Ancient Warfare Podcast
304 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★ - 495 ratingsDiscussions from Ancient Warfare Magazine. Why did early civilisations fight? Who were their Generals? What was life like for the earliest soldiers? Ancient Warfare Magazine will try and answer these questions. Warfare minus two thousand years.
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Episodes
AWA300 - What really happened at the battle of Marathon?
April 12, 2024 01:18 - 18 minutes - 8.8 MBTo celebrate the 300th episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast and Ancient Warfare Answers, Murray answers a curly one, what really happened at the battle of Marathon - Murray has forgotten who asked him this but is a 'big' question nonetheless! Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA299 - Who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire?
April 05, 2024 01:09 - 13 minutes - 6.36 MB'A question for Murray, who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire? I am presuming if it were a vexillation from Hadrian's Wall to York, it would be a local commander's decision, but what if it was a cohort sent from York to Gaul, ie between adjacent provinces? Was that worked out by the military staff of the respective governors? And then what about legions moving from, say, Gaul to Syria for military reasons or even for civil engineeri...
AWA298 - How were ancient negotiations organised?
March 29, 2024 01:08 - 12 minutes - 5.84 MBSara wonders how negotiations between different armies were practically arranged. For example, with Caesar in Gaul, several times he had some type of meetings with different groups. Such as the Helvetii before he had even established himself in Gaul. How was such a meeting arranged before and after a battle? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA297 - Was Mons Graupius a great victory?
March 22, 2024 01:20 - 12 minutes - 5.98 MBMurray answers this question set in by Tim. 'I'm wondering why historians generally accept that Mons Graupius was indeed a great victory for Agricola. My understanding is that Tacitus' account is the only written evidence we have, and archaeology has turned up little physical evidence of the battle. Is part of the reason that a great victory would have been too big a lie to pass off, so there must be some truth to the story? Or was it generally accepted for generals to make their victo...
AWA296 - The Praetorian Guard
March 15, 2024 01:08 - 16 minutes - 8.01 MBNathan wonders how the Praetorian Guard was structured. Was it used in traditional combat or taken on campaigns? While not directly related to ancient warfare, why did the emperors continually use the Praetorian Guard despite their history of treachery, intrigue, and assassination? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW295 - The Challenges of Campaigning
March 08, 2024 01:12 - 51 minutes - 23.8 MB'The time has come to take the fight to the enemy. How do you prepare? Can you rely on your guides, your allies, and your subordinates? Have you secured enough supplies?' The Ancient Warfare Magazine team get together to discuss issue XVII.1 In the Land of the Enemy: The Challenges of Campaigning. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA294 - What really happened at the battle of Pydna?
March 01, 2024 01:00 - 17 minutes - 8.38 MBGregorio Gariglio asks, "could you please tell me what really happened at the Battle of Pydna and are the casualty rates that the sources give to us correct?" Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA293 - Who were Rome's most remembered enemies?
February 23, 2024 01:08 - 10 minutes - 5.06 MBBlake asks "Love your podcast, my question is about Ancient Roman Enemies and the most well remembered. My question is why do we talk about say Spartacus, Boudica or Hannibal over say Genseric or Shapur I? Especially since the latter were more successful against Rome than the former, I have a few theories but I wanted to hear your answer." Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA292 - Who were the Hypaspists?
February 16, 2024 01:06 - 11 minutes - 5.54 MBMatthew Tilley asks "who/what were hypastpists? I always hear very vague descriptions, or none at all." Murray gives his thoughts. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA291 - Who is Muray’s favourite general?
February 09, 2024 01:04 - 11 minutes - 5.53 MBMurray answers three separate but closely related questions this week – from Floody77 – “Hi Murray, I was wondering who you're favourite ancient general was and why ?”; from Euchale : “Who do you think is one of the most underrepresented Generals of ancient times in popular media, compared to how important they were in their time? Any book recommendations to read more about him?”; and from Caleb on Patreon “If an autobiography of an ancient general could be discovered, who would you want it ...
