Ancient Warfare Podcast

By The History Network

What's Ancient Warfare Podcast about?

Discussions from Ancient Warfare Magazine. Why did early civilisations fight? Who were their Generals? What was life like for the earliest soldiers? Ancient Warfare Magazine will try and answer these questions. Warfare minus two thousand years.

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Ancient Warfare Podcast episodes:

04.19.2024
AW301 - Rams
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine podcast, Murray and Jasper are joined by Stephen DeCasien to discuss rams on ships. Stephen is a PhD candidate at Texas A&M; University studying Nautical Archaeology. His academic interests are Greek...
04.12.2024
AWA300 - What really happened at the battle of Marathon?
To celebrate the 300th episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast and Ancient Warfare Answers, Murray answers a curly one, what really happened at the battle of Marathon - Murray has forgotten who asked him this but is a 'big' question...
04.05.2024
AWA299 - Who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire?
'A question for Murray, who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire? I am presuming if it were a vexillation from Hadrian's Wall to York, it would be a local...
03.29.2024
AWA298 - How were ancient negotiations organised?
Sara wonders how negotiations between different armies were practically arranged. For example, with Caesar in Gaul, several times he had some type of meetings with different groups. Such as the Helvetii before he had even established himself in Gaul. How...
03.22.2024
AWA297 - Was Mons Graupius a great victory?
Murray answers this question set in by Tim. 'I'm wondering why historians generally accept that Mons Graupius was indeed a great victory for Agricola. My understanding is that Tacitus' account is the only written evidence we have, and archaeology has...
03.15.2024
AWA296 - The Praetorian Guard
Nathan wonders how the Praetorian Guard was structured. Was it used in traditional combat or taken on campaigns? While not directly related to ancient warfare, why did the emperors continually use the Praetorian Guard despite their history of treachery, intrigue,...
03.08.2024
AW295 - The Challenges of Campaigning
'The time has come to take the fight to the enemy. How do you prepare? Can you rely on your guides, your allies, and your subordinates? Have you secured enough supplies?' The Ancient Warfare Magazine team get together to discuss...
03.01.2024
AWA294 - What really happened at the battle of Pydna?
Gregorio Gariglio asks, "could you please tell me what really happened at the Battle of Pydna and are the casualty rates that the sources give to us correct?" Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
02.23.2024
AWA293 - Who were Rome's most remembered enemies?
Blake asks "Love your podcast, my question is about Ancient Roman Enemies and the most well remembered. My question is why do we talk about say Spartacus, Boudica or Hannibal over say Genseric or Shapur I? Especially since the latter...
02.16.2024
AWA292 - Who were the Hypaspists?
Matthew Tilley asks "who/what were hypastpists? I always hear very vague descriptions, or none at all." Murray gives his thoughts. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
02.09.2024
AWA291 - Who is Muray’s favourite general?
Murray answers three separate but closely related questions this week – from Floody77 – “Hi Murray, I was wondering who you're favourite ancient general was and why ?”; from Euchale : “Who do you think is one of the most...
02.02.2024
AW290 - A Biography of Thermopylae
'Since the dawn of the Classical Era up to World War II, thousands have lost their lives fighting over the pass at Thermopylae.' Jasper and Murray are joined by Michael Livingston and AW regular Myke Cole to discuss their new...
01.26.2024
AWA289 - Losing well
Patron Simon's second question asks 'Were there notions of "losing well" or instances of exemplary defeat in ancient warfare?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
01.19.2024
AWA288 - Taking Position on the Right
Patron Simon (via postcard) asks 'It's often said that Greek armies put their best soldiers on the right. Given that predictability is exploitable, how and why did such a convention arise?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
01.12.2024
AW287 - The Marcomannic Wars
'Shortly after Marcus Aurelius came to power in AD 161, the Roman Empire was racked by a series of military crises. While unrest in Britain and a new war with Parthia were swiftly dealt with, the invasion of Roman territory...
01.05.2024
AWA286 - Low Casualty figures
Murray answers a question from a 12-year-old fan from Italy, Greg - How many casualties were there really at Magnesia? The Roman sources say 53,000 for the Seleucids and only 350 Romans died. Is This true? Join us on Patron...
12.29.2023
AWA285 - Where are the Light Armed Troops?
