"The Gods had turned their backs on this land" - Tutankhamun's Restoration Edict In part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King. As Akhenaten's religious reforms shake the very foundations of his kingdom, the Pharaoh lashes out at his citizens, closing temples and destroying statues of traditional Gods. Isolated and alone, Akhenaten's actions become increasingly bizarre as he embarks on an incestuous relationship with two of his daughters and ostracizes...

"The Pharaoh's sinister smile seemed to whisper love me… but fear me.." Embark on a journey into ancient Egypt's shadows with our latest episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic life of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh whose legacy was damned by his own people. We uncover the intriguing tale of Akhenaten's formative years, shaped under the towering influence of his illustrious father, Amenhotep III. With the help of The Amarna Letters, we'll untangle the mysteries surrounding Akhenaten's...

In this episode, Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the ancient and mysterious religion of Zoroastrianism. For over two millennia, it was one of the world's most practiced religions until the arrival of Islam in the seventh century led to its rapid decline. Today, just 120,000 adherents remain worldwide. Come with us as we dive into Zoroastrianism: Exploring Avestan, the 'Language of God' still used in prayers today, despite its meaning being long forgotten. Discover the ritual...

Bonus episode from the podcast 'Welsh History Podcast' sharing the story of influential Welsh figure: Llywelyn the Great He is young, angry and looking for revenge.  Welsh History Podcast is a proud member of the Evergreen Podcast Network. You can support the podcast at patreon.com/WelshHistory Celtic Impulse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

"Capitulation is impossible! The 6th Army will do its historic duty." - Adolf Hitler. In the conclusion of our series, we unravel the final months of the Battle of Stalingrad, exploring the consequences of Adolf Hitler's decision to forbid the the Sixth Army to retreat. We witness the long-awaited breakthrough for The Red Army, as Joseph Stalin and Georgy Zhukov launch Operation Uranus. We delve into the emotional impact on German soldiers confronting their mortality. Through their...

"In the blazing city, we do not suffer cowards..." - Vasily Chuikov. This episode marks the penultimate episode of our series tracing Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's 1941 invasion of the USSR. Join us as we follow Marshal Friedrich Paulus and the Wehrmacht 6th Army to their fateful end at Stalingrad. Through poignant handwritten letters, we'll delve into how frontline soldiers grappled with their mortality and the erosion of their faith in Nazi propaganda. Throughout the episode, we explore...

"It is time to finish retreating. Not one step back!" - Joseph Stalin. In part three of our series on Operation Barbarossa: The Wehrmacht, desperately needing fuel after Operation Barbarossa, surprises everyone by heading south to the Caucasus, targeting rich oil fields in modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Stalin's Red Army, still recovering from 1941, scrambles as move to bolster the southern front. As Hitler tightens his grip on power, dismissing commanders and taking direct...

"If the Germans want a war of extermination, they will get it!" - Joseph Stalin. In this gripping continuation of our Operation Barbarossa series, The Red Army rallies as the Wehrmacht's relentless march towards Moscow accelerates. With the Wehrmacht closing in on the Soviet capital, the USSR faces its last chance for survival. In the midst of the chaos, Stalin emerges from his depression, adorning his walls with portraits of renowned Russian generals for inspiration. The tide begins to...

"The world will hold its breath!" - Adolf Hitler. In this episode we delve into Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's audacious invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. The morning of June 22nd, 1941, witnessed four million men surging across the borders between the USSR and the German Reich, beginning the largest land invasion in world history. We explore the backstory of this invasion and uncover why it took Joseph Stalin by surprise. Through the diaries of frontline soldiers, we gain insights into...

A quick update on what's coming in season 6, our release schedule, and a few audience Q&A Questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A life of sin, cleansed by his final act" Join us for the conclusion of our two-part series on the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, featuring Nikola Zrinski's renowned last stand. In this episode, we delve into the captivating backstory of Nikola Zrinski, also known as Nikola Šubić Zrinski or Zrínyi Miklós—a celebrated national hero in Croatia and Hungary. Explore his life's journey and the events leading to the siege's dramatic climax. Amid the unfolding siege, we unpack the simmering feud...

"The Battle That Saved The Civilization" In this series, we explore the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, a crucial castle on the Hapsburg-Ottoman border. When the 71-year-old Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, besieged Szigetvár, he didn't anticipate the fierce resistance. Led by Count Nikola Zrinski (also known as Zrínyi Miklós or Nikola Šubić Zrinski), the garrison was determined to defend their fortress to the last man.   As the aged Sultan Suleiman marched toward the fortress we explore...

