Épisodes

  • AWA366 - When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist?
    Jul 18 2025

    In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray tackles a listener question from @tadejtomic1943: When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist? Drawing on historical sources and archaeological evidence, Murray explores how and when the iconic heavily armed infantryman faded from use—and what replaced him in the evolving landscape of ancient warfare.

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    12 min
  • AW365 - Controversies of Roman Warfare
    Jul 11 2025

    We're between issues of Ancient Warfare magazine, so in this episode the team takes the opportunity to discuss some of the major controversies in Roman warfare.

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    33 min
  • AWA364 - Victories by missile-based armies
    Jul 4 2025

    In this episode, Murray tackles a thoughtful listener question: were heavy, armoured troops consistently more effective than missile-armed light troops? Our listener reflects that European armies rarely seem to have been decimated by light forces—Carrhae being a rare exception—and wonders whether this is an accurate memory. Why did Persians, for instance, favour missile troops, and why didn’t this overwhelm Macedonian forces despite showers of arrows, slings, and javelins?

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    11 min
  • AWA363 - Why do slingers go away?
    Jun 27 2025

    In this episode, Murray takes on a question that's been asked before — but this time, he's invited to share his personal opinion:

    "OK... so it's been asked before in a general sense and the official answer is... we don't know! But Murray... in your own opinion, what's your best guess as to why slingers go away? Please speculate!"

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    11 min
  • AWA362 - What can you tell me about the Scythed Chariots at Gaugamela?
    Jun 20 2025

    In this episode, Murray addresses a fascinating and complex listener question concerning the famous scythed chariots used at the Battle of Gaugamela:

    "Dear Murray,
    I have a question on the scythed chariots at Gaugamela. I developed and played a wargame scenario on it, and these things have become a true enigma. The problem is the number of chariots, the frontage they could cover in relation to the phalanx, and how agile the phalanx would need to be to let them through harmlessly..."

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    15 min
  • AW361 - Helmets in the Ancient World
    Jun 13 2025

    "From the simple cap to the most intricately-wrought and elaborately-decorated royal example, the humble helmet could do much more than just protect its bearer’s head."

    For this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine podcast, the team discusses helmets in the Ancient World, issue 102 of the magazine.

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    52 min
  • AWA360 - Did the ancient Greeks have a padded garment under their armour?
    Jun 6 2025

    In this episode, Murray tackles a listener question sent in by postcard from Damien in Tasmania:

    "Hi Murray, I love the magazine and the podcasts. My question is: Is there any evidence for a standard padded garment, worn under armour, in non-Roman armies (the equivalent of a subarmalis)? Or may it be assumed to be an individual choice? Cheers, Damien."

    Murray explores the evidence—or lack of it—for padded under-armour garments across various ancient armies outside of the Roman world.

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    12 min
  • AWA359 - Who are your go-to translators for your favourite texts?
    May 30 2025

    In this episode, Murray Dahm tackles a listener question about the best translators for classical texts like Herodotus’s Histories. Are modern versions better? What’s the deal with Penguin’s Aubrey de Sélincourt vs. Tom Holland’s more recent take?

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    9 min