A listener from Brisbane asks: how did the Greek hoplite phalanx maintain a cohesive front while advancing into battle over uneven terrain dotted with trees, bushes, and obstacles? Murray Dahm explains how ancient soldiers kept formation, reformed when disrupted, and adapted their tactics to the landscape. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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14:20
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14:20
AW379 - Commanding an Army in Antiquity
How do you get the right man to command your armies? Does he learn on the job, or from books, and what happens when something goes wrong? In this episode, the team discusses issue 104, Who Put You in Charge? Commanding an Army in Antiquity. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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28:31
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28:31
AWA378 - Did the Persians Really Use Cats at the Battle of Pelusium?
Augusto from Argentina asks: “How reliable is Polyaenus’ account of the Persians using cats—or images of cats—against the Egyptians at Pelusium? Is there any truth to the story, or is it just legend?” Murray Dahm explores the evidence behind this curious tale. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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13:02
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13:02
AWA377 - How Much Do We Really Know About the Bacaudae?
A listener on YouTube asks: “How much do we really know about the Bacaudae, and how important were they in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire?” Murray takes a closer look at these enigmatic rebels of Late Antiquity. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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20:55
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20:55
AWA376 - Are there any sources for the chariot driver actually exiting the chariot before contact?
In this episode, Murray Dahm revisits Alexander’s encounter with scythed chariots and unpacks some of the practical and tactical issues surrounding their historical use. From wargaming figure ratios to the use of caltrops, shield-banging, and even Roman caligae, we explore how ancient armies may have neutralised these fearsome weapons. Were chariots best used against cavalry or lighter infantry? Did ancient troops rely on noise and tight formations—or did they use more direct countermeasures? And finally, a listener asks: is there any evidence that chariot drivers dismounted before impact—or is that a modern myth? Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Discussions from Ancient Warfare Magazine. Why did early civilisations fight? Who were their Generals? What was life like for the earliest soldiers? Ancient Warfare Magazine will try and answer these questions. Warfare minus two thousand years.
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