Laura Spinney - How One Ancient Language Went Global

Laura Spinney - How One Ancient Language Went Global

Author: How To Academy July 22, 2025 Duration: 58:22
Most of us speak a descendant of one ancient tongue: Proto-Indo European. Almost all of Europe shares the DNA of its legacy. Acclaimed journalist and author of international bestseller Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How it Changed the World Laura Spinney explores the origins of this ancient language and how it spread far from its cradle near the Black Sea. Reaching the coasts of Scotland and the western reaches of China, traveling across the Mediterranean and deep into South Asia, Indo-European unites Dante’s Inferno and the Rig Veda, the knights of Arthurian legend and the early Hittite kings. Now Indo-European languages are spoken by nearly half of humanity. How did this happen? Laura shares the epic journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every other week, the How To Academy Podcast opens a door into conversations that reshape how we see the world. Stemming from London's vibrant hub for big ideas, this series brings you extended, thoughtful dialogues with the very minds shaping contemporary thought. You'll hear from laureates and prize-winners, yes, but more importantly, you'll get the substance behind their headlines. These aren't quick soundbites; each episode allows for a deep, meandering exploration of topics that span society, culture, and the latest scientific discoveries, all with an eye toward practical understanding and personal growth. Tuning in is like securing a front-row seat to a private lecture, where the goal is always to leave you with something tangible-a new perspective, a clearer question, or a genuine sense of possibility. It’s for anyone who believes that ideas, when given enough space to breathe, can genuinely change us from the inside out. This podcast draws directly from the How To Academy's mission, transforming their stage into an intimate audio experience that connects global thinking to your daily life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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