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In this episode, we explore the lives of Agesilaus and Pelopidas, two towering figures from ancient Greece whose paths and principles could not be more different. Agesilaus, the disciplined and cunning Spartan king, rose to prominence through military command and political maneuvering—but his loyalty to Sparta may have come at Greece’s expense. Pelopidas, the fiery and courageous Theban, championed freedom and defied tyranny, shaping the rise of Thebes through bold action and sacrifice. Through Plutarch’s lens, we examine leadership, character, and the clash between duty to the state and devotion to justice. Two lives. Two legacies. One enduring comparison.

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Chris & Ryan

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Step into the fascinating world of Xenophon, a soldier, historian, philosopher, and adventurer from ancient Greece whose life reads like an epic tale. This podcast unpacks the extraordinary journey of Xenophon, a student of Socrates, a general in the Persian wilderness, and one of the earliest storytellers of history and leadership.

Discover his role in the infamous "March of the Ten Thousand," where Xenophon led a stranded Greek army through hostile territories back to safety, a journey immortalized in his classic work Anabasis.

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Chris & Ryan

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In this episode, we complete our dive into the life and legacy of Marcus Furius Camillus, one of Rome's most celebrated military leaders and statesmen, often hailed as the "Second Founder of Rome." Camillus played a crucial role in shaping the early Roman Republic, guiding it through some of its most challenging periods.

We began in episode one by exploring his early life and rise to power, discussing his military acumen and the series of victories that earned him the position of dictator. His most famous triumph came during the siege of Veii, a wealthy Etruscan city that had been a rival to Rome for many years. Camillus led the Roman forces to a decisive victory, which not only expanded Roman territory but also significantly bolstered the city's wealth.

Episode two covers the dramatic events of 390 BC when Rome was sacked by the Gauls. As the city lay in ruins, it was Camillus who was called back from exile to save the Republic. His leadership and strategic genius during the Battle of the Allia helped to drive out the invaders and restore order to the shaken city. This heroic act earned him the title of pater patriae, or "father of the fatherland."

We also discuss the controversy surrounding Camillus, particularly the accusations of corruption that led to his temporary exile. Despite these challenges, Camillus's reputation as a military strategist and statesman remained unblemished, cementing his place in Roman history.

Finally, the episode reflects on Camillus's legacy, not just as a military leader but as a pivotal figure in the development of Rome's political and social structures. His contributions set the stage for Rome's expansion and dominance in the centuries to come.

Join us as we explore the life of Marcus Furius Camillus, a man whose actions shaped the destiny of Rome and whose legend endures to this day.

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Chris & Ryan

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Furius Camillus, whom many historians, Plutarch included, say is the second founder of Rome and in my opinion is one of the greatest Roman leaders at least up until the Empire, and even then, still holds his own! 

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Chris & Ryan

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Lysander's importance to history begins when he is appointed as admiral of the Spartan fleet in 407 BC.   At this point Athens's navy has experienced a resurgence with the return of Alcibiades.

Lysander takes command of the Spartan fleet at Ephesus and resolves to do what it takes to make it a match for the Athenian navy. 

A tall order - is Lysander up for the challenge?

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Chris & Ryan

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After suffering a disastrous setback in Sicily the situation once again looks grim for Athens.  The Athenians would continue the fight however and the story of the Peloponnesian War would see a number of surprising twists - with Alcibiades playing a key role in each new turning point in the conflict.

Thanks for listening

Chris & Ryan

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Chris & Ryan

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In Part 2 of the Lives of Alcibiades and Nicias, these two polar opposites clash over Athenian foreign policy.  With Sparta still a looming threat, Athenians must choose whether to listen to the ambitious Alcibiades or cautious Nicias.

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Chris & Ryan

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For this episode it's going to be another two-for-one special as we will be covering two lives at once, and we will be picking up basically right where we left off.  

To jog everyone's memories, when we last left Athens the city had just been dealt a devastating blow in it's war with Sparta.  Athens's lead citizen Pericles had convinced the Athenians to avoid a decisive land battle with the Spartans which would play to the Spartan's strengths, and instead stay behind their city walls and use their large navy to their advantage.

However a plague spread within the heavily populated city and claimed the life of Pericles.  The war was not over but the city would need to find new leaders.

In this episode, we will take on the lives of two Athenians who would step into the void left behind by Pericles:  these would be Alcibiades and Nicias. 

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Coriolanus was an orphan, a Patrician and a Roman with Roman-sized ambitions who wouldn't let anyone get in his way on the road to glory, fame and prominence. 

Hope you enjoy!

Chris & Ryan

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Stay tuned for more new and exciting upcoming biographies

Chris & Ryan

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Coriolanus was an orphan, a Patrician and a Roman with Roman-sized ambitions who wouldn't let anyone get in his way on the road to glory, fame and prominence. 

Hope you enjoy!

Chris & Ryan

Support the show

Thanks for supporting our show Plutarch enthusiasts!

Thanks to all our listeners, we appreciate your support!

Stay tuned for more new and exciting upcoming biographies

Chris & Ryan