This episode takes you inside the slave markets of the Roman Empire, where human lives were bought and sold as casually as goods at a marketplace. From young Greek boys trained in reading and writing to Thracian farmhands and Syrian women valued for their beauty, every person had a price — and those prices tell us a lot about Roman society, economy, and culture.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
-- How Roman slave markets worked and why the Forum Boarium in Rome became the heart of the trade
-- Real examples of slave prices preserved in historical records and contracts
-- Why certain groups — like educated Greek slaves, skilled craftsmen, and entertainers — were worth far more than unskilled laborers
-- The shocking differences between the cost of children, women, and men on the auction block
-- How Roman buyers evaluated slaves: age, origin, skills, health, and even physical appearance
-- The paperwork behind every sale, including contracts, receipts, and guarantees
-- How historians calculate what Roman prices (measured in denarii and sesterces) would mean in modern money
-- The economic and social impact of slavery on Rome — from agriculture and construction to households and entertainment
Slavery was not just a feature of Rome — it was the backbone of its empire. Millions of men, women, and children were enslaved, powering the economy and shaping daily life. Understanding how slaves were valued and traded opens a window into one of the darkest but most essential aspects of Roman civilization.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know not only the average cost of a slave in Ancient Rome, but also how these transactions reveal the harsh realities of human exploitation in the ancient world.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/g0A_OxIX338
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Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
What legal rights—if any—did slaves have in Ancient Rome? Popular depictions often show Roman masters wielding absolute power over their slaves, able to punish, torture, or even kill them without consequence. And for much of Roman history, that image isn’t far from the truth. Under Roman law, slaves were considered *res*, or property—often described as “speaking tools,” with no inherent legal personhood.
But the real picture is more nuanced. This video takes a deep, critical look at the *limits of a Roman master’s power* and the rare, often symbolic legal protections that slaves could sometimes rely on. Spanning over twelve centuries of Roman history, from the monarchy through the Republic and into the Empire, we explore how slavery evolved, how laws were applied (or ignored), and how power, politics, and social control shaped the legal status of the enslaved.
We examine:
* The origins of slavery in early Rome and how it functioned in small, agrarian households
* Why early Roman masters sometimes treated slaves with leniency — and how escape was once a viable option
* How territorial expansion, mass enslavement, and economic dependence hardened attitudes toward slaves
* The rise of legal mechanisms designed to *appear* protective while preserving the master’s dominance
* The role of *Roman censors* — powerful officials with the theoretical right to intervene in cases of slave abuse — and why they almost never did
* *Case studies involving emperors* like Augustus and Hadrian stepping in to prevent slave cruelty, not out of compassion, but because the violence was too public to ignore
* The introduction of laws under emperors like Claudius, Domitian, Antoninus Pius, and Constantine that placed minimal, often symbolic limits on cruelty
* The *Lex Petronia*, which prohibited masters from sending slaves to be executed by wild animals without judicial approval
* The legal concept of **manumission** and restrictions introduced by laws like the *Lex Aelia Sentia* and *Lex Fufia Caninia*
* *Contract clauses* that attached conditions to the sale of slaves — such as *ne manumittatur* (no manumission allowed), *ut manumittatur* (manumission required after a set period), *ut exportetur* (forced relocation), and *ne serva prostituatur* (ban on forcing female slaves into prostitution)
* The surprising legal consequences for breaking these clauses, including automatic freedom and legal protections for freedwomen
Despite these laws and clauses, Roman slaves were never treated as full human beings under the law. Even when protections existed, they were often designed to avoid public outrage, prevent rebellion, or maintain social order—not to ensure dignity or justice. Most slaves had no legal voice, no right to appeal, and no consistent protection from violence. Even the most progressive Roman laws treated slaves as valuable assets, not people.
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This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/cmzNAi6v-sM
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
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🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Did Ancient Rome really copy its religion from Greece — or is that just a modern myth? In this video, we uncover the true origins of Roman religion and show how it developed into a unique and complex system of beliefs unlike anything in Greece.
We begin with the earliest Italic tribes of the Tiber Valley, whose worldview was shaped by animism (the belief that nature itself is alive with spirit), totemism (sacred tribal animals like wolves, woodpeckers, and boars), and fetishism — the idea that certain objects held divine power. You’ll discover the “pledges of Rome’s eternity,” seven sacred relics believed to guarantee the survival of the Roman state.
