Episode
Show 58 - Kings of Kings III
5:00:30
Published: Sun Aug 07 2016
Description
If this were a movie, the events and cameos would be too numerous and star-studded to mention. It includes Xerxes, Spartans, Immortals, Alexander the Great, scythed chariots, and several of the greatest battles in history.
Chapters
In this podcast, the host continues discussing the Achaemenid Persian Empire, focusing on their epic battles with the Greeks and Macedonians, which could have merited more attention than given in this 4 part series, due to his tendency of underestimating the scope of subjects.
00:00 - 02:20 (02:20)
Summary
In this podcast, the host continues discussing the Achaemenid Persian Empire, focusing on their epic battles with the Greeks and Macedonians, which could have merited more attention than given in this 4 part series, due to his tendency of underestimating the scope of subjects.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Achaemenid Persian Empire saw many kings with absolute power, some of whom abused their power, but others were the prototype of a good absolute monarch.
02:20 - 10:43 (08:23)
Summary
The Achaemenid Persian Empire saw many kings with absolute power, some of whom abused their power, but others were the prototype of a good absolute monarch. This empire's legacy was maintained by occasional great leadership.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The punishment for collective rebellion in ancient empires was often severe, including the execution of nobles' children and the selling of girls into slavery.
10:43 - 16:55 (06:11)
Summary
The punishment for collective rebellion in ancient empires was often severe, including the execution of nobles' children and the selling of girls into slavery.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The importance of succession planning in ancient kingdoms is illustrated by the riots that erupted in places like Alexandria when the general public felt ignored.
16:55 - 24:07 (07:12)
Summary
The importance of succession planning in ancient kingdoms is illustrated by the riots that erupted in places like Alexandria when the general public felt ignored. Darius, who became the king of Persia after the ruler's death, ensured that the right successor was chosen, an important task in ensuring stability in any kingdom or empire.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast delves into the life and reputation of Xerxes, the son of Darius the Great and ruler of the Persian Empire.
24:07 - 34:08 (10:01)
Summary
This podcast delves into the life and reputation of Xerxes, the son of Darius the Great and ruler of the Persian Empire. It explores the stereotype of Xerxes as a womanizer and his role in the creation of the Persian Empire, as well as highlighting significant portrayals of women in the story.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode discusses the rule of Xerxes and how it was viewed by historians, including the different accounts of his succession to the throne and his reputation among the Persian kings.
34:08 - 41:41 (07:32)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the rule of Xerxes and how it was viewed by historians, including the different accounts of his succession to the throne and his reputation among the Persian kings.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Persian ruler Xerxes led a full invasion of Greece, marked by a canal dug for three to four years ahead of time.
41:41 - 48:08 (06:27)
Summary
Persian ruler Xerxes led a full invasion of Greece, marked by a canal dug for three to four years ahead of time. Historians debate whether it was a response to Greek rebellion or Greek propaganda.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Xerxes builds bridges across the water using boats to punish the water, while more Greeks fight on the side of the King of Persia.
48:08 - 56:51 (08:43)
Summary
Xerxes builds bridges across the water using boats to punish the water, while more Greeks fight on the side of the King of Persia. Archaeologist Warwick Ball analyzes this event from a Persian point of view.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Xerxes's army consisted of allegedly more than 5 million people and his fleet had over 1000 ships, with historians debating whether the fleet supplied the army while it marched or accompanied it as a battle fleet.
56:51 - 1:03:38 (06:47)
Summary
Xerxes's army consisted of allegedly more than 5 million people and his fleet had over 1000 ships, with historians debating whether the fleet supplied the army while it marched or accompanied it as a battle fleet. Some accounts claim the army used cauldrons with air holes to channel the god's fumes for strength.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The way we understand the story of the Battle of Thermopylae might not be entirely accurate due to the biased lens of the ancient Greek historian, Herodotus.
