
Anthology Of Heroes History
Inspiring stories of extraordinary figures who defied the odds and altered the course of history.
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Jun 4, 2024 • 55min
The Battle of Manzikert 1071 | Part Two: Alp Arslan and The Seljuk Onslaught
In this episode we'll explore the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the crises within the Byzantine Empire leading up to the pivotal Battle of Manzikert in 1071.We delve into the transformation of the Seljuk Turks from a steppe horde into a powerful empire under the leadership of Alp Arslan. His strategic brilliance and conquests have cemented his status as an Islamic hero today. As the Seljuk Empire expands its influence, their ambitions bring them into direct conflict with the Byzantine Empire, setting the stage for a major clash of civilizations.We trace the escalating situation within Byzantium, marked by political instability and military challenges. Amidst this turmoil emerges Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, a soldier-emperor whose rise to power is fraught with internal strife and external threats. Romanos IV’s reign is defined by his efforts to restore the empire’s strength and counter the Seljuk advance.Join us as we explore the rise of the Seljuks under Alp Arslan and the Byzantine struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert, a battle that would alter the course of the Byzantine Empire and the region forever.
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Sources and Attributions on our website.
CHAPTERS:00:00:00-Introduction00:02:13-Origins of The Seljuks00:09:58-Tughril I & Chaghri Beg's exodus00:21:13- Rise of Alp Arslan00:27:27-Byzantium unravels00:38:44-Fall of Ani aftermath00:42:29-Romanos IV takes the throne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 2024 • 51min
The Battle of Manzikert 1071 | Part One: Wolves At The Door
“Our Empire is withering!” - Empress EudokiaToday, we'll explore the events leading up to the 1071 Battle of Manzikert through the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX.During Constantine IX's reign, the Byzantine Empire faces threats from all sides. We meet the Seljuk Turks, whose ambitions and determination set the stage for future conquest.Constantine IX struggles to maintain control amidst internal court intrigue and the frequent raids of the Pechenegs, a powerful nomadic tribe. Adding to his challenges is the Great Schism of 1054, a monumental religious split that weakens the unity of Christendom.The Normans, having established territories in Southern Italy, also become a threat, further straining Byzantine resources. Through Constantine IX's reign, the empire is stretched to its limits as it navigates alliances and conflicts.The Battle of Manzikert is a turning point in history. It marks the beginning of the Byzantine Empire's decline and opens the door for Turkish dominance in Anatolia. This battle changes the course of history, reshaping the balance of power in the region.Join us as we delve into the complexities and enduring legacies of these historical events, painting a vivid picture of the Roman Empire's struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert. This is the story of a battle that changed history forever.
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
CHAPTERS:00:00:00-Introduction00:05:45-Constantine IX’s rise to the throne00:15:59-The legacy of Basil II00:19:20-Where did the Normans come from?00:24:52-Seljuks at the border00:30:02-Leo Tornikios’ rebellion 00:40:27-The Great Schism of 105400:44:06-Summary of Constantine IX’s rule: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 2024 • 19min
Guest Episode: General Sherman's March to the Sea (History Daily)
Bonus episode from the podcast 'History Daily'.November 15, 1864. During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman begins his devastating March to the Sea.History Daily can be found on all podcasting platforms, with more information on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 2024 • 35min
Akhenaten The Heretic Pharaoh | Part 2: Wrath Of The Aten
"The Gods had turned their backs on this land" - Tutankhamun's Restoration EdictIn part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King.As Akhenaten's religious reforms shake the very foundations of his kingdom, the Pharaoh lashes out at his citizens, closing temples and destroying statues of traditional Gods.Isolated and alone, Akhenaten's actions become increasingly bizarre as he embarks on an incestuous relationship with two of his daughters and ostracizes his allies.We explore Akhenaten's downfall, the role Nefertiti played, and the mysteries surrounding Smenkhkare, his successor.Finally, we follow the footsteps of Tutankhamun as he scrubs his father's reforms from history and erases any record of his rule.Join us as we unravel the tensions, complexities, and enduring legacy of history's first "individual," whose personality oozes through the dusty passages of time.
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Sources and Attributions on our website.