From there, we trace how Etruscan and Greek religion influenced Rome. The Etruscans gave Roman gods human form, while the Greeks provided myths to explain their origins — pairing Jupiter with Zeus, Venus with Aphrodite, Mars with Ares, and so on.
But this blending was never perfect. Roman gods had different roles, personalities, and meanings. We also explore gods the Greeks never had: Janus, god of beginnings and endings; Quirinus, protector of the Roman people; the household Lares and personal Genius; Pomona, Vertumnus, Terminus, Mefitis, and many others.
Roman religion also worshipped abstract values like Virtus (Valor), Pax (Peace), Fides (Loyalty), and Disciplina (Discipline), building entire temples to ideas rather than personalities.
Unlike Greek religion, which emphasized myth, emotion, art, and beauty, Roman religion was about duty, tradition, and exact ritual. The Romans believed the gods cared less about faith and more about whether rituals were performed flawlessly. Every sacrifice, prayer, and gesture had to be precise — or repeated from the beginning.
Divination was another core part of Roman religion. Inherited from the Etruscans, practices like haruspicy (reading the entrails of sacrificed animals) and auspicy (interpreting bird signs) guided political decisions, wars, and daily life.
We uncover stories like Publius Claudius Pulcher at the Battle of Drepana, who mocked the sacred chickens — and lost an entire fleet.Roman priests were not a separate religious class. Priesthoods were held by politicians and generals — Julius Caesar, Cicero, Sulla, Augustus, and Scipio Africanus all served as priests while leading the state, proving how religion and politics were inseparable in Rome.
In the end, Roman religion wasn’t a copy of Greek religion — it was a fusion of Italic, Etruscan, and Greek beliefs shaped by Roman values: duty, order, family, and the power of the state.
This podcast uncovers how it worked, what the Romans truly believed, and why their religious system helped build one of the greatest empires in history.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PMnPxF0okxQ
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🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Who was Nero, really? Was he the deranged tyrant who fiddled while Rome burned, a brutal killer who murdered his own mother and wives? Or was he a gifted artist and visionary, vilified by senatorial elites and early Christian chroniclers? This comprehensive historical podcast explores the life, reign, and legacy of Emperor Nero, one of the most controversial figures in the history of ancient Rome.
Born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus in 37 AD, Nero was connected by blood to some of the greatest names in Roman history — Germanicus, Mark Antony, and Augustus. Adopted by Emperor Claudius and groomed for leadership by the philosopher Seneca, he seemed destined for greatness. And indeed, the first years of his reign were marked by stability, reform, and popularity. But beneath the surface, tensions brewed — with his ambitious mother Agrippina, with Rome’s conservative elites, and within Nero himself.
In this in-depth podcast, we trace Nero’s journey from promising young emperor to feared autocrat. We unpack the complex power plays that shaped his early reign, the dramatic fall of Agrippina, and the internal court dynamics that drove a wedge between Nero and his former mentors. We explore Nero’s artistic passions — his love of music, poetry, drama, and chariot racing — and how these pursuits scandalized Rome’s upper class.
One of the most infamous chapters of Nero’s reign — the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD — is examined with fresh eyes. We separate fact from fiction, comparing ancient accounts by Tacitus and Suetonius with modern archaeological and historiographical perspectives. Did Nero really start the fire, or did he become a convenient scapegoat?
We also explore the savage persecution of early Christians in the wake of the fire — a campaign of terror that led to the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Finally, we cover Nero’s downfall: his loss of support among the Senate, the betrayal of the Praetorian Guard, and the rebellion of Galba.
What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why Nero was seen as a breath of fresh air in the early years of his reign
- How Roman society viewed artists, performers, and public entertainers — and why Nero’s passions caused outrage
- The influence of women in Roman imperial politics, especially Agrippina and Poppaea
- The brutal mechanisms of imperial control: poisonings, show trials, and forced suicides
- The origins of the Nero-as-Antichrist legend and its impact on early Christian thought
- Why modern historians are reassessing Nero’s legacy — and what still makes him so fascinating today
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yAkmyw0byQM
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Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Who were the Sumerians? Where did they come from — and what happened to them?In this in-depth podcast, we explore the rise and fall of Sumerian civilization, one of the most influential cultures in human history. From the first cities in the world to the invention of writing, the wheel, beer, and even the seven-day week, the Sumerians shaped the foundations of our modern world.
