History of the World podcast

What happened when our ancient ancestors began venturing beyond the landscapes that had shaped them? Homo erectus represents a fascinating chapter in human evolution, associated with changing bodies, expanding horizons and remarkable new behaviours. From mysterious fossils to journeys across continents, this is the story of an increasingly human ancestor whose discoveries raise intriguing questions about when we truly began becoming ourselves.

For decades, Ottoman expansion had transformed the Mediterranean. Venice was threatened, Cyprus was under attack, and old European rivals faced a difficult choice: cooperate or confront the Ottomans alone. Into this crisis stepped two very different commanders, one an ambitious young prince, the other a trusted Ottoman servant. Their paths were about to collide at sea — at the Battle of Lepanto.

What separates an ape from a human? Two million years ago, a small, primitive creature appeared in Africa with a larger brain, dexterous hands and an intriguing association with stone tools. Scientists called it Homo habilis — Handy Man. But was this really one of the first humans, or simply another branch of our evolutionary family? The debate continues to this day.

1566 - 1737 - The Ottoman Empire stands at the height of its power, yet a new reign brings fresh ambitions, dangerous rivalries and growing challenges. As the Mediterranean becomes the centre of an epic struggle, the balance of power begins to shift. Join me as we explore the personalities, politics and decisions that shaped one of history's most fascinating empires and its uncertain future.

Three million years ago, our ancestors were walking upright across the African landscape, leaving footprints that still survive today. They were not human, yet they were no longer simply ape-like creatures either. In this episode, we follow the clues left by Lucy, the Laetoli Footprints, and other remarkable discoveries to uncover the story of the Australopithecines and our distant origins.