The Human History Podcast: The Ancients

James Baldwin's The Human History Podcast: The Ancients takes an economics-and-politics-first approach to early civilizations, which gives it a distinct angle compared to most ancient history shows. Baldwin is upfront about not being a historian or archaeologist -- his background is in economics and political analysis -- and he brings that lens to topics like the Sumerians, the Akkadians, the Mayans, and the Indus Valley civilizations. The result is a show that asks different questions than you might expect: not just what happened, but how ancient economies functioned and how political power structures emerged. Episodes vary significantly in length, from 20-minute bonus interludes covering archaeological news to the flagship Sumerians episode that runs nearly 90 minutes. The show launched in November 2019 with only 5 episodes before going on an extended hiatus, with the last episode airing in May 2020. That small catalog means you can listen to everything in an afternoon, but it also means the show never quite got the chance to find its full stride. Reviews are mixed on delivery -- listeners appreciate the content and the fresh analytical perspective but note issues with pacing and verbal fillers. The 4.2 star rating from 53 reviews reflects a show with strong ideas that needed more time to develop its presentation. If the concept of analyzing ancient civilizations through an economic lens appeals to you and you do not mind a limited catalog, the episodes that exist are worth your time.