This episode covers the history of ancient Sumer, including the Ubaid and Uruk periods, the invention of cuneiform, Sumerian mathematics and astronomy, the reign of Sargon of Akkad, the Gutian invasion, and the fall of Ur. Learn how early Mesopotamian city-states like Uruk, Ur, Kish, and Lagash competed for power and influenced civilizations that followed — from Babylonians to Assyrians.
🔍 What you’ll learn:– Who the Sumerians were and where they came from– How the Sumerians built the first complex cities– How cuneiform writing developed from clay tokens– The role of ziggurats, temples, and religion in city life– Sumerian advances in law, science, technology, and math– Why base-60 math still shapes how we tell time– How the Sumerians influenced Akkadians, Babylonians, and beyond If you're interested in ancient Mesopotamia, the origins of civilization, or the real story behind the Tower of Babel, this video is for you.
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This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ygbPGogGdz8
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Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Did Jesus of Nazareth really exist? In this episode, we explore what historians and scholars say about the historical Jesus — not the religious figure of the Gospels, but the man who may have lived in first-century Judea.
We examine non-Christian sources that mention Jesus, including ancient writers like Josephus, Tacitus, Suetonius, Pliny the Younger, Lucian, and Mara bar Serapion. What did these authors say about Jesus? Are their accounts authentic? And what can we learn from them about the origins of Christianity?
We also discuss the famous Testimonium Flavianum, the controversial passage in Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews, and analyze whether it was altered by later Christian scribes. You’ll learn how scholars separate authentic references from forgeries, and why the lack of archaeological evidence isn’t unusual for figures of that time.
📚 Topics Covered:
-The historical context of Jesus and early Christianity
-What non-Christian sources say about Jesus
-Josephus and the Testimonium Flavianum
-Tacitus and the fire of Rome
-Suetonius and the Claudius expulsion
-Pliny the Younger’s letter to Trajan
-Lucian and Mara bar Serapion on the crucified “wise king”
-Why Jesus might not have been famous during his lifetime
-Lost sources, Christian forgeries, and Middle Ages censorship
Whether you're religious, skeptical, or just curious, this episode breaks down the historical evidence for Jesus — clearly, critically, and based on academic research.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/IQPhfuanqHg
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Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Spartacus — a name that has transcended history to become a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and defiance against tyranny. But behind the legend was a real man — a Thracian soldier turned gladiator, whose courage and leadership would shake the foundations of the Roman Republic.
In the early 1st century BC, Rome stood at the height of its power. Its legions ruled over vast territories, and its economy thrived on the labor of millions of enslaved people. Yet beneath this facade of glory lay tension, cruelty, and despair. When Spartacus and his fellow gladiators escaped from a training school in Capua, no one could have imagined that this small uprising would ignite one of the most dangerous wars Rome had ever faced.
Over the next three years, Spartacus’s army of slaves and gladiators defeated one Roman army after another, humiliated consuls, and spread panic across Italy. From the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to the plains of Lucania, his forces fought with unmatched discipline and ferocity — proving that even those born in chains could challenge the might of an empire.
This podcast retraces the incredible journey of Spartacus: his possible Thracian origins, his capture and enslavement, his life as a gladiator under Lentulus Batiatus, and his transformation into the leader of the largest slave revolt in history. We follow his victories against Glaber, Varinius, Lentulus, and Gellius; his complex relationship with his allies Crixus and Oenomaus; and his final confrontation with Marcus Licinius Crassus, the richest man in Rome.
You’ll also discover how the rebellion evolved from a desperate escape into a disciplined military campaign, how Spartacus’s tactics baffled Rome’s generals, and why his dream ultimately came to a tragic end. Drawing on the accounts of Plutarch, Appian, Florus, and Sallust, we explore both the myth and the man — separating historical truth from centuries of legend.
Spartacus’s story did not end on the battlefield. His name lived on, inspiring countless generations — from Roman slaves dreaming of freedom to modern revolutionaries fighting for justice.Watch the full story of Spartacus — the gladiator who defied Rome, the rebel who became a legend, and the man whose spirit still burns as a timeless symbol of resistance.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/IQPhfuanqHg
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus — better known as Caligula — ruled the Roman Empire for just four years, yet his name became a symbol of madness, cruelty, and decadence. But how much of what we know about him is true? And how much is myth, gossip, or political propaganda?
