For over 700 years, Christian and Muslim forces battled for control of the Iberian Peninsula in a relentless campaign known as the Reconquista. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore the shifting front lines, epic sieges, and enduring legacies of a conflict that reshaped the map of Europe. From the fall of Visigothic Spain to the rise of unified kingdoms and the capture of Granada, it’s a story of faith, politics, and centuries-long warfare.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://compacthistories.com/warfare/the-reconquista/. 

Check out the other shows in the Compact Histories family - Compact Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact History, Compact Murder, and Compact Mysteries at:

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Elite, disciplined, and feared, the Spartans built a society devoted entirely to war. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we take a deep dive into the training, tactics, and battles of ancient Sparta. From the brutal agoge to the unbreakable phalanx, explore how Spartan warriors earned their legendary reputation and why their legacy endures today.

Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. Or, if you would like to support us more directly by buying us a coffee, head on over to https://compacthistories.com/warfarecoffee to see how.   

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://compacthistories.com/warfare/spartan-warfare/. 

Check out the other shows in the Compact Histories family - Compact Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact History, Compact Murder, and Compact Mysteries at:

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In 1982, two nations clashed over a remote group of islands in the South Atlantic. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore the Falklands War — from the Argentine invasion to the British counterattack, and the fierce battles on land, sea, and air. Discover how this short but intense conflict reshaped politics, military strategy, and national identity on both sides of the world.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://compacthistories.com/warfare/the-falklands-war/. 

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From thunderous cannon blasts to the smoking barrels of early muskets, The Rise of Gunpowder charts the explosive impact of this revolutionary substance on the world of warfare. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore how gunpowder reshaped armies, rewrote battlefield tactics, and brought the era of castles and knights crashing down. Episode 35 dives into the chemistry, controversy, and chaos that followed as empires armed themselves for a new kind of war.

Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts. Or, if you would like to support us more directly by buying us a coffee, head on over to https://compacthistories.com/warfarecoffee to see how.   

An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://compacthistories.com/warfare/the-rise-of-gunpowder/. 

Check out the other shows in the Compact Histories family - Compact Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact History, Compact Murder, and Compact Mysteries at:

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For nearly 300 years, Viking ships brought fear to the coasts of Europe. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore the rise of the Norse raiders, their daring attacks on towns, monasteries, and kingdoms, and how their raids changed the face of Europe. From Lindisfarne to Normandy, discover the real story behind the Viking Age.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://compacthistories.com/warfare/the-viking-raids/. 

Check out the other shows in the Compact Histories family - Compact Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact History, Compact Murder, and Compact Mysteries at:

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The Siege of Troy is one of history’s most famous conflicts, blending legend with the possibility of real-world events. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we unpack the story behind Troy’s downfall, from the epic battles to the legendary deception of the Trojan Horse, and explore whether there’s truth buried beneath the myth. Join us as we take a closer look at one of the ancient world’s greatest sieges.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://compacthistories.com/warfare/the-siege-of-troy/. 

Check out our other Compact Histories podcasts - Compact Biographies, Compact Disasters, Compact History, Compact Murder, and Compact Mysteries at:

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Forget the trenches — modern warfare has a new front line, and it’s happening behind your screen. In this episode, we explore the rise of cyber warfare, where hackers, viruses, and digital sabotage have replaced tanks and troops. From power grid attacks to election meddling, discover how battles are now fought in the shadows of cyberspace — with global consequences.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://5minutewarfare.com/the-rise-of-cyber-warfare/. 

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A royal death, a global empire, and Europe on the brink of chaos — welcome to the War of the Spanish Succession. In this episode, we unpack the 13-year struggle that saw kings clash, alliances form, and the balance of European power hang by a thread. From battlefield brilliance to backroom diplomacy, discover how a royal family squabble turned into one of history’s most important global power struggles.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://5minutewarfare.com/the-war-of-the-spanish-succession. 

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Prepare for battering rams, boiling oil, and towering walls as episode 30 of 5 Minute Warfare storms the world of castles and siege warfare. In an age where stone fortresses dominated the landscape, attackers and defenders played a deadly game of patience, engineering, and brute force. From siege towers to sneaky tunnels, discover how medieval strongholds were built to last — and how determined armies tried to bring them crashing down.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://5minutewarfare.com/castles-and-siege-warfare. 

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March with Julius Caesar as 5 Minute Warfare unpacks the brutal brilliance of the Gallic Wars — a decade-long conquest that brought Gaul under Roman control and turned Caesar into a legend (and a political time bomb). From ambushes in dark forests to siege warfare on tribal strongholds, this was Rome at its most ruthless — and strategic. Tune in for a fast-paced tour through one of history’s most calculated campaigns. Veni, vidi, vici — in about 5 minutes.

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An article supporting this episode can be found on the website at https://5minutewarfare.com/julius-caesars-gallic-wars. 

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