Warlords of History
Mark Pimenta
Some of the greatest stories buried in the folds of history...until now. A podcast that uncovers the lifetimes and achievements of prolific warlords from ancient and medieval times. Going beyond the mainstream historical figures that everyone is familiar with, providing a thorough account of lesser known warriors and leaders that were titans during their respective ages. If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: www.patreon.com/warlordsofhistory
Scipio Africanus - Part 8 (The Roman Revival)
In this episode, we explore Rome's spectacular resurgence in 214 BC as it began to turn the tide of the Second Punic War. Through key victories abroad and sweeping economic reforms at home, how the Republic sustained its unprecedented buildup of Legions, that in 213 BC started clawing back lost ground from Hannibal in southern Italy. Undeniable momentum, fueling a renewed surge of confidence in Rome, while also setting the stage for a bold political maneuver by the young and ambitious Scipio, wh
Feb 3, • 1:24:03
Scipio Africanus - Part 7 (The Western Mediterranean Aflame)
In 215 BC as Scipio witnesses his city's desperate struggle to stave off collapse and rebuild its shattered military, Rome focuses its Legions on holding the line against Hannibal in Campania. Only to see its prospects in the Second Punic War grow darker when two foreign powers, Macedon and Syracuse, form alliances with Carthage to bring the Republic to its knees. Triggering the eruption of new theatres of war engulfing much of the Western Mediterranean and despite some surprising successes abro
Oct 23, 2024 • 1:27:15
Scipio Africanus - Part 6 (Rome's Greatest Threat)
With Hannibal having shattered Rome's image as a dominant power at the Battle of Cannae, the cities of southern Italy begin forming alliances with Carthage, bringing the Republic close to collapse in 216 BC. Yet, with the Roman Senate remaining defiant, refusing to accept anything less than total victory in the Second Punic War. Driving them to desperate extremes to assemble new Legions amidst horrific casualties, a ruined economy, food shortages and mass allied defections. This, while Scipio an
Aug 7, 2024 • 1:13:38
Scipio Africanus - Part 5 (The Battle of Cannae)
With Scipio as the youngest Military Tribune in the largest army ever fielded by the Roman Republic, this incredible force descends upon Apulia where Hannibal and the Carthaginians await. Leading to the Battle of Cannae, fought on August 2, 216 BC, as we dive into the tactics and maneuvers that would ultimately produce Rome's greatest military disaster. Also leaving 8,000 soldiers trapped within the lone standing Roman encampment, the point at which Scipio arose to lead them to safety through a
Jun 4, 2024 • 1:14:40
Guest Episode - History Daily (Julius Caesar Crosses the Rubicon)
In this friendly takeover of the Warlords of History Podcast airwaves, the History Daily podcast hosted by Lindsay Graham is featured. Taking you through one of the most pivotal moments in history, which set into motion the series of events that would proceed to rip the Roman Republic apart, leading to its demise and ultimately, its rebirth as the Roman Empire. When on January 10th 49 BC, a provincial governor named Julius Caesar marched his army across the Rubicon river and invaded Italy, plung
May 11, 2024 • 19:00
Scipio Africanus - Part 4 (Deficits in the Roman High Command)
As Scipio takes part in Rome's zealous religious efforts to turn the tide of the Second Punic War, the Republic fails to look inwards, seeing the deficits among its Generals. That Hannibal continues to exploit, invading Central Italy before drawing the Legions into a devastating ambush at the Battle of Lake Trasimene. Driving Rome to adopt the Fabian Strategy to stop the Carthaginian threat, that although promising, is quickly tossed aside in 216 BC. As Rome begins amassing an unprecedented forc
Apr 8, 2024 • 1:22:24
Scipio Africanus - Part 3 (Dark Omens and Ill Tidings)
With Hannibal continuing to tip the scales of power in the Po Valley, the young Scipio bears witness to treacherous setbacks as Rome's authority in the region unravels. Before being forced to abandon the north due to Hannibal's crushing defeat of the Roman Legions at the Battle of the Trebia in late 218 BC. Resulting in Scipio retreating to Rome to find his city feverishly raising new armies, however with the populace also deeply unsettled by a series of dark omens sent from the gods. Soon casca
Feb 5, 2024 • 1:32:27
Scipio Africanus - Part 2 (The Second Punic War Begins)
