Bringing ancient stories to life - Tristan

From an early age, I was captivated by the myths and histories of ancient Greece and Rome, a fascination that stemmed from school and playing video games. So my choice to study Ancient History at university was not a surprise. Choosing the University of Edinburgh was driven by both academic and personal aspirations. The university's robust programme in Ancient History, blending archaeology with history, promised an in-depth exploration of my interests. Visiting the university at an Open Day revealed engaging staff and promising facilities that seemed tailor-made for my interest. Edinburgh's vibrant city life and the opportunity to engage in curling, a newfound interest spurred by the Winter Olympics, added to its appeal. And I also wanted to study somewhere further away from home.  

My time at Edinburgh wasn't just an academic pursuit; it was a transformative journey. The flexibility of choosing courses allowed me to focus my attention on ancient history, gradually shaping my career direction. My year abroad in Australia was a cornerstone experience—far from home, immersed in a highly regarded classics department, my vision to pursue a career centred on history was reinforced. 

Post-graduation, my career path led me to History Hit, a media start-up that aligned perfectly with my vision of making ancient history accessible and engaging to a broader audience. Starting as an intern and progressing through various roles, I developed skills in documentary production, podcast creation, and social media — all while continuing to grow as a historian. Crafting compelling narratives and arguments, a skill learned at Edinburgh, proved invaluable in my roles, particularly in curating content that resonates with a diverse audience. 

“The skills I learned in my degree are very transferable – the ability to put forward to your point of view, with confidence and eloquence but also with knowledge in the subject – when trying to convince others in the room of your point of view.” 

Today, I host ‘The Ancients’ ancient history podcast and support the development of history podcasts that reach millions worldwide, exploring topics as varied as the Dead Sea Scrolls and early Japanese civilizations. The work is a blend of research, storytelling, and digital analytics, making the most of my background in history to select engaging topics that captivate our audience. This role has taken me around the world, from the ruins of Pompeii to the sands of Saudi Arabia, filming documentaries and sharing the vibrant tales of the past. 

Reflecting on my time at Edinburgh, the blend of rigorous academic training and extensive extracurricular opportunities was key to my personal and professional growth. I advise current students to embrace the breadth of experiences offered, from societies and sports to study abroad opportunities. Engaging deeply with your discipline while also stepping outside your comfort zone can provide clarity and direction for your future career. 

“The big thing for me was largely kind of getting out of my shell, being more confident in who I was as a person.” 

The University of Edinburgh not only equipped me with the academic foundation to excel in a specialised field but also instilled confidence in me to explore and innovate within the area of history communication. From a curious student with a fascination for ancient tales to a professional sharing those stories with the world, my journey showcased the value of studying humanities — fostering a nuanced understanding of the past and the ability to effectively communicate its relevance in the modern world.