The History Network

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Welcome to the Soho Podtrail, brought to you by TheHistoryNetwork.org This is a guided tour of London’s Soho area, it is by no means all there is to see so if you feel the urge to take a diversion just pause your mp3 player and do so. You may also find it fun to print out the pdf of the trail and follow the map as you wander along, the map is available from www.podtrail.com, where you will find other podtrails. If you are listening to this on an ipod you will find that the file has been given chapters, you can move backward or forward through the chapters at will. If say, you only had time for half the trail you could easily find where you left off. In addition if your ipod supports colour pictures, you’ll find some relevant pictures poping up throughout the trail. Dur: 28min File: AAC Website: www.thehistorynetwork.org or www.podtrail.com

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!

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 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

  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  

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 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

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

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

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 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

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 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 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