Written by Sophocles and performed between 430 and 426 BCE, *Oedipus Rex* is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around King Oedipus's quest to save Thebes from a plague. The play unfolds as Oedipus searches for the murderer of his predecessor, King Laius, only to discover that he himself is the culprit. This revelation leads to the tragic downfall of Oedipus, who blinds himself after learning of his patricide and incest. The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the tragic flaw of hubris, and it remains a foundational work in Greek drama, influencing countless subsequent playwrights and storytellers[2][3][5].
Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle. The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire. The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture[1][3][5].
Thucydides' "History of the Peloponnesian War" is a seminal work of ancient Greek history, offering a detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta. It's renowned for its meticulous detail, insightful analysis of political strategy, and enduring relevance to the study of international relations. The narrative explores themes of power, ambition, and the human cost of war, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of conflict and diplomacy. Thucydides' focus on human agency and rational decision-making sets his work apart from earlier historical accounts. His work remains a cornerstone of historical and political thought.
Aristophanes' Lysistrata is a classic example of ancient Greek comedy, known for its satirical portrayal of the Peloponnesian War and its exploration of gender roles. The play centers on Lysistrata, a woman who rallies other Athenian women to withhold sexual relations from their husbands as a means of ending the war. Lysistrata's wit, her determination, and her unconventional approach to conflict resolution make her a memorable and powerful character. The play's humor is often bawdy and irreverent, reflecting the social and political climate of ancient Athens. Lysistrata's enduring popularity stems from its clever satire, its memorable characters, and its exploration of timeless themes of war, peace, and gender dynamics.
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Today we have a unique History Edition of Combat Story focused on Sparta. As you know, I’m fascinated by the experiences of warriors in combat and I’ve always wanted to better understand what the combat experience would have been like for veterans from history like the Spartans, Romans, or Mongols.
On this episode, we’ll interview Professor Barry Strauss, an accomplished scholar, historian, and expert on ancient military history. Barry brings to life a very famous Spartan warrior named Brasidas as we dive into his combat story.
Brasidas led warriors into remarkable battles employing conventional tactics but also leveraging special operations and psychological or hybrid warfare with great success. Barry gives us a front row seat of what it was like to grow up and live in this austere, militaristic, and aggressive society we know as Sparta.
We could not have done this without Barry, who is a Professor of History and Classics at Cornell University, Series Editor of Princeton’s Turning Points in Ancient History, author of eight books, and a military and naval historian and consultant.
Professor Strauss is a recognized authority on the subject of leadership and the lessons that can be learned from the experiences of the greatest political and military leaders of the ancient world (Caesar, Hannibal, Alexander among many others).
He has a new book coming out in March 2022 titled The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium.
I hope you enjoy this unique Combat Story and the dive into the world of Sparta as much as I did.
Find Barry Online: Website Author of The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium, available March 2022 Facebook Twitter @barrystrauss Podcast ANTIQUITAS: Leaders and Legends of the Ancient World Find Ryan Online: Follow on Instagram @combatstory Follow on Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Crew: Guest: Dr. Barry Strauss Host: Ryan Fugit Editor: Owen Fugit Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 1:46 - Interview begins 3:50 - Barry’s background 7:18 - Facts and Fiction about Spartans 9:14 - The Greek and Persian Empire 11:23 - Beliefs and Views of Spartans and Athenians 12:20 - The Peloponnesian War 15:57 - Brasidas, Son of Tellis 18:47 - Life of a Spartan 22:52 - The Hoplites and the Phalanx 34:08 - The Spartan Way of War 35:48 - The Athenian’s First Encounter with Brasidas 39:11 - The Defeat of Brasidas 50:58 - Brasidas’ Greatest Coup 56:30 - Siege Warfare 1:02:09 - Psychological Warfare
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