In this episode of Dave Does History, we delve into the life and legacy of Emperor Diocletian, a transformative figure in Roman history. Proclaimed emperor on November 20, 284 CE, Diocletian inherited a fractured empire on the brink of collapse. From his humble beginnings in Dalmatia to his meteoric rise through the ranks of the Roman military, we explore the man behind the reforms that redefined Rome.

Discover the political intrigue that led to his ascension, the decisive Battle of Margus, and the innovative Tetrarchy that divided imperial power to stabilize the empire. We also tackle the darker side of his reign, including the infamous persecution of Christians and its lasting impact.

Tune in for a vivid, engaging narrative about one of Rome’s most pivotal leaders, packed with fascinating insights and the historical context that shaped his rule. Perfect for history buffs and casual listeners alike, this episode brings the past to life in a way only *Dave Does History* can!

Available now on Spotify, iTunes, and wherever you get your podcasts. 🎙️

In this special episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us on a journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, revisiting the battlefield, the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and the timeless significance of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Through vivid storytelling, personal anecdotes, and deep historical insight, Dave brings to life the events of July and November 1863, exploring the profound sacrifices made during the Civil War and Lincoln’s unparalleled ability to redefine the purpose of the conflict in just 272 words.

Born in rural Georgia in 1883, Carl Vinson’s half-century in Congress reshaped America’s military and secured its naval dominance for generations. Known as the "Father of the Two-Ocean Navy," Vinson’s tireless advocacy for shipbuilding, naval aviation, and military preparedness laid the foundation for victories in World War II and Cold War dominance.

In this episode, we dive into Vinson’s early life, his pivotal legislation, and the enduring legacy of his vision for American naval power. From battleships to aircraft carriers, Vinson’s impact still echoes across the seas. T

Tune in to explore how one man’s dedication to service transformed the U.S. Navy and ensured America’s place as a global leader.

Denver wasn’t always the Mile High City. In this episode, we journey back to November 17, 1858, to explore how a rough-and-tumble patch of land at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River became the beating heart of Colorado.

Discover the determination of General William Larimer Jr., the gold rush fever that drove settlers westward, and the fierce rivalry with Auraria that shaped the city’s early days.

We’ll also reflect on Denver’s legacy as a hub of resilience and ambition—and why it still holds a special place for those of us who’ve called it home.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating story of a city built on grit and dreams!

On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma officially became the 46th state in the Union, bringing together the Oklahoma and Indian Territories into one proud state. In this episode, we dive into the rich history of these two distinct regions, the leaders who fought for statehood, and the struggles and compromises that shaped the new state’s identity.

We’ll explore the Land Run of 1889, the Native American push for the State of Sequoyah, and the federal decision to merge the territories. Hear how Oklahoma’s unique blend of settler and Native American cultures led to both celebration and challenge, and how the state forged its identity through hard work, resilience, and pride.

Join us for a story as big as the plains and as bold as the people who call it home!

In this episode, we’re traveling back to the early 1900s, where baseball rivalries ran hot, double plays stung, and a poet named Franklin Pierce Adams captured it all in a few simple lines. Baseball’s Sad Lexicon may be short, but this poem has become part of baseball’s soul, memorializing the heartbreak that Giants fans felt every time the legendary trio—Tinker, Evers, and Chance—turned a would-be rally into yet another double play.

Join us as we dive into the life of Adams, a newspaperman with a knack for humor and heartbreak, and explore how this poem became a rallying cry for frustrated fans and a piece of baseball’s eternal lore. We’ll talk about the poem’s meaning, its reception in Adams’ time, and its lasting legacy in the world of sports. Whether you’re a baseball fanatic or just love a good story, this episode brings a piece of baseball history to life with a touch of wit, nostalgia, and plenty of “Tinker to Evers to Chance.”

In this episode of Dave Does History, we dive into one of the most remarkable moments of Alexander the Great’s campaign: his crowning as Pharaoh in Egypt. Join us as we explore the young Macedonian conqueror’s journey into the ancient land of Egypt, his reception as a liberator, and the symbolic gestures that earned him the loyalty of the Egyptian people.

We'll recount the Siege of Gaza, the crowning ceremony in Memphis, and Alexander’s strategic reverence for Egyptian gods, which solidified his rule. Discover how Alexander’s founding of Alexandria created a powerful legacy that reshaped Egypt and the Mediterranean for centuries.

This isn’t just a story of conquest—it’s the story of how Alexander became part of Egypt's history.

On November 13, 1002, Æthelred the Unready, King of England, took a drastic step that changed the course of English history: he ordered the massacre of Danish settlers throughout his kingdom. In this episode, we look into the chaotic world of 11th-century England, where Viking invasions, Danegeld payments, and cultural clashes fueled tensions between Anglo-Saxons and their Danish neighbors.

We'll explore Æthelred’s decision, fueled by paranoia and resentment, and the bloody consequences of that day. From the surprising cultural divides (like the Danes’ penchant for bathing!) to the brutal legacy that followed, this is a story of fear, politics, and one of history’s most tragic missteps.

Join us as we uncover the St. Brice’s Day Massacre and the lasting impact it had on England.

In today’s riveting segment of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us on a journey exploring the chilling implications of Nazi ideology and why historical memory is vital. Using Adolf Hitler’s calculated policies in 1938 and his fascination with Napoleon’s mistakes as a starting point, Dave discusses why merely “knowing” history isn’t enough. Bowman argues that it’s our failure to *remember* history that leads us to make the same errors—mistakes like Hitler’s ill-fated Russian campaign, made with full knowledge of Napoleon’s blunders but without any real lessons learned.

The discussion also tackles the casual use of terms like “Nazi” and “fascist” in modern politics. Bowman explains how using these words as casual insults, detached from their historical weight, diminishes our grasp on what these ideologies truly represent. Together with Bill Mick, Dave sheds light on how historical narratives shape societal values and warns against the perils of forgetting these lessons. With calls from listeners and powerful anecdotes, this episode reminds us that misusing historical terms not only disrespects the past but also endangers the moral foundation they teach us to uphold.

Tune in as Dave Bowman and Bill Mick delve into a thoughtful conversation on why history matters now more than ever. 

On November 11, 1918, the world stood on the brink of peace, but for thousands of American soldiers on the front lines in France, the war’s final moments were anything but peaceful. In this episode, we recount the last morning of World War I, when American “doughboys” were ordered to launch one final push just hours before the guns would fall silent.

Explore the intense atmosphere in the trenches, where these young men faced heavy fire, uncertain of whether they would live to see peace. We discuss the motivations behind those final orders, the tragic cost in lives, and how the lessons of November 11, 1918, shaped military policy and America’s observance of Veterans Day.

This is a story of sacrifice, honor, and the complicated road to peace.