Ancient Warfare Magazine

Cavalry in the Ancient World

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:00:00 +0000

True cavalry with men mounted on horse back started to appear from the 9th century BC, as chariots were slowly replaced. Imposing they were used in shock charges, their rapid movement made them ideal for reconnoissance, screening an army and for chasing down the enemy. Though despite there usefulness they only remained a small part of a Mediterranean army, comprising of perhaps only some 10% of the total numbers. In the late Roman empire period cavalry drawn from Northern Europe became more prevalent.

The expense of the horse and equipment often made it the province of aristocrats, creating at times divisions in social and political status between that of the infantry and cavalry.

In this episode Jasper, Josho, Murray, Lindsay and Michael consider questions of the tactical roll of the cavalry, the logistics of providing for the cavalry and their weapons and equipment, and the social status of the cavalry and use of "Barbarians".

Dur: 50min

The Dacian Wars of Domitian and Trajan

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Dacians lived in modern day Romania, they had long been a threat along the borders of the Roman Empire. In 101AD Trajan launched the first of two campaigns against Dacia, eventually it would become a Roman province. Though poorly documented the conflict is celebrated on Trajans column in the centre of Rome, providing a spiralling view of the campaign, and at Adamclisi (in modern day Romania) which depicts brutal fighting between Roman Legionaries and Dacian warriors.

Jasper, Josho, Michael and Lindsay discuss how these actions fit in with other actions along Romans frontiers, a look at arms and armour, the lack of sources when looking at the campaign and we take a look at Trajan himself.

Dur: 37min

Greek warfare in the Archaic age

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:20:35 +0000

Jasper and the team are joined by Josho Brouwers to discus warfare in archaic Greece. After Michael's summary of the period we go on to look at the phalanx, how it might function, the equipment the men carried, the suitability of the geography for this type of fighting and what that meant for the numbers of men deployed in the field.

Also touched upon is why the cities fought one another, was it just drunken Greeks tooled up and spoiling for a fight to assert their manliness?

Dur:48min

The Roman Conquest of Spain

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Jasper and the team discuss Ancient Warfare I.4, The Roman Conquest of Spain. It took over 200 years for Rome to pacify Spain, why did it take them so long? Did local fragmentation politically make it difficult for an all out victory that was so often achieved in the East? We look at issues of leadership in the Roman army, and recruitment.

Was Spain Rome's Vietnam?

Dur: 41min

Elite Units of the Hellenistic Era

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:36:02 +0000

Jasper, Murray and Lindsay are joined by Michael Park to look at Elite units of the Hellenistic Era, the discussion revolves round what is elite and how do you define elite, which proved more troublesome that one may expect.

Dont forget if you want more information on the magazine you can find their website at www.ancient-warfare.com

Dur: 51min File: MP3

Securing Seas and Shores: Fleets of the Roman empire

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

In the usual wide ranging discussion Jasper, Michael, Lindsay and special guest Jesse Obert look at the Roman Navy. Questioning the received view of the fleets being used in anti piracy duties, and were the fleets even standing forces or more of an adhoc thing brought together when needs must?

And the fleets what kind of shipping did they comprise of, and how did they make war?

The Assyrian Army At War

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode we look at the Assyrians, 930BC to 630BC, their empire stretched from Egypt to Babylon, it was the first great iron age empire with resources to fund a standing army equipped with iron weapons. They excelled at siege warfare, something very difficult to successfully achieve in the ancient world. We delve into all these aspects plus look at the putting down of internal descent, propaganda, chariots and the use of specialised infantry.

Jasper, Lindsay and Michael are joined by Mark Schwartz.

Dur: 43min

Rome's wars with the Sassanids

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:19:16 +0000

The Sassanid Empire would prove to be the last of the Persian middle-eastern empires, and would also be the last great ‘civilised’ rival of Rome. The Great Achaemenid Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, had displaced the Babylonians in the Middle-East. Ultimately, it sprawled from the Mediterranean to northern India. This empire, the largest in the world, had been overthrown by the meteoric career of a western ‘barbarian’ named Alexander of Macedon, but he did not survive to consolidate his conquest and it quickly split up with various parts being ruled by Alexander’s successors, who warred among one another with none succeeding in re-uniting the former Achaemenid Empire.

