Casting Through Ancient Greece Mark Selleck

Step back in time with me, Mark Selleck, as we trace the footsteps of Athenian generals post-Pericles, navigating the perilous landscape of public dissent and audacious military campaigns. The death of Pericles marked a significant pivot in Athenian strategy, and we'll peel back the layers of this tumultuous era, scrutinizing the aggressive maneuvers that propelled the city-state into the contentious Sicilian expedition. On the Spartan side, delve into the mysteries shrouding King Plistoanax's comeback and the alleged bribery scandal involving the Oracle of Delphi—an episode that further complicates the rich tapestry of Ancient Greek politics.

Feel the ground shake beneath your feet as we recount how natural disasters left indelible marks on Greek military decisions. The Spartans' superstitious interpretations of earthquakes fuelled a reimagining of their war tactics, prompting them to establish Heraclea. We'll examine how this strategic pivot eventually lost its lustre due to a combination of diplomatic hostility and internal mismanagement, revealing a side of Spartan governance seldom seen in their laconic annals.

The episode culminates with a gripping recount of the Athenian military blunders and unexpected victories. Demosthenes' disastrous Aetolian campaign serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of ancient warfare. Yet, amidst catastrophe, the crafty general redeems himself with a masterful victory in Ambracia. The resulting stalemate in the region underscores the broader lesson of our episode: that the tides of war in Ancient Greece were as unpredictable as they were ruthless. Join us for an enthralling exploration of this era's strategic intricacies and shifting alliances.
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This is a teaser of the bonus episode, "The Greeks Unite" found over on Patreon.

Transitioning from the Persian might, our episode casts light on the labyrinthine world of Greek polis. We unveil how over a thousand autonomous entities, with their own dialects, governments, and customs, confronted an existential threat. The Greeks' struggle for unity is a narrative of alliances forged in the crucible of necessity, a testament to the power of collective action in the face of overwhelming odds. Accompanying us on this historical deep dive is our special guest, an esteemed historian whose knowledge paints a vibrant picture of an era where the fates of empires and free cities hung in the balance.

If you would like to hear more and support the series click on the Patreon link at the bottom of the page or you can head to my website to discover other ways to support the series, Here
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Embark on a voyage through the tempestuous waters of ancient Sicilian politics, where our narrative charts the ascendancy of Syracuse amidst a maelstrom of democracies emerging from tyrannical ruins. Unearth the seismic shifts in Athenian foreign policy that set a fleet towards Sicily's shores, seeking to weave a web of influence that could ensnare the Peloponnesian war machine.

Witness the Athenian fleet, under the command of Laches and Charoeades, as it threads through the Mediterranean, capturing cities and igniting the fuse of local uprisings with the promise of freedom from Syracuse's grip. The labyrinthine complexities of war and diplomacy play out across the Sicilian stage, where each move is a calculated risk in the pursuit of dominance. The Athenian quest for Sicilian allegiance unfolds with a narrative vigour, painting a vivid portrait of ancient warfare and the ever-present shadow of defeat.

Succumb to the enthralling tale of Athens' audacious Sicilian expedition, from the strategic insight behind their push into the western world to the unforeseen ramifications of their actions. The episode intricately weaves together the triumphs and tribulations of Athenian commanders, the resilience of cities, and the undercurrents of political change that ripple through time. Join us for a compelling recount of an era where the fates of empires hung by a thread, and the echoes of ancient strategies still resonate in the annals of history.
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As we gather today to mark a remarkable journey through the annals of Greek history, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. Together, we've traversed 83 episodes, spanning the rich tapestry of Greece from its nascent days to the dramatic onset of the Peloponnesian War. Looking ahead, I'm thrilled to contemplate the untold stories that may unfold beyond Alexander the Great's demise. It's a testament to your engagement and curiosity that we're even considering this expansion of our historical horizon. Moreover, I want to share a heartfelt thank you for your steadfast support—without which this podcast couldn't thrive. The evolution of our release schedule to a monthly episode is a move to safeguard the caliber of our storytelling, balancing the growing demands on my time with my commitment to providing you with the best possible listening experience.

Turning our gaze to the revamped Patreon offerings, we've sculpted new tiers with the aim of making our content even more rewarding and accessible. As we forge into the year ahead, anticipate a fresh rhythm of episodes—each one meticulously crafted for mid-month release, while our dedicated patrons can look forward to exclusive early-month content. I invite both our seasoned supporters and newcomers to explore the refreshed Patreon landscape, where a deeper dive into Greek history awaits. Your enthusiasm has been the bedrock of this podcast, and I'm eager to continue this shared passion for the stories that have shaped our world, as we embark on the next chapter of our historical quest.
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This is a teaser of the bonus episode, "Xerxes Invasion" found over on Patreon.

Step back in time with us and uncover the epic saga of Xerxes' colossal invasion of Greece. Imagine inheriting a crown and a vendetta: that's exactly what Xerxes faced as he ascended to the Persian throne, but was he burning with the ambition to subjugate all of Greece? As your guide through this march into history, I'll take you through the aftermath of the First Persian Invasion, revealing how initial Persian endeavours sowed the seeds for an even grander campaign. We'll scrutinize Xerxes' grandiose preparations for war, from manipulating Greek city-states to bend the knee through 'Medizing' to constructing monumental engineering marvels like the canal through Mount Athos and the bridge over the Hellespont. These efforts etched themselves into the annals of history, setting the stage for a conflict of legendary proportions.

If you would like to hear more and support the series click on the Patreon link at the bottom of the page or you can head to my website to discover other ways to support the series, Here
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Prepare to be transported to a Sicily that's both ancient and alive, where democracy's roots intertwine with the whispers of tyrants. On our historical odyssey, we'll traverse the landscapes of power, betrayal, and the unending quest for dominion. I promise an expedition into the heart of Sicilian intrigue, from the liberation of Syracuse to the theatrics of Hieron's tyranny, and the eventual emergence of revolutions that would forever alter the island's destiny.

Our narrative begins in the aftermath of the Greco-Persian Wars, charting a course through Sicily's golden age of peace to the tumultuous tides of 427 BCE.  We won't shy away from the stark contrasts of rule, examining the cunning manoeuvres of Hieron as he clings to power, the bloody outcomes of political machinations, and the indelible marks left by tyrants on the fabric of their cities.

Finally, wisdom takes centre stage as we scrutinize the counsel of Simonides to Hieron, juxtaposing the downfalls of despots with the democratic reawakening of Syracuse. The intricate dance of Sicilian politics continues with revolts and power shifts, where the spectre of tyranny lingers, and the ambitions of leaders like Ducetius spark conflict and change. Join us for a profound look at ancient strategies and the timeless struggle for power, as we piece together the lessons history has etched into the stones of Sicily, setting the chessboard for the Sicilian expedition that awaits over a decade later. 
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