Best Echo Syndicate Podcasts (2025)

1
How Victorian London Was Brought To Life In Assassin's Creed Syndicate 52:37

3d ago52:37

52:37

For 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 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 develo…

1
The Origins of Scotland Yard 41:43

12d ago41:43

41:43

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…

1
Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition 43:16

19d ago43:16

43:16

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 Cr…

1
The Age of Invention: The Beginning of the Modern World? 55:58

26d ago55:58

55:58

Assassin's Creed Syndicate incorporates technology into its gameplay and story more than any other game in the series. Its setting in Victorian London represents the culmination of a remarkable period of British history known as the Age of Invention. Or does it? Did the Age really end, and are we still living in it? To help Matt Lewis get to grips …

1
The Heart of the Sikh Empire: Amritsar Summer Palace: 37:23

1M ago37:23

37:23

Assassin's Creed Chronicles India begins in the glorious Amritsar Summer Palace, and allows players to climb, jump and fight over its rooftops against the spectacular backdrop of the capital of the Sikh Empire. The Palace was the brainchild of Ranjit Singh. To help conjure the experience of visiting the Summer Palace, and to understand its wider si…

1
The Anglo-Sikh Wars 54:16

1M ago54:16

54:16

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India puts players in the heart of the Sikh Empire in 1841, at a time when only the Sikh Empire remained unconquered by the British. Perhaps inevitably, this decade witnessed the bloody Anglo-Sikh Wars. These conflicts would ultimately determine the fate of British power in India, and by extension, the power of Britain …

1
OVERRIDE: The AI Files - Where Artificial Intelligence Evolves, Humanity Fights Back 9:34

1M ago9:34

9:34

In a landscape saturated with tech-focused content, "The AI Files" emerges as something entirely different – a gripping audio thriller that blurs the line between science fiction and our increasingly AI-dependent reality. Enter the Shadows of AI Surveillance The debut episode introduces listeners to a world just around the corner from our own, wher…

1
Ranjit Singh: India’s Sikh Warrior King 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

Of the many empires that have risen and fallen throughout history, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India draws our attention to one of the mightiest and most short-lived: the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. One man is considered essential to the Empire's formation and success: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a self-taught, one-eyed warrior who commanded…

1
Samurai & Shinobi: Assassin's Creed Shadows Review 33:34

2M ago33:34

33:34

5. Assassin's Creed Shadows Review Assassin's Creed Shadows is now available to play! Matt Lewis had advanced access to the new game and stepped into the shoes of a samurai and shinobi in medieval Japan, armed with the knowledge he's gained about Japan's legendary warriors from this special series. He's joined by historian and video game narrative …

1
Azuchi Castle: The Ultimate Fortress 46:19

2M ago46:19

46:19

Assassin's Creed Shadows gives us the chance to explore the places where history occurred. One such place is recreated in remarkable detail: Azuchi Castle. Built by Oda Nobunaga as his ultimate stronghold, not only was its site of huge strategic significance, but it revolutionised Japanese castle-building and lent its name to a new era of Japanese …

1
How Did Samurai And Shinobi Fight Battles In Medieval Japan? 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

Chasing Shadows 4. Warfare Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, w…

1
Lady Nene: Female Samurai? 32:42

2M ago32:42

32:42

Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces us to some of Japan's mightiest historical leaders. Yet, "beside every great man is an ever greater woman". One of the women behind the great unifiers of this era was Lady Nene. Wife of Toyotomi HIdeyoshi, one of the highest-ranking men in Sengoku Japan, she arguably wielded as much political sway as her husband……

1
Swords And Throwing Stars: What Weapons Did Samurai and Shinobi Use? 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

Chasing Shadows 3. Weapons Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, w…

1
Samurai vs Guns: The Battle of Nagashino 56:41

2M ago56:41

56:41

Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to a formative period in Japanese history - the Sengoku era, when warlords vied for control of Japan, and new technology changed samurai warfare forever: the introduction of matchlock guns. Nate Ledbetter joins Matt Lewis to recount the events of the celebrated Battle of Nagashino - and to present a new p…

1
Samurai or Shinobi: Who Really Ruled Medieval Japan? 30:26

2M ago30:26

30:26

Chasing Shadows 2. Politics Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, …

