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...

'He would not give up as long he had a single charge of powder...' In this episode, we dive into the story of Abiaka, the Seminole warrior and chieftain who refused to be conquered.  With Osceola gone, Abiaka and Billy Bowlegs fought tirelessly against the US government's attempts to remove the Seminole people from their land, and their resistance inspired countless others to join the cause. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, these two Chieftains refused to surrender, and fought with...

‘A man that with the feeblest means, produced the most terrible effects' Today we explore the rise and fall of Osceola, a charismatic and determined leader of the Seminole people Osceola's courage in his wars with the United States government was legendary, and his leadership during the Seminole Wars marked a turning point in the struggle for Native American sovereignty.  We also delve into his deep-seated hatred of President Andrew Jackson and his administration, which drove much of his...

‘Go count the bleeding scalps of your murdered countrymen, of all ages, of all sexes!’ In this episode, we delve into the shrouded history of the Seminole people, a tribe with roots in Florida dating back centuries. We will learn about how an obscure tribe became a symbol of resistance against the United States government and their attempts to force Native Americans to leave their land. We uncover the fierce conflicts they faced, including their wars with President Andrew Jackson and the...

“The Christians are doing what even the Turks never did!” In this episode, we explore the horrific aftermath of the 1527 Sack of Rome, one of the most devastating events in the city's history. As The Duke of Bourbon’s army fell upon Rome, we follow the perspective of of Pope Clement VII, who was Pope at the time of the Sack. We explore his role in the defense of the city (or lack thereof), and the impact his decisions. We also follow the hardships of Isabella d'Este, an Italian noblewoman...

“Hell was a more beautiful sight to behold.”  In this episode, we delve into the tumultuous events leading up to the 1527 Sack of Rome , "The 9/11 of the 16th Century". At the center of it all stands Charles III, The Duke of Bourbon, a powerful French nobleman with a reputation for being ambitious and insecure. We explore his motivations and actions as he betrays his King to join forces with the Holy Roman Empire, and follow his downfall at the hands of his mutinous German army. From...

That's a wrap for Season 4. New episodes coming in late Jan/early Feb 2023. Take our listener survey for the chance to win an Anthology Of Heroes hoody tinyurl.com/aohsurvey Sign up to our mailing list to be emailed when a new episode is released. https://www.anthologyofheroespodcast.com/ Chat history with us on Discord! https://discord.gg/Nwj5bzPmyE

“Could the fall of the Roman Empire have been avoided?” The story of the last days of the Western Roman Empire is a tale of two men: Emperor Majorian and his advisor, Ricimer. Majorian was a brave and determined leader who inherited a realm in chaos. He spent his reign fighting to restore the empire to its former glory. Ricimer, was a power-hungry opportunist who saw disorder as an opportunity to seize control. As the empire crumbled beneath them, only one would be left standing. Help...

By the mid fifth century, The Roman Empire was a shadow of its former self. Decades of weak leadership had left the realm fragmented, broke and leaderless.   The world was moving on.…but not everyone was willing to accept it.   In an age of hedonistic Emperors and corrupt senators one man would crawl through the filth and rise to the top. In the realms final years he'd show the world that Rome still had some fight left.   The story of Emperor Majorian, Rome's Last Hope. Help support the show...

’This country is mine and no other nation can have it!’ It had happened. King Menelik II was now Emperor Menelik II. With his rival killed and his armoury overflowing with modern guns, The ancient kingdom of Ethiopia seemed destined for prosperity. But, friendship with Italy came with a price tag and when The Emperor wouldn’t dance to their tune, things got nasty. Could an African Kingdom repel a modern European state? This episode covers Menelik’s reign as Emperor, including the famous...

By the late 1800’s, Ethiopia was the only African state not yet colonized by Europeans.  As France and Britain gobbled up nations Oreos, Italy decided they wanted a bit for themselves. Through the centuries, Ethiopia had endured as a Christian oasis in a Islamic world, but could it survive Colonisation? This episode follows the life of Emperor Menelik II, an Ethiopian hero. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website.

"A last alliance against tyranny - the battle for free Gaul" Gaul hung by a thread. As Rome’s grip tightened around their homeland, the Tribal Kings met to discuss their grim reality.  Age-old rivalries were tossed aside for the sake of unity, and Vercingetorix was raised as supreme commander of Gaul. The task ahead of him was monumental. The odds of success - minimal.  But what a song it would be for their ancestors!  This episode follows the epic conclusion to Caesar’s Gallic Wars,...

