Time for the big one. Cannae is one of the most famous battles of antiquity. Not only did Rome suffer a crushing defeat but the tactics behind the victory have been studied by generals and military tacticians ever since.

In this episode I discuss what happened in the lead up to it, trust me there's a drama at every turn. From dictators to deceptive cattle. Then there's the battle itself which I try to unpack to see how each side approached it and what tactics were used. Aside from the brutality and bloodshed there's a lot to get into.

Full transcription and episode notes (with maps, diagrams and a reading list) on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In her book, The Idea of Marathon, Dr Nevin explores the Battle of Marathon from different angles. Not just the events prior to it, but what we know about the battle and how later generations made sense of it all (this includes the modern period).

Join us as we cover a lot of ground (historically inaccurate pun intended). There are complaining Greeks, disappearing horses and possibly the greatest canine art cameo ever.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The focus on Trasimene is often largely about the events of the day, but what is as interesting are the events leading up to it. What choices did Hannibal have and how did Rome try to anticipate him?

As well as the battle I discuss the details and events leading up to the battle. A transcription and episode notes (with maps etc) can be found on www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

The opening battle of the Second Punic War was to set the trend in many ways and anticipate much of what was to come. But how did it come about? Who were the figures involved, how did the conditions come into play and what exactly happened?

In this episode I try to unpick the basics and some more detailed aspects. Full transcript and episode notes at ancientblogger.com.

If you can rate or review please do - it really helps.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's time to welcome LJ Trafford back onto the podcast and talk about her new book, Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome.

We discuss a number of topics, from homosexuality through to what the sexual expectations were of the time. What did the Romans view as acceptable and what was considered shameful?

Obviously the content here is adult so please bear that it mind.

If the platform you are listening on allows a review then why not? It really helps! Find me on twitter (@ancientblogger) as well as the podcast (@HoundAncient). There's also my website - ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Ever play the "who would you invite to a dinner party" game? Well, here is the ancient history and myth version. Joining me for the first episode is Helen McVeigh and we run through her 6 picks.

You can find episode notes at ancientblogger.com which will include anything we have mentioned in the show (including Helen's book recommendations).

Please rate and review if you can.

FYI we do mention sexual violence (as per Greek myth).

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I'm continuing the #NightofTheLivyDead Halloween tradition with a look at witches and demons in ancient Mesopotamia.

How were they viewed? What made a witch? How did you counter a demon? And how does a magical river battle figure in all this?

Listen and find out!

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In the 4th century BCE the region of Thessaly underwent a transformation. It went from being fractured to becoming a unified state under the leadership of Jason.

In a short time Jason became a prominent player in Greece, earning the admiration of Xenophon and calling the shots after Leuctra. But then it all ended abruptly.

How did he achieve this? What were his intentions and why is he overlooked? Join us and find out.

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's the final of my Theban trilogy. In this episode I discuss the highs and lows for Thebes in the 4th century BCE. Along with covering the whirlwind of alliances and reprisals I help answer questions about ridding yourself of a Spartan garrison and interpreting gloomy spiders.

Lots to cover so why not give it a go? If you haven't listened to the previous two then why not binge listen?

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

In this episode I discuss Thebes in the 5th century BCE. How did it fare after Plataea and what position was it in by the end of the century? Revenge, a sporting controversy and even the big stage feature. Lots to listen to!

Music by Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).