Casting Through Ancient Greece
A podcast about the history of ancient Greece for people new to and familiar with Ancient Greek history.The Casting Through Ancient Greece podcast will focus on telling the story of Ancient Greece starting from the pre history through Archaic Greece, Classical Greece and up to the Hellenistic period. Featured throughout the podcast series will be Major events such as the Greek and Persian wars, The Peloponnesian war and Alexander the Greats war against Persia. www.castingthroughancientgreece.com for more resources and creditsSupport the series at www.patreon.com/castingthroughancientgreecefacebook: casting through ancient greeceTwitter: @casting_greece
This is a teaser of the bonus episode, ”Opposing Plans” found over on Patreon.
Ever wondered how a narrow strait and a brilliant stratagem could turn the tide of history? Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the intricate strategies and pivotal moments leading up to and during the Battle of Salamis. Discover how Xerxes' hubris and determination to annihilate the Greek fleet led him to dismiss the sage advice of Artemisia, opting instead for a direct and ultimately disastrous naval confrontation. We'll break down the contrasting approaches of the Persian and Greek forces, delving into how Themistocles' genius, persuasive leadership and trickery kept the Greek coalition unified and strategically positioned in the treacherous Straits of Salamis.
Join us as we delve into Themistocles' mastery of psychological warfare and strategic manoeuvring. We'll recount the intense debates among Greek commanders and the crucial intelligence brought by Aristides, which confirmed the bait had been taken by Xerxes. As the battle unfolds, you'll learn how oracles and prophecies influenced critical decisions and boosted Greek morale, leading to a victory that would define the course of the Greco-Persian Wars. This episode promises a gripping exploration of the lead up to one of history's most consequential naval battles, shedding light on the cunning tactics and high-stakes drama that shaped the outcome.
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
Ever wondered how a single year could turn the tide in a protracted war? This episode takes you deep into the seventh year of the Peloponnesian War, uncovering the critical strategies and events that reshaped the conflict.
As we shift our focus to the campaigning season of 425 BC, the narrative gets even more gripping. Discover how Athens leveraged treachery and strategic brilliance to capture Anactunorium and gain control over the Peloponnesian fleet. The collapse of Spartan military prestige and the waning threats from Syracuse and Persia allowed Athens to strengthen its empire and secure its dominance by the end of the year. These developments set the stage for Athens to reassess its imperial strategies and bolster its defences, reshaping the balance of power in the war.
In our final segment, we dissect the aggressive Athenian campaigns that followed their successes at Sphacteria. The capture of Cythera and Thyrea, along with the invasions of Spartan territories, reveal a shift in Athenian military policy influenced by internal rivalries between figures like Cleon and Nicias. We delve into the political ramifications of these actions and how they exacerbated Spartan vulnerabilities. Join us as we unravel the dramatic shift in the course of the Peloponnesian War, showcasing Athens’ ascension and Sparta’s stagnation during these critical years.