AW290 - A Biography of Thermopylae
February 02, 2024 01:00 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MB'Since the dawn of the Classical Era up to World War II, thousands have lost their lives fighting over the pass at Thermopylae.' Jasper and Murray are joined by Michael Livingston and AW regular Myke Cole to discuss their new book, The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA289 - Losing well
January 26, 2024 09:01 - 9 minutes - 4.41 MBPatron Simon's second question asks 'Were there notions of "losing well" or instances of exemplary defeat in ancient warfare?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA288 - Taking Position on the Right
January 19, 2024 01:40 - 10 minutes - 5.11 MBPatron Simon (via postcard) asks 'It's often said that Greek armies put their best soldiers on the right. Given that predictability is exploitable, how and why did such a convention arise?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW287 - The Marcomannic Wars
January 12, 2024 09:56 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MB'Shortly after Marcus Aurelius came to power in AD 161, the Roman Empire was racked by a series of military crises. While unrest in Britain and a new war with Parthia were swiftly dealt with, the invasion of Roman territory by the Chatti and Chauci peoples heralded a resurgent threat from the empire’s European neighbours. Soon the Marcomanni and the Quadi, as well as the Dacians and the Sarmatian Iazyges, would attack the Romans in a series of savage conflicts that continued until AD 175 and...
AWA286 - Low Casualty figures
January 05, 2024 01:42 - 12 minutes - 6.43 MBMurray answers a question from a 12-year-old fan from Italy, Greg - How many casualties were there really at Magnesia? The Roman sources say 53,000 for the Seleucids and only 350 Romans died. Is This true? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA285 - Where are the Light Armed Troops?
December 29, 2023 11:31 - 12 minutes - 6.31 MBResponding to several comments on recent podcasts which have looked at heavy infantry, especially the Macedonian phalanx, Murray looks at the issue of light armed troops in ancient battle accounts. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA284 - Comparing the Byzantine conquest of Vandal North Africa with the Punic Wars
December 22, 2023 01:00 - 11 minutes - 5.58 MBMark wants to hear Murray's thoughts on comparing the Roman wars against the Vandals vs the Punic Wars. Mark writes, 'both the Roman-Vandal and Roman-Carthage wars occurred roughly in the same geographic area and included naval and land-based fighting. However, within 26 years the Vandals had conquered North Africa, the major islands of the Western Med and sacked Rome. In the 3rd/2nd centuries BCE the 1st/2nd Punic wars lasted over 60 years, and even then, neither side could capture each ...
AWA283 - Why did the Macedonian phalanx struggle against the Greek mercenary hoplites at Issus?
December 15, 2023 01:00 - 11 minutes - 5.62 MBMurray answers this question from Jsoth, 'during the battle of Issus, it's my understanding that the Macedonian phalanx struggled and even lost ground against Darius' mercenary Greeks. I was under the impression that if facing off directly, the sarrisa-wielding phalanx would be at an advantage with their longer spears, but here, that doesn't seem to be the case. Do historians believe this is accurate, and if so, why or how?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW282 - Alexander Attacks Persia
December 08, 2023 01:00 - 44 minutes - 20.7 MB'King at just 20, Alexander of Macedon spent two years securing his northern borders and Greece. In 334 he crossed the Hellespont to begin the campaign his father had prepared: the invasion of Achaemenid Persia.' The Ancient Warfare team discuss issue XVI.6 of the magazine Alexander versus Darius. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA281 - What are you hoping to see when the scrolls from Herculaneum are scanned?
December 01, 2023 01:35 - 11 minutes - 5.51 MBJohn asks 'What are your thoughts on the news that we are starting to be able to read some of the carbonised scrolls from Herculaneum. What do you think will be found when we can read them? What would you love to be located, rediscovered?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA280 - When guides betray
November 24, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.28 MBMurray is asked, 'I am reading about Spanish Conquistadors. Since they were unfamiliar with the land, they would capture local tribe members and force them to act as guides. On many occasions, the guides would deliberately lead them astray to be attacked or direct them away from villages. Are there any notable incidents in ancient warfare where this occurred?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA279 - Roman interactions with Dacia
November 17, 2023 01:00 - 9 minutes - 4.83 MBNegrisan George writes, 'I Read about how the Dacians imposed high tribute on the Romans in the first century AD. I'm not an expert, but I think the Dacians were the only ones who received tribute from Roman Empire. And then I read how the Daco-Roman wars started: how Trajan invaded Dacia with one-third of the army of the empire. A third can you imagine? And, of course they defeated the Dacians and robbed Dacia. Was the purpose of the campaign to get the gold from what is today Rosia M...
AW278 - Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster
November 10, 2023 14:53 - 55 minutes - 25.9 MBMurray talks with regular AW contributor Jo Ball about her new book from Pen & Sword on the career of Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster of AD 9. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA277 - AWA Got a Postcard!
November 03, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.27 MBWe got a Postcard! From Euchale in Heidelberg. Euchale asks two questions: "1. Have you ever played Age of Mythology. If so, how doyou like the depiction and speech of the various armies of the game? 2. How much of your research happens online, and how much from physical books? Any recommendations on how to find good books related to a topic? Any sources other than books and the internet?" Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA276 - Should Marcus Aurelius have chosen a different successor?
