Episode
Show 57 - Kings of Kings II
4:15:42
Published: Sun Mar 20 2016
Description
From Biblical-era coup conspiracies to the horrific aftermath of ancient combat this second installment of the series on the Kings of Achaemenid Persia goes where only Dan can take it. For better or worse…
Chapters
Part two of a multi-part series on the Achaemenid Persian Empire and its relationship with the Greeks, described by Dan Carlin from his personal perspective, though may not correspond to traditional ways of storytelling.
00:00 - 01:32 (01:32)
Summary
Part two of a multi-part series on the Achaemenid Persian Empire and its relationship with the Greeks, described by Dan Carlin from his personal perspective, though may not correspond to traditional ways of storytelling.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The reign of Cambyses, an ancient ruler, is compared to a game of Clue as the mystery of what happened to him and his possible descent into insanity due to the corrupting nature of absolute power is explored.
01:32 - 11:49 (10:17)
Summary
The reign of Cambyses, an ancient ruler, is compared to a game of Clue as the mystery of what happened to him and his possible descent into insanity due to the corrupting nature of absolute power is explored.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast discusses how modern-day investigation techniques can be used to re-analyze historical events and uncover new information that may challenge what we previously believed.
11:49 - 18:35 (06:45)
Summary
This podcast discusses how modern-day investigation techniques can be used to re-analyze historical events and uncover new information that may challenge what we previously believed.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Persian conquest of Egypt was brutal and involved the execution of parents while their children were sold into slavery or prostitution.
18:35 - 26:45 (08:10)
Summary
The Persian conquest of Egypt was brutal and involved the execution of parents while their children were sold into slavery or prostitution. The Persians even used tactics such as strapping cats to their shields to take advantage of the Egyptians' reverence for them.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Despite his many qualifications for the position, one key aspect eluded Cambyses' grasp- legitimacy.
26:45 - 42:55 (16:10)
Summary
Despite his many qualifications for the position, one key aspect eluded Cambyses' grasp- legitimacy. The official story behind his appointment to the throne is a twisted and conspiratorial tale, featuring a deity and a series of elaborate justifications.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This episode narrates a scene from "The Histories" by Herodotus, which describes wrestling, stabbing, and hesitation of a soon-to-be king during the Persian era.
42:55 - 48:50 (05:54)
Summary
This episode narrates a scene from "The Histories" by Herodotus, which describes wrestling, stabbing, and hesitation of a soon-to-be king during the Persian era. It also delves into the debate over the use of eunuchs in the Persian government at the time.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Mark Van de Maru shares different possibilities and mysteries surrounding the killing of an ancient Persian king named Bardia, including the involvement of Darius and the possibility of a false identity.
48:50 - 55:02 (06:12)
Summary
Historian Mark Van de Maru shares different possibilities and mysteries surrounding the killing of an ancient Persian king named Bardia, including the involvement of Darius and the possibility of a false identity.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Tom Holland delves into the history of the assassins who helped Darius I rise to power and establish the Persian Empire, potentially creating an oligarchy among their descendants.
55:03 - 1:02:45 (07:42)
Summary
Historian Tom Holland delves into the history of the assassins who helped Darius I rise to power and establish the Persian Empire, potentially creating an oligarchy among their descendants.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This episode discusses the origin of the three wise men in the story of Christmas and how their gifts were perceived differently in ancient times.
1:02:45 - 1:11:23 (08:38)
Summary
This episode discusses the origin of the three wise men in the story of Christmas and how their gifts were perceived differently in ancient times.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast discusses Darius the Great's initiatives as a king such as creating a succession plan, carving his own tombstone, and reforming the structure of the empire.
1:11:24 - 1:17:47 (06:23)
Summary
The podcast discusses Darius the Great's initiatives as a king such as creating a succession plan, carving his own tombstone, and reforming the structure of the empire.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode talks about the growth of the Persian Empire from a startup company type growth rate to a steady, healthy growth rate.
