Ancient Warfare Podcast

Latest Episodes:

AWA299 - Who or what made the decisions about where Roman army units were based or moved around the Empire? Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

'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 commander's decision, but what if it was a cohort sent from York to Gaul, ie between adjacent provinces? Was that worked out by the military staff of the respective governors? And then what about legions moving from, say, Gaul to Syria for military reasons or even for civil engineering projects? Was there a general staff in Rome comprised of ex-field generals, gnarly old centurions and civil servants, or was it down to the Emperor/Senate (depending on the period) to plan it all?'

Thanks for that question Keith.

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AWA298 - How were ancient negotiations organised? Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

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 was such a meeting arranged before and after a battle?

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AWA297 - Was Mons Graupius a great victory? Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

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 turned up little physical evidence of the battle.

Is part of the reason that a great victory would have been too big a lie to pass off, so there must be some truth to the story? Or was it generally accepted for generals to make their victories more impressive so no one in Rome batted an eye at Tacitus' account?'

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AWA296 - The Praetorian Guard Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

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, and assassination?

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AW295 - The Challenges of Campaigning Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

'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 issue XVII.1 In the Land of the Enemy: The Challenges of Campaigning.

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AWA294 - What really happened at the battle of Pydna? Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

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?"

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AWA293 - Who were Rome's most remembered enemies? Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

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 were more successful against Rome than the former, I have a few theories but I wanted to hear your answer."

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AWA292 - Who were the Hypaspists? Feb 16, 2024

Show notes

Matthew Tilley asks "who/what were hypastpists? I always hear very vague descriptions, or none at all." Murray gives his thoughts.

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AWA291 - Who is Muray's favourite general? Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

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 underrepresented Generals of ancient times in popular media, compared to how important they were in their time? Any book recommendations to read more about him?"; and from Caleb on Patreon "If an autobiography of an ancient general could be discovered, who would you want it to be written about, why, and what is already known about them?"

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AW290 - A Biography of Thermopylae Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

'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 book, The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae.

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