In this podcast, we explore the rise and fall of Caligula, Rome’s third emperor, from his early years in military camps to the paranoia, executions, and divine ambitions that marked his final days. Along the way, we compare ancient sources like Suetonius, Cassius Dio, Josephus, and Philo, and separate historical fact from legend.
Topics covered in this Podcast:
- Caligula’s relationship with Germanicus and Tiberius
-His first months as emperor and surprising popularity
-The illness that changed everything
-Political purges and the fall of Tiberius Gemellus
-Caligula’s obsession with Incitatus, his favorite horse
-The plan to invade Britain
-His controversial deification and god complex
-The assassination of Caligula in 41 AD
-What modern historians say vs. ancient Roman writers
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in: Ancient Rome, Roman emperors, Julio-Claudian dynasty, Roman history documentaries, and the truth behind Rome’s most notorious rulers.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Gm2sk0mNmWw
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Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Year 122 AD. Deep in remote Britannia, the Ninth Legion stands guard against northern tribes—Brigantes, Picts, Caledonians—bearing the full weight of Rome’s frontier. Yet fifty years later, the Ninth is simply gone. No records, no standard, no trace. What really happened to Rome’s most celebrated legion?
In this podcast, we trace the Ninth Legion’s journey from its early campaigns under Pompey and Julius Caesar—fighting at Alesia, Pharsalus, Thapsus—to its prized titles Hispana and Macedonica earned in Spain and on the roads to Actium. We follow the legion’s service under Vespasian and Agricola, its role in the Boudican revolt, and the brutal mutinies that nearly dissolved it. We chart its last known fortress at Eboracum (modern York) and explore how a dedicated detachment may have slipped away to the Rhine.
Finally, we examine the disappearance during the reign of the “Good Emperors,” separating fact from fiction and evaluating every theory: from a catastrophic defeat in Britain to a quiet transfer to the continent, and even fringe ideas of Bar Kokhba or Parthian disasters.
Along the way, we highlight key archaeological clues—military diplomas, altar inscriptions, and those iconic bronze eagle finds—and walk through the careers of Lucius Caer and Lucius Saturninus, whose diverging fates hint at untold scandal or dishonor. You’ll hear why the Ninth Legion captured the popular imagination in Sutcliff’s The Eagle of the Ninth and why modern historians still debate its fate.
Whether you’re a Roman history buff or simply fascinated by unsolved mysteries, this deep dive reveals how the Ninth Legion’s legacy endures and why its vanishing act remains one of antiquity’s greatest enigmas. Don’t forget to subscribe for more explorations of ancient empires.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-TQfBKrh0OU
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Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
The Second Punic War was one of the most dramatic and consequential conflicts in all of ancient history — a seventeen-year struggle between the two great powers of the Mediterranean: Rome and Carthage. It was a war that produced two of the greatest generals the world has ever known — Hannibal Barca and Publius Cornelius Scipio, later called Scipio Africanus. Their rivalry, strategies, and battles shaped the course of Western civilization.
In this podcast, we trace the entire story of the Second Punic War — from Hannibal’s daring crossing of the Alps and his stunning victories at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae, to the desperate years that followed, when Rome refused to surrender even in the face of disaster. You’ll see how the Republic slowly turned the tide of war: retaking Spain, crushing Carthaginian hopes in Sicily and Sardinia, and preparing for the ultimate counterattack.
We’ll explore how Scipio — once a young tribune at Cannae — rose to command Rome’s armies in Spain, trained the survivors of that battle into an elite fighting force, and launched his bold invasion of North Africa. You’ll witness the alliances, betrayals, and political intrigue that shaped the conflict: Carthage’s uneasy oligarchy, the role of Numidian kings Masinissa and Syphax, and the desperate maneuvers that brought Hannibal back from Italy for one last stand.
Finally, the podcast reaches its climax at the Battle of Zama (202 BC) — the confrontation that decided the fate of the ancient Mediterranean. We’ll examine Scipio’s tactics, Hannibal’s final gambit with war elephants, and the brutal clash that ended with Carthage’s defeat and Rome’s rise as the undisputed superpower of the ancient world.
This is not just the story of a war — it’s the story of endurance, genius, and the transformation of Rome from a republic fighting for survival into a dominion destined to rule for centuries.