While fighting the Gallic tribes to assert control over northern Italy, the Roman Republic becomes distracted to the power that Carthage begins amassing in Spain. Until the legendary Carthaginian General, Hannibal Barca, storms onto the scene to ignite the Second Punic War. In 218 BC, leading his army in an incredible march to ultimately burst through the Alps and invade Italy, before delivering a stinging defeat upon the Romans at the Battle of Ticinus. Where the young Scipio would lay witness
Nov 6, 2023 • 1:38:31
Leonidas I - Part 2/2 (The Battle of Thermopylae)
Joined by Elliot Gates from the Anthology of Heroes podcast, we reach the conclusion of our story on Leonidas I. Under the shadow of the Achaemenid Persian Empire's enormous second invasion of Greece, we explore the strategy and actions of the Spartan King leading to the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Going deep into this violently primal clash, ending in a heroic last stand for Leonidas, his 300 Spartans and allies. That, from the moment they fell, transported their sacrifice and legacy into
Aug 21, 2023 • 1:29:39
Leonidas I - Part 1/2 (The Spartan State Above All)
Joined by Elliot Gates from the Anthology of Heroes podcast, we dive into the life of Leonidas I. The Spartan King who led one of the most incredible last stands in history at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Exploring Sparta's development into a severe and militaristic society, possessing the finest warriors of Ancient Greece, so utterly dedicated to the Spartan state above all. Including the brutal training Leonidas endured as a youth and the events leading up to his crowning. Coinciding w
Aug 7, 2023 • 1:39:19
Scipio Africanus - Part 1 (Virtues and Expectations)
In this episode we begin exploring the awe-inspiring lifetime of Scipio Africanus (236 - 183 BC). One of the greatest military commanders of antiquity, who guided the Roman Republic out from its darkest moment. In the Second Punic War, leading brilliant campaigns, winning scintillating battle victories to propel Rome as the unrivalled power in the Mediterranean. Starting our story by digging into Rome's tumultuous history up to Scipio's youth, alongside the culture and virtues that influenced hi
Jun 8, 2023 • 1:26:27
Judah Maccabee ”The Hammer” - Part 3/3 (The War for Judean Independence)
In the series finale following the life of Judah Maccabee "The Hammer", Gil Kidron joins me to discuss the Maccabean Revolt broadening from a religious conflict into a war of independence. With Judah reshaping his guerrilla force into a veritable Hebrew field army, daring to take on the superior armies of the Seleucid Empire in pitched battle. Initially meeting with a grave setback, followed by Judah's greatest battlefield victory. The prelude to his death in a heroic last stand that would inspi
May 10, 2023 • 1:01:47
Judah Maccabee ”The Hammer” - Part 2/3 (The Guerrilla Campaign)
Joined by Gil Kidron from A Podcast of Biblical Proportions, we continue with the incredible story of Judah Maccabee "The Hammer" and the early years of the Maccabean Revolt. Initially, a small rebel band, driven by religious zeal, bringing civil war to Judea. But with Judah assuming its leadership early on and transforming them into a fierce guerrilla force. Unleashing devastating ambushes within the Judean wild-lands to win a series of astounding battle victories over the Seleucid armies throu
Apr 24, 2023 • 47:17
Judah Maccabee ”The Hammer” - Part 1/3 (Origins of the Maccabean Revolt)
Gil Kidron from A Podcast of Biblical Proportions joins me to bring you the incredible story of Judah Maccabee "The Hammer". A Hebrew priest, turned guerilla warlord, who would win spectacular battlefield victories in an unexpectedly fierce rebellion against the mighty Seleucid Empire in the 160s BC called the Maccabean Revolt. A conflict with its origins laying in bitter Judean factionalism, between those embracing Hellenism versus ardent Hebrew traditionalists. Smoldering resentment that erupt
Apr 17, 2023 • 43:33
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 7/7 (Descent into Madness)
In the series finale, with Nader Shah poised to continue the dominant run of his Afsharid Iranian Empire, a failed assassination marks the tipping point for his complete mental unravelling. As Nader maliciously lashes out at all around him while pillaging his people to fuel an incessant pace of warfare. Igniting rebellions throughout his realms that he stomps out with excessive brutality and the unhinged Shah heaping more atrocities upon the Iranian populace. Leading to his assassination in 1747
Feb 14, 2023 • 1:48:36
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 6/7 (A King of Kings)