October 27, 2023 02:24 - 10 minutes - 5.24 MB"Why does Marcus Aurelius never take the blame for appointing his son his heir rather than the most qualified, like 3 of the 4 emperors before him? Maybe he should have spent less time philosophising and more time being a father." Murray gives us his thoughts.
AWA275 - Crassus at Carrhae
October 20, 2023 01:23 - 10 minutes - 5.25 MBJSoth asks "Out of curiosity, if Crassus knew Caeser, then during Carrhae, why not build a heavily fortified camp the night after the first day as Caeser may have done? If the Parthians didn't fight at night, and the army was comprised of 10,000 all-mounted troops, that seems like it would have made at least some sense. In particular, if he would have been able to make palisades tall enough and simply encamped another day, thereby giving more time to come up with a proper answer to the situa...
AW274 - The Julio-Claudian legion
October 13, 2023 01:06 - 49 minutes - 22.7 MBAugustus' reign started with a thorny problem. He was now the proud 'owner' of 50-odd legions, and no rivals to his power. For now. His solution was a system that lasted. The team discusses the latest edition of the magazine issue XVI.5 The Roman Imperial Legions: The army of the Julio Claudians. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA273 - The stagnation of the phalanx
October 06, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.23 MBManos sent this in for Murray to chew over. 'Having heard and read so much about Phillip & Alexander’s training of the Macedonian phalanx as to becoming flexible in manoeuvring difficult battle landscapes as well as proficient when encountering lateral attacks, I remain sceptical about the devastating results in both the battles of Cynoscephalae and Pydna. Was it hubris on the part of Phillip and later his son Perseus or lax training which resulted in both battles’ outcome?' Join us on ...
AWA272 - Targeting battlefield leaders
September 29, 2023 01:00 - 11 minutes - 5.41 MBPatron of the podcast, Mathew, sent this question in. Are there accounts of artillery specifically targeting leaders, for example, a Legatus or centurion? Or dedicated expert archers, etc., to do the same? Imagine a sniper-type scenario. This seems like a tactic that could have been used to demoralise a force and eliminate command and control quickly. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA271 - Soldiers fighting for usurpers
September 22, 2023 01:00 - 12 minutes - 6.11 MBChris poses this question for Murray. 'More Roman soldiers were killed in the civil wars against other Roman soldiers than any other adversary. Why was it so easy for usurpers to convince their soldiers to fight against their brethren? And why didn't emperors try to change whatever facilitated this kind of behaviour?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA270 - The battle of the Hydaspes
September 15, 2023 01:00 - 12 minutes - 6.11 MBIn this episode of the podcast, Murray answers two questions, both on the battle of the Hydaspes. The first was sent in by @gregoriogariglio7750. How many Macedonian and Indian casualties were at the Battle of the Hydaspes? The second question is from @jsoth2675. Is it possible, or likely even, that the battle of Hydaspes against King Porus was fabricated? Are there any Indian sources that agree a battle took place? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW269 - The impact of weather on conflict
September 01, 2023 01:02 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MBWe are between issues of the magazine for this episode of the podcast. After casting around for ideas, Mark suggested the topic for Friday night's chat: the impact of weather on conflict. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA268 - Why do Probus and Aurelian get no love and Diocletian does?
September 01, 2023 01:00 - 11 minutes - 5.53 MBMurray ponders how little information we have on Aurelian, Probus etc. but Diocletian is well documented in the histories Augusta. Thanks to @Evocletian for sending this question in. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA267 - Alexander Wept
August 25, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.1 MBDaniel writes, 'Plutarch mentions a letter to Alexander from Anaxarchus in his Moralia. It was stated that there were 'worlds innumerable' and that Alexander wept as he had not even conquered a single one. Firstly, could this be an early precursor to the 'multiverse' theory so popular in media at the moment? Secondly, would you be able to comment on the contrast between this statement and the usual notion that Alexander wept when 'there were NO more worlds left to conquer', as these both see...
AWA266 - Which account of the battle of the Milvian Bridge is the most convincing?
August 18, 2023 01:00 - 16 minutes - 7.96 MBJsoth, wonders what account of the battle of Milvain Bridge does Murray find most convincing, and what supporting evidence is of the battle? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW265 - Thutmose III at war
August 11, 2023 01:52 - 38 minutes - 17.8 MB'A general for his stepmother Hatshepsut from a young age, Thutmose III conducted dozens of campaigns into the ancient Near East and Nubia, leaving extensive records.' In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine podcast, the team discusses XVI.4 New Kingdom Empire Builder: Pharaoh Thutmose III goes to war. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA264 - What do we know about ancient fire signalling?
