Democracy 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 MoreAthens swells into an economic powerhouse and plays with the idea of trying on an empire. Many of the most powerful men in Greece are reshuffled during the growing pains as rumors of corruption begin to circulate. Finally, we drop down into Athens to meet the different classes of people and take a look at what life was like for them. This episode covers approximately 474 BC – 464 BC.
Read MoreBefore there was the Roman Empire there was the Roman Republic. Before the Athenian Empire, there was the Delian League. Greece is split down the middle and as Athens grow more and more powerful they start a starting contest with Sparta. This episode covers approximately 478 BC – 472 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 MoreWe all have that friend who is over the top reckless, but they have nothing on Themistocles. Themistocles gambles it all in the culmination of his genius, the Battle of Salamis. He then makes sure nobody can forget about it. We touch on Greek religion and how an omen could shape major decisions. After all, how would you act if you knew the future? This episode covers approximately 480 BC – 478 BC.
Read MoreThe full force of Persia is directed against Greece. A fragile Greek alliance attempts to withstand the blow at the Battle of Thermopylae. Meanwhile, Themistocles maneuvers the resulting political fallout while making allies, old and new. We also examine the Spartan embrace of death and gain an appreciation for the floating demolition derby that was the Greek navy. This episode covers approximately 481 BC – 480 BC.
Read MoreAn emboldened Athens sails across the Aegean to support revolts against Persia. In doing so they eventually gain the undivided attention of the world’s superpower. The international troubles drive a cunning and battle-hardened leader back to Athens, Miltiades. We see the divisions that are inherent to democracy and the brutal tactics of Cleomenes, one of the kings of Sparta. This episode covers approximately 500 BC – 490 BC.
Read MoreInternational politics suck a willing Athens into tangling with Persia while Sparta considers converting the Athenian government by force. With all this at stake, the political juggernauts of Athens come to the front as Themistocles and Aristides face off in the Assembly. The stage is now set through internal and external strife for Athens to burst, or trip, onto the world stage. Rivalries begin to intensify both within Athens and internationally. This episode covers approximately 508 BC – 499 BC.
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