Having just secured the Iranian crown, Nader Shah begins disrupting the religious bedrock of his nation, while draining its resources to feed his fearsome military machine. Crushing all internal unrest and recapturing Iran's lost domains, before looking abroad. Winning a series of dazzling battlefield victories to overwhelm the Mughal Empire and then smash the Khanates of Central Asia in 1740. Brining Nader to the apex of his power as an unstoppable King of Kings, but under the shadow of his wor
Dec 22, 2022 • 1:29:52
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 5/7 (Perseverance and Unassailable Power)
Recently named as Regent of the Iranian Empire, Nader sets out on the war path to reclaim Iran's lost domains, only to be handed a devastating defeat by the Ottomans. A dire setback that threatens to cast him into oblivion, forcing Nader to show a tremendous force of will to quickly rebuild his broken army. Before returning to the field to avenge the loss, crush his domestic rivals and then deliver an incredible victory at the Battle of Yeghevard. Bringing the Ottoman Empire to its knees and rai
Nov 4, 2022 • 1:17:52
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 4/7 (The One Favored by God)
Newly rooted as savior of the Safavid Iranian Empire and source of power behind the throne of Shah Tahmasp, Nader begins seeding the notion that his ascendancy is Divinely influenced. Strengthened by his spectacular lightening campaign waged against the Ottoman Empire, before racing across Persia to stamp out a dangerous rebellion. This however, giving Tahmasp the breathing space to attempt emerging out from Nader's shadow, in launching a foolhardy expedition that ends in disaster. A humiliation
Sep 22, 2022 • 1:09:53
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 3/7 (Servant of the Shah)
Despite breathing life in the bid to restore Shah Tahmasp II to the throne in Persia, Nader is soon caught up in the petty intrigues of his unstable King. Resulting in Nader launching a military coup to firmly take control of the Safavid army. Modernizing and reshaping it into a ferociously effective force. Then embarking on campaign in 1729, displaying sheer strategic and tactical military brilliance to win a series of astonishing victories to dislodge the Afghan Hotaks from their occupation of
Aug 15, 2022 • 1:34:44
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 2/7 (From Soldier to Warlord to General)
Under the shadow of a crumbling Safavid Iranian Empire, torn apart by rebellions, foreign heavyweights and destined to fall to the Afghan Hotak dynasty in 1722, Nader is pulled into the chaotic maelstrom. Emerging from the rubble as a rogue warlord within Khorasan until a renegade Safavid prince (Tahmasp II) appears in the region, looking to regain the empire. Nader entering his service and quickly proving himself indispensable to the Iranian Shah in exile, headlined by Nader's engineering of a
Jun 29, 2022 • 1:15:34
Nader (Nadir) Shah - Part 1/7 (Harsh Realities of a Crumbling Empire)
In this episode we begin uncovering the lifetime of Nader Shah (1688 - 1747), the last of the Great Asiatic Military Conquerors. A brilliant battlefield commander who reversed the fortunes of 18th century Iran, salvaging it from the teeth of internal and external foes. Beginning as the unlikely story of an insignificant and poverty stricken youth, hardened by his chaotic environment. Struggling to survive within the crumbling Safavid Iranian Empire, its foundation now rotting due to a series of
May 18, 2022 • 1:04:41
Philip II of Macedon - Part 7/7 (The Macedonian Hegemony of Greece)
In the series finale exploring the lifetime and dazzling achievements of King Philip II of Macedon, Philip leads his unstoppable army to win scintillating victories against both familiar and new Balkan foes. Before stumbling heavily, failed sieges on Greek cities that reignites war with the Athenians, under whom a formidable Greek coalition is formed. The prelude to Philip's crowning achievement, his astonishing victory at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE, asserting Macedon as the unquestioned
Apr 1, 2022 • 1:37:11
Interview with Professor Barry Strauss (Ancient Military Leadership and Attributes for Greatness)
In this episode, Professor Strauss, a leading expert on ancient military history and best selling author, joins the podcast as a featured guest. We explore the attributes and motivations that define those that reach the upper echelons as the most effective military leaders in antiquity. Before going deeper into one of the greatest, Octavian, the future Augustus and first Roman Emperor. Discussing his spectacular rise in the face of a formidable opposing duo, Mark Antony and Cleopatra. All of who
