

409: Dan Carlin & NEW STORY—A Perfect Hostage
Oct 15, 2024
Dan Carlin, the insightful host of "Hardcore History," joins to dissect a riveting new mystery involving a wealthy hostage and a cunning pirate. They dive into the life and legacy of Julius Caesar, connecting historical ambition to modern societal issues. The conversation reflects on the evolution of podcasting, the decline of persuasive speech today, and the intricate dance of power politics in ancient Rome. Carlin brings humorous anecdotes while addressing the serious impacts of warfare on soldiers, blending history with contemporary relevance.
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Caesar's Capture
- Julius Caesar, captured by pirates, demanded higher ransom, promising to return with a navy.
- He kept his promise, crucified them, and began his rise to power.
Contextualizing Caesar
- Caesar's time was the end stage of the Roman Republic's decline, making his actions difficult to judge.
- Understanding his era requires examining the preceding generations and the republic's long-term issues.
Caesar's Account
- Accounts of Caesar's capture rely heavily on his own writings, raising questions about their accuracy.
- This highlights the challenge of verifying historical information, especially from self-promoting figures.