In this episode I look at how the Spartan soldier fared in battle. What advantages had they been given through the agoge and syssitia? What was hoplite battle like and how good were the Spartans? I also look at a couple of Plutarch's sayings about the Spartans in the context of war and weigh up whether they were just a later invention or if there was something more to them.

Find me on X, Instagram, Bluesky and TikTok as ancientblogger (see links below). There's my AncientBlogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hello (you can even go full old school and email me on [email protected]).

https://linktr.ee/ancientblogger

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Reading list and sources used

Bardunias, P. Storm of spears & press of shields

Bardunias, P & Eugene Ray Jnr, F. Hoplites at War

Cartledge, P. The Spartans

Cole, M. The Bronze Lie

Echeverrrai, F. Hoplite and Phalanx in archaic and Classical Greece a reassessment

Taktike Techne – the neglected element in classical 'hoplite battles'

Rusch, SM. Sparta at War

Special shoutout to the excellent BadAncient website,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Sparta episodes on The Ancients podcast.

Sparta, what do we know about it exactly and what's been exaggerated, or just made up? In the first of three episodes I look at the education system (agoge), communal mess (syssitia) and get into the Krypteia (not literally though). What do the sources say about these and how do they differ from ways they are sometimes depicted?

In addition to all of this I have a quick overview of the sources which have their part to play and get into a few anecdotes.

Find me on X, Instagram, Bluesky and TikTok as ancientblogger (see links below). There's my AncientBlogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hello (you can even go full old school and email me on [email protected]).

https://linktr.ee/ancientblogger

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Reading list and sources used

Berry, PE & Knotterus JD. Spartan Society: Structural ritualization in an ancient social system

Cartledge, P. The Spartans

Davidson, J. The Greeks and Greek Love

Figueira, T. Mess contributions and subsistence at Sparta

Kennell, NM. Gymnasium of Virtue: education & culture in ancient Sparta

Luraghi & Alcock. Helots and their masters in Laconia and Messenia

Matyszak, P. Sparta, rise of a warrior nation

Miller, S.G. Ancient Greek Athletics.

Special shoutout to the excellent BadAncient website,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Life in Sparta and the truth about Sparta episode on The Ancients podcast.

Time for a quick update about what to expect in 2026 and when the next episode will drop.

Let me know what you think, I'm @ancientblogger on Instagram, X, Bluesky and TikTok. There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and AncientBlogger YouTube channel. Or just good old email [email protected]

Thanks for listening and here's to a 2026 with more ancient history content.

Cheers,

Neil (and Bodhi).

This is the second of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the Partial Historians, a fantastic podcast which I suggest you check out. Over two epsiodes we discuss the places in ancient Rome linked to the Regal period, or at least tied to it by the later sources.

In the second episode I get into a fruit controversy at the Tullianum, what I think is the most important structure in early Rome, Ostia and more.

Thanks again to the Partial Historians for letting me share these episodes. You can find their podcast via the link and also read their books, 'Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome' and 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire', both well worth a read.

Feedback is always welcome (as are reviews). Feel free to contact me on social media (@ancientblogger on TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and X). There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's [email protected]

I hope you enjoy the second episode and thanks for taking the time to listen.

This is the first of two episodes where I was a guest back in 2024 on the Partial Historians, a fantastic podcast which I suggest you check out. Over two epsiodes we discuss the places in ancient Rome linked to the Regal period, or at least tied to it by the later sources.

In the first episode it's time to consider the strategic position of Rome, some of the hills, the Tiber, Pomerium and much more. Plenty of tangents ensued which were all my fault as you will hear. Dr G and Dr Rad were fab hosts and I hope you enjoy the chat we had.

Thanks again to the Partial Historians for letting me share these episodes. You can find their podcast via the link and also read their books, 'Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome' and 'Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire', both well worth a read.

I'm keen to know your thoughts on how I came across, I was both nervy and excited and a bit manic but I think I did ok. Feel free to contact me on social media (@ancientblogger on TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and X). There's also the Ancient History Hound subreddit and my Ancient Blogger YouTube channel. If you are really old school there's [email protected]

Reviews and such are always greatly appreciated. Part two will be uploaded in a couple of weeks.

Till then, keep safe and stay well.

Dr Jo Ball returns as a guest on the podcast to talk about Tacfarinas, the subject of her latest book.

In the early 1st century AD Tacfarinas led a rebellion against Rome in north west Africa. Listen to find out how Rome responded, what we know about Tacfarinas and much, much more.

The problems with triumphs, nepotism, psychology and how dangerous this rebellion was are amongst some of the other areas covered. You'll also get to hear what made the emperor Tiberius angrier than he had ever been.

Find Dr Ball on TikTok, Instagram and X as @drjeball. Find me as @ancientblogger on TikTok, Instragram, X, Bluesky and the Ancient Blogger YouTube channel

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

If you can leave a reivew please do and check out the Ancient History Hound subreddit

It's that time of the year for a Night of the Livy Dead halloween special! This time it's about witches and magic in ancient Rome. From what defined a witch through to examples in Roman literature. Please rate or review if you can.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

No episode notes but see below for a list of books used in this episode (aside from original sources).

Ed Ankarloo & Clark. Witchcraft and Magic in Europe

Dickie, MW. Magic & Magicians in the Graeco Roman World

Lefkowitz & Kant. Women's Life in Greece & Rome.

Luck, G. Witches and sorcerers in classical literature.

Ogden, D. Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds: A Source Book

May and June are covered in this episode which includes dealing with the dead at midnight, the Vestals and a bridge. Oh, and some straw dolls with a sinister backstory.

Episode notes with a transcription, reading list, links, images and supporting content on www.ancientblogger.com

If you are on Reddit come and check out the AncientHistoryHound subreddit - don't forget to rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

It's time for April in ancient Rome which means overseas deities setting down roots, Romulus getting a free pass, sheep and much more.

Episode notes with a transcription, reading list, links, images and supporting content on www.ancientblogger.com

If you are on Reddit come and check out the AncientHistoryHound subreddit - don't forget to rate and review where you can.

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Much dancing, leaping, drinking and a musical instrument. As a month March had a legacy of sorts and there was a lot of fun to be had, though not everyone approved.

Episode notes on www.ancientblogger.com

Reviews on any platform are really welcome, thanks for those who have done so and for the kind messages!

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).

Continuining the miniseries I dive into three festivals celebrated in February. There's much nudity, a spell and a festival with a name which might be a bit misleading.

If you can rate and/or review please do.

Episode notes at www.ancientblogger.com

Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).