meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Empire: World History

334. Bronze Age Apocalypse: Did Homer Write History? (Ep 3)

Empire: World History

Goalhanger

History

4.55.4K Ratings

🗓️ 17 February 2026

⏱️ 43 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The legendary ancient Greek poet, Homer, is a key source to our understanding of the Bronze Age Collapse, but did a single genius named Homer even exist? How could sophisticated poems like The Iliad and The Odyssey survive a "Dark Age" where even writing was destroyed? And what can the depiction of Greek gods in these poems tell us about religion at the time?  William and Anita are joined by Simon Goldhill, Professor in Greek Literature and Culture at King's College, Cambridge, to discuss whether Homer wrote History… Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/EMPIRE. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Editor: Bruno Di Castri Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

If you want access to bonus episodes reading lists for every series of Empire, a chat community, discounts for all the books mentioned in the week's podcast, add free listening and a weekly newsletter, sign up to Empire Club at www.mpower.com.

0:18.6

You plan a holiday, you plan a commute.

0:22.2

Meal plans, career plans, even workouts need a plan.

0:26.4

So doesn't it stand to reason that your money has one too?

0:29.5

Because the sad truth is, if it doesn't, it's just sitting there, barely growing, if at all.

0:35.2

That's why you need a money plan.

0:37.2

And quilter can help. It's a lot That's why you need a money plan. And Quilter can help.

0:38.8

It's a lot easier to stick to than a workout plan.

0:41.8

Money needs a plan.

0:43.8

Quilter.

0:44.7

Pensions, investments, advice.

0:47.3

Find out more at Quilter.com.

0:49.1

Prime video brings the best in entertainment.

0:52.6

The end of the world continues with season two of the global phenomenon,

0:56.0

Fallout, included with Prime.

0:58.0

I defer to you about what to do in this situation.

1:01.0

Bring home the epic conclusion to the untold story of the Witches of Oz.

1:05.0

Buy or rent Wicked for Good Now.

1:07.0

I'm taking you to see the wizard.

1:09.0

There's no going back.

1:13.0

Whatever you're into, it's right here.

1:13.9

Prime Video.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Goalhanger, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Goalhanger and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.