Leonidas I - Part 1/2 (The Spartan State Above All)

As Scipio takes part in Rome's zealous religious efforts to turn the tide of the Second Punic War, the Republic fails to look inwards, seeing the deficits among its Generals. That Hannibal continues to exploit, invading Central Italy before drawing the Legions into a devastating ambush at the Battle of Lake Trasimene. Driving Rome to adopt the Fabian Strategy to stop the Carthaginian threat, that although promising, is quickly tossed aside in 216 BC. As Rome begins amassing an unprecedented force to deliver a knockout blow to Hannibal, with Scipio as the youngest Military Tribune therein.    If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory Check out The Second World War podcast: The Second World War I'm proud to announce that Warlords of History has been included on Feedspot's list of the Best Military History Podcasts to follow in 2024. You can access the entire list here: podcasts.feedspot.com/military_history_podcasts

With Hannibal continuing to tip the scales of power in the Po Valley, the young Scipio bears witness to treacherous setbacks as Rome's authority in the region unravels. Before being forced to abandon the north due to Hannibal's crushing defeat of the Roman Legions at the Battle of the Trebia in late 218 BC. Resulting in Scipio retreating to Rome to find his city feverishly raising new armies, however with the populace also deeply unsettled by a series of dark omens sent from the gods. Soon cascading into a sense of panic, upon learning the news of another military disaster at the Battle of Lake Trasimene. If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out the So There I Was podcast: sothereiwas.us

While fighting the Gallic tribes to assert control over northern Italy, the Roman Republic becomes distracted to the power that Carthage begins amassing in Spain. Until the legendary Carthaginian General, Hannibal Barca, storms onto the scene to ignite the Second Punic War. In 218 BC, leading his army in an incredible march to ultimately burst through the Alps and invade Italy, before delivering a stinging defeat upon the Romans at the Battle of Ticinus. Where the young Scipio would lay witness to Hannibal's terrifying tactical genius, yet bravely charge into the battle to save his father's life.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out the Warrior Legacy Podcast: Warrior Legacy Podcast  

Joined by Elliot Gates from the Anthology of Heroes podcast, we reach the conclusion of our story on Leonidas I. Under the shadow of the Achaemenid Persian Empire's enormous second invasion of Greece, we explore the strategy and actions of the Spartan King leading to the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Going deep into this violently primal clash, ending in a heroic last stand for Leonidas, his 300 Spartans and allies. That, from the moment they fell, transported their sacrifice and legacy into the realm of legend, with Leonidas as the iconic standard by which all Spartans Kings were measured.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out the Anthology of Heroes podcast: anthologyofheroespodcast.com

Joined by Elliot Gates from the Anthology of Heroes podcast, we dive into the life of Leonidas I. The Spartan King who led one of the most incredible last stands in history at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Exploring Sparta's development into a severe and militaristic society, possessing the finest warriors of Ancient Greece, so utterly dedicated to the Spartan state above all. Including the brutal training Leonidas endured as a youth and the events leading up to his crowning. Coinciding with a time of grave threat, as the mighty Achaemenid Persian Empire launched its first invasion of Greece.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out the Anthology of Heroes podcast: anthologyofheroespodcast.com   

In this episode we begin exploring the awe-inspiring lifetime of Scipio Africanus (236 - 183 BC). One of the greatest military commanders of antiquity, who guided the Roman Republic out from its darkest moment. In the Second Punic War, leading brilliant campaigns, winning scintillating battle victories to propel Rome as the unrivalled power in the Mediterranean. Starting our story by digging into Rome's tumultuous history up to Scipio's youth, alongside the culture and virtues that influenced his understanding of the world and intense expectations to add to the legacy of his great patrician house.   If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out the Untold Civil War podcast: untoldcivilwar.squarespace.com

In the series finale following the life of Judah Maccabee "The Hammer", Gil Kidron joins me to discuss the Maccabean Revolt broadening from a religious conflict into a war of independence. With Judah reshaping his guerrilla force into a veritable Hebrew field army, daring to take on the superior armies of the Seleucid Empire in pitched battle. Initially meeting with a grave setback, followed by Judah's greatest battlefield victory. The prelude to his death in a heroic last stand that would inspire the revolt to continue beyond his lifetime, eventually achieving the dream of Judean independence in 140 BC.   If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out A Podcast of Biblical Proportions: podcastofbiblicalproportions.com

Joined by Gil Kidron from A Podcast of Biblical Proportions, we continue with the incredible story of Judah Maccabee "The Hammer" and the early years of the Maccabean Revolt. Initially, a small rebel band, driven by religious zeal, bringing civil war to Judea. But with Judah assuming its leadership early on and transforming them into a fierce guerrilla force. Unleashing devastating ambushes within the Judean wild-lands to win a series of astounding battle victories over the Seleucid armies through 166 - 164 BC. Unexpected successes, greatly expanding the size of the rebellion, but also its ambitions.   If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out A Podcast of Biblical Proportions: podcastofbiblicalproportions.com

Gil Kidron from A Podcast of Biblical Proportions joins me to bring you the incredible story of Judah Maccabee "The Hammer". A Hebrew priest, turned guerilla warlord, who would win spectacular battlefield victories in an unexpectedly fierce rebellion against the mighty Seleucid Empire in the 160s BC called the Maccabean Revolt. A conflict with its origins laying in bitter Judean factionalism, between those embracing Hellenism versus ardent Hebrew traditionalists. Smoldering resentment that erupted into bloody civil violence due to the meddling of the erratic Seleucid King Antiochus IV.    If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out A Podcast of Biblical Proportions: podcastofbiblicalproportions.com  

In the series finale, with Nader Shah poised to continue the dominant run of his Afsharid Iranian Empire, a failed assassination marks the tipping point for his complete mental unravelling. As Nader maliciously lashes out at all around him while pillaging his people to fuel an incessant pace of warfare. Igniting rebellions throughout his realms that he stomps out with excessive brutality and the unhinged Shah heaping more atrocities upon the Iranian populace. Leading to his assassination in 1747, leaving behind a disaffected, divided and economically ruined empire, plunged into a state of anarchy.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory  Check out The Layman's Historian podcast: thelaymanshistorian.wordpress.com