History Hit is set to release a series of documentaries and podcast episodes offering an in-depth exploration of Homer’s Odyssey and its enduring impact on storytelling and culture.
Timed to coincide with Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation, the programming will examine both the myth and the historical context of Odysseus’ journey, drawing on expert analysis and new research.
On 17 July, Dan Snow presents The Voyage from Troy, a 50-minute documentary tracing the real-world origins of The Odyssey.
Travelling from the ruins of Troy to Ithaca, Dan investigates the landscapes and archaeology that inspired Homer’s epic, with contributions from leading scholars to distinguish fact from legend.
A companion film, Return to Ithaca, also launches on 17 July. In this episode, Dan sits down with classicist Mary Beard to discuss the central themes of The Odyssey, including heroism, violence, and homecoming.
Mary offers her perspective on why the story of Odysseus continues to resonate: “The Odyssey is about what it means to come home, and why that journey is never simple.”
The podcast schedule includes several new episodes. The first, What Happens in The Odyssey?, is a live 50-minute explainer mapping Odysseus’ route and the challenges he faces.
On 13 July, The Real History Behind The Odyssey features interviews with Professor Edith Hall and Mary Beard, analysing the poem’s characters, symbolism, and what it reveals about ancient Greece.
On 20 July, The Mycenaean World sees Dr Eric Cline discuss the Bronze Age setting of The Odyssey and the collapse of its civilisations.
A bonus episode, The Complete Map of The Odyssey, will air on 17 July, with Dan creating a real-time map of Odysseus’ journey.
The Ancients podcast, hosted by Tristan Hughes, will also focus on The Odyssey throughout July. The first episode, airing 12th July, explores the poem’s monsters and gods with Dr Emily Hauser.
Subsequent episodes examine the story’s violent climax and assess Christopher Nolan’s adaptation, asking why Odysseus’ tale has endured for over two millennia.
History Hit’s July programming will provide listeners and viewers with fresh insights into one of the world’s oldest and most influential stories, combining documentary filmmaking with expert-led podcast discussions.