‘Rome made a desert, and called it peace’.  Caesar’s first foray into Gaul had been an overwhelming success. He had vanquished one of the most powerful tribes, and their wealth had paid off his debts. Emboldened by the quick victory, he sent his legions to the distant corners of the continent.   As time dragged on, the people of Gaul realized Caesar had no plan to leave.   Any tribe that resisted faced slavery or extinction.   But even so, there were a handful of crafty Chieftains who took...

"I am a free man, of a free state" When Julius Caesar became Governor of Gaul in 58BC he dreamt of fame, fortune and legacy. Conquest had always been the path to glory for a Roman senator and with this position he hoped to make his name. At first, he picked off the Gallic tribes one by one. A bribe here, a massacre there, it seemed that soon all tribes would soon bow before the might of Rome. But one King spurned all attempts at diplomacy. And soon, this tiny spark of rebellion would...

In this special episode I'm joined by Professor Emanuel Buttigieg from The University Of Malta! The Professor shares with me the fascinating story of The Siege Of Candia that took place over a whopping 21 years starting in 1648. The siege pitted The Knights Hospitaller against their old rivals, The Ottoman Empire. Professor Buttigieg brings the story to life with vivid storytelling and primary sources. If you liked our series on The Great Siege Of Malta, this is one for you! Click here to...

'He bore the impending demise of his religion, culture and way of life' Boabdil had earned his bloody throne. But there was little time to celebrate. As the armies of Christendom camped outside the last Islamic stronghold in Spain, its citizens knew the end of their world would come soon. But how would it happen? Would Boabdil resist until the bitter end? Or would he negotiate with The Christian King who had stolen everything from him? The final chapter of the 800 year Reconquista was...

'Stop, stop! Don't kill him you fool, that's the Moorish King!' Boabdil's path to the throne had not been easy. He had been pressured into overthrowing his father by his mother and was captured during his first battle. After being forced to swear an oath of loyalty to The Christian King Ferdinand, many of his countrymen called him a traitor to Islam. With an army of Christian muscle backing him, the 22 year old King marched back to reclaim his homeland. The war-weary citizens of Granada...

You cry like a woman, for what you couldn't defend as a man' Boabdil was heir to a dying kingdom. In the 15th century, Granada was the last Muslim state in Spain. For 250 years it survived, living in the shadow of the Christian kingdoms. But that all changed after the marriage between Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragorn united the two most powerful kingdoms in the lands. The Newlywed's looked hungrily at Boabdil's impoverished state and dreamed of their place in the history books...

El Cid was down but not out! After sacking King Alfonso's lands he was in exile, barred from returning to his home and family. But, his deeds had made him famous and he soon found employment in the pay of al-Mu'taman, Lord of Zaragoza. As The Cid eyed off a city to call his own, an old enemy would return from across the straits of Africa. And, with nowhere else to turn, King Alfonso would beg El Cid to return... The second and final part of The Life of Rodrigo Diaz: El Cid, 'Christian...

'In Spain's rich history, El Cid is remembered above all others' El Cid was a knight in 11th century Spain. Growing up in the borderlands between two religions, he gained a reputation for military skill and bravery. This led to his nickname Campeador, 'Master Of The Battlefield'. Today's he's remembered as loyal, merciful and above all, pious. But behind the legends and myths was a very different man. In this episode, we peel back the layers of this Spanish hero and learn the real story...

'In this tiny mountain hamlet, history was about to be made.' In 722AD a Muslim army marched into the frosty mountains of Asturias. They were searching for the last holdout of Christian resistance, led by a shadowy figure named Pelayo. Since the fall of his kingdom a decade earlier, Pelayo had become a rallying point for other vagrants. A thorn in the heel of The Caliphate. As the invaders descended on the village of Covadonga, they had one goal: extinguish the last light of the old...

A summary of season 3 and some notes on what we've got planned for season 4. Thanks for the wild ride! Supporting pictures, source material and attributions can be found on our website. Join the Anthology on Patreon

The crew of the HMS Bounty were free from their hated captain, but what now?   Their old lives were over. And the ferocious Polynesians weren't interested in sharing their islands with British sailors.   As the crewmembers couple up with the few women aboard, resentment simmers when there aren't enough companions for everyone.   All the while, Christian Fletcher walks a tightrope as the crew begins to sour to his leadership.   Surely, somewhere in the boundless ocean there was a place for the...

“Of all the sea tales told down the ages, none has held its mystique so long as the mutiny on board HMS Bounty”   In the year of 1789, in the vast Pacific Ocean; the mutinous crew of the HMS Bounty turn on their loathed Captain.   Jeering and laughing the men push him into a tiny, overcrowded rowing boat.   Wearing only his night-gown and surrounded by the endless sea; Captain Bligh knows his chances of survival are slim.   As his rowboat drifts away he swears at his old crew that they will...