Libsyn Directory

AW383 - The Ancient Warfare Christmas Reading List

Release Date: 11/14/2025

AWA384 - Did Hannibal and Scipio Africanus Really Meet?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Dominik asks: is the famous story of Hannibal and Scipio Africanus meeting to discuss history’s greatest generals plausible? Murray Dahm examines the ancient accounts, the realities of elite travel in the ancient world, and whether such encounters between great commanders could have happened. Join us on Patreon

AW383 - The Ancient Warfare Christmas Reading List

Ancient Warfare Podcast

With Christmas just around the corner, the Ancient Warfare team take a break from battles to share their top reading recommendations for the holidays. From newly released studies to timeless classics, Jasper, Murray, Mark, Lindsay, and Marc each choose books that any ancient warfare enthusiast would love to find under the tree. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own list or shopping for a fellow history buff, this episode is full of great ideas to keep you reading well into the new year. Suggested Books Join us on Patreon

AWA382 - How Did Caesar’s Legionnaires Stay Battle-Ready?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

A listener asks: without modern nutritionists or recovery plans, how did Caesar’s legionnaires maintain the stamina to fight repeated battles, such as Bibracte and the Arar in 58 BC? Murray Dahm looks at training, diet, and discipline in Rome’s legions, and how ancient soldiers sustained their fighting edge. Join us on Patreon

AWA381 - Did Ancient Soldiers Protect Their Feet?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

A listener asks: with Greek and Roman soldiers well-armoured elsewhere, how did they protect the tops of their feet from injury? Murray Dahm explores what ancient sources and archaeology reveal about footwear, armour, and the realities of combat. Join us on Patreon

AWA380 - How Did the Greek Phalanx Keep Its Line?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

A listener from Brisbane asks: how did the Greek hoplite phalanx maintain a cohesive front while advancing into battle over uneven terrain dotted with trees, bushes, and obstacles? Murray Dahm explains how ancient soldiers kept formation, reformed when disrupted, and adapted their tactics to the landscape. Join us on Patreon

AW379 - Commanding an Army in Antiquity

Ancient Warfare Podcast

How do you get the right man to command your armies? Does he learn on the job, or from books, and what happens when something goes wrong? In this episode, the team discusses issue 104, . Join us on Patreon

AWA378 - Did the Persians Really Use Cats at the Battle of Pelusium?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Augusto from Argentina asks: “How reliable is Polyaenus’ account of the Persians using cats—or images of cats—against the Egyptians at Pelusium? Is there any truth to the story, or is it just legend?” Murray Dahm explores the evidence behind this curious tale. Join us on Patreon

AWA377 - How Much Do We Really Know About the Bacaudae?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

A listener on YouTube asks: “How much do we really know about the Bacaudae, and how important were they in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire?” Murray takes a closer look at these enigmatic rebels of Late Antiquity. Join us on Patreon

AWA376 - Are there any sources for the chariot driver actually exiting the chariot before contact?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

In this episode, Murray Dahm revisits Alexander’s encounter with scythed chariots and unpacks some of the practical and tactical issues surrounding their historical use. From wargaming figure ratios to the use of caltrops, shield-banging, and even Roman caligae, we explore how ancient armies may have neutralised these fearsome weapons. Were chariots best used against cavalry or lighter infantry? Did ancient troops rely on noise and tight formations—or did they use more direct countermeasures? And finally, a listener asks: is there any evidence that chariot drivers dismounted before...

AWA375 - What was the relationship between Korybantic/Kouretic dances and ancient warfare?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

In this episode of Ancient Warfare Answers, Murray Dahm explores the link between the Korybantic and Kouretic dances and the ancient warrior tradition. Unlike the more familiar Pyrrhic dance—used as military training—these ritual performances were deeply spiritual, involving ecstatic movement, clashing weapons, and the warding of evil. But could such rituals have shaped not just warrior identity, but also the tools of war themselves? Murray considers how spiritual beliefs may have influenced the way ancient cultures approached weapons, armour, and even materials like bronze and iron....

More Episodes

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own list or shopping for a fellow history buff, this episode is full of great ideas to keep you reading well into the new year.

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