1:17:47 - 1:25:21 (07:34)
Summary
This podcast episode talks about the growth of the Persian Empire from a startup company type growth rate to a steady, healthy growth rate. They also discuss how the size of the Persian army changed based on the number of people from different regions that joined it.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The ancient Persian army was known for their bow fire, and historians still debate the effectiveness of Western sword fighting techniques.
1:25:21 - 1:32:36 (07:15)
Summary
The ancient Persian army was known for their bow fire, and historians still debate the effectiveness of Western sword fighting techniques. The choice of weapon systems and tactics used in battles greatly impacted history.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Persian army's cavalry was one of its most feared elements, known for shooting small units with bows from a distance before sending out subunits to attack with javelins and arrows.
1:32:36 - 1:45:43 (13:07)
Summary
The Persian army's cavalry was one of its most feared elements, known for shooting small units with bows from a distance before sending out subunits to attack with javelins and arrows. The cavalry worked in conjunction with the infantry, creating a lethal combined arms approach.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Persian Army sent diplomats with the army to double-check with others to ensure that decisions made were definite, as shown when Darius crossed from Asia to Europe.
1:45:44 - 1:55:14 (09:30)
Summary
The Persian Army sent diplomats with the army to double-check with others to ensure that decisions made were definite, as shown when Darius crossed from Asia to Europe. Similarities can be drawn to American tribal people, who also band together into confederations and have shared qualities, such as seen in riots with police and Roman-like shields.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In this excerpt, the podcast host discusses the threat posed by the Persian army against cities dependent on grain shipments, and how a man named Aristagoras was sent back to Greece to make a pitch to the mainland leaders.
1:55:15 - 2:04:55 (09:40)
Summary
In this excerpt, the podcast host discusses the threat posed by the Persian army against cities dependent on grain shipments, and how a man named Aristagoras was sent back to Greece to make a pitch to the mainland leaders.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Herodotus blamed democracy for the Athenians' decision to give into a sleazy salesman's proposal, while one Spartan king could see the flaw in it from the beginning.
2:04:56 - 2:12:50 (07:54)
Summary
Herodotus blamed democracy for the Athenians' decision to give into a sleazy salesman's proposal, while one Spartan king could see the flaw in it from the beginning.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The power of public opinion is discussed in relation to how it can stir passions and lead to actions that may not be in one's best interest, similar to campaigns such as Remember the Maine.
2:12:50 - 2:22:26 (09:36)
Summary
The power of public opinion is discussed in relation to how it can stir passions and lead to actions that may not be in one's best interest, similar to campaigns such as Remember the Maine. The podcast touches upon the rise of democracy and the first major attempt at the experiment that is democracy, only 10 or 20 years old at this point.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historians argue that Persian control gave Macedonia stability and state building climate that allowed them to evolve into a strong centralized state.
2:22:27 - 2:29:25 (06:58)
Summary
Historians argue that Persian control gave Macedonia stability and state building climate that allowed them to evolve into a strong centralized state. However, when the Persian army left, they became lax, allowing the region to eventually be destroyed.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Persian forces have isolated the Athenians and Spartans and are preparing to crush them while relying on their stateless slaves and troops from the farthest reaches of the empire.
2:29:25 - 2:35:58 (06:32)
Summary
The Persian forces have isolated the Athenians and Spartans and are preparing to crush them while relying on their stateless slaves and troops from the farthest reaches of the empire. Meanwhile, some Greek city-states have submitted to Persian demands for earth and water.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Persians attempted to invade Greece and used their gold and promises to exploit the divisions within the Greek cities.
2:35:59 - 2:41:41 (05:42)
Summary
The Persians attempted to invade Greece and used their gold and promises to exploit the divisions within the Greek cities. There is no agreement among historians regarding the numbers of ships and men who were involved in this invasion.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The question of why some people develop unique weapons and soldiery that others cannot imitate is examined by historians using military examples like the ancient Greeks.
2:41:42 - 2:52:43 (11:01)
Summary
The question of why some people develop unique weapons and soldiery that others cannot imitate is examined by historians using military examples like the ancient Greeks.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The toughness of Pittsburgh Steelers is compared to the city-state of rustic farmers, Thebes, known for their brawniness, questioning the transfer power between "tough" and "weak" civilizations.
