Shows / Ancient Warfare Podcast
Ancient Warfare Podcast
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.
Episodes
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA312 - What do we really know about massed ancient archery?
Jan asks what do we really know about ancient massed archery? How was it conducted? We may envision Hollywood-style showers of arrows raining down accurately…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA311 - Pet Peeves and Music
Euchale writes that he has recently watched a video by Farya Faraji on just how inaccurate a lot of modern "interpretations" of ancient music is. One of his…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA310 - A first ancient wargame
College library director Darren is sponsoring a wargame involving a student tabletop game club (D&D, etc.) and a student history club. Darren writes to ask…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW309 - Finis Britanniae: A Military History of Late Roman Britain and the Saxon Conquest
In conversation with Ancient Warfare regular Marc DeSantis, Murray tells us about his new book Finis Britanniae: A Military History of Late Roman Britain and…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA308 - The Kingdom of Soissons
Dave Latham asked about the Kingdom of Soissons, and after a particularly deep rabbit hole, Murray has emerged to give you his musings. Join us on Patron…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA307 - Imitation Legionaries
Mark asks, 'did any of the friendly client states (i.e. Thrace, Cappadocia, Mauretania etc) try to copy Roman legions in terms of equipment, organisation…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA306 - Did the Romans have an organised Medical Corps?
Thanks to Andy for sending this one in. 'I'm listening to SJA Turney's Marius' Mules. Over the first three books, he frequently references the medical support…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA305 - What was the difference between bronze and iron?
In a second question from his postcard, Gus asks, what was the difference between bronze and iron weapons and armour in terms of availability, hardness, temper…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW304 - Invasion of the Celts
'After two decades of war, Alexander's successors had found a delicate balance. When Ptolemy's wayward son managed to destabilize matters, the Celts grabbed…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA303 - Who were the Thureophoroi?
In a new Ancient Warfare Answers postcard, Gus asks Thureophoroi - what were they? (light troops/peltast replacements)and where did they originate? Join us on…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA302 - Why are there less writings on Roman imperial wars?
Aaron asks "On your comment about written battle accounts, were Empire era writings less common, lost to time, or were the generals less educated than Republic…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW301 - Rams
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine podcast, Murray and Jasper are joined by Stephen DeCasien to discuss rams on ships. Stephen is a PhD candidate…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA300 - What really happened at the battle of Marathon?
To celebrate the 300th episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast and Ancient Warfare Answers, Murray answers a curly one, what really happened at the battle of…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA299 - Who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire?
'A question for Murray, who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire? I am presuming if it were a…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA298 - How were ancient negotiations organised?
Sara wonders how negotiations between different armies were practically arranged. For example, with Caesar in Gaul, several times he had some type of meetings…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA297 - Was Mons Graupius a great victory?
Murray answers this question set in by Tim. 'I'm wondering why historians generally accept that Mons Graupius was indeed a great victory for Agricola. My…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA296 - The Praetorian Guard
Nathan wonders how the Praetorian Guard was structured. Was it used in traditional combat or taken on campaigns? While not directly related to ancient warfare…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW295 - The Challenges of Campaigning
'The time has come to take the fight to the enemy. How do you prepare? Can you rely on your guides, your allies, and your subordinates? Have you secured enough…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA294 - What really happened at the battle of Pydna?
Gregorio Gariglio asks, "could you please tell me what really happened at the Battle of Pydna and are the casualty rates that the sources give to us correct?"…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA293 - Who were Rome's most remembered enemies?
Blake asks "Love your podcast, my question is about Ancient Roman Enemies and the most well remembered. My question is why do we talk about say Spartacus…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA292 - Who were the Hypaspists?
Matthew Tilley asks "who/what were hypastpists? I always hear very vague descriptions, or none at all." Murray gives his thoughts. Join us on Patron…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA291 - Who is Muray's favourite general?
Murray answers three separate but closely related questions this week – from Floody77 – "Hi Murray, I was wondering who you're favourite ancient general was…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW290 - A Biography of Thermopylae
'Since the dawn of the Classical Era up to World War II, thousands have lost their lives fighting over the pass at Thermopylae.' Jasper and Murray are joined…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA289 - Losing well
Patron Simon's second question asks 'Were there notions of "losing well" or instances of exemplary defeat in ancient warfare?' Join us on Patron…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA288 - Taking Position on the Right
Patron Simon (via postcard) asks 'It's often said that Greek armies put their best soldiers on the right. Given that predictability is exploitable, how and why…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW287 - The Marcomannic Wars
'Shortly after Marcus Aurelius came to power in AD 161, the Roman Empire was racked by a series of military crises. While unrest in Britain and a new war with…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA286 - Low Casualty figures
Murray answers a question from a 12-year-old fan from Italy, Greg - How many casualties were there really at Magnesia? The Roman sources say 53,000 for the…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA285 - Where are the Light Armed Troops?
Responding to several comments on recent podcasts which have looked at heavy infantry, especially the Macedonian phalanx, Murray looks at the issue of light…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA284 - Comparing the Byzantine conquest of Vandal North Africa with the Punic Wars
Mark wants to hear Murray's thoughts on comparing the Roman wars against the Vandals vs the Punic Wars. Mark writes, 'both the Roman-Vandal and Roman-Carthage…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA283 - Why did the Macedonian phalanx struggle against the Greek mercenary hoplites at Issus?
