Para Bellum History

Para Bellum History

Para Bellum History is a history podcast that explores the epic battles, legendary leaders, and defining moments that shaped civilizations. From ancient history to civilizations lost, each episode dives into military history, powerful empires, and the lives of great historical figures. Whether you’re fascinated by Rome, Greece, or ancient Mesopotamia, this podcast brings the past to life with engaging storytelling and rich historical detail. Perfect for history buffs, students, and curious minds, Para Bellum History makes the complex moments of our past both accessible and unforgettable.

  1. Elam – Forgotten Civilization of Iran | Ancient Civilization Podcast

    FEB 12

    Elam – Forgotten Civilization of Iran | Ancient Civilization Podcast

    Elam existed for nearly three thousand years — alongside Sumer, Babylon, and Egypt — yet it remains one of the least known civilizations of the ancient world. This video brings Elam back into the story of history: from the rise of Susa and Anshan and the mystery of Proto-Elamite writing, to the golden age of Chogha Zanbil, the campaigns of Shutruk-Nahhunte, and the height of Elamite power. We then follow the dramatic decline — the dark centuries, fragmentation, and the fatal clash with Assyria that ended with Ashurbanipal’s destruction of Susa. But the story does not end there. Elamite traditions, language, and administration lived on within the Achaemenid Persian Empire, in the archives of Persepolis, the Behistun inscription, and a cultural legacy that survived into the Roman era. This is the history of a civilization that shaped the ancient Near East for centuries — and left monuments and texts that still stand and speak today. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    31 min
  2. Ancient Numidia - Rise and Fall | Ancient Civilizations Podcast

    JAN 22

    Ancient Numidia - Rise and Fall | Ancient Civilizations Podcast

    Numidia was one of the most influential yet overlooked powers of the ancient Mediterranean. Rising from the Berber highlands of North Africa, it helped decide the outcome of the Punic Wars, shaped the fate of Rome and Carthage, and transformed the region into the grain heartland that fed the empire. This episode explores Numidia’s origins, its famous light cavalry, the reign of Masinissa, the transformation of a pastoral society into an agricultural powerhouse, the Jugurthine War, and the kingdom’s final downfall during the Roman civil wars. Featuring Polybius, Sallust, Cassius Dio and other ancient sources alongside modern scholarship, this episode of our podcast traces how Numidia turned neglected lands into a breadbasket, fielded cavalry that dominated the battlefield at Cannae and Zama, and produced figures such as Masinissa, Sophonisba, Jugurtha, and Juba. It also examines Numidia’s cultural synthesis — Berber, Punic, Greek, and Roman — its cities, religion, trade networks, and long-term legacy in North Africa. Topics include: Numidian origins; Massylii and Masaesyli; Second Punic War; Hannibal and Scipio Africanus; Numidian light cavalry tactics; Masinissa’s agricultural reforms; Numidian grain exports; urbanization and trade; Punic and indigenous cults; Jugurthine War; Sallust’s account of corruption; Sulla and Marius; Bocchus of Mauretania; fall of Numidian independence; Roman Africa Nova; Africa Proconsularis; Berber identity; legacy in modern Algeria. For anyone interested in: ancient history, Carthage, Rome, Berbers, North Africa, Punic Wars, military history, cavalry tactics, Mediterranean history, agrarian economies, classical antiquity, forgotten kingdoms, documentary history, and historical archaeology. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    37 min
  3. Cyrus the Great: The Rise of the Achaemenid Empire | Ancient Civilizations Podcast

    JAN 15

    Cyrus the Great: The Rise of the Achaemenid Empire | Ancient Civilizations Podcast

    Cyrus the Great was one of the most influential rulers in ancient history — founder of the Achaemenid Empire and the man who created the largest empire the world had ever seen up to that point. In this documentary-style history episode, we explore the full life of Cyrus the Great, from his mysterious origins in Persia to his rise against the Median Empire, his legendary conquests of Lydia and Babylon, and his final campaign against the Massagetae. Drawing on ancient sources such as Herodotus, Xenophon, and Ctesias, the episode examines how Cyrus combined military brilliance with an unusually tolerant and pragmatic style of rule. We look at his treatment of conquered peoples, his policy of religious freedom, the Cyrus Cylinder, and why the Jewish tradition uniquely remembers him as a messiah. This episode also explains how the Persian Empire was governed through satrapies, how the Immortals functioned as an elite fighting force, and why Cyrus’s administrative system outlived him by centuries. Finally, we reconstruct the dramatic accounts of his death and legacy, including the famous story of Queen Tomyris. This is the complete story of Cyrus the Great — king of kings, liberator of nations, and one of the most remarkable figures of the ancient world. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    35 min
  4. Who Were the Philistines? | Ancient History Podcast