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Apr 15, 2024 • 46min
Akhenaten The Heretic Pharaoh | Part 1: Like Father, Like Son
"The Pharaoh's sinister smile seemed to whisper love me… but fear me.."Embark on a journey into ancient Egypt's shadows with our latest episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic life of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh whose legacy was damned by his own people.We uncover the intriguing tale of Akhenaten's formative years, shaped under the towering influence of his illustrious father, Amenhotep III.With the help of The Amarna Letters, we'll untangle the mysteries surrounding Akhenaten's bizarre physical traits and his shocking depiction in royal imagery, foreshadowing the turbulence of his later rule.As the young Pharaoh's arrogance grows, we witness Akhenaten's defiance against the powerful priesthood of Amun and his audacious vision to revolutionize ancient Egypt.Finally, we follow The Pharoah in his bold quest to establish a new capital city devoted to the sun god Aten, setting the stage for a monumental upheaval in the ancient world.Tune in to unravel the dark story of the heretic pharaoh, offering insights into one of history's most fascinating and controversial figures.CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Introduction to Akhenaten
00:05:17-Finding the Amarna Letters
00:13:50-Background on the 18th Dynasty
00:20:49-Amenhotep III and The Aten
00:26:30-Amenhotep’s new portrayals
00:30:45-Akhenaten becomes Pharaoh
00:36:35-Akhenaten’s obsession with The Aten
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
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Feb 27, 2024 • 48min
Zoroastrianism: Ancient Persia's Lost Religion (with Professor Almut Hintze)
In this episode, Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the ancient and mysterious religion of Zoroastrianism.For over two millennia, it was one of the world's most practiced religions until the arrival of Islam in the seventh century led to its rapid decline. Today, just 120,000 adherents remain worldwide.Come with us as we dive into Zoroastrianism:
Exploring Avestan, the 'Language of God' still used in prayers today, despite its meaning being long forgotten.
Discover the ritual complexity of The Yasna and the lighting of 16 Sacred Flames, each kindled from a different source.
We also follow the sad history of modern Zoroastrians, a shrinking minority in their homeland of Iran.
Professor Hintze's dedication to preserving and cataloguing ancient rituals and their meanings is a testament to her commitment to preserving this fascinating piece of human history.Join us as we discuss the history, rituals and language of one of the worlds oldest religions
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
Professor Hintze's brief introduction to Zoroastrianism
A recording of the full, transcribed Yasna ritual
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Feb 12, 2024 • 24min
Guest Episode: The Rise of Llywelyn the Great (Welsh History Podcast)
Bonus episode from the podcast 'Welsh History Podcast' sharing the story of influential Welsh figure: Llywelyn the GreatHe is young, angry and looking for revenge.
Welsh History Podcast is a proud member of the Evergreen Podcast Network.
You can support the podcast at patreon.com/WelshHistory
Celtic Impulse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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Jan 23, 2024 • 53min
Hitler's 1941 Invasion of Russia | Part 5: Christmas In The Cauldron
"Capitulation is impossible! The 6th Army will do its historic duty." - Adolf Hitler.In the conclusion of our series, we unravel the final months of the Battle of Stalingrad, exploring the consequences of Adolf Hitler's decision to forbid the the Sixth Army to retreat.We witness the long-awaited breakthrough for The Red Army, as Joseph Stalin and Georgy Zhukov launch Operation Uranus.We delve into the emotional impact on German soldiers confronting their mortality. Through their personal letters, we glimpse into their thoughts and feelings about Nazi leadership and Adolf Hitler.After the dust settles, we examine the aftermath of the Battle of Stalingrad and its enduring legacy in Russian history.Tune in for an exploration of this pivotal moment, where the human toll and historical significance intertwine in a tale of sacrifice, resilience, and grit.NOTE: When discussing The Nuremberg trials, I make an error when I refer to Joseph Goebbels who was no longer alive. This should instead be Hermann Göring. Thanks to Albert, Antonik and others for pointing this out.⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡CHAPTERS:
00:00-Introduction and Recap
01:58-Episode start
07:27-Fortress Stalingrad begins
16:49-Christmas in Stalingrad
21:05-Last chance at surrender with Winrich Behr
31:36-Paulus loses hope
40:56-Fate of the main characters
45:57-Red Army finds last letters from Stalingrad
📓SOURCES:
Barbarossa Through Soviet Eyes: The First Twenty-Four Hours by Artem Drabkin, Alexei Isaev, Christopher Summerville
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
Russia at War, 1941–1945: A History by Alexander Werth
Blood red snow by by Günter K. Koschorrek
Through the Maelstrom: A Red Army Soldier's War on the Eastern Front by Boris Gorbachevsky
The forgotten soldiers by Guy Sajer
Until the Eyes Shut: Memories of a machine gunner on the Eastern Front by Andreas Hartinger
Stalin: Triumph and Tragedy by Dmitri Volkogonov
Marshall of Victory: Memoirs of Giorgy Zhukov
Blitzed: Drugs In The Third Reich by Norman Ohler
The Diary of Wehrmacht Soldier William Hoffman
Various accounts: IREMEMBER.RU
German Propaganda Archive: Joseph Goebbels: 1933-1945 (calvin.edu)
Barbarossa : the Russian-German conflict, 1941-45 by Alan Clarke
Kiev 1941: Hitler's Battle for Supremacy in the East by David Stahel
Reminiscences and Reflections. Volume 1 by Georgii Konstantinovich Zhukov
The Third Reich at War by Richard J. Evans
Moscow Strikes Back - 1942 USSR Propaganda Film
Molotovs Radio Broadcast:
Transcript: https://www.marxists.org/history/ussr/great-patriotic-war/pdf/22-06-1941-molotov-radiospeech.pdf
Audio: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1000646
🎉PATRONS
Tom G 👑
Angus S👑
Seth M👑
Claudia K👑
Phil B
Lisa K
Malcolm G
Alex G
Caleb I
Alan R
Jim G
Luke G
Tom
✍🏻ATTRIBUTIONS
All images are public domain unless stated otherwise.
