends southern Syria from further Assyrian encroachment. But a decade of campaigning by Shalmaneser begins to take its toll.
“I destroyed, devastated, and set fire to Qarqar, his royal city. Urahilina brought twelve kings to his support; they came against me to offer battle and fight: 1,200 chariots, 1,200 cavalry, and 20,000 soldiers belonging to Hadad-ezer of Damascus; 700 chariots, 700 cavalry, and 10,000 soldiers belonging to Urahilina of Hamath; 2,000 chariots, and 10,000 soldiers belonging to Ahab, the Israelite; 500 soldiers belonging to the Gueans; 1,000 soldiers belonging to the Musreans; 10 chariots and 10,000 soldiers belonging to the Irkanateans; 200 soldiers belonging to Matinuba’il the Arwadite; 200 soldiers belonging to the Usanateans; 30 chariots and 1,000 soldiers belonging to Adunu-ba’il the Shianean; 1,000 camels belonging to Gindibu’ the Arabian; and 1,000 soldiers [belonging to] Baasha, son of Ruhubi, the Ammonite. Trusting in the exalted might which the lord Assur had given me, in the mighty weapons, which Nergal, who goes before me, had presented to me, I battled with them.” – The Kurkh Stele of Shalmaneser III
Map of the Early Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Early Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
The Kings of Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Season_3_King_List.pdf
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C18_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C18_References.pdf
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C18 – Qarqar

Synopsis: Political intrigues in Iron Age Israel end with the rise of King Omri. The kingdoms of Hamath and Aram-Damascus leverage military power and regional diplomacy to prepare for the coming of Shalmaneser.
“I am Urahilina, son of Paritas, king of Hamath…I made my own seat for every single god. But this seat I built for Ba’alat, and I put my name and Ba’alat’s on it…During the time of my father and grandfather, the temple of Ba’alat lacked income. They did not burn the burnt offering, a sacrificial ox, up and down to the god. But myself, in my times, it shall not lack income.” – Building inscription of King Urahilina of Hamath, recording the construction and endowment of a temple to the goddess Ba’alat
Map of the Early Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Early Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
The Kings of Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Season_3_King_List.pdf
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C17_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C17_References.pdf
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C17 – The House of Omri

Synopsis: Shalmaneser’s Syrian invasions were countered by a coalition forged by King Ahuni of Bit-Adini. But repeated campaigns wore down his rivals and ended in Assyrian dominance.
“Ahuni, terrified by my terrible, awe-inspiring weapons and my grim warfare, crossed over the Euphrates to save his life, and made his way to other lands. At the command of my lord Assur, the great lord, I annexed Til-barsip, Aligu, Nappigi and Rugulit as royal cities. I settled Assyrians there and built palaces in them for my royal residence.  I renamed Til-barsip as Kar-Shalmaneser.” – Inscription of Shalmaneser III on the Kurkh Monolith
﻿Map of the Early Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Early Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
The Kings of Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Season_3_King_List.pdf
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C16_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C16_References.pdf
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C16 – Kar Shalmaneser

Synopsis: The Syrian campaigns of Ashurnasirpal II cemented Assyrian dominance. Tribute from the western kingdoms fueled construction of the king’s magnificent new showpiece of Kalhu.
“Ashurnasirpal, strong king, king of Assyria, designate of the god Sin, favorite of the god Anu, loved one of the god Adad who is almighty among the gods, I, the merciless weapon which lays low lands hostile to him, I, the king, capable in battle, vanquisher of cities and highlands, foremost in battle, king of the four quarters.” – Inscription of King Ashurnasirpal II at Kalhu
Map of the Early Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Early Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
The Kings of Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Season_3_King_List.pdf
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C15_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C15_References.pdf
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C15 - The Merciless Weapon

Synopsis: The Country Lords of Carchemish adorned their city with temples and monuments. But Assyrian conquests in the Khabur River valley heralded a growing eastern threat.
“I am the ruler Katuwa, Country Lord of Carchemish, son of the Country Lord Suhi (II), grandson of the Country-Lord Astuwatamanza. The gods raised me by the hand and they gave to me my paternal succession. And because of my justice the gods raised me in strength….I myself then constructed the temple for the Storm God of Carchemish with that abundance, and I established for him seasonal offerings.” – Inscription of Katuwa on the King’s Gate at Carchemish, late 10th/early 9th century BC
Map of the Early Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Early Iron Age Northern Syria:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Syria.jpg
Rulers of Carchemish:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C14_Rulers_of_Carchemish.jpg
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C14_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C14_References.pdf
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C14 - The House of Suhi

Synopsis: The Canaanite cities of Tel-Rehov and Beth-Shean were re-founded by the Pharaoh Thutmose III in the wake of the Battle of Megiddo. By the early Iron Age, their size, location and wealth drew the attention of the Pharaoh Shoshenq I.
“(Thutmose) was in their center, Amun being the protection of his person in the melee, and the strength of Set pervading his members…Then (the enemy) saw his majesty prevailing over them, and they fled headlong to Megiddo with faces of fear.” – The Battle of Megiddo Inscription
Map of the Early Iron Age Near East:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Near_East.jpg
Map of Early Iron Age Southern Syria and Canaan:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map_Canaan.jpg
Episode Images:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C13_Images.pdf
References and Further Reading:
https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/C13_References.pdf
Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C13 - The Hand of Shishak

A brief history of The Ancient World. Plus: a new season, a new partnership and a new Patreon page!
www.patreon.com/TheAncientWorld
www.airwavemedia.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Method to My Madness

Synopsis: Joseph and Hyrcanus of the Tobiad clan served as tax farmers in Coele Syria for nearly half a century, weathering the transition from Ptolemaic and Seleucid control along with the constant maelstrom of Jerusalem politics.



“Hyrcanus determined not to return to Jerusalem any more, but seated himself beyond Jordan, and was at perpetual war with the Arabians, and slew many of them, and took many of them captives. He also erected a strong castle, and built it entirely of white stone to the very roof, and had animals of a prodigious magnitude engraven upon it…And he ruled over those parts for seven years, even all the time that Seleucus was king of Syria. But when he was dead, his brother Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, took the kingdom.” – Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book XII, Chapter 4



Map of the Decapolis region:



https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/Map04.png




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode S6 – Castle of the Slave

So, first the bad news: Episode C12 wraps the second “season” of “The Ancient World – Carchemish.” The show’ll be on hiatus for the next few months as I turn my attention to a few other projects. Then I’ll be back with another new season this summer. The good news is that next season will not only cover the emergence of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, but – as a consequence – will also have the benefit of the detailed records the Assyrians made of all their “interactions” with the kingdoms and peoples of early Iron Age Syria. So stay tuned for that, stay subscribed, and I’ll see you all in a few months!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Quick Note

Synopsis: The growing power of the Israelites and Arameans is reflected in the construction of new temples to Yahweh in Jerusalem and Hadad-Rammon in Damascus. A resurgent Egypt – under increasing influence of the Libyan Meshwesh – begins to eye its former Levantine holdings.



“And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah. And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah; and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus. And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did; and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.” – 1 Kings 11:23-24



Map of the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean:



https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/LBA_Hittite_Map.jpg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C12 – The Two Temples

Synopsis: In the latter half of the 11th century BC, southern Syria witnessed the increasing prominence of semi-nomadic Semitic peoples – including the Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites and Israelites.




“Kings came, they fought,



the kings of Canaan fought.



At Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo,



they took no plunder of silver.



From the heavens the stars fought,



from their courses they fought against Sisera.



The river Kishon swept them away,



the age-old river, the river Kishon.” – The Song of Deborah




Map of the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean:https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/LBA_Hittite_Map.jpg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C11 – The House of David

Synopsis: The fracturing and diminishment of Egyptian power in the early Iron Age is captured in “The Report of Wenamun.”



I found (King Zakar-baal of Byblos) seated in his upper chamber with his back against a window, and the waves of the great sea of Phoenicia broke behind his head. I said to him: “Blessings of Amun!” He said to me: “How long is it to this day since you came from the place where Amun is?” I said to him: “Five whole months till now.” He said to me: “If you are right, where is the dispatch of Amun that was in your hand? Where is the letter of the High Priest of Amun that was in your hand?” I said to him: “I gave them to Smendes and Tentamun.” Then he became very angry and said to me: “Now then, dispatches, letters you have none. Where is the ship of pinewood that Smendes gave you? Where is its Phoenician crew? Did he not entrust you to this foreign ship’s captain in order to have him kill you and have them throw you into the sea? From whom would one then seek the god? And you, from whom would one seek you? – The Report of Wenamun



Map of the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean:https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/LBA_Hittite_Map.jpg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode C10 – These Are Not Foolish Travels

Synopsis: In the mid-11th century BC, the Hittite kingdoms of northern Syria are joined by others– in the Philistine pentapolis, the Amuq plain and the region of Classical Cilicia – with ties to the former Mycenaean Greeks.  The Phoenician cities of the Levantine coast begin to step from the shadow of post-Collapse Egypt.



“I am really Azatiwada,



Man of my Sun, the servant of Thunder God,



Rendered superior by Awariku, and the ruler of Adanawa,



Thunder God rendered me Mother and Father of Adanawa city, and



I am the one, who developed Adanawa city,



And I expanded Adanawa country, both westward and eastward,



And during my reign, I made Adanawa city taste prosperity, satiety and comfort, and I filled the grain warehouses,



I added horse to horse, shield to shield, army to army, everything for Thunder God and the deities…”



The Karatepe Bilingual



Map of the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean:



https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/LBA_Hittite_Map.jpg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get Started

Download the App