    JAN 9

    Who Were the Philistines? | Ancient History Podcast

    This documentary explores the real history of the Philistines — one of the most misunderstood peoples of the ancient world. Known today mainly as the biblical enemies of Israel, the Philistines were in fact a powerful Iron Age civilization whose cities ranked among the largest and richest in the eastern Mediterranean.The episode traces their origins in the chaos of the Late Bronze Age collapse, when drought, famine, and mass migrations reshaped the ancient world. Drawing on Egyptian inscriptions, archaeology, and modern DNA studies, it explains how the Sea Peoples — identified in Egyptian sources as the Peleset — were defeated by Ramesses III and resettled in southern Canaan, where they merged with the local population and formed what later sources call the Philistines.You will learn how the Philistine Pentapolis — Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath — functioned as a unique political confederation, why their material culture points to Aegean origins, and how their early use of iron technology gave them a decisive military edge over their neighbors. The video also examines their religion, language, and rapid cultural assimilation into the Semitic world, including the worship of deities such as Dagon and Baal-Zebub.A major focus is the long conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites, including the historical background behind figures like Saul, David, and Goliath, as well as archaeological finds from Gath that shed light on biblical traditions. The story then follows Philistia under Assyrian domination, its transformation into an industrial powerhouse producing olive oil on a massive scale, and its eventual destruction by the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II.Finally, the documentary explains how the Philistines disappeared as a distinct people through deportation and assimilation, yet left behind one of the most enduring names in history. From Peleset and Pelištim came the term Palestine, later used by Greek authors such as Herodotus and ultimately adopted by Rome when Emperor Hadrian renamed the province Syria Palaestina.This episode is based on primary sources, archaeology, and modern scholarship, offering a full historical reconstruction of who the Philistines really were — beyond myth, polemic, and later tradition. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    24 min
  5. Ancient Roman Board Games | Roman History Podcast

    12/25/2025

    Ancient Roman Board Games | Roman History Podcast

    What games did the ancient Romans actually play — before chess, playing cards, or modern board games even existed? In this episode, we explore the real games of ancient Rome, reconstructed from archaeological finds, ancient texts, and surviving game boards scratched into stone floors across the empire.You’ll learn how Romans played mill (nine men’s morris), one of the oldest board games in the world, found carved into temples, palaces, gladiator schools, and even brothels. We examine how the rules worked, how they differed in antiquity, and why this simple game became so widespread. We then turn to latrunculi, the most mysterious Roman strategy game — frequently mentioned by ancient authors, yet still only partially understood today. Using evidence like the famous Colchester burial, we explore how scholars attempt to reconstruct its board, pieces, and possible rules.The video also covers Roman dice and gambling games played with astragali — real animal bones that gave us the modern term “dice.” You’ll learn how Romans gambled, how cheating was prevented, and which combinations were considered lucky or powerful. We examine “twelve lines,” the Roman ancestor of backgammon, along with simple alignment games like terni lapilli, the ancient version of tic-tac-toe.Beyond adult games, we look at children’s play in ancient Rome — including walnut games that involved building and destroying miniature fortresses. Finally, we explore one of the strangest finds in Roman archaeology: tesserae lusoriae, ivory tablets that may point to a lost Roman word game — or perhaps something else entirely.This is a journey into Roman everyday life, showing how play, strategy, luck, and competition shaped leisure across the ancient world — and how some Roman games may still be influencing what we play today. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    13 min
  6. Caesar in Africa – The Alexandrian War | Ancient Roman History Podcast

