logo
episode-header-image
May 2021
46m 49s

The Spartans at Thermopylae

THE ART OF MANLINESS
About this episode
for knowing the death which was about to come upon them by reason of those who were going round the mountain, they displayed upon the barbarians all the strength which they had, to its greatest extent, disregarding danger and acting as if possessed by a spirit of recklessness. So wrote the Greek historian Herodotus, our main source as to what happened at th ... Show More
Up next
Mar 10
The Invisible Limits Holding You Back (And How to Change Them)
When we fail to make desired progress in life, most of us put the blame on physical and environmental limits. But my guest says that what's really holding people back is what's in their heads.Nir Eyal is the author of Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yoursel ... Show More
51m 45s
Mar 3
The Power of a Purpose-Driven Life
When it comes to building a happy and meaningful life, most of us rely on a grab bag of strategies — habits and goals around work, relationships, and health. But my guest today would argue that in the quest for true flourishing, there’s a deeper element that not only ties togethe ... Show More
53m 16s
Feb 24
Born to Carry — How to Build Strength, Stamina, and Sanity Through Rucking
If you're looking for a way to improve your fitness, boost your mental health, and reconnect with a deeply human activity — all without going to the gym or pounding your knees on a daily run — then rucking may be the practice you've been looking for.Rucking is simple: throw some ... Show More
51m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2019
The Spartans: Ancient Greece’s fighting machine
For over two and a half thousand years the Ancient Greek Spartans have been known for their military might, discipline and self-sacrifice. Recent popular culture has portrayed them as the ultimate fearless warriors, especially ‘the 300’ Spartans who fought to the death at Thermop ... Show More
39m 26s
Feb 2024
111 The Spartan Hegemony
In this episode, we discuss Spartan imperial policy at home and abroad in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War at Sparta from 404-396 BC, including their war with Eleia, the imperial ambitions of Lysandros and the ascension of Agesilaos, Kinadon's foiled socio-political revolut ... Show More
2h 18m
Jul 2022
The Spartans
In 480BC, the Spartans secured their place in history when 300 of their soldiers fought to the death against the mighty Persian army at Thermopylae. Their reputation for brutal decisiveness and simple living have been admired for thousands of years. But what about the darker side ... Show More
52m 10s
Sep 2016
EPISODE 5 “SPARTA”
THE STORY: (30 minutes) The transition from shepherd to Crown Prince of Troy isn’t easy, but with some help from Aphrodite (and from the royal harem), Paris manages to settle in to Troy quite nicely. A road trip to the the Greek kingdom of Sparta follows, during which Paris disco ... Show More
44m 7s
Mar 2017
The Battle of Salamis
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss what is often called one of the most significant battles in history. In 480BC in the Saronic Gulf near Athens, between the mainland and the island of Salamis, a fleet of Greek allies decisively defeated a larger Persian-led fleet. This halted the f ... Show More
50m 23s
Oct 2020
Sparta
Ancient historian Andrew Bayliss discusses the Greek city-state of Sparta. The conversation ranges from the Spartans’ military prowess and the legendary battle of Thermopylae, to the structure of their society and the darker aspects of Spartan history. Historyextra.com/podcast Ho ... Show More
45m 34s
Aug 2016
EPISODE 10 “BEACHHEAD”
THE STORY: (53 minutes) Agamemnon’s 100,000-strong army finally makes it to the beaches of Troy, and readies itself for one day of glorious, decisive, "winner-take-all" battle against Hector’s Trojan army. But the Trojans appear to have other plans. And it soon becomes clear that ... Show More
1h 22m
Apr 2021
107 Sparta Triumphant
In this episode, we discuss the final two years of the Peloponnesian War (405 and 404 BC), including the comedic play "The Frogs" by Aristophanes; Lysandros' elevation to Persian satrap, his rebuilding of the Peloponnesian fleet, his tactical moves in the Hellespont, and his crus ... Show More
1h 15m