After many years of a brawler fight something has to give. A daring general in Athens considers new strategies while playwrights bring the full weight of the ancient press (the theatre) to bear in criticizing the war. Meanwhile, Greece watches as the impossible unfolds on the shores of the Peloponnese. This episode covers approximately 427 B.C. – 425 B.C.
Read MoreThe Greek world is getting smaller. Athens and Sparta are the sole dominating powers in Greece and cities are forced to consider what sides they will choose. The grandeur of Athens continues to allure as their wealth and power are demonstrated at the 4 year Panathenaic Festival while Sparta grapples for peace. It’s time to choose what side to join. This episode covers approximately 440 BC - 432 BC.
Read MoreDemocracy reaches its peak in Athens as the city reaches east to Egypt and war at last breaks out with Sparta. The power of Athens’ version of the Supreme Court is partially dissolved and returned to the people in the lower courts. Since we don’t have a lot of information on this court, we look to our own Supreme Court for help. This episode covers approximately 464 BC – 449 BC.
Read MoreThis special, full-length episode frames the Battle of Plataea with voting practices of the ancient world. As it turns out, voting in Sparta was quite similar to going to a football match. Things get violent in the climax of the Persian Wars. This episode takes place in 478 BC.
Read MoreThe gloves come off. Themistocles and Aristides face off in the Assembly. Distant scuffles between Athens and Persia flame up into full scale war. The Persian wave crashes on the beaches of Marathon while Athens, with the small town of Plataea, brace to endure it. The world is beginning to be reordered. This episode covers approximately 494 BC – 481 BC.
Read MoreSparta is more than spears, although there are also plenty of spears. We wade through the murky history of Sparta while watching their migration into Greece. As much as we think of Spartans as Greek, they claim their heritage from the north… and from Hercules. This episode covers approximately 1,200 BC – 500 BC. As a side note, I have a cold so this episode sounds partially underwater at times.
Read MoreDemocracy emerges in clear view from the shadows of history but not everybody welcomes it. The various political sides of Athens try to find a governing balance while threats of civil war force reform though rumors, coups, and occasional theatrics worthy of Greek play. This episode covers approximately 594 BC – 500 BC. A lot can happen in 94 years.
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