With Ian Hughes joining the regulars, they discuss the problem of gaps in the historical evidence that have to be negotiated when looking at the period, and the long lasting conflict with Rome.

Dur: 48min

Protect thyself. Shields, helmets and armor.

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:30:00 +0000

Jasper, Murray, Mike and Lindsay take a trip down memory lane and revisit Ancient Warfare magazine I.III "Protect thyself. Shields, helmets and armor."

Starting with why we need armour we take a trip through the ancient world covering arms and armour from the Greeks to the late Roman Empire.

Dur: 51min

Swords around the throne: bodyguards of kings and emperors

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Jasper, Lindsay, Murray and Mike discuss the use of bodyguards from Alexanders men having to prevent him from getting into harm through to being a symbol of power in Rome, and of course a long look at the Pretorian guard.

Daily Life In The Camp And On Campaign

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:47:03 +0000

The team discuss the daily routine of troops in the ancient world when garrisoned. Through examples found at Vindolanda we investigate sickness rates of soldiers, the freedom they had whilst not on duty and what would happen to them if they could no longer serve.

Dur: 40min File: .mp3

Gaius Marius at War

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Sat, 07 May 2011 22:58:15 +0000

Gaius Marius is credited with introducing wide ranging reforms which would transform the Roman Army into the professional machine of the Empire. Elected consul and unprecedented seven times, he authorised landless citizens to do military service (something that may have lead to the eventually down fall of the Roman Empire as troops became bound to their Generals to ensure their care), he gave them fixed duration of service and as such established a standing army.

But were all of Marius's reforms his own? What was there impact? And was he the great a leader as we are allowed to believe? In a lively discussion Jasper, Lindsay, Murray and Michael discuss Ancient Warfare magazine V-1, The 'new man' who saved Rome. Gaius Marius at War.

The Campaigns of Gnaeus Julius Agricola

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:08:12 +0000

Jasper and team go back to the first Ancient Warfare magazine and discuss the career of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, the issues of the sources such a Tacitus and his use of axillery troops among over things.

Gnaeus Julius Agricola was govenor of Britain from 77AD, he was responsible for much of the expansion of Roman terrioty in Britain and sent his army North into Caledonia, modern day scotland. After an unusually length period as governor he returned to Rome in 85AD.

Dur: 42min

Royal stalemate - Hellenistic kingdoms at war

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:11:58 +0000

Jasper, Murray, Michael and Lindsay discuss a the post Alexander Hellenistic world looking at uniforms (or lack of) and the colours they might be, Ross Cowans article sticks and stones and the use of low tech improvised weapons. Michael elaborates on his piece covering the Amphipolis regulation, disciplinary measures of the Macedonian army. And other issues such as Gigantism that the last issue of the magazine touched upon.

Warfare and Religion

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:29:39 +0000

Warfare and Religion

Jasper, Lindsay, Murray and Mike tip toe through warfare and religion, a fitting topic for this time of the year!

Merry Christmas!

Darkness descends - The end of the Bronze Age empires

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:23:29 +0000

Jasper and the gang with special guest Mark Schwartz discuss the end of the bronze age and the coming of the Sea people raiding in the Mediterranean.

Belisarius & The Byzantine Empires

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:49:00 +0000

Belisarius & The Byzantine Empires

Jasper and the team are joined by Ian Huges, author of “Belisarius: The Last Roman General”, to discuss Ancient Warfare issue IV-3, and further explore subjects brought up in the magazine.

Belisarius was one of the greatest Generals of the Eastern Roman Empire, under the Emperor Justinian. He was key to a revival of Roman fortunes.

Dur: 38min

Core of the Legions: The Roman Imperial Centuria

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Jasper and the team discuss issues brought up in the Ancient Warfare special for 2010, The Core of the Legions: The Roman Imperial Centuria. Dur: 1hr 04min

Siege Warfare

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:57:36 +0000

Jasper and the team discuss issues brought up in Ancient Warfare magazine issue IV-2 around the topic of sieges in the ancient world.

