Echoes of History
History Hit & Assassin's Creed
Dive into the real-life history that inspires the locations, characters, and storylines of the legendary world of Assassin’s Creed. ‘Echoes of History’ is the official Assassin's Creed history podcast. We’ll head down the narrow side streets of Medici-ruled Florence, cross sand dunes in the shadow of ancient pyramids, climb the rigging of 18th century brigs sailing across the Caribbean and meet the most powerful warlords in Feudal Japan - all before hearing from the developers themselves to understand how and why these moments are recreated in the acclaimed historical game series.Every week, join historian Matt Lewis, and regular contributor Holly Nielsen, as they speak to historical experts about the secrets of the past and uncover how these stories influence Assassin’s Creed.A Ubisoft podcast brought to you by History Hit.If you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. For more Echoes of History, including guided tours through the places of the past recreated in Assassin’s Creed, head to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@assassinscreedEOH To find out more go to www.assassinscreed.com or find us on Facebook & Twitter.(Re)discover Assassin’s Creed full catalogue with Ubisoft+”Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 23, 2025 • 39min
The Northwest Passage: Doom of Arctic Explorers
Historian Ken McGoogan, a specialist in Arctic exploration, shares gripping stories about the quest for the elusive Northwest Passage. He uncovers the harrowing experiences of explorers grappling with unforgiving icy waters and treacherous conditions. McGoogan discusses the motivations behind these epic voyages, from the lucrative fur trade to the famous legends of doomed expeditions like the Franklin Expedition. He also highlights the pivotal contributions of figures like John Ray and the crucial role Indigenous peoples played in navigating this harsh terrain.
11 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 32min
Captain Cook: The Ultimate Explorer?
Historian Ken McGoogan, known for his exploration books, joins to discuss Captain James Cook's legacy. They delve into Cook's exceptional navigation skills and his portrayal in the video game Assassin's Creed Rogue. The conversation highlights the complexities of his interactions with indigenous peoples and critiques historical interpretations. McGoogan also reflects on Cook’s self-taught background and the challenges he faced as a naval leader. Join them as they explore pivotal moments from Cook's voyages and his controversial legacy.
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
What Caused The Seven Years' War?
Professor Emma Hart, an expert in 18th-century history, joins Dan Snow to dissect the Seven Years' War, often termed the first world war. They delve into the intricate dynamics between British and French forces in North America, and the pivotal role of Indigenous alliances. Hart illuminates how the conflict reshaped colonial ambitions and impacted future relations, especially in the Ohio Valley. The discussion also touches on military strategies, key victories, and the Treaty of Paris's far-reaching implications, setting the stage for the American Revolutionary War.
16 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ancient Greek Architecture In Assassin's Creed Odyssey
In this fascinating discussion, Benjamin Hall, the World Director of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, shares insights into recreating ancient Greece for the game. He explains how historians helped ensure authentic representations, even blending gameplay with significant historical events like the Peloponnesian War. The conversation delves into the challenges of merging historical accuracy with engaging storytelling and the intricacies of designing immersive environments, all while honoring the cultural richness of ancient Greece.
9 snips
May 26, 2025 • 39min
The Minoan Labyrinth: Myth or Reality?
In this fascinating discussion, Professor Nicoletta Momigliano from the University of Bristol shares her expertise on Minoan civilization and the myth of the Minotaur. She dives deep into the origins of the labyrinth myth connected to Crete’s Palace of Knossos, exploring how history and mythology intertwine. Listeners learn about the archaeological discoveries that reshape our understanding of ancient architecture. Nicoletta also connects these myths to modern culture, including video games, while emphasizing the significance of preserving historical sites.
17 snips
May 19, 2025 • 47min
Xanthippe: The Formidable Wife of Socrates
In this engaging discussion, Professor Michael Griffin delves into the dynamic relationship between Socrates and his wife, Xanthippe. Griffin highlights Xanthippe's independent mind, showcasing how her spirited character influenced Socratic thought. He explores the challenges of representing women's voices in ancient Greece and the collaborative nature of their philosophy. The conversation also touches on other significant women, like Aspasia and Diotima, revealing their crucial roles in shaping Socrates' ideas and challenging traditional narratives around gender and philosophy.
May 12, 2025 • 57min
Sparta vs Athens: The Peloponnesian War
Dr. Roel Konijnendijk, an academic expert in ancient Greek warfare from Oxford, joins to dissect the fascinating rivalry of Sparta and Athens during the Peloponnesian War. He unveils the intricate causes of the conflict, from flashpoints like Potidaea to the roles of key leaders such as Pericles and Alcibiades. Roel explores the Greek city-states' alliances, and contrasts Spartan land prowess with Athenian naval superiority. The discussion also covers the impact of the plague on Athens and the pivotal Persian involvement that shifted the war's balance.
May 5, 2025 • 53min
Victorian London In Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Historians Review & Ubisoft Developer Interview with Jeffrey YohalemFor the past few weeks, Matt Lewis has investigated the history behind Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. In this episode, Matt joins historian and video game writer Dr Holly Nielsen to step into the Animus and uncover how history and gaming interact. Holly speaks exclusively to Jeffrey Yohalem, Lead Writer on Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, about how the developers met the challenge of recreating the people and places of the past.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis, Dr Holly NielsenEdited by: Ella Blaxill, Robin McConnellProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell, Dr Holly NielsenSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusicThe Assassin Two-Step by Austin WintoryThe Churning Seas of London by Austin WintoryDeath Is Now A Welcome Guest by Austin WintoryIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 28, 2025 • 42min
The Origins of Scotland Yard
Assassin's Creed Syndicate recreates Scotlland Yard, the famous home of the Metropolitan Police Force, and lets players explore its overcrowded nooks and crannies. Today we return to Matt Lewis and Dr Jonah Miller as they put a magnifying lens to the history of both Scotland Yard as a place, and on the policemen and detectives that worked within it. How and when did the Metropolitan Police begin? Why is it called Scotland Yard? And what role did it play in shaping Victorian London?Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Alex JonesProduced by: Joseph Knight, Peta Stamper, Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic by Austin Wintory.If you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 21, 2025 • 43min
Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate takes players to Victorian London. This was an age of massive social change through technological innovation and cultural exchange, as the industrialised British Empire extended around the world.Perhaps the greatest symbol of Britain’s power and influence at this time was the Great Exhibition and its iconic venue, the Crystal Palace.Tom Furber, Research Fellow at the London Centre for Public History, returns to the podcast to give Matt Lewis a tour of the highlights of the Exhibition.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Michael McDaidProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic by Austin Wintory.If you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. Take part in our listener survey here.Tell us your favourite Assassin's Creed game or podcast episode at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