Mar 1, 2022 • 59:15
Philip II of Macedon - Part 6/7 (Recognition and Respect)
With Thermopylae blocked to his passage, Philip II of Macedon leads his forces north, asserting dominance over friend and foe alike. Triggering the powerful Chalcidian League to flip their allegiance to Athens and attempt a daring invasion into Macedon while Philip is abroad. Who unleashes a clever diversion and an overwhelming counterattack to decisively end the threat, firmly entrenching Macedon as a major power in Greece. A status galvanized in 346 BCE through masterful deception and diplomat
Jan 27, 2022 • 1:17:47
Philip II of Macedon - Part 5/7 (Wielding the Strength of the Gods)
Continuing a spectacular run of military successes, King Philip II of Macedon leads his army to erase Methone off the map, the last Athenian city near Macedonia's domains. Allowing Philip to focus on the expansion of his kingdom, including a campaign into Greece that abruptly ends with a humbling defeat against Phocis. Forcing Philip to retreat and leverage the strength of the gods, returning to win a stunning victory at the Battle of Crocus Field in 352 BCE. Gaining control of northern Greece,
Dec 7, 2021 • 1:15:53
Philip II of Macedon - Part 4/7 (Gold Mines of Opportunity)
Showing glimpses of bold aggression under its newly named King, Philip II, Macedon's neighbours grow increasingly unsettled. Anticipating a backlash yet unwilling to compromise on remaking his kingdom into a dominant power, Philip begins securing alliances, while struggling under the weight of a Macedonian economy still in tatters, unable to finance the expansion of his menacing but relatively small army. Causing Philip to embark on an audacious path, pouncing on the city of Amphipolis and its l
Oct 26, 2021 • 1:10:11
Philip II of Macedon - Part 3/7 (The Rise of Macedon Begins)
Having guided Macedon from the edge of collapse, Philip II establishes an uneasy peace with the surrounding nations of classical Greece and the Balkans. Using this short reprieve to continue the reinvention of the Macedonian army and begin repairing the internal divides that had long plagued his kingdom. Then striking back out against his enemies during his 2nd year in power. In 358 BCE, first taking on the Paeonians, followed by a defining test against King Bardylis of the Dardanians and Illyri
Sep 17, 2021 • 1:15:01
Philip II of Macedon - Part 2/7 (Pulling Macedon out of the Abyss)
While held hostage in the city of Thebes, Philip II of Macedon is afforded a top tier military education, profoundly impacting the astute young man. This happening as the Kingdom of Macedon wrestles with internal court intrigues and murder, before facing a renewed wave of foreign incursions that ends in disaster and the death of the reigning king. Having returned to this homeland, Philip is elected as the interim leader in 359 BCE, using diplomatic guile and cunning to save the realm for the edg
Jul 21, 2021 • 1:04:32
Philip II of Macedon - Part 1/7 (A Kingdom Lost in Struggle)
In this episode we begin exploring the path blazed by Philip II of Macedon (382 - 336 BCE). A military and diplomatic genius who ushered in the Rise of Macedon, bringing Greece to its knees and that laid the foundation for the conquest to the Achaemenid Persian Empire. In order to appreciate how truly unbelievable this ascendancy was, we backtrack deep into the tumultuous history of the Macedonian Kingdom in the lead up to Philip's youth, to understand the depths of his starting point, a nation
Jun 17, 2021 • 58:45
Sweyn Forkbeard - Part 4/4 (The First Viking King of England)
In episode 11, the final covering the Danish Viking King Sweyn Forkbeard, we follow along as he relentlessly wages his war of attrition against Aethelred 'the Unready' of England. A 10 year marathon, steadily draining their economic and military power, sapping their morale and will to put up a viable resistance. Culminating in a full scale invasion in July 1013, that by the end of that year, would have him ascend to the throne as the first Viking King of England. We then review Forkbeard's legac
May 6, 2021 • 1:03:06
Sweyn Forkbeard - Part 3/4 (Carving a path to the English throne)
By the turn of the first millennium, peace has taken hold in Scandinavia. However, not all people of Nordic ancestry are free from the threat of violence, as the English King Aethelred "the Unready" unleashes a genocidal scourge upon those settled on his lands on November 13, 1002, known as the St. Brice's Day Massacre. We walk through the events leading to this day of infamy, before following the terrifying retribution led by the Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard, who will take something far more val
