This is a narrative history podcast about the Jews. I aim to tell the story as it unfolds—grounded in archaeology, contemporaneous sources, and modern scholarship, but always focused on the people living through it.
How did they experience the world around them? How did they respond to it?
Jewish history begins in the ancient Near East over three thousand years ago and continues to this day. The Jews navigate their way through difficult realities - conquest, persecution, social and political changes. They enjoy periods of peace, prosperity and engagement with the world around them. And through it all, they try to find a way to adapt, survive and flourish.
Sometimes they succeed. Sometimes they do not.
Jewish history is often reduced to religion, antisemitism or politics. But this podcast allows them to just be people, making their way through three millennia of the human experience.
A few updates for the podcast (as of September 2026):
Congratulations! We have finished Season 1: Israel's pre-history and the Iron Age kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
The next season will (hopefully) cover the Persian, Hellenistic and Roman periods. But it will take me a couple of months of preparation before I can release episodes from Season 2.
I may find time to do some bonus episodes before Season 2. If you have ideas or questions, reach out to me (see below).
Here are some ways not to miss the next season:
Click the notification button your podcast streaming platform
Subscribe to History of the Jews on Substack at https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
Send me an email at hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com) and I will personally send you an email.
I hope to be back as soon as I can. Thanks for listening!
30 Sept 2026
Ancient Israelite Kingdoms: Israelite Identity and the Bible (Part 2)
How does the Bible relate to archeology from the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah? How do the Israelites change over time? And how do they think of themselves?
Although we cannot fully answer these questions. In this reflection episode, we journey through 700 years of history and the books of Judges, Samuel, Kings, Jeremiah and Chronicles. Unlike the narrative and summary episodes of the podcast, this episode is more subjective and thought-provoking.
In particular, we consider the transition from political decentralization to building kingdoms, using the book of Judges and Samuel to voice one possible Israelite experience.
We talk about group identity and how two Israelite kingdoms came into being? Why did that happen and what did that mean for Israelites and Judeans?
Lastly, we watch the development of Israelite religion in the archeology and notice the ambiguity of Israelite practice across the Bible. What really was the ancient Israelite tradition?
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
19 Aug 2026
Ancient Israelite Kingdoms: The History (Part 1)
When and where were the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah? Why did they rise and why did they fall?
This summary episode tells the story of the ancient Israelite kingdoms based on archeology in 30 minutes.
We begin by meeting the earliest Israelites who lived kingless in small rural villages for nearly 200 years (1200-1000 BC). Then we follow them change as they create two kingdoms - the kingdom of Judah and Israel - and we ask why? Why did the Israelites of the 10th century (1000-900) urbanize and militarize?
After creating their kingdoms, the Israelites enjoy a period of relative peace and success (900-732 BC). Finally, they leave us writings that give us insight into their lives and their religious practices. But the good times do not last. Israel and Judah rebel against the Assyrian empire and enter a period of submission (732-605 BC).
When Assyria falls in the later half of the 7th century, Judah and Israel are caught between Egypt and Babylonia. Both contending over Assyria's former holdings. Judah rebels twice and pays the price.
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
*Unfortunately, my podcast editor made a version change and the audio quality is slightly worse than usual. My apologies.
5 Aug 2026
E13 - Judah After the Fall: Survival and Exile
Judah's two failed rebellions against Babylonia depopulate the country, turning it into a ghost kingdom. An estimated 80% of the population, over 70,000 people, disappeared.
But where did they go? What was the fate of Judeans post-destruction?
As we answer these question, we must navigate the world faced by the Judean survivors. The difficult life in Judah. The destruction of the Judean-Israelite home and family. And the story of those who left or were exiled.
This journey takes us from Judah to Babylonia where we find King Jehoiachin and other Judeans in one of the earliest Judean-Jewish diasporas.
We build this episode on archeological findings in post-destruction Judah and ancient texts found in Babylonia from the 6th century BC.
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
22 Jul 2026
E12 - The Fall of Jerusalem
In 586 BC, Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah are destroyed by the Neo-Babylonian empire. It is estimated that Judah lost more than two-thirds of its population in what is one of the greatest tragedies of Jewish history.
In this episode, we try to understand why this happened? How Babylonia came to power? And what did Judah do wrong to bring upon itself this calamity?
