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Tides of History

Latest episodes

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Jan 23, 2025 • 38min

King Pyrrhus of Epirus and a New Age of Mediterranean Politics

Dive into the tumultuous world of Mediterranean politics, where King Pyrrhus of Epirus emerges as a pivotal figure. Explore the concept of a Pyrrhic victory and its implications for Rome's rise to power. Discover the complex relationships in ancient Italy, particularly with the Samnites, revealing how cooperation transformed rivalries. Uncover the intriguing marital alliances that influenced political dynamics, and learn about the ruthless maneuvers that marked Epirus's rise and fall in the ancient world.
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Jan 16, 2025 • 42min

The Tyrants of Syracuse and the Wars with Carthage

Dive into the fierce battles on the shores of Sicily where a soldier's desperate escape unfolds amidst chaos. Uncover the often-overlooked history of Carthage and its rich culture beyond just being Rome's rival. Learn about the rise of Syracuse as a formidable power under tyrant Dionysius, showcasing the significance of strategic cities and trade routes. Explore the chaotic reign of Dionysius II and how Agathocles seized power, leaving a lasting impact on the Mediterranean landscape.
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7 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 39min

Excavating a Scythian Royal Burial Mound: Interview with Dr. Gino Caspari

Dr. Gino Caspari is an expert archaeologist specializing in Scythian studies and the CEO of GeoInsight. In this conversation, he shares fascinating insights from his latest excavation of a Scythian royal burial mound in Siberia. Topics include the ritualistic horse sacrifices and their implications for understanding state formation. Caspari also discusses the challenges of digging in remote areas and highlights the complexities of burial customs that shed light on societal hierarchies and the significance of horses in Scythian culture.
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5 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 33min

What If: Alexander the Great had Died at the Granicus River?

Imagine if Alexander the Great had died at the Battle of Granicus River. This intriguing speculation dives into the fallout from his hypothetical death, exploring chaos in succession and the potential unraveling of the Macedonian campaign in Asia. The discourse critiques the Great Man Theory of History, questioning how much of our past hinges on individual leaders. It also highlights the strategic landscape of Alexander's time, pondering what new powers may have risen in his absence and how history as we know it could have drastically changed.
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Dec 26, 2024 • 40min

The Birth of the Carthaginian Empire

Discover the aftermath of destruction in Motia as two teenagers navigate the wreckage, revealing the intense rivalry between Carthage and Syracuse. Explore the political machinations in Sicily, where local leaders played pivotal roles during the rise of the Carthaginian Empire. Unpack the disastrous Athenian expedition that shifted the power dynamics in the region. Delve into the fierce battles that ensued and Carthage's ambitions to expand its empire, set against a backdrop of turmoil and shifting alliances.
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Dec 19, 2024 • 54min

The Fall of the Carolingian Empire: Interview with Dr. David Perry

Dr. David M. Perry, a historian of the Middle Ages and co-author of 'Oathbreakers', dives into the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire. He discusses Charlemagne's legacy and the empire's cultural contributions before its decline. Great insights include the significance of the Battle of Fontenois and how power struggles played a critical role in the empire's collapse. Perry also highlights the importance of medieval literature in understanding this turbulent period, weaving narratives around individual choices and societal norms that shaped history.
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12 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 40min

The End of the Age of the Successors

Dive into the aftermath of Alexander the Great's empire, where chaos reigns among his former generals. Explore fierce power struggles and shifting alliances as the Diadochi battle for control, leading to a fragmented Hellenistic world. Witness the rise and fall of key figures like Demetrius and Lysimachus amid political turmoil in Greece. The podcast intricately examines the ambition and legacy of these successors, revealing how Alexander's vision shaped their aspirations—and ultimately their downfalls.
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Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 5min

Being a Soldier During the Thirty Years War: Interview with Dr. Lucian Staiano-Daniels

Dr. Lucian Staiano-Daniels, a research fellow at Stanford and author of "The War People," dives into what it meant to be a soldier during the turbulent Thirty Years' War. He explores the transformation of soldiering from mere wage labor to a duty fueled by loyalty. The conversation reveals the complicated motivations behind soldiers' identities as both mercenaries and moral agents, and connects the historical violence of the era to modern warfare dynamics. Finally, he shares fascinating insights about personal relationships and local dynamics that shaped experiences on the battlefield.
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24 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 40min

The Rise of the Hellenistic World

Explore the tumultuous power struggles following Alexander the Great's death, as his generals vie for control in a fragmented empire. Antigonus the One-Eyed aims to restore Alexander's legacy, yet finds himself encircled by rivals. Witness the rise of Seleucus and the intense rivalries that define this chaotic era. Delve into strategic sieges, including the notable campaign at Salamis, and discover how propaganda shapes local support. The fate of cities like Rhodes becomes a battleground reflecting the shifting tides of Hellenistic kingship.
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Nov 21, 2024 • 41min

Ancient DNA and the Iron Age Mediterranean: Interview with Dr. Hannah Moots

Dr. Hannah Moots, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Paleogenetics, discusses the groundbreaking impact of ancient DNA on understanding the Iron Age Mediterranean. She details how genomic records reveal the intricate migrations and interactions among ancient cultures like the Greeks and Phoenicians. Moots examines the complexities of identity and ancestry within the diverse populations of ancient Rome, and highlights the significance of short-distance movements that shaped historical narratives. Her insights revolutionize our view of mobility and cultural dynamics during this fascinating era.

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