Apr 7, 2021 • 46:16
Sweyn Forkbeard - Part 2/4 (Luck Accompanies Wisdom, King of Norway)
After having wrestled the Danish crown from his father's cold hands in 986, Sweyn Forkbeard goes off raiding in England in the pursuit of riches to finance his future endeavours, leaving behind numerous enemies that collude to usurp his kingdom while he is abroad. Left in a desperate situation, the winds of fortune soon change for Forkbeard, fueling an unbelievable resurgence that sees him regain Denmark, add Norway to his domains and establish himself as the preeminent monarch in all of Scandin
Mar 10, 2021 • 47:55
Sweyn Forkbeard - Part 1/4 (Fatherslayer, King of Denmark)
We begin exploring the path forged by Sweyn Forkbeard. The son of King Harald Bluetooth, growing up in a time of great instability during the late 10th century. Newly unified, Denmark remains marked with factionalism and external influences, including the onset of conversion to Christianity. Underneath all of this, a deeply strained relationship with his father that eventually boils over into civil war, seeing Forkbeard pry the Danish Kingdom from Bluetooth's hands. If you would like to suppo
Feb 18, 2021 • 42:48
Viriathus - Part 2/2 (The Lusitanian ’War of Fire’ against the Roman Republic)
Viriathus (Viriato), the newly raised general of the Lusitanian resistance, unleashes the War of Fire (147-139 BCE) upon the Roman Republic, seeing unparalleled successes in the bid to free his people from the powerful grasp of their would be conquerors. Viriathus convinces other Hispanian tribes to rise up in defiance and extensively uses Guerrilla style tactics to achieve dazzling victories and make Lusitania the graveyard of numerous Legions. The Romans finally resort to treachery to end the
Jan 20, 2021 • 1:12:51
Viriathus - Part 1/2 (The Lusitanian Resistance against the Roman Republic)
In this episode, we get introduced to the incredible story of Viriathus (Viriato). A lowly barbarian shepherd who, in 147 BCE, appears virtually out of nowhere to lead the Lusitanian tribe in a fierce resistance of the Roman Republic conquests in Hispania (modern day Portugal and Spain). As the tyrannical Roman governors go about squeezing every ounce of wealth out of their lands and people, Viriathus's arrival provides a key reversal in fortune, employing imaginative tactics to achieve spectacu
Dec 18, 2020 • 57:59
Amir Timur (Tamerlane) - Part 5/5 (Conquest of the Mamelukes, Ottomans and Legacy)
In this final episode covering Amir Timur (Tamerlane), we review his twilight years wherein Timur inflicts a series of stinging defeats against the Mameluke Sultanate. Before facing off against the surging Ottoman Empire for supremacy of the region, reaching the pinnacle of his power and the greatest extend of the Timurid Empire. Upon his death shortly thereafter, we then look at his broader legacy and the lasting impacts that this warlord made on the world. If you would like to support my work
Nov 23, 2020 • 59:48
Amir Timur (Tamerlane) - Part 4/5 (Conquest of the Golden Horde and Delhi)
In retribution to the attack on the heart of the Timurid Empire, Amir Timur (Tamerlane) launches a series of vicious campaigns against one of his greatest adversaries. Tokhtamysh, Khan of the Golden Horde, his one time protégé, now turned bitter enemy. Before embarking into India, seeking the untold riches of Delhi, where further atrocities also await. If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: www.patreon.com/warlordsofhistory
Nov 11, 2020 • 56:17
Amir Timur (Tamerlane) - Part 3/5 (Empire Expansion and Atrocities)
Amir Timur, now the undisputed ruler in Transoxiana, begins to look abroad in the expansion of the Timurid Empire. Conquering neighbouring regions, including campaigns in Persia, to enhance the size and prestige of his realm. Where we also see the emergence of a notable dark side, resorting to brutal violence and horrific acts to submit nations to his will. If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: www.patreon.com/warlordsofhistory
Oct 29, 2020 • 53:03
Amir Timur (Tamerlane) - Part 2/5 (Rise to Rulership)
Through a series of epic battles, Timur and Husayn rid Transoxiana of its Moghulistan Khanate overlords, before facing off against one another in a deadly struggle for control of the region. If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: www.patreon.com/warlordsofhistory
Oct 20, 2020 • 52:14