History Extra Podcast: "Wolfmen and Amazons: Why Did the Greeks and Romans Demonize Their Neighbours?" Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the History Extra Podcast, produced by Immediate Media and hosted by Spencer Mizzen, listeners are invited to delve into the intricate dynamics between the ancient Greeks and Romans and the neighboring cultures they often portrayed as barbaric. The discussion centers around Dr. Owen Rees’s new book, The Far Edges of the Known World, which examines how these classical superpowers perceived and interacted with societies beyond their expansive empires.

Exploring Perspectives on Frontiers

Timestamp: 02:54

Dr. Owen Rees emphasizes the importance of examining ancient history from the perspective of imperial frontiers rather than solely focusing on cultural centers like Athens and Rome. He states:

"What we can learn from the approach that you've adopted in your new book is... we start to actually find works or writings or just evidence of, for want of a better word, normal people. People just living normal lives and just getting on with their sort of normal days." [03:17]

This shift in focus reveals the everyday lives of those living on the peripheries of empires, contrasting sharply with the political intrigue and grandeur often highlighted in central histories.

Cultural Superiority and Its Motivations

Timestamp: 07:40

Rees discusses the universal tendency of great powers to view themselves as culturally superior. He explains:

"We create a group identity by defining what we are definitely not. And so we can spread out and almost try and for want of a better term, help these other people not be like that too." [08:15]

This sense of superiority often serves to justify imperial expansion, portraying it as a civilizing mission to impose order and morality on perceived 'barbaric' societies.

Herodotus and the Scythians

Timestamp: 14:04

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Herodotus’s portrayal of the Scythians, a group he describes as the antithesis of Greek civilization. Rees notes:

"What's interesting is he's not always wrong. So he's obviously fascinated by this culture that isn't anything really like his... we know archaeologically that that is true." [16:51]

Herodotus’s accounts blend factual observations with mythical elements, reflecting both admiration and misunderstanding of the Scythian way of life.

Myths and Reality Beyond the Frontiers

Timestamp: 16:51

The discussion transitions to the fantastical tales of Amazons, werewolves, and the Hyperboreans. Rees posits that these stories emerged from Greek and Roman writers’ attempts to comprehend and explain the unknown:

"They are pushing human knowledge as far as it could and then try and explain what goes beyond it, just so they have a full picture." [17:32]

These narratives illustrate the thin line between reality and myth in ancient accounts of distant lands.

Cultural Exchange and Blending at the Periphery

Timestamp: 19:45

Contrary to the rigid separation often depicted in central narratives, Rees highlights the significant cultural exchanges occurring at the frontiers of empires:

"We see coexistence... There's a bit of it. I'm not deluded. You know, there is a bit of it, but it's not in the same way, for the reasons you mention." [20:07]

An example cited is Taxila in modern Pakistan, where Greek and Indian cultures intersected, leading to a rich blend of artistic and philosophical ideas, such as the Greco-Roman influence on Buddhist statuary.

The Roman Perception of Barbarianism

Timestamp: 22:53

The Romans’s perception of themselves as exceptional is a focal point. Rees explains:

"The Romans thought they were exceptional because they were exceptional in many ways. Not necessarily culturally, but imperially and militarily." [23:22]

This self-image reinforced the dichotomy between civilization and barbarism, justifying their extensive military campaigns and imperialistic endeavors.

Hadrian's Wall: A Symbol of Imperial Authority

Timestamp: 25:19

Hadrian's Wall serves as a tangible manifestation of Roman authority and their boundary between the civilized empire and the wild beyond. Rees reflects:

"It is a clear indication... this is where our authority stops. This is where civilization starts." [25:36]

The wall not only marked a physical boundary but also symbolized the limits of Roman expansion and their perception of the 'other.'

Koh Lua in Vietnam: The Pinnacle of Roman Knowledge

Timestamp: 27:24

Rees discusses Koh Lua in Vietnam as perhaps the most distant point known to the Romans, highlighting the extensive trade networks that connected the empire from Scotland to Vietnam:

"We've got Roman remains or Roman objects found in ancient Vietnam, clearly traded." [27:47]

This underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world, challenging the notion of isolated cultures and emphasizing global interactions long before the modern era.

Lessons for the 21st Century

Timestamp: 31:14

In concluding the episode, Rees draws parallels between ancient and modern conflicts, noting:

"Humans have always interacted... We don't need to use history to reinforce division. We can ultimately kind of show that history has the power to bring us together." [31:24]

He advocates for a more inclusive historical narrative that highlights cultural blending and cooperation, fostering a sense of global unity rather than division.

Conclusion

Dr. Owen Rees’s insights offer a nuanced understanding of how ancient powers like Greece and Rome viewed their neighbors. By focusing on the frontiers, his work reveals a complex tapestry of cultural exchange, mutual influence, and the persistent theme of 'us versus them.' This episode not only sheds light on historical perceptions of other cultures but also encourages contemporary listeners to rethink how history can unite rather than divide.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Owen Rees: "What we can learn from the approach that you've adopted in your new book is... we start to actually find works or writings or just evidence of, for want of a better word, normal people." [03:17]

• Dr. Owen Rees: "We create a group identity by defining what we are definitely not. And so we can spread out and almost try and for want of a better term, help these other people not be like that too." [08:15]

• Dr. Owen Rees: "They are pushing human knowledge as far as it could and then try and explain what goes beyond it, just so they have a full picture." [17:32]

• Dr. Owen Rees: "Humans have always interacted... We don't need to use history to reinforce division. We can ultimately kind of show that history has the power to bring us together." [31:24]

About the Podcast: Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, the History Extra Podcast offers engaging stories and in-depth discussions with leading historical experts. Covering a wide range of eras and topics, it aims to provide fresh insights and foster conversations about the fascinating aspects of the past.

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