The final (no, really) episode in our sprawling series on the life and career of Pompey Magnus. Let's track the culmination of his war with Caesar, and consider his life and legacy. 

The late Roman Republic was chaotic, with violence and bloodshed the norm. As the crisis reached its apex, two factions emerged: one led by Pompey, one led by Caesar. In time, of course, only one would be left standing...

Pompey finally encounters some political challenges that he can't solve on his own. Fortunately, he's got a couple of guys lurking in the shadows who are ready to help him -- and themselves. Their collaboration would change history, and the course of Pompey's life and career. 

Woah. This guy has already been called "The Great," just in his twenties?! Where on earth can he go from here? Whelp. It turns out that his remarkable career is just getting started. 

Let's track Pompey as he pushes in his chips and chooses sides in Rome's first major civil war, -- already! -- gets the name "The Great," and becomes the indispensable man of Rome, all before age thirty. 

So, if you haven't figured this out yet, I am a nerd. Nothing brings out my inner nerdery like Rome. Buckle up; we're going to be here for a while!

The story of The Poison King reaches its violent apex. We've spent lots of time with this guy. Would you consider him to be "Great?"

HI. If you've already listened to this, then you realized that I messed up the RSS feed, and published part three BEFORE part one. So, yeah. Six months in and this is my first major flub. But the story is awesome so hopefully you will forgive me. 

The king is back from his self-imposed exile in the wilderness. Let's see what he does now that he is back in control of his kingdom. 

Part one of our series on Mithridates, a larger than life figure and the deadliest enemy of those obnoxious Romans. You're going to love this guy. 

Wu is firmly in control. Let's follow him across his long reign to see if he earns his epithet of "The Great."

We shift our attention to the unification of China under its first Emperor, the spectacular fall of his short-lived dynasty, and the rise of the powerful Han and their greatest of rulers, Wu the Great. 

Today moves us to China, where we meet all sorts of fun people, like Yu the Great, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Sun Tzu, and many more! Ancient China was an amazing place. 

The conclusion of our look at Ashoka, considered by many to be the greatest ruler in India's history, even if it didn't start out that way.

We finally meet Ashoka and find out that far from great, he was, at first, pretty awful. So why is he considered by many to be India's greatest ruler? Also, pay not attention to a verbal flub; I was sick when I recorded this!

In which we review the outlines of Indian history, including rediscovering one of the great lost civilizations in human history (only about a century ago). 

The final chapter in our story about Alexander of Macedon. Spoiler alert: he dies in the course of this episode. Let's look back and judge if he really was the GOAT of GOATS. 

Alexander is closing in on conquering the once-mighty Persian Empire. And you'll never believe the last words of Darius III...

Time to get Alexander out of the Hellenic world and have him square off with his Persian counterpart, Darius III. 

Let's get Alexander on the throne, and track his early years as king. Also, I make a killer dad joke about a psychic. 

Let's set the stage for the most famous "Great" of them all. 

You'd think that by now, I would be able to spell Nebuchadnezzar on the first try. Here's a quick look back at an old friend, and a few new things I've learned since his episodes aired a little while back.  

So Darius managed to become King of Kings. Now what? Let's find out, and while we are at it, we'll take a look back at the meaning and importance of the Persian Empire. (P.S. Get over yourself, Greece.)

Confession time: I didn't want to do this one. Have a listen to find out why. (Oh, and I am glad I did.)