Interview with Professor Barry Strauss (Ancient Military Leadership and Attributes for Greatness)

In 215 BC as Scipio witnesses his city's desperate struggle to stave off collapse and rebuild its shattered military, Rome focuses its Legions on holding the line against Hannibal in Campania. Only to see its prospects in the Second Punic War grow darker when two foreign powers, Macedon and Syracuse, form alliances with Carthage to bring the Republic to its knees. Triggering the eruption of new theatres of war engulfing much of the Western Mediterranean and despite some surprising successes abroad, the Romans unable to stop Hannibal from conquering more of southern Italy.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory Check out A History of Italy podcast: ahistoryofitaly.com

With Hannibal having shattered Rome's image as a dominant power at the Battle of Cannae, the cities of southern Italy begin forming alliances with Carthage, bringing the Republic close to collapse in 216 BC. Yet, with the Roman Senate remaining defiant, refusing to accept anything less than total victory in the Second Punic War. Driving them to desperate extremes to assemble new Legions amidst horrific casualties, a ruined economy, food shortages and mass allied defections. This, while Scipio and the surviving troops from Cannae are marched to Campania to prevent the region from falling to Hannibal.  If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory Check out the Ancient Heroes podcast: ancientheroes.net  

With Scipio as the youngest Military Tribune in the largest army ever fielded by the Roman Republic, this incredible force descends upon Apulia where Hannibal and the Carthaginians await. Leading to the Battle of Cannae, fought on August 2, 216 BC, as we dive into the tactics and maneuvers that would ultimately produce Rome's greatest military disaster. Also leaving 8,000 soldiers trapped within the lone standing Roman encampment, the point at which Scipio arose to lead them to safety through a daring night escape, before crushing a plot among the despairing survivors to desert the Republic.    If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory Check out The Industrial Revolutions podcast: industrialrevolutionspod.com

In this friendly takeover of the Warlords of History Podcast airwaves, the History Daily podcast hosted by Lindsay Graham is featured. Taking you through one of the most pivotal moments in history, which set into motion the series of events that would proceed to rip the Roman Republic apart, leading to its demise and ultimately, its rebirth as the Roman Empire. When on January 10th 49 BC, a provincial governor named Julius Caesar marched his army across the Rubicon river and invaded Italy, plunging the Roman Republic into civil war.   Check out the Daily History website: www.historydaily.com

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