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This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
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🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
When we talk about Rome’s greatest enemies, most people think of Hannibal, the Gauls, or the Carthaginians. But long before those names echoed through history, there was another — the Samnites. For over 30 years, these fierce mountain warriors fought Rome in a series of brutal conflicts known as the Samnite Wars, shaping the early Roman Republic and laying the groundwork for its future dominance.
In this in-depth historical podcast, we explore the full rise and fall of the Samnites — from their mysterious origins and unique language to their military brilliance and final destruction. The Samnites were more than just another Italic tribe; they were Rome’s most persistent and dangerous rivals during the Republic’s formative years.
Join us as we uncover:
‣ Who the Samnites were and what made them unique among Italic peoples
‣ The meaning of terms like Safines, Oscan, touto, meddix tuticus, and the Linen Legion
‣ How their rural society differed from Rome’s urbanized and class-divided structure
‣ What happened during the First, Second, and Third Samnite Wars
‣ The infamous Battle of the Caudine Forks, where Rome was forced to march under the yoke
‣ How Roman military reforms — like the manipular legion — were influenced by Samnite tactics
‣ The role of Gaius Pontius and other key Samnite leaders in their resistance against Roman expansion
‣ Why Rome built the Appian Way and how it helped turn the tide
‣ How the Samnites fought alongside Pyrrhus of Epirus, Hannibal, and later revolted in the Social War
‣ How Sulla’s campaigns erased Samnite independence — and nearly their memory
‣ The lasting legacy of Samnite blood in the Roman elite — including emperors and empresses
This is the forgotten story of Rome’s eternal enemies — a people who defied the Republic at its height and whose stubborn resistance forced Rome to evolve. Without the Samnites, Rome might never have become the empire we remember today.
Perfect for anyone interested in:
‣ Ancient Roman history
‣ Italic tribes and early Italy
‣ Forgotten wars of Rome
‣ Ancient military tactics and reforms
‣ The pre-imperial Roman Republic
‣ The roots of Roman expansion and conquest
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
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Once, they rivaled Egypt and Babylon — a Bronze Age empire whose armies thundered across Anatolia and Syria. Yet for three thousand years, the Hittites vanished from history, their cities buried, their language forgotten.
In this podcast, we uncover the rise, glory, and mysterious disappearance of the Hittites — one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world. From their origins in Anatolia and their mighty kings like Suppiluliuma and Hattusili, to the legendary Battle of Kadesh against Pharaoh Ramses II and the world’s first peace treaty — discover the story of a forgotten superpower that shaped the ancient Near East.
If you enjoy deep dives into ancient civilizations, archaeology, and forgotten empires — subscribe to the Para Bellum History Podcast and join us as we explore the real stories behind the myths.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
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Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
At Pharsalus in 48 BC, two of Rome’s greatest generals — Julius Caesar and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus — faced each other in one of the most decisive battles in world history. After suffering defeat at Dyrrhachium, Caesar was forced to retreat into Thessaly, pursued by Pompey’s much larger army. What followed was a desperate campaign of maneuver, deception, and endurance that culminated in a clash that would determine the fate of the Roman Republic.
This episode follows the story step by step — from Caesar’s narrow escape and the reunification of his scattered forces, to Pompey’s pursuit, the storming of Gomphi, and finally the legendary Battle of Pharsalus. Drawing on ancient sources like Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Civili, Plutarch, Appian, and Cassius Dio, we’ll explore how strategy, discipline, and sheer willpower turned the tide of the war.
Discover how Caesar’s outnumbered legions triumphed against overwhelming odds, how Pompey’s overconfidence led to disaster, and how this single battle ended centuries of republican rule — paving the way for the rise of the Roman Empire.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
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🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
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In 48 BC, the Roman Republic was locked in a deadly struggle between two of its greatest generals — Julius Caesar and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, better known as Pompey the Great. After a year of civil war, Caesar had triumphed in Spain and taken control of key territories, but Pompey had used the time to build a massive army and dominate the seas. The stage was set for a dramatic confrontation at Dyrrachium — one of the most critical campaigns of the entire Roman Civil War.
This episode tells the full story of the Dyrrachium campaign, from the strategic situation after the fall of Massilia and the disasters suffered by Caesar’s lieutenants, to the risky midwinter crossing of the Adriatic. With only half his army, Caesar landed in Epirus and moved swiftly to capture Oricum, Apollonia, and the loyalty of much of the region. Meanwhile, Pompey gathered his full strength, securing Dyrrhachium — his main supply base — before Caesar could seize it.
