Echoes of History

When Portuguese merchants ran aground on the Japanese isle of Tanegashima in 1543 two worlds collided - Europeans had encountered Japan for the first time. For the next 50 years Portuguese-sponsored missionaries flooded into this newly discovered land aiming to exploit it for western benefit. But in the fiery cauldron of Sengoku Japan, Portuguese missionaries were but one player in the most bloody and brutal of political games.

...

In the 16th century, Japan was embroiled in what is known as Sengoku jidai - ‘The Warring States’ period. It was a time of bloody battles, social upheaval and is known as the most violent in Japan’s history. 

But how, and when, did 150 years of bitter warfare and division come to an end? How did unification change the face of Japanese society?

In the second episode of this series delving into the history behind the lates...

Dating from 1467-1603, the Sengoku or ‘Warring States’ period is known as the bloodiest in Japan’s history; an era of continuous social upheaval and civil war which transformed the country. Shogun-led authority was shattered and 150 years of murder and betrayal followed as fearsome warlords ruled local territories with unflinching ruthlessness. 

In the first episode of this series delving into the history behind the la...

Introducing a new chapter of Echoes of History, the podcast that explores the incredible real-life stories and events that inspire the locations, characters, and storylines of the legendary Assassin’s Creed.

Join your host, historian Matt Lewis, and regular contributor Holly Nielsen, as they guide you into the worlds of Assassin’s Creed, talking to historical experts to uncover the secrets of the past before stepping ‘into the A...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones".

Bermuda was at the crossroads between Europe and the New World, but it was also a haven for pirates. A child of the archipelago, Nathaniel North was lulled by the legendary tales of Thomas Tew’s exploits in the Indian Ocean. That's all it took to inspire him to embrace a life of crime. After escaping from the authorities several times, he saile...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones".

Who said all pirates were cruel and bloodthirsty? Definitely not Edward England. For this buccaneer who had been in the English Navy, piracy was a dream of freedom and wealth. Nothing obliged him to torture, kill, or decapitate opposing crews. An unconventional stance that didn't win England many friends. Within his own crew, the captain soon d...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones.

There are opportunistic pirates and those who have piracy in their blood. Mathurin Desmaretz belonged to the second category of sea scum. A simple buccaneer in his youth, he longed for freedom at sea. But life was not so simple. Forced to enlist several times, he looked at the horizon with envy. When he finally had the opportunity to become a pi...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones.

Is it possible to be a military man and outlaw at the same time? Well, it's all a matter of perspective. A strategic prodigy of the Maratha Empire in India, Kanhoji Angria was appointed admiral before he turned 30. Unbeatable at sea, he attacked the ships of East India Companies, which enriched Europe at the expense of local populations. Althou...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones".

You're not born a pirate, you become one. This motto shaped the eventful life of William Kidd. The English buccaneer thought he could make a fortune in the gray area between privateers and pirates. But fate had other plans for him. As the captain of a sailing expedition to the Indian Ocean, Kidd suffered a series of misfortunes. Up to his eyeba...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones".

Among pirates, a nickname creates the legend. A fearless sea bandit and outstanding fighter, Olivier Levasseur was called La Buse by his peers. The former French privateer had the reputation of swooping down on his prey through violent lightning raids. In reality, it was his carefully planned attacks that helped him seize the greatest treasure ...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones".

As the son of a Royal Navy officer, Henry Every was destined to a lifetime of serving the British crown. On the decks of military ships, life was as miserable as the pay. After years of hardship, Every grew weary and led a band of mutineers to take control of the ship. The event marked the beginning of his legendary pirate’s career that took hi...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones".

At the end of the 17th century, pirates scoured the warm seas of the Caribbean. When this corner of the world became too small for these restless bandits, one man looked towards the East... Thomas Tew, a former privateer, was one of the first pirates to set sail for the Indian Ocean. Lured by gold, spices, and precious stones transported in the...

The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". Inspired by this adventure where players write their own destinies as sea bandits, the podcast "Gangsters of the Seas" dives into the sordid history of the Indian Ocean's most terrible pirates.

Hosted by: Michelle Rodriguez

Written by: Gaspard Wallut

Historical advisor: Philippe Hrodej

Produced by: Morgan Jaffe, Axelle Gobert, Clément Lesaffre

Pro...

Slavery in medieval Baghdad was complex, and though slaves had some social mobility, the Zanj people had been mistreated and were hungry for a rebellion. Ali ibn Muhammad was the driving force for this revolution, and led the Zanj and their disenfranchised allies through 15 years of war. Can ibn Muhammad and his rebels overthrow the Abbasids? Is this the beginning of the end?

An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso Medi...

As the chaos of Samarra spreads to Baghdad, the Caliph al Ma'mun leaves the old capital in the hands of the trusted Tahrid family. Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tahir is appointed Governor of Baghdad and the city thrives, but when the fleeing al-Musta’in takes refuge in Baghdad, ibn Abdallah ibn Tahir must survive the military advances of al-Mu’tazz and find a path of survival for Baghdad.

An original Ubisoft series, produced by Par...

In a time of anarchy and political upheaval, the established militant force in Samarra now has unprecedented power over the Caliph. In this episode Ali and Deana discuss the life of al-Mu’tazz, son of al-Mutawakkil and heir to the throne. From being the favorite child of his father, to being placed under house-arrest by his newly elected cousin, patience is a virtue for this figure of Baghdad. When he does inherit the Caliphate, wh...

The murder of al-Mutawakkil marked a drastic change in the politics of Baghdad and Samarra. In the emerging anarchy of the region, al-Qabiha was an enchanting and ruthless political force. She would use her power to put an end to the anarchy and secure her son’s position as Caliph, but will it last?

An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso Media.

Written by: Ali A Olomi

Hosted by: Ali A Olomi, Deana Hassanein

Mixing and edi...

In the newly established political capital of Samarra, the Caliph is separated from Baghdad by 60 miles and a wall of soldiers. After becoming the leader of this centralized city, al-Mutawakkil adopts a reign of opulence, and has quite an axe to grind. Will he be able to survive the politics of the new elite guard? 

An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso Media.

Written by: Ali A Olomi

Hosted by: Ali A Olomi, Deana H...

In a time bound by rigid social and class divides, knowledge and the pursuit thereof often bridged the gap between lowly beginnings and a prolific career. For historic author Al-Jahiz, that meant encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of topics from science to politics, and theories on evolution that preceded Darwin by almost a thousand years.

An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso Media.

Written by: Ali A Olomi

Hos...