Responding to several comments on recent podcasts which have looked at heavy infantry, especially the Macedonian phalanx, Murray looks at the issue of light armed troops in ancient battle accounts. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
12.22.2023
AWA284 - Comparing the Byzantine conquest of Vandal North Africa with the Punic Wars
Mark wants to hear Murray's thoughts on comparing the Roman wars against the Vandals vs the Punic Wars. Mark writes, 'both the Roman-Vandal and Roman-Carthage wars occurred roughly in the same geographic area and included naval and land-based fighting. However,...
12.15.2023
AWA283 - Why did the Macedonian phalanx struggle against the Greek mercenary hoplites at Issus?
Murray answers this question from Jsoth, 'during the battle of Issus, it's my understanding that the Macedonian phalanx struggled and even lost ground against Darius' mercenary Greeks. I was under the impression that if facing off directly, the sarrisa-wielding phalanx...
12.08.2023
AW282 - Alexander Attacks Persia
'King at just 20, Alexander of Macedon spent two years securing his northern borders and Greece. In 334 he crossed the Hellespont to begin the campaign his father had prepared: the invasion of Achaemenid Persia.' The Ancient Warfare team discuss...
12.01.2023
AWA281 - What are you hoping to see when the scrolls from Herculaneum are scanned?
John asks 'What are your thoughts on the news that we are starting to be able to read some of the carbonised scrolls from Herculaneum. What do you think will be found when we can read them? What would you...
11.24.2023
AWA280 - When guides betray
Murray is asked, 'I am reading about Spanish Conquistadors. Since they were unfamiliar with the land, they would capture local tribe members and force them to act as guides. On many occasions, the guides would deliberately lead them astray to...
11.17.2023
AWA279 - Roman interactions with Dacia
Negrisan George writes, 'I Read about how the Dacians imposed high tribute on the Romans in the first century AD. I'm not an expert, but I think the Dacians were the only ones who received tribute from Roman Empire. And...
11.10.2023
AW278 - Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster
Murray talks with regular AW contributor Jo Ball about her new book from Pen & Sword on the career of Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster of AD 9. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
11.03.2023
AWA277 - AWA Got a Postcard!
We got a Postcard! From Euchale in Heidelberg. Euchale asks two questions: "1. Have you ever played Age of Mythology. If so, how doyou like the depiction and speech of the various armies of the game? 2. How much...
10.27.2023
AWA276 - Should Marcus Aurelius have chosen a different successor?
"Why does Marcus Aurelius never take the blame for appointing his son his heir rather than the most qualified, like 3 of the 4 emperors before him? Maybe he should have spent less time philosophising and more time being a...
10.20.2023
AWA275 - Crassus at Carrhae
JSoth asks "Out of curiosity, if Crassus knew Caeser, then during Carrhae, why not build a heavily fortified camp the night after the first day as Caeser may have done? If the Parthians didn't fight at night, and the army...
10.13.2023
AW274 - The Julio-Claudian legion
Augustus' reign started with a thorny problem. He was now the proud 'owner' of 50-odd legions, and no rivals to his power. For now. His solution was a system that lasted. The team discusses the latest edition of the magazine...
10.06.2023
AWA273 - The stagnation of the phalanx
Manos sent this in for Murray to chew over. 'Having heard and read so much about Phillip & Alexander’s training of the Macedonian phalanx as to becoming flexible in manoeuvring difficult battle landscapes as well as proficient when encountering lateral...
09.29.2023
AWA272 - Targeting battlefield leaders
Patron of the podcast, Mathew, sent this question in. Are there accounts of artillery specifically targeting leaders, for example, a Legatus or centurion? Or dedicated expert archers, etc., to do the same? Imagine a sniper-type scenario. This seems like a...
09.22.2023
AWA271 - Soldiers fighting for usurpers
Chris poses this question for Murray. 'More Roman soldiers were killed in the civil wars against other Roman soldiers than any other adversary. Why was it so easy for usurpers to convince their soldiers to fight against their brethren? And...
09.15.2023
AWA270 - The battle of the Hydaspes
In this episode of the podcast, Murray answers two questions, both on the battle of the Hydaspes. The first was sent in by @gregoriogariglio7750. How many Macedonian and Indian casualties were at the Battle of the Hydaspes? The second question...
09.01.2023
AW269 - The impact of weather on conflict
We are between issues of the magazine for this episode of the podcast. After casting around for ideas, Mark suggested the topic for Friday night's chat: the impact of weather on conflict. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