What followed was a tense standoff across the Apsus River, daring maneuvers to bring in reinforcements, and a struggle for control of the sea routes. Mark Antony’s arrival with veteran Gallic legions tipped the balance, forcing Pompey to pull back toward the coast. Caesar then attempted a massive encirclement of Pompey’s fortified camp, building a network of trenches and redoubts in an effort to starve his opponent into submission.
But a single weak point in Caesar’s siege lines — revealed by deserters — would change everything. Pompey launched a breakout with sixty cohorts, supported by naval landings, overwhelming the defenders of Caesar’s Ninth Legion. The resulting collapse triggered one of the worst routs of Caesar’s career, costing him over 4,000 men. Despite his overwhelming advantage, Pompey chose not to press the attack, letting Caesar escape to Thessaly.
This battle was one of the few clear defeats Caesar ever suffered, and it set the stage for the decisive showdown at Pharsalus. In this episode, we explore the tactics, strategy, and decisions that shaped the Dyrrhachium campaign — a moment when the fate of the Roman Republic hung in the balance.
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This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
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Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
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In 49 BC, as Julius Caesar marched to confront Pompey’s legions in Spain, he encountered a dangerous obstacle: the powerful and defiant city of Massilia (modern-day Marseille). Despite Caesar’s advance, the city declared for Pompey and closed its gates, commanded by the seasoned legate Domitius Ahenobarbus.
Caesar couldn’t afford to leave such a strategic port behind—so he launched a massive and meticulously planned siege that combined Roman engineering, naval warfare, and brutal infantry combat.This episode tells the full gripping story of the Siege of Massilia, one of the most dramatic and underappreciated episodes of Caesar’s Civil War.
We follow Caesar’s initial assault and the construction of siege works, the violent naval battles led by Decimus Brutus, the clever tactics of Massilia’s defenders, and the fierce back-and-forth as both sides used deception, ingenuity, and sheer force of will to gain the upper hand.
Listen as the Romans deploy massive siege towers, covered galleries, and powerful ballistae against Massilia’s high walls. Witness how the Massiliots, supported by Pompey’s naval reinforcements under Lucius Nasidius, fought back with daring raids and incendiary missiles. See how Caesar’s legions, even in his absence, maintained relentless pressure—eventually breaching the walls, only to be outwitted by a cunning nighttime counterattack.
In this episode, we explore:
- Caesar’s strategic decision to besiege Massilia- The defensive preparations inside the city
- Construction of warships and naval bases by Caesar’s forces
- The first major naval battle between Brutus and Domitius
- Pompey’s reinforcements and the second sea battle off Tauroentum
- Roman siege engineering: lead-plated towers and tunneling operations
- The Massiliots’ surprise raid and Trebonius’s massive setback
- The city’s final surrender and Domitius Ahenobarbus’s narrow escape
Based on Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Civili and supported by the latest historical and archaeological scholarship, this episode delivers a vivid, action-packed, and historically accurate account of a siege that shaped the course of the Roman Civil War.
If you're a fan of Roman military history, siege warfare, or Caesar’s epic campaigns, this is a must-listen.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, he set the Roman Republic on a collision course with civil war. But while many focus on his battles in Italy or his fateful clash with Pompey at Pharsalus, few remember one of Caesar’s most brilliant and bloodless campaigns — his march into Hispania and the Siege of Ilerda.
In this episode, we explore Caesar’s strategic genius as he faces off against Pompey’s top commanders, Lucius Afranius and Marcus Petreius, in a campaign that would decide control over the western provinces. With supply lines stretched and his forces cut off by floodwaters and sabotage, Caesar was nearly trapped. Yet through audacious maneuvers, clever engineering, and psychological tactics, he not only broke the stalemate but compelled a much larger enemy force to surrender without a pitched battle.
From the early siege of Massilia to the chaotic river crossings at the Segre and the final encirclement of Afranius’s army, this podcast offers a deep dive into one of the most underappreciated moments of Caesar’s rise to total power. It’s a story of miscalculated resistance, harsh terrain, crumbling morale — and one man’s relentless pursuit of control over the Roman world.
Whether you’re a fan of Roman history, military strategy, or political drama, this episode brings to life the tension and brilliance of Caesar’s Hispania campaign like never before.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
#Caesar #Ilerda #RomanCivilWar #AncientRome #HistoryDocumentary #MilitaryHistory #Pompey #CaesarVsPompey #JuliusCaesar #SiegeWarfare #historychannel
Bibliogrpahy
1. Caesar, Gaius Julius. Commentarii de Bello Civili (Commentaries on the Civil War). Translated by Jane F. Gardner. Penguin Classics, 1976.
