Ancient to Recent is a history podcast that explores how the past continues to shape our world today. From forgotten empires and overlooked revolutions to the hidden lives of historical figures, each episode takes a deep dive into the moments that mattered and the ones that should have.
🎙️ New episodes every week
📚 Based on real historical research and books
🌍 Covering everything from ancient civilisations to modern events
Whether you're a casual history fan or a dedicated learner, Ancient to Recent brings you the stories that shaped the world
Napoleon III: France's Last Emperor with Edward Shawcross | Ancient to Recent | Episode 72
As a child he saw his uncles empire collapse, as a young man he was consumed by dreams of glory and as an adult he turned those dreams into reality.
This is the story of Louis Napoleon, the last Emperor of France.
A story of intrigue and delusion, of ambition and deceit of honour and shame as a man with nothing but his name rises to an imperial throne.
In this episode Joseph Parkinson is joined by renowned historian Edward Shawcross, author of The People's Emperor, the Unlikely Rise and Spectacular Fall of Louis Napoleon.
We discover how he seizes power, tried to heal Frances social ills and restore France as the premier nation of Europe.
How Louis Napoleon embarks on an ambitious program of social change at home, transforming Paris into one of the world capitals.
And also how he embarked on reckless adventures in Mexico and Italy that brought disaster for France.
How, against all the odds he made and lost an Empire.
Episodes of Ancient to Recent are out every Saturday and are available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcast.
#france #louisnapoleon #history #prussia #frenchhistory
11 Oct 2026
The Rise of the Lakota | Part 5 | Ancient to Recent | Episode 71
With peace comes a new policy direction from Washington.
President Grant wants to find a new approach to dealing with the native peoples of the West but ambition, greed and dreams of empire drive the United States and the Lakota onto a collision course as promises are broken and different visions of the West Clash.
Imperial arrogance leads George Armstrong Custer onto the battlefield of the Little Bighorn with devastating effects for the 7th Cavalry but military victory for the Lakota cannot stop the advance of a new kind of state.
Join Joseph Parkinson as we explore the world of the Lakota between the late 1860s and the 1870’s as an empire is humbled and a new West born.
New episodes of Ancient to Recent are available every Saturday on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Follow @ancienttorecent
#Lakota #Sioux #AmericanHistory #USHistory
4 Oct 2026
The Rise of the Lakota | Part 4 | Ancient to Recent | Episode 70
As the United States descends into civil war the Lakota continue their expansion.
But troubling news is brought west by the Lakota’s Sioux cousins the Dakota.
The United States government signs treaties forcing the Dakota to give much of their land away in return for a reservation but as more settlements come more demands follow.
The Dakota rebel and Washington settles on a policy of military force.
The Dakota seek refuge with their Sioux cousins the Lakota which draws United States forces further west.
Join Joseph Parkinson as we explore the world of the Lakota between 1861 and the late 1860’s as personal ambition, greed and ideology drive the United States and Lakota on a collision course that has unexpected consequences.
New episodes of Ancient to Recent are available every Saturday on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Follow @ancienttorecent
#Lakota #Sioux #AmericanHistory #USHistory
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
67 ratings
Contact Ancient to Recent
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