"Go tell the Spartans passerby, that here, obedient to our laws, we lie...." In this episode Mark and I continue our deep-dive into the epic Battle of Thermopylae (480BC). In the shadow of a dusty gorge in southern Greece, 300 valiant Spartan warriors, led by the indomitable King Leonidas, stood resolute, awaiting the impending battle against Xerxes and his gigantic army. Guided by Herodotus and other ancient sources we transport you to the heart of the battlefield, painting a vivid picture...

"Eat well Spartans for tonight we dine with Hades!" - King Leonidas I In this series I'm joined by Mark Pimenta, host of the Warlords Of History Podcast. Mark and I discuss the lead up to one of the most famous events in world history: The Battle of Thermopylae. In 480BC the outnumbered forces of Greece made their stand against the enormous army of Shah Xerses I and his Achaemenid Persian Empire. The Persians had numbers on their side, but the Greeks 300 of the best trained soldiers in the...

Bonus episode from the podcast 'Cauldron - A Military History Podcast'. At the outset of the battle, several mailed horsemen rode up to the Viking lines. Tostig Godwinson moved up to hear what the Anglo Saxon riders had tot say. The leader of the men was his brother, King Harold, and he offered Tostig peace and his life. When Tostig asked what the King offered to his ally, Harald Hardcounsel, the King, responded, "Six feet of English ground, and then some more as he is taller than most men."...

"Woe! Woe to us Hungarians! What an evil age we have entered..." On August 29, 1526, the forces of Christendom clashed with the mighty Ottoman Empire, transcending the borders of Hungary and leaving an indelible mark on world history. Join us in this episode as we delve into the cataclysmic Battle of Mohács and explore its profound significance. This gripping episode unravels the causes of the battle, examining the geopolitical landscape and the escalating tensions between East and West. As...

"More was lost at Mohacs" - Hungarian proverb In this series we journey into the events leading up to the disastrous Battle of Mohacs in 1526. This pivotal battle forever altered the course of Hungarian and European history. It marked the collapse of Hungary and paved the way for the relentless advance of the Ottoman Empire into Central Europe. In this episode, we delve into the remarkable reigns of two Hungarian heroes, John Hunyadi and his son Matthias Corvinus. These visionary leaders...

"If we had a military division of these birds it would face any army in the world!" In this episode we explore one of the wackiest chapters in military history. In 1932, Australia declared war on its native bird, the emu. Veteran soldiers armed with machine guns and high hopes took to the battlefield, ready to take down these seemingly harmless birds. What followed was a series of strange battles that left the Australian army (and the public) scratching their heads in disbelief. Emus, with...

'Last fight of the Crusaders' In this episode we witness the climax of an era: The Crusaders' "last stand" in the Holy Land. Journey back in time to the fortified city of Acre, where the Crusaders faced their final battle against the Mamluk Sultanate. Renowned author and historian, Roger Crowley, joins us, offering unparalleled insights into this monumental event. Uncover the intense siege unleashed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Khalil upon the Crusader stronghold. Explore the strategic tactics,...

‘"Jews revolted ...Some escaped ... foreign guards dead. ...SEND HELP!" In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of four survivors of the Sobibor Concentration Camp revolt: Toivi Blatt, Sasha Perchersky, Schlomo Szmajzner, and Leon Felhendler. Following their daring escape from Sobibor, these four individuals encountered incredible obstacles as they battled for survival until the war's end. We'll unveil their extraordinary tales of bravery and tenacity as they evaded Nazi...

'They terrified at the impetus of the badly armed Jewish legions' This episode is Part 2 of our series on the Sobibor Concentration Camp revolt. In this episode, we'll delve into the rebellion itself and the pivotal role played by Sasha Pechersky. Sasha was a Jewish Red Army soldier who had been captured and sent to Sobibor. He was instrumental in inspiring and organizing the prisoners to revolt against the Nazi regime. Through firsthand accounts from survivors and historical research,...

'From the depths of my wounded heart was born a terrible wish for vengeance...' In this episode, we will delve into the lead up to one of the most significant acts of resistance during the Holocaust: The Sobibor Concentration Camp revolt. Sobibor concentration camp was one of the most deadly extermination camps of the Nazi regime. More than 250,000 Jews were killed in its gas chambers in just 18 months. However, amidst the horror and brutality, a group of Jewish prisoners decided to fight...

Bonus episode from the podcast 'History Daily'. July 1, 1863. Confederate troops engage with Union troops outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, setting off one of the bloodiest and most important battles of the American Civil War. History Daily can be found on all podcasting platforms, with more information on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Elliot sits down with James Waterson, author of "The Knights of Islam: The Wars of the Mamluks." James provides an in-depth look into the history of the Mamluk Sultanate, with a special focus on the reign of Sultan Baybars.  Baybars, who ruled from 1260 to 1277, was one of the most powerful and influential Mamluk sultans. He led the Mamluks to victory against the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut, a significant turning point in the region's history. James delves into...