1:03:38 - 1:14:16 (10:38)
Summary
The way we understand the story of the Battle of Thermopylae might not be entirely accurate due to the biased lens of the ancient Greek historian, Herodotus.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This transcript delves further into the historical accuracy of the blockbuster film, 300, exploring the true history of the battle of Thermopylae and the strategies employed by both the Greeks and the Persians.
1:14:17 - 1:21:33 (07:15)
Summary
This transcript delves further into the historical accuracy of the blockbuster film, 300, exploring the true history of the battle of Thermopylae and the strategies employed by both the Greeks and the Persians.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Battle of Salamis as told in Herodotus version involves Han Solo like character and ants swarming over the position of defenders.
1:21:33 - 1:32:51 (11:18)
Summary
The Battle of Salamis as told in Herodotus version involves Han Solo like character and ants swarming over the position of defenders. Post Second World War, this story was cast in Second World War analogy with cities like Thebes on the Persian side and cities providing troops to the army.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The battle on water in ancient times didn't only involve ships, but also the marine soldiers on board who would fight a land battle on the ships.
1:32:51 - 1:41:06 (08:15)
Summary
The battle on water in ancient times didn't only involve ships, but also the marine soldiers on board who would fight a land battle on the ships. The narrow waters, hundreds of ships, and soldiers' battle on board were often the cause of high-intensity naval warfare in ancient times.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode discusses the misconceptions and truths about the Battle of Plataea, where a small number of Greeks defeated the Persian army.
1:41:06 - 1:47:44 (06:38)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the misconceptions and truths about the Battle of Plataea, where a small number of Greeks defeated the Persian army.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The period during which the Greeks transitioned from the old style of fighting to the new phalanx style is discussed, particularly the Persian War where the Greeks had no cavalry at all and their intensive fighting methods were still being developed.
1:47:44 - 1:54:29 (06:44)
Summary
The period during which the Greeks transitioned from the old style of fighting to the new phalanx style is discussed, particularly the Persian War where the Greeks had no cavalry at all and their intensive fighting methods were still being developed.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Continuing the retelling of the Battle of Plataea, Dan discusses the challenges that the Greeks face with their militia troops who are divided as city-states and how their formation gets broken up by Persian cavalry.
1:54:31 - 2:02:49 (08:18)
Summary
Continuing the retelling of the Battle of Plataea, Dan discusses the challenges that the Greeks face with their militia troops who are divided as city-states and how their formation gets broken up by Persian cavalry.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
During the Persian-Greek face-off, the Spartans held religious sacrifices near the battle line to prepare themselves for combat, while also indicating to the Athenians that they would come to their aid if necessary.
2:02:49 - 2:11:54 (09:05)
Summary
During the Persian-Greek face-off, the Spartans held religious sacrifices near the battle line to prepare themselves for combat, while also indicating to the Athenians that they would come to their aid if necessary.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The effectiveness of weapons such as archery fire were tested through mathematical calculations, test studies, and penetration surveys by historians such as Richard Gabriel.
2:11:54 - 2:19:39 (07:45)
Summary
The effectiveness of weapons such as archery fire were tested through mathematical calculations, test studies, and penetration surveys by historians such as Richard Gabriel. The example of Persians using wicker shields to defend against run up attacks and the importance of proper equipment in combat were discussed.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Learn about the military tactics of the Spartans in the Battle of Thermopylae and how they were able to hold off the Persian army despite being outnumbered.
2:19:39 - 2:24:53 (05:13)
Summary
Learn about the military tactics of the Spartans in the Battle of Thermopylae and how they were able to hold off the Persian army despite being outnumbered.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Learn about the Battle of Plataea and the challenges historians face in accurately determining casualties.
2:24:53 - 2:31:38 (06:44)
Summary
Learn about the Battle of Plataea and the challenges historians face in accurately determining casualties.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Sometimes minor cultural differences can have a major impact on military strategy, even when soldiers have the same training and equipment.
2:31:38 - 2:39:36 (07:58)
Summary
Sometimes minor cultural differences can have a major impact on military strategy, even when soldiers have the same training and equipment. This emphasizes the importance of cultural toughness and the dangers of ethnocentrism in military decision-making.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast discusses how the traditional portrayal of Persian victories can be challenged through different viewpoints and can change with time.
2:39:36 - 2:47:02 (07:25)
Summary
This podcast discusses how the traditional portrayal of Persian victories can be challenged through different viewpoints and can change with time. It also raises the possibility of whether adding a small territory to an empire is worth sacrificing the freedom of a group of people.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Theseus writes a story about the events that led up to the Persians taking over Egypt, which happened because the king of Persia heard that Egyptian women were the best at having sex in the world.
2:47:02 - 2:52:15 (05:13)
Summary
Theseus writes a story about the events that led up to the Persians taking over Egypt, which happened because the king of Persia heard that Egyptian women were the best at having sex in the world. His history of Persia was completed at a time when the Greeks were fascinated by Persia and seems, on one level, to cater to a contemporary Greek interest in Persian wealth and opulence, powerful Persian women, the institution of the harem, kings and queens, eunuchs and secret plots.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The way ancient historical figures are portrayed in stories and media can reveal a lot about the people living during those times and their values towards toughness and resilience.
2:52:15 - 2:59:09 (06:54)
Summary
The way ancient historical figures are portrayed in stories and media can reveal a lot about the people living during those times and their values towards toughness and resilience. This can be seen in how Greek sources remember Xerxes, who is often depicted as a broken man after his defeat in Greece.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The idea that civilizations decline due to people indulging in richer food and focusing on trivial pursuits such as sauces instead of weapons, is ridiculous.
2:59:09 - 3:07:43 (08:34)
Summary
The idea that civilizations decline due to people indulging in richer food and focusing on trivial pursuits such as sauces instead of weapons, is ridiculous. Accurate historical accounts are crucial in understanding the decline of civilizations, as official versions may be distorted over time.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Lloyd Llewellyn Jones defends the historical significance of harem intrigues in the fall of Persia's Kings, but warns against generalizing their impact on the rise and fall of civilizations.
3:07:43 - 3:15:29 (07:46)
Summary
Historian Lloyd Llewellyn Jones defends the historical significance of harem intrigues in the fall of Persia's Kings, but warns against generalizing their impact on the rise and fall of civilizations.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The conspirators try to manipulate one of Xerxes' sons into killing his brother, but the plan backfires and the son kills the conspirators instead.
3:15:30 - 3:22:15 (06:45)
Summary
The conspirators try to manipulate one of Xerxes' sons into killing his brother, but the plan backfires and the son kills the conspirators instead. Additionally, Persia buys the Spartans a new fleet during the Peloponnesian War.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Xenophon and his troops camp near giant ghost cities which are bigger than anything Greece would have had at the time, but no one knows who built them.
3:22:15 - 3:33:44 (11:29)
Summary
Xenophon and his troops camp near giant ghost cities which are bigger than anything Greece would have had at the time, but no one knows who built them. The Thebans military leaders are interested in maximizing the depth of their troops while city-states have professional units but their army still comprises of farmers and artisans.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast explores the life and legacy of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, including his military conquests, political maneuvering, and tumultuous personal life.
3:33:44 - 3:40:20 (06:36)
Summary
The podcast explores the life and legacy of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, including his military conquests, political maneuvering, and tumultuous personal life.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Exploring the power struggles between Darius III and Alexander the Great, with reference to the murder of Philip II of Macedon and the involvement of Bagois.
3:40:20 - 3:46:35 (06:15)
Summary
Exploring the power struggles between Darius III and Alexander the Great, with reference to the murder of Philip II of Macedon and the involvement of Bagois.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The life of Alexander the Great, the son of King Philip II of Macedon, and his impressive mother, the Molossian witch, who was known for her love for snakes and Dionysus, is discussed.
3:46:35 - 3:52:10 (05:35)
Summary
The life of Alexander the Great, the son of King Philip II of Macedon, and his impressive mother, the Molossian witch, who was known for her love for snakes and Dionysus, is discussed. Alexander's father set the historical table for him, making him the greatest man in European geopolitical history, while his mother added an intriguing element to the family's legacy.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Alexander had to prove to the people that he was capable of using the army like his father could.
3:52:10 - 4:02:13 (10:03)
Summary
Alexander had to prove to the people that he was capable of using the army like his father could. He became the first person to have both the intention and resources to take over Persia while the dirty, grimy, daily battles characterized his campaign.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The tactics of cavalry have changed over the past 150 years, with counterparts now being more equally matched, unlike in the Greek wars 150 years prior where Persians and Macedonians faced off unequally.
4:02:14 - 4:11:55 (09:41)
Summary
The tactics of cavalry have changed over the past 150 years, with counterparts now being more equally matched, unlike in the Greek wars 150 years prior where Persians and Macedonians faced off unequally.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Pierre Briand notes that the people in a part of the Persian Empire in Turkey had not seen a royal army in 150 years since Xerxes' time, which highlights the rarity of seeing a royal army.
4:11:55 - 4:18:59 (07:04)
Summary
Historian Pierre Briand notes that the people in a part of the Persian Empire in Turkey had not seen a royal army in 150 years since Xerxes' time, which highlights the rarity of seeing a royal army. The Persian empire treated their army like subcontractors, which means that their core royal army was something they could bring to a mustering spot, and then fight the Persian army.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Battle of Gaugamela was a pivotal moment in history, where Alexander the Great claimed victory over the Persians despite being outnumbered.
4:19:00 - 4:28:34 (09:33)
Summary
The Battle of Gaugamela was a pivotal moment in history, where Alexander the Great claimed victory over the Persians despite being outnumbered. The battle took place on a small strip of land behind a stream, with both sides having to deploy and maneuver their troops before engaging in combat.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast delves into the climactic battle between ancient Assyria and Alexander the Great's Macedonian army, with the former attempting to protect the ancient world.
4:28:34 - 4:36:26 (07:52)
Summary
The podcast delves into the climactic battle between ancient Assyria and Alexander the Great's Macedonian army, with the former attempting to protect the ancient world. The podcast also discusses the propaganda surrounding the battle.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode discusses the strategies and tactics used by Alexander the Great during his battles, including the use of cavalry, infantry, and chariots, as well as the encounter with Indian elephants and the challenges faced while fighting the Persian army.
4:36:27 - 4:42:34 (06:07)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the strategies and tactics used by Alexander the Great during his battles, including the use of cavalry, infantry, and chariots, as well as the encounter with Indian elephants and the challenges faced while fighting the Persian army.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In the center of the battle is the king of Persia, Darius III, commanding an army despite the events of two years ago.
4:42:34 - 4:50:14 (07:40)
Summary
In the center of the battle is the king of Persia, Darius III, commanding an army despite the events of two years ago. Alexander and his Macedonians fought through the guard surrounding him to take out the vulnerable spot and claim victory in the battle.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Alexander increasingly adopted Persian customs and burned down the royal palace of the great city of Persepolis.
4:50:15 - 5:00:18 (10:03)
Summary
Alexander increasingly adopted Persian customs and burned down the royal palace of the great city of Persepolis. Despite this conquest, Parmenio fought off huge numbers of enemies on the left flank of Alexander's battle.
EpisodeShow 58 - Kings of Kings III
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Squarespace provides an all-in-one platform for creating professional and customizable websites in an era of overwhelming choices.
5:00:18 - 5:02:47 (02:29)
Summary
Squarespace provides an all-in-one platform for creating professional and customizable websites in an era of overwhelming choices. The platform offers well-designed templates for your website, portfolio, or online store, along with a free store subscription.