1
Mount Hiei: Home of Japan's Warrior Monks 37:40

3M ago37:40

37:40

Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to visit the imperial capital of medieval Japan. But today, we're heading to a mountain lying just northeast of the capital: Mount Hiei, a sacred site that was protected by a powerful army of warrior monks. Dr Chris Harding, Senior Lecturer in Asian History from the University of Edinburgh, returns …

1
What Was Life Like As A Samurai And Shinobi In Medieval Japan? 36:34

3M ago36:34

36:34

Chasing Shadows 1. Culture Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, w…

1
Hattori Hanzo: The Demon Samurai 41:32

3M ago41:32

41:32

In the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the legendary Hattori Hanzo embodies both samurai and shinobi warriors, and earned himself the nicknam "The Demon". How did Hanzo reach such legendary status? And what does his story tell us about the loyalties of samurai and shinobi in Sengoku Japan? Joining Matt Lewis to answer these questions and more ar…

1
The Reign of Terror: Not Just The Guillotine 54:02

3M ago54:02

54:02

Assassin’s Creed Unity puts players right into the Parisian streets where the bloody events of the Reign of Terror occurred, and gives us the chance to see the gruesome guillotine up close. But were public executions all there was to the Terror? How did such a notorious period come about? And what lessons can we learn from it today? To answer these…

1
Maximilien Robespierre: A Moral Terror 49:54

3M ago49:54

49:54

Assassin’s Creed Unity allows us to confront one of the most controversial men in history: Maximillien Robespierre. What made him such a successful leader, yet so despised by his followers? To get a better understanding of the man behind so much death, Matt Lewis speaks to Dr Ruth Scurr from the University of Cambridge, author of Fatal Purity: Robe…

1
Notre Dame: Surviving the Fire of History 46:33

3M ago46:33

46:33

Notre Dame is arguably the world’s most famous cathedral and has watched over the Parisian skyline since its construction in the Middle Ages. But we are lucky that it remains standing at all. Dr Emma Wells joins Matt Lewis to reveal how Notre Dame acquired this symbolic status. How was it built? And how did the French Revolution nearly destroy it? …

1
Suleiman the Magnificent 1:01:28

4M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Assassin’s Creed Revelations lets us meet a young Suleiman before he became Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and long before he became “the Magnificent”. Matt Lewis is joined by Prof. Giancarlo Cassale to explain how Suleiman earned his epithet, and how the game’s presentation of him compares to reality. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought…

1
Topkapi Palace: The Heart of the Ottoman Empire 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

Associate Professor Nilay Özlü from Istanbul Technical University joins Matt Lewis to help him understand the Ottoman's most significant mark on the landscape of Istanbul, that players can freely explore in Assassin's Creed Revelations: Topkapi Palace. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis Edit…

1
Hagia Sophia: Where Worlds Collide 42:31

4M ago42:31

42:31

The Hagia Sophia is a landmark that has stood for 1500 years, and that players can clamber all over in Assassin’s Creed Revelations. It is remarkable not only for its longevity, but also for its blending of multiple cultures: their art, architecture, languages and faiths. To unpack this complex history, Matt Lewis is joined by Emily Neumeier, Assis…

1
The Fall of Constantinople 45:05

4M ago45:05

45:05

Assassin's Creed Revelations transports us to Constantinople, only a couple of generations after its conquest by the Ottoman Empire. It is one of history’s defining events, turning the city into the bridge between Christian West and Islamic East. Dr Gemma Masson gives Matt Lewis an overview of the events of the conquest and the impact it had on bot…

1
Vikings in Medieval Baghdad 41:11

5M ago41:11

41:11

In the ninth century, the Vikings earned a fearsome reputation along the coasts of western Europe. But they also travelled eastwards and reached Constantinople, the Caspian Sea and even Baghdad, the bustling heart of the mighty Islamic Abbasid Empire. Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. Cat Jarman to explore why Viking raiders traded the frozen hinterlands…

1
The Mongol Invasions of Ming China 45:27

5M ago45:27

45:27

In Assassin's Creed Chronicles China, players foil a plot by Altan Khan to invade Ming China with his Mongol army. But who was Altan Khan, and how successful were the Mongols in crossing the Great Wall of China? To answer these questions and more, Matt Lewis is joined by Nic Morton, Associate Professor at Nottingham Trent University and author of T…

