Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
58 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 48min
105. The Last Great War of Antiquity
Dive into the epic clash between the Sassanian Empire and the Byzantines, unraveling a war that shaped the fate of antiquity. Discover the romantic and political saga of Khusrow and Shireen, where love intertwines with power and faith. Explore the cultural echoes from this turbulent period, highlighting influences from poetry to cinema. The narrative extends into the legacy of Shireen against modern political struggles, culminating in the rise of Heraclius and setting the stage for a new era with the emergence of Islam.
60 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 53min
104. How Persian Religion Changed the World
Vesta Sarkosh Curtis, an expert in ancient Persian religion and history, shares her insights on the profound influence of Persian beliefs on world religions. She discusses Zoroastrianism's role as the first monotheistic faith, its impact on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and the fascinating evolution of Mithraism into Roman culture. Curtis also explores the struggle between good and evil in Manichaeism and the divine feminine embodied by the goddess Anahita, revealing the enmeshed legacy of Persian religion throughout history.
28 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 41min
103. Alexander the Great: Defeating Darius
Explore the intriguing rivalry between Alexander the Great and Darius III as they prepare for the pivotal Battle of Gaugamela. Delve into the strategic brilliance of Alexander and the psychological turmoil of Darius as empires collide. Witness the dramatic fall of Darius, captured by his own ally, and the repercussions for the Persian Empire. The hosts also touch on the rich history of Leptis Magna, revealing the challenges of its restoration amid political turmoil. Finally, reflect on Alexander's vast legacy and the cultural fusion that followed his reign.
35 snips
Nov 30, 2023 • 50min
102. Alexander the Great: The Conquest of Persia
Darius III is portrayed as a formidable ruler of Persia, showcasing his battle prowess amidst court intrigue. Meanwhile, a young Alexander the Great rises from Macedonia, determined to conquer. The contrasting legacies of these two figures are explored, highlighting how modern media influences their narratives. The podcast dives into Alexander's origins, his strategic genius, and the pivotal battle at Issus, revealing the complexities of their rivalry and the cultural dynamics of their empires.
56 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 49min
101. Salamis: Athens’ Revenge
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, a historian specializing in ancient Greece and Persia, returns to discuss the dramatic events surrounding the Battle of Salamis. He captivates listeners with insights into how Themistocles rallied the Athenian fleet against the advancing Persian forces. They explore Spartan ideals and their contentious legacy, while examining Persian imperial strategy that favored loyalty over oppression. The conversation also dives into the pivotal tactical maneuvers that led to this turning point in Greek history, showcasing the significance of Salamis in shaping Greek identity.
27 snips
Nov 23, 2023 • 54min
100. Thermopylae: Xerxes, Leonidas, and the 300
In this engaging discussion, historian Paul Cartledge, a Professor at Cambridge specializing in ancient Greece, dives deep into the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. He examines the resilience of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans against Xerxes' immense Persian army. Cartledge challenges traditional narratives, highlights the significance of engineering feats like the Hellespont bridges, and reflects on the daunting strategies and sacrifices during this iconic confrontation. Their defiant 'come and get them' response symbolizes an enduring spirit of courage and heroism.
20 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 45min
99. Marathon and the Rise of Greece
In this engaging discussion, Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, an expert on ancient Persian history and author of 'Persians: The Age of the Great Kings', explores the dramatic conflicts between Persia and Greece. He delves into the significance of the Ionian Revolt, revealing the complex relationships and strategic blunders on both sides. The Battle of Marathon takes center stage, highlighting military strategies and its cultural impact. Lloyd also critiques historical portrayals of Xerxes, shedding light on the female influences in his reign.
29 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 51min
98. Darius the Great: Ruling from India to the Mediterranean
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, an expert on the Persian Empire and author of "Persians: The Age of the Great Kings," dives into the reign of Darius the Great. He discusses how Darius transformed Persia into a global superpower, expanding its territory from the Mediterranean to India. The conversation reveals Darius's governance strategies, including language reforms and effective communication that facilitated imperial control. Additionally, the role of royal women and their influence within this complex society is examined, shedding light on the interplay between gender and power in ancient Persia.
58 snips
Nov 14, 2023 • 55min
97. Cyrus the Great: Building the First Superpower
Join historian Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, author of "Persians: The Age of the Great Kings," as he unpacks the life of Cyrus the Great, the architect of the first superpower. Discover how Cyrus unified diverse territories, employing strategies of cultural tolerance and effective infrastructure. The conversation explores the significance of Cyrus’s legacy, his early life amidst nomadic tribes, and the complex interplay of terms like "Iran" and "Persia." Delve into his military conquests and their impact on ancient Babylon, illustrating how his ideals resonate even today.
10 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 8min
96. Empires of Iran
Discover the vast legacy of Persia, the first great superpower that shaped history from India to the Mediterranean. Dive into the stories of legendary rulers like Cyrus and Darius, their cultural impacts, and their epic battles. Explore the rise of political Islam through the Iranian Revolution, and understand how the past continues to influence modern Middle Eastern politics. Learn about the Sassanians’ clashes with Rome and the emergence of Shi'ism during the Saffavid era, and gain fresh insights into today's geopolitical landscape.