2. Appian. The Civil Wars. Translated by John Carter. Penguin Classics, 1996.
3. Plutarch. Parallel Lives: Life of Caesar. Translated by Rex Warner. Penguin Classics, 2007.
4. Goldsworthy, Adrian. Caesar: Life of a Colossus. Yale University Press, 2006.
5. Syme, Ronald. The Roman Revolution. Revised Edition. Oxford University Press, 2002.
6. Lintott, Andrew. The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford University Press, 2003.
7. Gelzer, Matthias. Caesar: Politician and Statesman. Translated by Peter Needham. Harvard University Press, 1968.
8. Keppie, Lawrence. The Making of the Roman Army: From Republic to Empire. University of Oklahoma Press, 1998.
Urartu was one of the most fascinating and powerful kingdoms of the ancient Near East — yet today, it is almost forgotten. Three thousand years ago, the people of Urartu carved mighty fortresses into mountains, engineered canals and aqueducts that still work today, and turned the Armenian Highlands into the heart of a thriving empire. Their capital, Tushpa, overlooked Lake Van and became a center of politics, religion, and military power. Urartu’s kings — Aramu, Sarduri I, Ishpuini, Menua, Argishti I, and Sarduri II — built a state capable of resisting Assyria, the superpower of the ancient world.This podcast tells the full story of Urartu. We explore its origins in the aftermath of the Late Bronze Age collapse, when the fall of the Hittite Empire left the region without central authority. Tribal alliances, Hurrian migrations, and the rise of the “land of Nairi” all paved the way for the birth of a new kingdom. We follow Urartu’s early kings as they fought against relentless Assyrian expansion and gradually transformed their loose confederation into a unified, centralized monarchy.You’ll see how Urartu became a true military powerhouse: its army equipped with iron weapons, its fortresses designed to withstand sieges, its cavalry striking fear into enemies across the Near East. We look at its religion, from the rise of the god Haldi as the kingdom’s supreme deity to the great temple of Musasir, a sacred shrine that became the spiritual heart of Urartian identity.The podcast also covers Urartu’s golden age under Sarduri II, when the kingdom reached its maximum territorial extent and for the first time imposed its will on Assyria. But we also examine the kingdom’s struggles, from the reforms of Tiglath-Pileser III to the devastating Assyrian campaigns of Sargon II — culminating in the fall of Musasir, the loss of the statue of Haldi, and the death of King Rusa I.Finally, we trace the kingdom’s slow decline: the pressure from Assyria, raids by nomadic tribes like the Cimmerians and Scythians, and the eventual destruction of Urartu by the Medes around 590 BC. Though the kingdom vanished, its legacy survived — in its fortresses, inscriptions, and the later culture of Armenia.If you’re interested in ancient history, the Bible’s land of Ararat, Assyrian warfare, early Armenian civilization, or the forgotten empires of the Iron Age, this is a deep dive into one of the most impressive — and most overlooked — civilizations of the ancient world.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/KqPpqnHTWCw
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
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Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
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The Etruscans: Mysterious Founders of Italy Before Rome
Who were the Etruscans? Long before the rise of Rome, the Etruscans ruled much of central Italy. They built cities, developed a rich religion, influenced Roman politics, art, and warfare—and then, somehow, they vanished. Their language is still not fully deciphered, and their origins remain one of the biggest mysteries in ancient history.
In this full-length deep dive, we uncover the story of the Etruscan civilization: their possible roots in the Villanovan culture, their ties to Greek and Phoenician colonists, their stunning achievements in art, metalwork, and divination, and their legacy that lived on in Roman culture, language, and religion.
Join us as we explore:
‣ Competing theories about Etruscan origins: were they from Asia Minor, the Alps, Sardinia, or native Italians?