1
The Eight Tigers: Imperial Eunuchs 47:24

5M ago47:24

47:24

The infamous eunuchs of the Ming imperial court are the primary villains of Assassin’s Creed Chronicles China. The Eight Tigers were a real threat to the power of the Ming dynasty, but were they as villainous as their reputation suggests? Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Che Huang to help him learn more about the Eight Tigers, and imperial eunuchs in gen…

1
The Great Wall of China 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

The Great Wall of China is both older and newer than you might think, with mysteries and controversies buried in its foundations. To help shed a light on the complex history of this iconic monument, Matt Lewis is joined by historian and travel guide Dr Jeremiah Jenne, co-host of the podcast Barbarians at the Gate. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft pod…

1
The Pazzi Conspiracy 47:36

6M ago47:36

47:36

At its height in the 15th century, Florence was ruled by the renowned Medici family renowned for their banking nous and towering intellect - the Medici. But in 1478, a conspiracy was concocted, supported by Pope Sixtus IV, that aimed to extinguish the Medici line. Matt Lewis asks Professor Catherine Fletcher to tell the story of how the Pazzi Consp…

1
The Duomo of Florence 37:13

6M ago37:13

37:13

The Renaissance was an age of sweeping transformation in politics, literature, science, art and architecture. Perhaps nothing better represents the latter achievements than il Duomo di Firenze - the Cathedral of Florence, the city where the epic Ezio trilogy of Assassin’s Creed - and the Renaissance - began. The story of the Duomo is both more comp…

1
The Borgias: History's Most Villainous Family 48:21

6M ago48:21

48:21

The Borgias are a lynchpin in the history of the Italian Renaissance. Their tale of intrigue, corruption and cut-throat ambition still inspires storytellers, and they appear as primary villains in Assassin's Creed II. But is their reputation deserved? To reveal how much history has underserved the Borgias, Matt Lewis talks to Associate Professor Je…

1
How The Vikings Shaped Ireland and Britain 46:21

6M ago46:21

46:21

The Viking Age saw the creation of new towns and new kingdoms in Britain and Ireland. What impact did Norse settlers have on politics, culture and the economy? Professor Fiona Edmonds joins Matt Lewis to reveal the ways in which Vikings shaped medieval Ireland and Britain. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hoste…

1
Samhain: The First Halloween 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

Halloween is a tradition that only grows in popularity each year. Yet its origins are mysterious, shrouded by myth and misconception. Some of its roots trace back to the Gaelic festival of Samhain. In this episode, Matt Lewis and Dr Kelly Fitzgerald explore the traditions and significance of Samhain to the people who celebrated it, and its connecti…

1
The High King Of Ireland 46:11

7M ago46:11

46:11

Viking Age Ireland was divided into many rival kingdoms. However, some men could rise to become High King of Ireland. Men like Flann Sinna. How did he become High King? Did he wield real power over the other kingdoms? When did the High Kingship come to an end? Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Máire Ní Mhaonaigh to explain the significance of the H…

1
Marie Antoinette: The Cake-Loving Queen 44:21

7M ago44:21

44:21

Today, we’ll study someone who was both a cause and a victim of the French Revolution: the cake-promoting queen, Marie Antoinette. In Assassin’s Creed Unity, we glimpse Marie Antoinette living the high-life while the poor people of Paris starve. By walking the streets of Paris, we also get an idea of the public perception of her as a detached, and …

1
The Storming Of The Bastille 49:29

7M ago49:29

49:29

The Storming of the Bastille is one of the key events of the French Revolution and is known throughout the world. But it is fair to say that the name is better known than the event itself. Was it more than just a prison break? Why was it so important to the revolutionaries? And what did this event contribute to the democratic and social changes tha…

1
Napoleon: The Dictator Of Democracy 41:58

7M ago41:58

41:58

Napoleon Bonaparte is a household name; a rare example of someone who is as well remembered by his supporters as by his enemies. His life is rich with dramatic irony. He was a key figure in the creation of the First French Republic, yet became a self-appointed Emperor. Surrounded by enemies, he secured peace in France through war abroad and was hat…

1
George Washington: The Man Who Could Be King 58:52

8M ago58:52

58:52

George Washington is perhaps the most consequential leader in the USA’s short history. Having demonstrated his leadership credentials as commander-in-chief during the American Revolutionary War, he then set a precedent for all subsequent US presidents to follow by refusing the opportunity to seize power. Yet he also craved to be part of the British…