Using the ancient records of imperial Assyria and Babylonia, we reconstruct the turbid history of the 7th century BC. We watch Assyria fall from its greatest heights to non-existence and geopolitical chaos that this causes. Judah is caught between Babylonia and Egypt with no good options.
Lastly, we use archeology to get a snapshot of post-destruction Judah and to get a better understanding of the catastrophe that had befallen the Judeans.
This episode was released on the eve of Tisha B'av, the date according to Jewish tradition when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple. I hope that it sheds light on this period of Jewish history from the perspective of archeology and modern scholarship.
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
8 Jul 2026
E11 - The Twilight of Judah: Life Under Assyria
The 7th century BC is the twilight of the kingdom of Judah. After Hezekiah's failed revolt in 701 BC, Judah has been reduced to an Assyrian vassal state.
How much does that change Judean lives?
In this episode, we explore how Judah adapted post-701 and how Assyria shaped the Judean relationship with their Philistine and Edomite neighbors. Meanwhile, Judean culture survives this new world and we find the first mention of Sabbath in recorded history.
We build this history on Judean and Philistine archeological findings at Ekron, Yavne-Yam and Jerusalem. This episode features the Ketef Hinnom scrolls recording the Priestly Blessing also found in Numbers, dating to around 600 BC.
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
24 Jun 2026
E10 - Hezekiah's Revolt
Judah navigates its destiny in the trying times of the late 8th century BC.
The kingdom of Israel has been destroyed and divided. Tens of thousands of refugees flood into Judah. And Judeans ask themselves the hard question, what do they do about Assyria?
Do they rebel and suffer the consequences? Or do they pay the price of quiet and submission?
In this episode, we discuss Judah's choice, the fallout and why they made the choice that they did.
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
17 Jun 2026
E9 - Israel Falls
In the late 8th century, a new king takes the throne in Assyria and tensions rise across the Near East. They must choose total submission and pay tribute to Assyria. Or, they can try their luck against the might of the Assyrian empire.
Twice, the kingdom of Israel rebels and loses it all. The repercussions change life in Israel and Judah forever.
This episode continues our narrative history, exploring Israel's rebellions and the aftermath. We discuss the legend of the Lost Ten Tribes and what changed in the lives of most Israelites living in the northern kingdom.
Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
10 Jun 2026
E8 - Life in Ancient Israel
What was life like for an Israelite nearly three thousand years ago? Did it make a difference if they lived in the kingdom of Israel or Judah? And who did they worship?
In this episode, we immerse ourselves in Israelite culture and try to answer these questions.
We follow the archeology as Israel and Judah develop their own unique cultural nuances. We visit Israelite capitals and walk around the city of Megiddo looking for somewhere to get a drink. And, finally, we tour two Israelite temples and meet the god(s) of Israel.
Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com (mailto:hotj.podcast@gmail.com)
2 Jun 2026
E7 - Ancient Israel Enters History
What do we know about the kingdom of Israel? When does it first appear in the historical record? And what is its place among the nations of the Eastern Mediterranean?
In this episode, we explore the world of the Israelites in the 9th century and anxiously follow the resurgence of its greatest adversaries - Egypt and Assyria.
Israel plays a leading part in the Anti-Assyrian coalition that struggles to hold Assyria's appetite for conquest at bay. But then something changes and internal politics tear apart this alliance, deciding the fate of Israel and her neighbors.
21 May 2026
E6 - Between Villages and Kingdoms
After the Bronze Age Collapse, Canaan lay in ruins.
The invading Sea Peoples emerge as a dominant power, asserting control over the coast of Canaan. But tucked away in the highlands, the Israelites slowly recover and adapt to a dangerous new world.
During the late 11th and 10th centuries, this new reality forces them out of their defenseless villages and back into fortified cities. They reinforce their frontiers and build forts to keep a watchful eye on the Philistines and their other neighbors.
Out of this period of crisis and transformation emerged something new: perhaps a united Israelite kingdom, perhaps the early foundations of Israel and Judah. Whatever it was, it prepared them for the next great threat.
Far in the distance, Assyria was shaking off the dust from the Bronze Age Collapse. And looking westward.
15 May 2026
The Israelite Origin Story: Memories (Part 2)
How did the Israelites remember their past? And how does that memory compare to the history uncovered by archaeology?
The previous episode (The Israelite Origin Story: The History), told the Israelites origin story from the perspective of archeology. In this episode, we explore the Bible not as history, but as Israelite memory. From Abraham and the Patriarchs to Egypt, the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, we ask:
What the Israelites chose to remember, what they forgot, and what that reveals about who they were.
Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com
15 May 2026
The Israelite Origin Story: The History (Part 1)
Who were the Israelites? Where did they come from?
This episode tells the origin story of the Israelites based on archeology - condensing centuries of history into a coherent prequel and first chapter of Jewish history.
Competition between Canaan and Egypt creates the conditions for a resurgent New Kingdom Egypt that will dominate the Canaanites for centuries. The Bronze Age Collapse changes the world order, creating a power vacuum in Canaan and new opportunities. And the Israelites leave their homes in search of the good life in the highlands, doing their best to leave the ashes behind.
Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com
29 Apr 2026
E5 - The Early Israelites
Who were the early Israelites—and where did they come from?
In this episode, the Bronze Age Collapse tears apart the eastern Mediterranean, and the Egyptian Empire loses its hold on Canaan. We trace what that collapse looked like on the ground—and the opportunities it created for the people living through it.
Overlooking the ashes of the Canaanite cities, new communities take shape in the highlands. The Israelites forge a new life. We step inside an early Israelite home, exploring their culture before turning to the deeper question of how they got there.
Were they invaders, nomads, or just Canaanites looking for a better life?
Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com
22 Apr 2026
E4 - Bronze Age Collapse
The Israelites enter recorded history around 1208 BC—right as the world of the Eastern Mediterranean unravels in what we call the Bronze Age Collapse.
In this episode, we explore that collapse—the final piece of the puzzle before we can begin telling the story of the ancient Israelites.
We trace its impact across the region, from the great powers of Greece and Anatolia to the empire of Egypt. Along the way, we confront one of history’s enduring mysteries: the “Sea Peoples.” Who were they, and what did they want? Displacement—perhaps caused by drought, famine, or earthquakes—may have pushed them into a wave of migration and conflict.
As they move south, clashing with the civilizations of the Near East, their advance ultimately ends in Egypt. There, they are defeated—and many are resettled in Canaan, setting the stage for the later encounters between the Israelites and the Philistines.
Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com
14 Apr 2026
E3 - Canaan: An Egyptian Province
Did you know that Egypt ruled Canaan before the Israelites?
After the Egyptians ravage the Hyksos, they integrate Canaan into their empire and rule there. This episode follows the story of Lab'ayu, a corrupt Canaanite king, to show the chaos and corruption that pervaded Canaan under the Egyptians.
We also examine the Habiru, a mysterious group of outsiders often linked to the Hebrews, and their role in the chaos of the time.
Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
You can also reach out to me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com
7 Apr 2026
E2 - Rise and Fall of the Hyksos
Who were the Hyksos—the “foreign kings” who once ruled Egypt—and why did they leave such a deep scar on Egyptian memory? And could they be connected to the origins of the Israelites?
In this episode, we trace the long and bitter relationship between Egypt and its northern neighbors. As migrants from Canaan move into Egypt, they rise from traders and migrants to rulers of the Nile Delta, establishing the Hyksos kingdom. Their rule provokes a violent Egyptian response: the rise of the New Kingdom and a campaign of destruction that reaches into Canaan itself.
By the end of the episode, the world before the Israelites looks very different—shaped by migration, conquest, and the lingering memory of foreign rule.
Check out transcripts and bonus content: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
1 Apr 2026
E1 - Where to Begin?
We begin our journey through Jewish history with the first explicit mention of Israel in the historical record: the Merneptah Stele. But on its own, it raises more questions than it answers—why are the Egyptians attacking Israel, and who are these Israelites in the first place?
We turn to ancient accounts—from the Bible and Greek writers—but they don’t fully explain what we see. So instead, we step back and explore the broader world of Bronze Age Canaan and Egypt. As that context comes into focus, the tension between them—and the stage on which Israel first appears—begins to take shape.
Substack: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
1 Apr 2026
E0 - Introducing Jewish History
This episode introduces History of the Jews.
Through the story of Dmitrii Bogrov, a revolutionary assassin, we explore how Jewish history is often misunderstood—reduced to familiar themes like religion or antisemitism. This podcast takes a different approach: telling a full history, grounded in archaeology and contemporary sources, and focused on context rather than clichés.
Check out Substack to see bonus posts! This weeks post explores two other ways to look at Bogrov's life.
Substack: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ (https://historyofthejews.substack.com/)
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