Podcast Episodes

Henry V, the Greatest Medieval King: Interview with Dan Jones

Season 5 Episode 95

Henry V of England was the archetypal medieval king, a warrior par excellence whose example inspired English kings for centuries to come, the victor at Agincourt and conqueror of much of France. Tide…

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago

Issus, Gaugamela, and Alexander's Conquest of Persia

Season 5 Episode 94

It took Alexander just three years to effectively conquer the Persian Empire. Two decisive battles - Issus and Gaugamela - proved his supremacy over the Persian king Darius III, and the two-century r…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

The Fascinating History of Gladiators: Interview with Alexander Mariotti

Season 5 Episode 93

Gladiators are one of the most enduring symbols of the Roman world, but what do we really know about them? Gladiator historian Alexander Mariotti joins me to discuss the logic behind gladiatorial gam…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

Alexander the Great Invades Persia

Season 5 Episode 92

Alexander wasn't yet "The Great" when he invaded the westernmost provinces of the Persian Empire in 334 BC, but he quickly showed that he was a serious threat to the old and still-powerful state rule…

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

The Assassination of Philip and the Rise of Alexander the Great

Season 5 Episode 91

Philip of Macedonia was a towering figure, and if he had been succeeded by anyone other than Alexander the Great, he would be far better known today. But in 336 BC, at the peak of his powers, Philip …

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago

Elite Networks, Mafia Families, and the Rise of Rome: Interview with Professor Nicola Terrenato

Season 5 Episode 90

When we think of the rise of Rome, our usual image is one of conquest: Roman armies marching out year after year to subdue their adversaries. But Professor Nicola Terrenato has an alternative way of …

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Philip the One-Eye and the Macedonian Conquest of Greece

Season 5 Episode 89

We all know the name of Alexander the Great, but his father Philip the One-Eye was no less important a historical figure. In just 20 years, he turned Macedonia into the preeminent power in the Greek …

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Philip the One-Eye and the Rise of Macedonia

Season 5 Episode 88

For most of the history of ancient Greece, Macedonia was a backwater: a semi-barbarian kingdom on the fringes of the Greek world, only tangentially involved in the dealings of the sophisticated city-…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Italy Before Rome: Interview with Dr. Kathryn Lomas

Season 5 Episode 87

What was Italy like during the period of Rome's rise to power? Dr. Kathryn Lomas, author of The Rise of Rome: From the Iron Age to the Punic Wars, joins me to discuss the fascinating history of Italy…

Published on 1 year, 4 months ago

Summer Mailbag! Patrick Answers Your Questions

Season 5 Episode 86

It's time for another mailbag! Patrick answers questions about the Axial Age, the best places to see Iron Age archaeology, and how to be a discerning consumer of history.

Patrick's book is now availab…

Published on 1 year, 5 months ago