Libsyn Directory

AWA407 - War Pigs Revisited

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Following on from an earlier episode on War Pigs, Murray digs deeper into the imagery of pigs and boars in Roman military history. Join us on Patreon

AWA406 - What army did Alexander Molossus have in his Italian campaigns?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

tadejtomic1943 asks, "Hi Murray, what was the army composition. How many men did it have. Was that the first time the Macedonian Phalanx operated and fought in Italy?What was Alexander Molossus' ultimate goal in Italy? Thanks!" Murray goes on a deep dive to discover the answers. Join us on Patreon

AWA405 - We got a fan letter!

Ancient Warfare Podcast

James from California has taken the time to write a fan letter to Ancient Warfare Answers! This is much appreciated! Murray muses over James' letter (which was into response to the die is cast but, as always, leads down much more widespread paths. Join us on Patreon

AW404 - The Marian Reforms

Ancient Warfare Podcast

The Marian reforms are said to have transformed the Roman army from a citizen militia into a more professional fighting force, reshaping how Rome made war. In this episode, the Ancient Warfare Magazine team discuss the Marian reforms, what they actually were, and how far their impact has been understood or misunderstood. Join us on Patreon

AWA403 - Why does the Odyssey 2026 trailer feel wrong?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

John has been watching the trailer for the 2026 film 'The Odyssey', starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, and something does not sit right. The Trojan War is usually dated to the thirteenth or twelfth century BC, a period associated with Mycenaean or Achaean warfare and distinctive equipment, such as boar-tusk and horned helmets. This is the world shown in archaeological reconstructions and classic works such as Peter Connolly’s The Ancient Greece of Odysseus. Yet in film and illustration, the warriors of Homer’s epics are almost always dressed in the armour of much later centuries. Corinthian...

AWA402 - Arausio 105 BC: military defeat or political disaster?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Peter got in touch with some thoughtful feedback and a set of big questions about the Battle of Arausio in 105 BC. A long-time reader of Ancient Warfare and a regular podcast listener, Peter has been debating Arausio with a wargaming friend and wanted Murray’s take on a few key issues. Was Arausio a failure of Roman arms, or a failure of Roman politics that ended in catastrophe? If Caepio and Mallius had cooperated, could the battle have been won, or was defeat inevitable? And how capable were the Cimbrian commanders, and are they underestimated because our sources are Roman? Murray tackles...

AWA401 - Why Did Helmets Have Crests?

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Responding to a recent episode of the main Ancient Warfare podcast, Eric writes in to ask about the purpose of the crest on helmets worn by ancient Greek and Roman soldiers. Join us on Patreon

AW400 - Warriors in Bronze

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Bronze helmets, greaves, armour, and bronze-faced shields make for an impressive army, but who fought in all that kit, next to whom, and how? In the latest episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine Podcast, the team discusses . Join us on Patreon

AWA399 - Outflanking as a Tactical Innovation

Ancient Warfare Podcast

Following an earlier episode in which Murray suggested that warfare was often conceived as frontal and honourable, Peter writes in with a response. He reflects on the idea that outflanking an opponent may once have been seen as poor form, even cowardly or lacking heroic virtue, and asks when outflanking became a tactical innovation deliberately employed in battle. Join us on Patreon

AWA398 - Turning to Face an Outflank

Ancient Warfare Podcast

John asks whether there are historical examples of a formation being outflanked where the troops on the threatened flank turn to engage the attacker, while the main line remains engaged to the front, effectively fighting on two faces at once while maintaining cohesion. Join us on Patreon

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