    12/22/2025

    Caesar in Africa – The Alexandrian War | Ancient Roman History Podcast

    Journey into one of the most dramatic episodes of Julius Caesar’s life — the brutal Alexandrian War, his alliance with Cleopatra, the battle for the Pharos lighthouse, and the campaign that ended with the immortal words *Veni, vidi, vici*. This episode follows Caesar after the Battle of Pharsalus as he arrives in Egypt with only a small force, expecting diplomacy but finding himself trapped in a hostile capital, outnumbered six to one. Inside Alexandria, a deadly dynastic conflict unfolds between Cleopatra, her brother Ptolemy XIII, and the powerful courtiers who control the young king. From Cleopatra’s legendary secret entrance into the palace to the burning of the Egyptian fleet and the fighting around the Great Library, the story reveals how close Caesar came to defeat — even death. You’ll hear how the Alexandrian War reshaped the ancient world: the rise of Cleopatra as ruler of Egypt, the fall of Ptolemy XIII and Arsinoë’s capture, and Rome’s growing control over the Nile. The podcast also covers Caesar’s lightning campaign against Pharnaces, culminating in his swift victory at Zela, as well as the political turmoil awaiting him back in Rome — including the shocking mutiny of his own veterans. Perfect for listeners interested in ancient history, Caesar’s military genius, the Ptolemaic dynasty, and the real events behind the legend. If you enjoy deep-dive historical storytelling, 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/yLcPbmDxBQk Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    22 min
  7. Battle of Alesia 52BC – The Deciding Battle of Caesar's Gallic War | Ancient Roman Battle Podcast

    12/18/2025

    Battle of Alesia 52BC – The Deciding Battle of Caesar's Gallic War | Ancient Roman Battle Podcast

    Travel back to 52 BC, when Julius Caesar faced the greatest challenge of his Gallic campaign. After years of conquest, Gaul erupted in a massive rebellion led by Vercingetorix — a charismatic war leader who united nearly all Gallic tribes against Rome. What followed was a chain of battles, scorched-earth tactics, desperate marches, and relentless cavalry clashes that pushed Caesar’s army to the brink.This episode tells the full story of the road to Alesia: the disaster at Gergovia, the rise of Gallic resistance, the dramatic cavalry battle that changed Caesar’s strategy, and the rebel leader’s decision to make his stand at the fortress city of Alesia.Here you’ll see how Caesar responded with one of the most extraordinary engineering feats of the ancient world — building two vast rings of fortifications stretching more than 35 kilometers. Inside Alesia, famine spread. Outside, a massive relief army gathered to break the siege. Between these two forces stood Caesar’s legions, surrounded, outnumbered, and fighting for survival.Watch the dramatic final assault unfold: the simultaneous attacks from inside and outside, the collapse of Roman lines, the desperate counterattack, and Caesar’s personal charge that broke the Gauls and decided the fate of an entire land.The surrender of Alesia ended the last great Gallic rebellion. Vercingetorix was captured, paraded through Rome, and executed — while Caesar’s victory paved his path to absolute power. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/VXhRUyqj4yM Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    15 min
  8. Who Were The Phoenicians? | Ancient History Podcast

    12/15/2025

    Who Were The Phoenicians? | Ancient History Podcast

    The Phoenicians — the legendary sailors of the ancient Mediterranean — transformed the world not through conquest, but through trade, innovation, and one invention that changed human history forever: the alphabet.This episode explores the rise of the Phoenician city-states of Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, and others; their mastery of shipbuilding and navigation; the collapse of the Minoans and the birth of Phoenician maritime dominance; their global trade networks stretching from the Levant to Spain and even Britain; and the creation of Tyrian purple, the most valuable dye of the ancient world. Discover how these independent coastal cities built colonies across the Mediterranean, culminating in the great powerhouse of Carthage. Learn how the Late Bronze Age Collapse opened the door for Phoenician independence, how Assyria, Babylon, and Persia reshaped their fate, and how Alexander the Great ended their era of autonomy with the destruction of Tyre. Most importantly, see how a simple system of 22 letters — the first true alphabet — spread from Phoenicia to Greece, Rome, and far beyond, becoming the foundation of nearly every writing system used today. If you enjoy deep dives into ancient civilizations, maritime history, and forgotten cultures that shaped our world, this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction. This Episode on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/qCUVuKenP0g Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumhistory.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our merchandise store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music from our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas⁠

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Para Bellum History is a history podcast that explores the epic battles, legendary leaders, and defining moments that shaped civilizations. From ancient history to civilizations lost, each episode dives into military history, powerful empires, and the lives of great historical figures. Whether you’re fascinated by Rome, Greece, or ancient Mesopotamia, this podcast brings the past to life with engaging storytelling and rich historical detail. Perfect for history buffs, students, and curious minds, Para Bellum History makes the complex moments of our past both accessible and unforgettable.

Information

  • Creator
    Para Bellum History
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Para Bellum History
  • Show Website
    Para Bellum History