09.01.2023
AWA268 - Why do Probus and Aurelian get no love and Diocletian does?
Murray ponders how little information we have on Aurelian, Probus etc. but Diocletian is well documented in the histories Augusta. Thanks to @Evocletian for sending this question in. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
08.25.2023
AWA267 - Alexander Wept
Daniel writes, 'Plutarch mentions a letter to Alexander from Anaxarchus in his Moralia. It was stated that there were 'worlds innumerable' and that Alexander wept as he had not even conquered a single one. Firstly, could this be an early...
08.18.2023
AWA266 - Which account of the battle of the Milvian Bridge is the most convincing?
Jsoth, wonders what account of the battle of Milvain Bridge does Murray find most convincing, and what supporting evidence is of the battle? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
08.11.2023
AW265 - Thutmose III at war
'A general for his stepmother Hatshepsut from a young age, Thutmose III conducted dozens of campaigns into the ancient Near East and Nubia, leaving extensive records.' In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine podcast, the team discusses XVI.4...
08.04.2023
AWA264 - What do we know about ancient fire signalling?
After recently rereading Thucydides, GC asks, "Fire-signals of an attack were also raised towards Thebes; but the Plataeans in the town at once displayed a number of others, prepared beforehand for this very purpose, in order to render the enemy’s...
07.28.2023
AWA263 - How did Murray become such a generalist?
In this week's Any Warfare Answers, Murray answers this question sent in by Jamie. 'The rest of the guys on the podcast all have their areas of expertise and are each an expert in a different, very specific aspect of...
07.21.2023
AWA262 - How did the ancients hire mercenaries?
Kyle asks, 'What was the mechanism that Carthage (or really any ancient power) used to recruit mercenaries? Were there people whose job it was to travel Gaul, Iberia, Greece, etc., recruiting, or was the sending of mercenaries part of political...
07.14.2023
AW261 - An Audience with Murray Dahm
Something slightly different for this episode of the Ancient Warfare podcast. Regular of the podcast Marc De Santis talks to Murray about his work, focusing on the books Murray has written for Osprey, specifically his four books for the Combat...
07.07.2023
AWA260 - Did the ancients use volley fire?
In this episode, Murray muses on a question sent in by Nathan asking if, in the ancient world, there was some sort of volley fire such as we see in the 19th century with ranks of infantry. Join us on...
06.30.2023
AWA259 - Ancient Assassins
Andy has been listening to rival podcasts as points out that 'the term assassin does not turn up until after the crusades. My understanding is there were plenty of assassinations before this. What term did the Romans use? Where these...
06.23.2023
AWA258 - Did Alexander introduce Pankration to India?
Curt asks Murray, 'did Alexander The Great’s army introduce Pankration to India? If so could Pankration have contributed to the future expansion of martial arts from India to China & other Asian countries?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
06.16.2023
AW257 - What should the magazine explore?
Jasper, the editor of Ancient Warfare Magazine, asked on social media what themes readers felt the magazine had not covered but should or themes it should revisit. The team look at what suggestions were sent in and give some...
06.09.2023
AWA256 - Did any armies use field artillery against the Macedonian phalanx?
Jacob wonders, 'if field artillery was ever used against a Macedonian-style phalanx? If not, why not? The close formation and immobility of the phalanx would leave it extremely susceptible to scorpion, ballista, etc fire.' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
06.02.2023
AWA255 - Did the Ancients use verbal insults on weapons?
Carlos asks, 'in the current war in Ukraine, we've seen Ukrainian soldiers write insulting messages and trolling ones on artillery shells before firing them at Russian forces. Did a similar practice exist in the ancient Mediterranean world with soldiers writing...
05.26.2023
AWA254 - How did Rome's Italian allies fight?
Wyton asks, 'During the republic, what were the Romans Italian allies armed with, and how did they fight? As legionaries or some other method?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
05.19.2023
AW253 - The Late Roman East
'Even before the empire split into two separate halves, the Augusti in the East had to contend with devastating Gothic raids and near-constant wars with the Sasanian Empire.' The team discuss issue XVI.3 of the...
05.12.2023
AWA252 - Why Javelins?
Robert asks, 'Why javelins? It seems that a bow would be a much better weapon for a skirmish in the ancient world, but it seems that javeLin armed light troops may have been the most common type in Europe. Additionally,...