‣ How ancient writers like Herodotus and Dionysius of Halicarnassus viewed the Etruscans
‣ The undeciphered Etruscan language, the Liber Linteus, and the Pyrgi Tablets
‣ The unique Etruscan pantheon: Tinia, Uni, Menrva, Turan, and more
‣ The mysterious figure of Tagus and the sacred books of Etruscan religion
‣ Religious practices and the central role of divination (haruspices, augurs, fulgurators)
‣ Incredible Etruscan art: including bucchero pottery, sculpture, and fine gold jewelry
‣ The military power of the Etruscans—naval rams, piracy, and warfare
‣ The Etruscan influence on Rome: kings, institutions, urban planning, the Latin alphabet
‣ The decline of Etruscan power in the face of Roman expansion, Greek naval supremacy, and internal disunity
‣ The final appearance of Etruscan priests during the Gothic siege of Rome in 410 AD
If you’ve ever wondered about the people who came before Rome (who laid the foundations for so much of what we call Roman civilization) this is the place to start.
Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about ancient civilizations, this episode will give you a complete overview of the Etruscans based on the latest archaeological, historical, and genetic evidence.
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This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2_YvhPN_PLI
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Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas
Carthage, often remembered as Rome’s greatest rival, was far more than a mere adversary in the Punic Wars. Its history spans eight centuries, from its Phoenician origins to its tragic fall.
Before Carthage’s foundation, the Phoenician city-states of the Levant, particularly Tyre, dominated Mediterranean trade.
These expert seafarers established over 300 colonies across North Africa, Spain, and the islands of the western Mediterranean.
Around 814 BCE, the legendary Queen Dido fled Tyre and founded Carthage, though archaeology suggests the city emerged in the late 9th century BCE.
Initially a modest trading post, Carthage’s strategic location on the Tunisian Strait made it a vital commercial hub. As trade flourished, the city transitioned into an aristocratic republic, later evolving into a monarchy under Mago I in the mid-6th century BCE.
Carthage expanded its influence, absorbing Phoenician colonies and forming alliances against Greek settlers in the western Mediterranean. It's military, bolstered by naval superiority, secured victories such as the Battle of Alalia in 539 BCE, cementing dominance over Sardinia and Corsica.
By the early 5th century BCE, Carthage had become the dominant power in the western Mediterranean, engaging in prolonged conflicts with Greek city-states, particularly in Sicily. Its first major attempt to conquer the island in 480 BCE ended in disaster at Himera, prompting the abolition of its monarchy and the establishment of a republic.
Despite setbacks, Carthage rebuilt its influence, expanding into North Africa, Spain, and the Mediterranean islands.The Carthaginians were skilled explorers and shipbuilders. Maritime expeditions, such as those led by Hanno the Navigator, extended their reach as far as West Africa, while shipbuilding innovations enabled mass production of warships at unprecedented speeds.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
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Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
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Julius Caesar Crosses the Rubicon – The Beginning of Rome’s Civil War
In this detailed historical breakdown, we explore one of the most dramatic turning points in ancient Roman history: Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BC and the rapid military campaign that followed.
For nine years, Caesar had been conquering Gaul, gaining wealth, fame, and popularity among the Roman people. But back in Rome, the Senate—dominated by his political enemies, the Optimates—was determined to bring him down. Ordered to give up his command and return to Rome as a private citizen, Caesar faced a choice: surrender and face trial… or march on Rome.
This is the full story of why Caesar crossed the Rubicon, how he did it, and what happened next.
🎬 What You'll Learn in This Podcast:
* The political tensions between Caesar, the Senate, and Pompey the Great
* How Caesar attempted to negotiate peace and avoid war* The symbolism and significance of the Rubicon crossing
* The meaning behind the phrase “The die is cast”
* Caesar’s brilliant use of surprise, speed, and strategy
* The rapid and mostly bloodless capture of key cities like Ariminum, Iguvium, Auximum, and Corfinium
* The siege of Corfinium and Caesar’s unexpected clemency toward his enemies
* Pompey’s retreat to the East and the failed Roman efforts to stop Caesar at Brundisium
* How Caesar’s actions changed the course of Roman history and paved the way for the fall of the Republic
🏛️ Key Characters:
* Gaius Julius Caesar – Roman general and statesman, leading the Populares
* Pompey the Great – Caesar’s former ally turned rival, siding with the Optimates
* Roman Senate – Opposed Caesar’s growing power, aligned with the conservative elite
* Mark Antony, Curio, and other commanders – Loyal to Caesar during his bold advance
📍 Locations Featured:
* Ravenna – Where Caesar began his march
* Rubicon River – The fateful crossing into Italy
* Ariminum, Corfinium, Brundisium – Key Roman cities during Caesar’s campaign
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas