Oldest Stories

Oldest Stories, hosted by James Bleckley, is a journey into the deep past of the Cradle of Civilization. This podcast meticulously traces the epic narrative of bronze age Mesopotamia, starting from the revolutionary dawn of writing itself. Listeners are guided through the full, sprawling history of the region across two and a half millennia, from the legendary age of Gilgamesh through to the era of Nabonidas. The episodes weave together the grand arcs of empires and the intimate details of daily life, blending rigorous historical accounts with the powerful myths of gods and heroes that shaped ancient worldviews. So far, the series has delved into the foundations laid by Sumer and Akkad, explored the complexities of Old Babylon and the Hittites, and examined the pivotal stories of ancient Israel. Current installments are deep within the formidable rise and reign of the Assyrian Empire. Each episode is built on a foundation of thorough research, aiming to make these distant cultures and their monumental achievements feel immediate and compelling. New chapters in this long-form story are released every other week, offering a sustained and immersive exploration of humanity's oldest stories.