What's Ancient Warfare Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Ancient Warfare Podcast episodes:

AW301 - Rams

AWA300 - What really happened at the battle of Marathon?

AWA299 - Who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire?

AWA298 - How were ancient negotiations organised?

AWA297 - Was Mons Graupius a great victory?

AWA296 - The Praetorian Guard

AW295 - The Challenges of Campaigning

AWA294 - What really happened at the battle of Pydna?

AWA293 - Who were Rome's most remembered enemies?

AWA292 - Who were the Hypaspists?

AWA291 - Who is Muray’s favourite general?

AW290 - A Biography of Thermopylae

AWA289 - Losing well

AWA288 - Taking Position on the Right

AW287 - The Marcomannic Wars

AWA286 - Low Casualty figures

AWA285 - Where are the Light Armed Troops?

AWA284 - Comparing the Byzantine conquest of Vandal North Africa with the Punic Wars

AWA283 - Why did the Macedonian phalanx struggle against the Greek mercenary hoplites at Issus?

AW282 - Alexander Attacks Persia

AWA281 - What are you hoping to see when the scrolls from Herculaneum are scanned?

AWA280 - When guides betray

AWA279 - Roman interactions with Dacia

AW278 - Publius Quinctilius Varus and the Teutoburg Disaster

AWA277 - AWA Got a Postcard!

AWA276 - Should Marcus Aurelius have chosen a different successor?

AWA275 - Crassus at Carrhae

AW274 - The Julio-Claudian legion

AWA273 - The stagnation of the phalanx

AWA272 - Targeting battlefield leaders

AWA271 - Soldiers fighting for usurpers

AWA270 - The battle of the Hydaspes

AW269 - The impact of weather on conflict

AWA268 - Why do Probus and Aurelian get no love and Diocletian does?

AWA267 - Alexander Wept

AWA266 - Which account of the battle of the Milvian Bridge is the most convincing?

AW265 - Thutmose III at war

AWA264 - What do we know about ancient fire signalling?

AWA263 - How did Murray become such a generalist?

AWA262 - How did the ancients hire mercenaries?

AW261 - An Audience with Murray Dahm

AWA260 - Did the ancients use volley fire?

AWA259 - Ancient Assassins

AWA258 - Did Alexander introduce Pankration to India?

AW257 - What should the magazine explore?

AWA256 - Did any armies use field artillery against the Macedonian phalanx?

AWA255 - Did the Ancients use verbal insults on weapons?

AWA254 - How did Rome's Italian allies fight?

AW253 - The Late Roman East

AWA252 - Why Javelins?