August 04, 2023 01:00 - 11 minutes - 5.49 MBAfter recently rereading Thucydides, GC asks, "Fire-signals of an attack were also raised towards Thebes; but the Plataeans in the town at once displayed a number of others, prepared beforehand for this very purpose, in order to render the enemy’s signals unintelligible." I would have imagined that a fire signal was quite simple, fire or no fire. This implies much greater sophistication. What is known about this?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA263 - How did Murray become such a generalist?
July 28, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.02 MBIn this week's Any Warfare Answers, Murray answers this question sent in by Jamie. 'The rest of the guys on the podcast all have their areas of expertise and are each an expert in a different, very specific aspect of ancient history, whereas you seem to have a grasp of all of it. How did you become such a generalist?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA262 - How did the ancients hire mercenaries?
July 21, 2023 01:16 - 12 minutes - 6.23 MBKyle asks, 'What was the mechanism that Carthage (or really any ancient power) used to recruit mercenaries? Were there people whose job it was to travel Gaul, Iberia, Greece, etc., recruiting, or was the sending of mercenaries part of political negations?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW261 - An Audience with Murray Dahm
July 14, 2023 00:49 - 52 minutes - 24.4 MBSomething slightly different for this episode of the Ancient Warfare podcast. Regular of the podcast Marc De Santis talks to Murray about his work, focusing on the books Murray has written for Osprey, specifically his four books for the Combat Series. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA260 - Did the ancients use volley fire?
July 07, 2023 01:14 - 12 minutes - 6.08 MBIn this episode, Murray muses on a question sent in by Nathan asking if, in the ancient world, there was some sort of volley fire such as we see in the 19th century with ranks of infantry. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA259 - Ancient Assassins
June 30, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.21 MBAndy has been listening to rival podcasts as points out that 'the term assassin does not turn up until after the crusades. My understanding is there were plenty of assassinations before this. What term did the Romans use? Where these people specially trained?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA258 - Did Alexander introduce Pankration to India?
June 23, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.04 MBCurt asks Murray, 'did Alexander The Great’s army introduce Pankration to India? If so could Pankration have contributed to the future expansion of martial arts from India to China & other Asian countries?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW257 - What should the magazine explore?
June 16, 2023 01:44 - 47 minutes - 22 MBJasper, the editor of Ancient Warfare Magazine, asked on social media what themes readers felt the magazine had not covered but should or themes it should revisit. The team look at what suggestions were sent in and give some thoughts of their own. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA256 - Did any armies use field artillery against the Macedonian phalanx?
June 09, 2023 01:00 - 9 minutes - 4.76 MBJacob wonders, 'if field artillery was ever used against a Macedonian-style phalanx? If not, why not? The close formation and immobility of the phalanx would leave it extremely susceptible to scorpion, ballista, etc fire.' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA255 - Did the Ancients use verbal insults on weapons?
June 02, 2023 01:00 - 13 minutes - 6.3 MBCarlos asks, 'in the current war in Ukraine, we've seen Ukrainian soldiers write insulting messages and trolling ones on artillery shells before firing them at Russian forces. Did a similar practice exist in the ancient Mediterranean world with soldiers writing insults and or the use of verbal insults.' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA254 - How did Rome's Italian allies fight?
May 26, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.22 MBWyton asks, 'During the republic, what were the Romans Italian allies armed with, and how did they fight? As legionaries or some other method?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AW253 - The Late Roman East
May 19, 2023 01:00 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MB'Even before the empire split into two separate halves, the Augusti in the East had to contend with devastating Gothic raids and near-constant wars with the Sasanian Empire.' The team discuss issue XVI.3 of the magazine Goths, Sasanids and Romans: The Roman Empire in the East at bay. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA252 - Why Javelins?
May 12, 2023 01:12 - 10 minutes - 5.08 MBRobert asks, 'Why javelins? It seems that a bow would be a much better weapon for a skirmish in the ancient world, but it seems that javeLin armed light troops may have been the most common type in Europe. Additionally, if using javelins, why not an atlatl to throw them with? This would make a difference in hitting a target, but one has to believe that range would be an important factor while skirmishing.' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
AWA251 - Large-Scale Experimental Archaeology
May 05, 2023 01:00 - 10 minutes - 5.32 MB'Is there today or has there been anyone trying to conduct larger-scale experimental archaeology to try and answer some of the common questions about certain infantry tactics/tropes such as the othismos and open vs closed order legions?' Murray tells us about experimental archaeology. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast