AW374 - Which Battle Would You Witness?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode, we explore the ultimate “time travel” question: if you could witness any battle in history, which one would you choose? We focus on a handful of iconic clashes, including Pharsalus, where Pompey surrendered unexpectedly, and Actium, exploring the real plan behind Antinous’ manoeuvres. We also dive into the Teutoburg Forest, one of Rome’s most devastating defeats, and consider what makes a battle truly unforgettable. Join us on Patreon
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AWA373 - Greek phalanx vs. Germanic shield wall: how different were they?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray tackles a question from Jörn: How different are an ancient Greek city-state’s hoplite phalanx and a Germanic shield wall? While separated by centuries and culture, both formations relied on close-order infantry and cohesion. Murray explores their tactical similarities and differences, the contexts in which they developed, and what each reveals about the societies that used them. Join us on Patreon
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AWA372 - Were ancient armies ever at full strength?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question from Marc about the actual size of ancient military units. Modern sources often quote full-strength numbers for legions and cohorts, but were ancient armies ever truly at full capacity? Drawing on evidence such as the Vindolanda tablets, Murray discusses how understrength units may have been the norm, and whether modern historians should reconsider the numbers they often cite. Join us on Patreon
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AWA371 - Do we know anything about ancient soldiers dice games?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a listener’s question about games of chance in the ancient world. Did soldiers pass the time with dice games or gambling, much like those in more recent conflicts? Drawing on historical sources and archaeological finds, Murray explores what kinds of games ancient soldiers played, how widespread gambling may have been, and what these pastimes reveal about life in the ranks during times of war and peace. Join us on Patreon
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AW369 - Battles of the Bronze Age
Ancient Warfare Podcast
'With the emergence of the first city-states came the first cases of organised warfare and campaigns of conquest, as well as developments in arms and armour.' In this episode, the team discusses issue 103, . Join us on Patreon
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AWA368 - What happened to the Hastati, Principes, and Triarii?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question from @tadejtomic1943: Why and when did the distinctions between Hastati, Principes, and Triarii disappear from the Roman Republican army? He explores the evolution of Roman military organisation, the reasons behind the shift away from this tripartite structure, and what replaced it as Rome’s army adapted to new challenges. Join us on Patreon
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AWA367 - How permanent were institutions like dux or comes?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question inspired by Finis Britanniae: Were Roman military commands permanent structures, or more ad hoc arrangements that changed with the situation? Drawing comparisons to modern military organisation, Murray examines what the ancient sources tell us about how Roman armies were structured and led in times of shifting security demands. Join us on Patreon
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AWA366 - When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist?
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray tackles a listener question from @tadejtomic1943: When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist? Drawing on historical sources and archaeological evidence, Murray explores how and when the iconic heavily armed infantryman faded from use—and what replaced him in the evolving landscape of ancient warfare. Join us on Patreon
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AW365 - Controversies of Roman Warfare
Ancient Warfare Podcast
We're between issues of Ancient Warfare magazine, so in this episode the team takes the opportunity to discuss some of the major controversies in Roman warfare. Join us on Patreon
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AWA364 - Victories by missile-based armies
Ancient Warfare Podcast
In this episode, Murray tackles a thoughtful listener question: were heavy, armoured troops consistently more effective than missile-armed light troops? Our listener reflects that European armies rarely seem to have been decimated by light forces—Carrhae being a rare exception—and wonders whether this is an accurate memory. Why did Persians, for instance, favour missile troops, and why didn’t this overwhelm Macedonian forces despite showers of arrows, slings, and javelins? Join us on Patron
info_outlineIn this episode, Murray takes on a question that's been asked before — but this time, he's invited to share his personal opinion:
"OK... so it's been asked before in a general sense and the official answer is... we don't know! But Murray... in your own opinion, what's your best guess as to why slingers go away? Please speculate!"
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