Before Rome Ruled Italy

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Before Rome Ruled Italy

A look at the Italian peninsular and the existing peoples before Rome took control. Jasper discusses with Murray Dahm, Lindsay Powell and Michael Taylor issues that the magazine brought up. Dur: 45min File: MP3

Battlefield Communications

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Before Radios existed, co ordinating the tactical movements of thousands of men on the battlefield would have required a well organised system of transmitting commands. In the ancient world these commands would be transmitted by trumpets and horns and accompanied by visual standards.

Jasper discusses with Murray Dahm, Lindsay Powell and Michael Taylor issues that the magazine brought up. Dur:40min

Imperial Nemesis: Rome vs. Parthia

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Jasper discusses Rome vs and Parthia with Phillip Lindsay Powell, Murray Dahm and Michael Taylor. Dur:40min File: .mp3

The Barcids At War

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Jasper discusses with Murray Dahm, Lindsay Powell and Michael Taylor issues that the magazine brought up. For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com and comments, questions or suggestions email them to editor@ancient-warfare.com

Classical heroes: The warrior in history and legend

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Classical heroes: The warrior in history and legend Jasper discusses with Murray Dahm, Lindsay Powell and Sidney Dean issues that the magazine brought up. For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com and comments, questions or suggestions email them to editor@ancient-warfare.com Dur:47min

Varus & The Teutoburg Forest

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:11:00 +0000

To commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the loss of legions XVII, XVIII (aka XIIX) and XIX somewhere in northern Germany, Ancient Warfare magazine published a special issue. In this episode of the podcast Jasper discusses with Murray Dahm and Lindsay Powell issues that the magazine brought up. File: .mp3 Dur: 1hr

Alexander & The Wars of the Successors

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Alexander & The Wars of the Successors Jasper is joined by Michael Taylor, Michael Park, Murray Dahm and Philip Lindsay Powell to discuss Alexander and the wars of his successors. Dur: 42min File: .mp3 For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com and comments, questions or suggestions email them to editor@ancient-warfare.com

War as a livelihood - Mercenaries in the Ancient world

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:06:00 +0000

War as a livelihood - Mercenaries in the Ancient world Jasper is joined by Michael Taylor, Paul Bardunias and Albert Perez Rubio to discuss Mercenaries in the acient world. Dur: 37min File: .mp3 For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com and comments, questions or suggestions email them to editor@ancient-warfare.com

Rome In Crisis

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Jasper is joined by Christian Koepfer, Glenn Barnett and regular Murray Dahm to discuss the Rome In Crisis, the third age AD. Dur: 30min File: .mp3 For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com and comments, questions or suggestions email them to editor@ancient-warfare.com

Warfare In The Ancient Near East

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Jasper is joined by Mark Schwartz and regular Murray Dahm to discuss the Campaigns of Caesar. Dur: 35min File: .mp3

The Campaigns of Caesar

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:29:00 +0000

Jasper is joined by Vicky Kalambakal and regular Murray Dahm to discuss the Campaigns of Caesar. Dur: 36min File: .mp3

The Age of the Trireme

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Jasper is joined by Murray Dahm and Paul McDonnell-Staff to discuss the Age of the Trireme. Dur: 40min File: mp3

Victory and Defeat

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:45:00 +0000

Jasper is joined by Murray Dahm, Joe Pietrykowski and Paul McDonnell-Staff to dicuss victory and defeat in the ancient world. For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com and comments, questions or suggestions email them to editor@ancient-warfare.com Dur:35min File: .mp3

Pilot - Light Infantry and Auxiliaries

info@thehistorynetwork.org — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:46:00 +0000

Jasper Oorthuys and the contributers of this issue of Ancient Warfare Magazine discuss the theme of this issue of the Magazine, light infantry and auxiliaries. For more information on the magazine go to www.ancient-warfare.com Dur: 19min File: .mp3