The Maritime History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

*Unlocked* Member Ep. 015 - The Ship(s) of Theseus Mar 25, 2022

Show notes

Welcome, crew. This is a temporarily unlocked member episode, open to everyone for the remainder of March since I was unable to record a regular episode this month. It will revert to subscriber-only access on April 1.

Today we depart slightly from a focused look at ships, and branch out to consider mythology that has some loose ties to ships. The Greek mythological king and hero Theseus of course slew the Minotaur, but today we explore the ties of that story, and others, to Athenian naval ambition. Later politicians like Pisistratus and Cimon used the myths of Theseus to help promote the spread of the Delian League, and today we consider this evolution. We also consider the myths, and ties they might have to sacred ships in Athenian history. We also discuss a philosophical question that is known as 'The Ship of Theseus,' although we really don't find any answers. But it's fun to think about.

043 - The Delian League: High and Dry in Egypt Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

Today we continue following the evolution and exploits of the Delian League. In the 450s BCE, they become embroiled in two theaters of conflict. The first saw them begin to more squarely meet Sparta and many other allied cities of the Peloponnesian League in what is called the First Peloponnesian War. At the same time, Athens and the Delian League answered the call of a rebel leader in Egypt and there the League got tangled up fighting Persia yet again. A siege at the White Castle (no, not that one) ensues, and in the end the Delian League suffers some pretty heavy losses in a foreign land.

042 - The Delian League v. Persia: Eurymedon Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

Now that we have witnessed the birth of the Delian League, in today's episode we trace their exploits in the 470s BCE. The league does a good job landing more blows against the Persian Empire, but at the same time they begin to more strongly resemble an empire, and some league members are not amused. A new military leader named Cimon emerges to lead the Delian League. He suppresses some piracy, and his trireme fleet is overhauled to more better suit their campaign objectives. We consider all of this, and more, as the Delian League's navy expands and then defeats a Persian fleet at the Battle of Eurymedon River.

041 - A League of (Our) Own: The Delian League Dec 05, 2021

Show notes

As we kick off Series 3, it's now time to examine one of the most recognizable institutions that existed in Ancient Greece: The Delian League. To make sense of things, we'll compare the Peloponnesian League and Sparta's motivations there, against the Hellenic League that was formed to stand against Persia's incursion. Then, against these two we will finally compare the Delian League, which emerges as a naval-centric league which formally kicks off the time when Athenian empire becomes possible.

Series 2 Recap Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

This episode is a recapitulation of the 20 episodes that make up Series 2 of the Maritime History Podcast. The season as a whole examined the high points of maritime history during the early Iron Age, with a specific focus on the maritime activity of the Phoenicians and how they eventually intersected with the Greeks. Although initially a land-centric empire, the Persians also make a significant appearance. Hopefully this recap can serve as a good summary as we now look to Series 3 and maritime history during classical Greece, and beyond.

Pod Update - November 2021 Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

A brief update on the state of the podcast, our sailing shape, and what lies ahead.

The Boats of the "Glen Carrig" by William Hope Hodgson (Part 4) Oct 31, 2021

Show notes

The Boats of the "Glen Carrig" by William Hope Hodgson is a horror/survival novel where survivors of a shipwreck, clinging to the remaining lifeboats, contend with the weird and terrifying elements of a strange land.

Part 4 contains the chapters 13 through 17. Part 1 is available here, Part 2 is available here, and Part 3 is available here.

Chapter 13 - The Weed Men
Chapter 14 - In Communication
Chapter 15 - Aboard The Hulk
Chapter 16 - Freed
Chapter 17 - How We Came To Our Own Country

The Boats of the "Glen Carrig" by William Hope Hodgson (Part 3) Oct 29, 2021

Show notes

Part 3 contains chapter 9 through 12. Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 can be found here.

Chapter 9 - What Happened in the Dusk
Chapter 10 - The Light in the Weed
Chapter 11 - The Signals from the Ship
Chapter 12 - The Making of the Great Bow

The Boats of the "Glen Carrig" by William Hope Hodgson (Part 2) Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Part 2 contains chapter 5 through 8. Part 1 can be found here.

Chapter 5 - The Great Storm
Chapter 6 - The Weed-Choked Sea
Chapter 7 - The Island in the Weed
Chapter 8 - The Noises in the Valley

The Boats of the "Glen Carrig" by William Hope Hodgson (Part 1) Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

Halloween is again upon us! This year we have a nautical horror novel to keep us company. The Boats of the "Glen Carrig" by William Hope Hodgson is a horror/survival novel where survivors of a shipwreck, clinging to the remaining lifeboats, contend with the weird and terrifying elements of a strange land.

Part 1 contains the first 4 chapters and will be followed by 3 more parts.