Podcast
Ancient Warfare Podcast
Hosted by The History Network · EN
Discussions from Ancient Warfare Magazine. Why did early civilisations fight? Who were their Generals? What was life like for the earliest soldiers? Ancient Warfare Magazine will try and answer these questions. Warfare minus two thousand years.
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AW392 - Crossing the Rubicon
Jan 1600:42:59Tap to summarizeOn 10 January 49 BC, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, a decision that would trigger civil war and reshape the Roman world. But what did this moment really mean, and how inevitable was the conflict that followed? In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, the team explore the political and military background to Caesar's fateful decision. We look at the breakdown of relations between Caesar and Pompey, the pressures within the Roman Republic, and why compromise ultimately failed. Was Caesar forced into action, or did he deliberately choose war? The discussion goes beyond the famous phrase and the dramatic image of a single river crossing. We examine the military realities Caesar faced, the loyalties of his legions, Pompey's strategic position, and how contemporaries understood the step Caesar had taken. Finally, we consider how the crossing of the Rubicon has been remembered, mythologised, and misunderstood ever since. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA391 - Bridging the Hellespont
Jan 900:11:26Tap to summarizeListener question from Andrew: While watching a video on the Second Persian Invasion, Andrew wondered why the Greeks didn't attack the Persian engineers as they built the massive pontoon bridge across the Hellespont. How was the bridge constructed and defended, and did the Greeks miss a real chance to destroy it? Murray explains. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AW369 - Battles of the Bronze Age
Aug 8, 202500:30:45Tap to summarize'With the emergence of the first city-states came the first cases of organised warfare and campaigns of conquest, as well as developments in arms and armour.' In this episode, the team discusses issue 103, Battles of the Bronze Age: Unravelling the Origins of Warfare. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA368 - What happened to the Hastati, Principes, and Triarii?
Aug 1, 202500:09:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question from @tadejtomic1943: Why and when did the distinctions between Hastati, Principes, and Triarii disappear from the Roman Republican army? He explores the evolution of Roman military organisation, the reasons behind the shift away from this tripartite structure, and what replaced it as Rome’s army adapted to new challenges. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA367 - How permanent were institutions like dux or comes?
Jul 25, 202500:11:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question inspired by Finis Britanniae: Were Roman military commands permanent structures, or more ad hoc arrangements that changed with the situation? Drawing comparisons to modern military organisation, Murray examines what the ancient sources tell us about how Roman armies were structured and led in times of shifting security demands. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA366 - When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist?
Jul 18, 202500:12:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray tackles a listener question from @tadejtomic1943: When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist? Drawing on historical sources and archaeological evidence, Murray explores how and when the iconic heavily armed infantryman faded from use—and what replaced him in the evolving landscape of ancient warfare. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AW365 - Controversies of Roman Warfare
Jul 11, 202500:32:56Tap to summarizeWe're between issues of Ancient Warfare magazine, so in this episode the team takes the opportunity to discuss some of the major controversies in Roman warfare. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA364 - Victories by missile-based armies
Jul 4, 202500:10:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Murray tackles a thoughtful listener question: were heavy, armoured troops consistently more effective than missile-armed light troops? Our listener reflects that European armies rarely seem to have been decimated by light forces—Carrhae being a rare exception—and wonders whether this is an accurate memory. Why did Persians, for instance, favour missile troops, and why didn’t this overwhelm Macedonian forces despite showers of arrows, slings, and javelins? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA363 - Why do slingers go away?
Jun 27, 202500:10:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Murray takes on a question that's been asked before — but this time, he's invited to share his personal opinion: "OK... so it's been asked before in a general sense and the official answer is... we don't know! But Murray... in your own opinion, what's your best guess as to why slingers go away? Please speculate!" Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →
AWA362 - What can you tell me about the Scythed Chariots at Gaugamela?
Jun 20, 202500:14:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Murray addresses a fascinating and complex listener question concerning the famous scythed chariots used at the Battle of Gaugamela: "Dear Murray, I have a question on the scythed chariots at Gaugamela. I developed and played a wargame scenario on it, and these things have become a true enigma. The problem is the number of chariots, the frontage they could cover in relation to the phalanx, and how agile the phalanx would need to be to let them through harmlessly..." Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Transcribe →