1
Lexington & Concord: History's Unlikeliest Battlefields 43:04

8M ago43:04

43:04

The shot heard ‘round the world; the start of the American Revolution. An event that would have profound consequences for world history, especially western democracy. Who’d have thought that something of such magnitude would begin in a small settlement with as many cows as people living in it? Don Wildman hops across the Atlantic from American Hist…

1
The Declaration of Independence: History’s Most Influential Document? 42:20

8M ago42:20

42:20

Assassin’s Creed III offers players a glimpse into the room where it happened - the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But was the Declaration more than just a document? Who wrote it? And what were the immediate and lasting impacts of making such a Declaration? To answer these questions and more, Matt Lewis is joined by Prof Frank Cogliano…

1
The Alexandrian War: Caesar's Mistake 42:26

8M ago42:26

42:26

In 47 BCE, Julius Caesar arrived in Egypt as a victorious general, ready to make an easy alliance with the Pharaoh. Instead, he found himself besieged in Egypt’s capital city by the very ruler who wanted to ally with him. Trapped and outnumbered, Caesar’s glory was almost cut short. In this episode, Matt Lewis and Dr Jen Gerrish unravel the messy p…

1
The Sphinx: Egypt's Greatest Mystery 48:40

9M ago48:40

48:40

The Great Sphinx of Giza is the most recognisable statue in the world - and one of the most mysterious. Even its Western name is misleading, since the monument bears little resemblance to the sphinx of ancient Greek mythology. Conflicting stories about who built it and why have circulated since ancient times. These include tales of what lies inside…

1
Ptolemy XIII: The Forgotten Pharaoh 46:17

9M ago46:17

46:17

Antony and Cleopatra. Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. These are household names thanks to Shakespeare’s plays, big budget TV shows and films, and histories written about them since antiquity. But Ptolemy XIII is an afterthought, if anyone bothers to think about him at all. Today Matt Lewis and Prof. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones shed light on a ruler w…

1
The Parthenon: Humble Temple Or Power Play? 55:26

9M ago55:26

55:26

An enduring symbol of ancient Greek artistry and architecture. Arguably the most recognisable monument they left behind. The Parthenon. Built atop the Acropolis in Athens during the 5th century BCE, its construction was completed just before the start of the Peloponnesian War. Today, its ruined marble pillars are printed on postcards the world over…

1
The Ancient Olympics: Games Of The Gods 50:49

9M ago50:49

50:49

A tradition that endured millennia. The ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC and took place every four years until at least 396 AD. It was a major religious and sporting festival, attended by over 40,000 spectators who flocked to watch athletes compete in sports like wrestling, chariot racing and athletics. Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Nigel Spivey …

1
Hippocrates: The Father Of Medicine 41:41

10M ago41:41

41:41

Around 460 BCE, a man was born in Ancient Greece who would change medicine forever. He invented a new scientific approach to medicine that recognised disease as a natural phenomenon, rather than the will of the gods. Or at least, that's what we're told. Matt Lewis joins Prof. Helen King, author of Hippocrates Now and Immaculate Forms, to reveal wha…

1
The Crown's Greatest Jewel: The Koh-i-Noor Diamond 31:37

10M ago31:37

31:37

The literal jewel in the British crown, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has a history as rich as its caratage. Queen Victoria received it from the last maharaja of the Sikh Empire, and it has become a symbol of British colonialism ever since - even in the eyes of the Empress of India herself. In this episode, thanks to a glitch in the Animus, Dan Snow steps…

1
The Industrial Revolution: The Birth Of Modern London 54:37

10M ago54:37

54:37

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century, giving birth to an era that has changed world history. The period was characterised by rapid economic, social and technological growth. Marked by innovation and inventions like the steam engine, spinning jenny and telephone, industrialisation also saw a rise in urbanisation, the f…

1
How The Metropolitan Police Shaped London 41:31

10M ago41:31

41:31

Scotland Yard: the home of London's Metropolitan Police Force. In this episode, Matt Lewis and Dr Jonah Miller put a magnifying lens to the history of both Scotland Yard as a place and on the policemen and detectives that worked within it. What went on inside? Why did it come to be known as Scotland Yard? And how significant a role did it play in s…

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