Sep 1

Philip Augustus: the Plantagenets’ greatest rival

King Philip Augustus of France was the Plantagenets’ ultimate enemy. A ruler with an iron fist and sharp political instincts, he consistently exploited the squabbles of the English dynasty, all while transforming France into a dominant power in Western Europe. Speaking to Emily B ... Show More

50m 42s

Aug 31

Laura Ingalls Wilder: life of the week

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s 'Little House' books have captivated generations with tales of family, hardship and survival on the American frontier. But how closely did Wilder’s fiction reflect her real childhood – and what should we make of its more controversial portrayals? In this ep ... Show More

46m 32s

Aug 30

How bullies shaped 19th-century America

America's Gilded Age is often remembered for rapid expansion and opportunity, but beneath the surface lay a brutal society in which it paid to be a bully. In this episode, Elinor Evans speaks to historian Andrew Wender Cohen about his new book Gangster of New York: A Violent Life ... Show More

42m 45s

Dec 2023

Origins of Sparta

Considered one of Athens' biggest rivals, and known for their bloodthirsty and brutal nature - there's a reason the Spartans have been immortalised in history. With longstanding mythological origins, little is known about the early days of Sparta. From rumoured descendants of ... Show More

54m 15s

Dec 2024

The Spartans (Repeat)

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

50m 37s

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

Apr 2024

#121 The Spartans

📖 Episode Transcripts in Link Below ⬇️ In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of the Spartans. This ancient Greek warrior society not only shaped the history of Greece but also influenced our understanding of military discipline and strength. https://patreon.com/Hi ... Show More

4m 36s

Aug 2021

82. Sparta

What does it mean to be a Spartan? How much of this Spartan image is real and how much is based on projections and prejudices of others? Tom and Dominic delve into the Ancient Greek world and take us inside the minds and reality of this civilisation. They also analyse the film “ ... Show More

1h 4m

Dec 2023

The Spartan Warrior

One of the most famed classes of soldiers from antiquity, the Spartan warrior has been immortalised in media today. Characterised as super soldiers, formidable fighters who would rather perish than surrender - their reputation truly did proceed them. But how accurate is this i ... Show More

1 h

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 from 404-396 BC, including the overreaching imperial ambitions of Lysandros and his political downfall; Sparta's retribution and influence operations in the Peloponnes ... Show More

2h 18m

Dec 2023

Sex & Sparta

This episode contains graphic references to sex, infant mortality, and sexual assault. While Spartans are often thought of for their bloodthirsty and fear inspiring performance on the battlefield - their sex lives and relationships have also been immortalise ... Show More

58m 53s

Mar 2024

Warfare in Ancient Greece

How did warfare work in Ancient Greece? The weapons and armour of the Greek hoplite are legendary, as are the warrior cultures of city-states like Sparta. But how would a Greek battle have played out on the ground? Dan is joined by Roel Konijnendijk, Darby Fellow in ... Show More

49m 15s