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Dan Snow's History Hit

Why Do Humans Wage War?

Feb 28, 2025
In a riveting discussion, military historian Richard Overy, author of 'Why War?', dives into the complex reasons behind humanity's enduring tendency to engage in warfare. He traces the origins of organized violence back to prehistoric times, revealing how resource acquisition and societal factors have fueled conflicts throughout history. Overy highlights modern resource wars and their implications, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions like those in Eastern Ukraine. The conversation also addresses the psychological motivations of leaders and the persistent nature of war across time.
34:21

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Human propensity for war may stem from a combination of biological predisposition and societal structures influencing conflict dynamics.
  • The pursuit of power and resource control has historically driven leaders to instigate wars, often leading to devastating consequences.

Deep dives

The First Recorded Battle

The battle of Megiddo, fought around 1457 BC, marks a significant moment in human history as the first conflict for which we have a reliable account. Led by Pharaoh Tuthmosis III, the Egyptians faced a rebellious force at Megiddo that ultimately led to an Egyptian siege lasting eight months. This conflict exemplifies not only military strategy but also the dynamics of warfare, including the looting that occurred post-victory, allowing the enemy to fortify its position. The outcome of Megiddo not only confirmed Egyptian dominance but also left a lasting historical imprint, symbolically linking it to the apocalyptic notion of Armageddon.

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