Murray answers this question from Jsoth, 'during the battle of Issus, it's my understanding that the Macedonian phalanx struggled and even lost ground against…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW282 - Alexander Attacks Persia
'King at just 20, Alexander of Macedon spent two years securing his northern borders and Greece. In 334 he crossed the Hellespont to begin the campaign his…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA281 - What are you hoping to see when the scrolls from Herculaneum are scanned?
John asks 'What are your thoughts on the news that we are starting to be able to read some of the carbonised scrolls from Herculaneum. What do you think will…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA280 - When guides betray
Murray is asked, 'I am reading about Spanish Conquistadors. Since they were unfamiliar with the land, they would capture local tribe members and force them to…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA279 - Roman interactions with Dacia
Negrisan George writes, 'I Read about how the Dacians imposed high tribute on the Romans in the first century AD. I'm not an expert, but I think the Dacians…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW278 - Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster
Murray talks with regular AW contributor Jo Ball about her new book from Pen & Sword on the career of Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster of…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA277 - AWA Got a Postcard!
We got a Postcard! From Euchale in Heidelberg. Euchale asks two questions: "1. Have you ever played Age of Mythology. If so, how doyou like the depiction and…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA276 - Should Marcus Aurelius have chosen a different successor?
"Why does Marcus Aurelius never take the blame for appointing his son his heir rather than the most qualified, like 3 of the 4 emperors before him? Maybe he…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA275 - Crassus at Carrhae
JSoth asks "Out of curiosity, if Crassus knew Caeser, then during Carrhae, why not build a heavily fortified camp the night after the first day as Caeser may…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW274 - The Julio-Claudian legion
Augustus' reign started with a thorny problem. He was now the proud 'owner' of 50-odd legions, and no rivals to his power. For now. His solution was a system…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA273 - The stagnation of the phalanx
Manos sent this in for Murray to chew over. 'Having heard and read so much about Phillip & Alexander's training of the Macedonian phalanx as to becoming…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA272 - Targeting battlefield leaders
Patron of the podcast, Mathew, sent this question in. Are there accounts of artillery specifically targeting leaders, for example, a Legatus or centurion? Or…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA271 - Soldiers fighting for usurpers
Chris poses this question for Murray. 'More Roman soldiers were killed in the civil wars against other Roman soldiers than any other adversary. Why was it so…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA270 - The battle of the Hydaspes
In this episode of the podcast, Murray answers two questions, both on the battle of the Hydaspes. The first was sent in by @gregoriogariglio7750. How many…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW269 - The impact of weather on conflict
We are between issues of the magazine for this episode of the podcast. After casting around for ideas, Mark suggested the topic for Friday night's chat: the…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA268 - Why do Probus and Aurelian get no love and Diocletian does?
Murray ponders how little information we have on Aurelian, Probus etc. but Diocletian is well documented in the histories Augusta. Thanks to @Evocletian for…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA267 - Alexander Wept
Daniel writes, 'Plutarch mentions a letter to Alexander from Anaxarchus in his Moralia. It was stated that there were 'worlds innumerable' and that Alexander…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA266 - Which account of the battle of the Milvian Bridge is the most convincing?
Jsoth, wonders what account of the battle of Milvain Bridge does Murray find most convincing, and what supporting evidence is of the battle? Join us on Patron…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW265 - Thutmose III at war
'A general for his stepmother Hatshepsut from a young age, Thutmose III conducted dozens of campaigns into the ancient Near East and Nubia, leaving extensive…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA264 - What do we know about ancient fire signalling?
After recently rereading Thucydides, GC asks, "Fire-signals of an attack were also raised towards Thebes; but the Plataeans in the town at once displayed a…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA263 - How did Murray become such a generalist?
In this week's Any Warfare Answers, Murray answers this question sent in by Jamie. 'The rest of the guys on the podcast all have their areas of expertise and…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA262 - How did the ancients hire mercenaries?
Kyle asks, 'What was the mechanism that Carthage (or really any ancient power) used to recruit mercenaries? Were there people whose job it was to travel Gaul…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW261 - An Audience with Murray Dahm
Something slightly different for this episode of the Ancient Warfare podcast. Regular of the podcast Marc De Santis talks to Murray about his work, focusing on…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA260 - Did the ancients use volley fire?
In this episode, Murray muses on a question sent in by Nathan asking if, in the ancient world, there was some sort of volley fire such as we see in the 19th…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA259 - Ancient Assassins
Andy has been listening to rival podcasts as points out that 'the term assassin does not turn up until after the crusades. My understanding is there were…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA258 - Did Alexander introduce Pankration to India?
Curt asks Murray, 'did Alexander The Great's army introduce Pankration to India? If so could Pankration have contributed to the future expansion of martial…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW257 - What should the magazine explore?
Jasper, the editor of Ancient Warfare Magazine, asked on social media what themes readers felt the magazine had not covered but should or themes it should…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA256 - Did any armies use field artillery against the Macedonian phalanx?
Jacob wonders, 'if field artillery was ever used against a Macedonian-style phalanx? If not, why not? The close formation and immobility of the phalanx would…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA255 - Did the Ancients use verbal insults on weapons?
Carlos asks, 'in the current war in Ukraine, we've seen Ukrainian soldiers write insulting messages and trolling ones on artillery shells before firing them at…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAWA254 - How did Rome's Italian allies fight?
Wyton asks, 'During the republic, what were the Romans Italian allies armed with, and how did they fight? As legionaries or some other method?' Join us on…
Ancient Warfare PodcastAW253 - The Late Roman East
'Even before the empire split into two separate halves, the Augusti in the East had to contend with devastating Gothic raids and near-constant wars with the…