2:52:44 - 2:58:50 (06:06)
Summary
The toughness of Pittsburgh Steelers is compared to the city-state of rustic farmers, Thebes, known for their brawniness, questioning the transfer power between "tough" and "weak" civilizations. This concept is explored in relation to the reputation and records of ancient city-states in battles.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The use of phalanx formation with hoplite armor has been around since very ancient times, with the gradual introduction of hoplite armor starting in the late eighth century and culminating in the universal adoption of full hoplite panoply in the middle of the seventh century.
2:58:50 - 3:04:34 (05:44)
Summary
The use of phalanx formation with hoplite armor has been around since very ancient times, with the gradual introduction of hoplite armor starting in the late eighth century and culminating in the universal adoption of full hoplite panoply in the middle of the seventh century.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast explores the historical accuracy of the way ancient Greek warfare is commonly depicted in popular culture.
3:04:34 - 3:13:04 (08:29)
Summary
The podcast explores the historical accuracy of the way ancient Greek warfare is commonly depicted in popular culture.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
A closer look at the Battle of Marathon and the tactics used by both the Greeks and Persians.
3:13:04 - 3:19:31 (06:27)
Summary
A closer look at the Battle of Marathon and the tactics used by both the Greeks and Persians.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historians analyze the physical elements and physics of battlefields to understand them better and explain them to modern viewers.
3:19:31 - 3:26:33 (07:02)
Summary
Historians analyze the physical elements and physics of battlefields to understand them better and explain them to modern viewers. In fact, if someone is going to build a Herodotus inspired screenplay, they should ask historian Tom Holland to do it as he can convert historical stories into epic cinema.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The constant pressure on the psyche of soldiers in modern warfare is compared to that of ancient warfare.
3:26:34 - 3:34:26 (07:52)
Summary
The constant pressure on the psyche of soldiers in modern warfare is compared to that of ancient warfare. Long range violence in modern warfare is contrasted with the personal, hand-to-hand combat of ancient warriors.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historians and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman argue that resistance to killing is strongest at close range, and the idea of bayonet fighting is largely a myth.
3:34:28 - 3:40:32 (06:04)
Summary
Historians and Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman argue that resistance to killing is strongest at close range, and the idea of bayonet fighting is largely a myth. Soldiers like the British Gurkhas, who are comfortable with hand-to-hand combat, are considered more intimidating in battle than others.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The harsh reality of ancient warfare was seldomly depicted in historical records, as people might have been trying to forget it.
3:40:32 - 3:52:46 (12:14)
Summary
The harsh reality of ancient warfare was seldomly depicted in historical records, as people might have been trying to forget it. Soldiers fighting alongside their loved ones and watching them get speared in the face was a common occurrence.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Lawrence Trittle suggests that neuroscience is now becoming involved to show that the responses of modern day soldiers to their combat experiences have a sort of universal soldier aspect to it, making it look more and more like the responses of ancient soldiers who may have killed people in hand to hand combat is timeless.
3:52:46 - 4:02:30 (09:44)
Summary
Historian Lawrence Trittle suggests that neuroscience is now becoming involved to show that the responses of modern day soldiers to their combat experiences have a sort of universal soldier aspect to it, making it look more and more like the responses of ancient soldiers who may have killed people in hand to hand combat is timeless.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The absence of mention of the cavalry in Herodotus' records of Greek warfare has caused confusion and raised questions about the tactics used, leaving room for historians to explore potential explanations for Greek victories.
4:02:30 - 4:12:33 (10:03)
Summary
The absence of mention of the cavalry in Herodotus' records of Greek warfare has caused confusion and raised questions about the tactics used, leaving room for historians to explore potential explanations for Greek victories.
EpisodeShow 57 - Kings of Kings II
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast explores the intertwined destiny of the Persian Empire and the Greek people, characterized by a tumultuous relationship that could be compared to a man and a woman who can't stay away from each other.
4:12:33 - 4:15:25 (02:52)
Summary
This podcast explores the intertwined destiny of the Persian Empire and the Greek people, characterized by a tumultuous relationship that could be compared to a man and a woman who can't stay away from each other.