Paid Artlist.io license for 'Anthology Of Heroes Podcast' utilised for numerous sounds/music
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 2024 • 55min
Hitler's 1941 Invasion of Russia | Part 4: Fortress Stalingrad
"In the blazing city, we do not suffer cowards..." - Vasily Chuikov.This episode marks the penultimate episode of our series tracing Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's 1941 invasion of the USSR.Join us as we follow Marshal Friedrich Paulus and the Wehrmacht 6th Army to their fateful end at Stalingrad. Through poignant handwritten letters, we'll delve into how frontline soldiers grappled with their mortality and the erosion of their faith in Nazi propaganda.Throughout the episode, we explore the ingenious and brutal strategies employed by Marshall Vasily Chuikov to maintain order amidst the chaos.In the desperate streets of Stalingrad, Rattenkrieg, or 'war of the rats,' emerged as a brutal form of close-quarters urban combat, marked by intense, chaotic skirmishes within the sprawling ruins of the city.As the tide turns against the Wehrmacht, we witness the Nazi High Command's struggle against Adolf Hitler's insistence on a symbolic last stand.The Battle of Stalingrad, often deemed the deadliest in history, holds a profound place in Russian pride today. Tune in to learn why.⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡CHAPTERS:
00:00-Introduction
03:37-Main Characters Recap
06:30-Episode Start
12:18-Chuikov's Innovations
21:09-Wermacht on brink of victory
29:48-Luftwaffe Bombing Run
35:24-Red Army heroism
40:30-Wermacht dug in for winter
49:38-Operation Uranus begins
📓SOURCES:
Barbarossa Through Soviet Eyes: The First Twenty-Four Hours by Artem Drabkin, Alexei Isaev, Christopher Summerville
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
Russia at War, 1941–1945: A History by Alexander Werth
Blood red snow by by Günter K. Koschorrek
Through the Maelstrom: A Red Army Soldier's War on the Eastern Front by Boris Gorbachevsky
The forgotten soldiers by Guy Sajer
Until the Eyes Shut: Memories of a machine gunner on the Eastern Front by Andreas Hartinger
Stalin: Triumph and Tragedy by Dmitri Volkogonov
Marshall of Victory: Memoirs of Giorgy Zhukov
Blitzed: Drugs In The Third Reich by Norman Ohler
The Diary of Wehrmacht Soldier William Hoffman
Various accounts: IREMEMBER.RU
German Propaganda Archive: Joseph Goebbels: 1933-1945 (calvin.edu)
Barbarossa : the Russian-German conflict, 1941-45 by Alan Clarke
Kiev 1941: Hitler's Battle for Supremacy in the East by David Stahel
Reminiscences and Reflections. Volume 1 by Georgii Konstantinovich Zhukov
The Third Reich at War by Richard J. Evans
Moscow Strikes Back - 1942 USSR Propaganda Film
Molotovs Radio Broadcast:
Transcript: https://www.marxists.org/history/ussr/great-patriotic-war/pdf/22-06-1941-molotov-radiospeech.pdf
Audio: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1000646
🎉PATRONS
Tom G 👑
Angus S👑
Seth M👑
Claudia K👑
Phil B
Lisa K
Malcolm G
Alex G
Caleb I
Alan R
Jim G
Luke G
Tom
✍🏻ATTRIBUTIONS
All images are public domain unless stated otherwise.
Paid Artlist.io license for 'Anthology Of Heroes Podcast' utilised for numerous sounds/music
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 26, 2023 • 55min
Hitler's 1941 Invasion of Russia | Part 3: The Motherland Calls!
"It is time to finish retreating. Not one step back!" - Joseph Stalin.In part three of our series on Operation Barbarossa:The Wehrmacht, desperately needing fuel after Operation Barbarossa, surprises everyone by heading south to the Caucasus, targeting rich oil fields in modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Stalin's Red Army, still recovering from 1941, scrambles as move to bolster the southern front.As Hitler tightens his grip on power, dismissing commanders and taking direct control, a staff officer named Friedrich Paulus is thrust into the spotlight. While on the Russian side, General Vasily Chuikov is tasked with holding the line.This episode unveils Operation Case Blue, Operation Brunswick, Stalin's Order 227, and the rising complexities on the battlefield. As America enters the war, Hitler's desperation grows, and victory slips through his fingers. The Fuhrer sits in his stagnant bunker, shifting red flags around a map moving toward Stalingrad...CORRECTION: Rommel was known as "The desert fox" not "The Desert Rat".⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, see our sources used for this episode on our website and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices