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Hardcore HistoryMar 20, 2016

Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii on Hardcore History.

Notable books mentioned: Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans Van Weiss, The History of the Persian Empire by Will Durant, The Greek Wars by George Cockwell, A New Foundation for the Empire by Pierre Bryant

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Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii
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Episode summary and strongest books

Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii mentions Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans Van Weiss, The History of the Persian Empire by Will Durant, The Greek Wars by George Cockwell, and A New Foundation for the Empire by Pierre Bryant with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

3 books from this episode

Van Wies says that everything we know about Hoplight Warfare comes from a later period than this, 50, 75 years afterwards, and that the armies we're…

One great defect had sullied his character, meaning Cyrus's character, occasional and incalculable cruelty.

The Greek Wars
George Cockwell

Historian George Cockwell entitled his whole book, The Greek Wars, instead of the Persian Wars, because the Persian Wars makes it sound, you know, li…

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Book mentions15
Media mentions0
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What is Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii on Hardcore History.

What are the main takeaways from Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii?

These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii.

  • The conversation centers on Cambyses and power.
  • A second recurring theme is Persian Wars and Greek city-states.
  • Referenced books include Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans Van Weiss and The History of the Persian Empire by Will Durant.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military history and Historians and readers interested in ancient history.

Which books are mentioned in Show 57 Kings Of Kings Ii?

Greek Warfare Myths and Realities by Hans Van Weiss, The History of the Persian Empire by Will Durant, and The Greek Wars by George Cockwell are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Topic and sentiment signals

Aggregated from transcript-derived mention metadata for better topical navigation and citation.

Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(13)Critical Analysis(1)Passing Reference(1)
Audience signals
Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military historyHistorians and readers interested in ancient historyHistorians and enthusiasts of ancient Greek historyHistorians and students of ancient empiresHistorians and students of military historyHistorians and students of ancient history

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Greek Warfare Myths and Realities cover
Best for Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military historyOften cited around Greek city-states warfare

The speaker mentions a fascinating book by Hans Van Weiss that challenges traditional beliefs about Hoplight Warfare, indicating its complexity and the ongoing debate among historians.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military history
Key quote: Van Wies says that everything we know about Hoplight Warfare comes from a later period than this, 50, 75 years afterwards, and that the armies we're talking about here are much more rustic even than the ones, you know, from classical Greece.
The host discusses the contrasting views of historians on Spartan warfare, referencing Hans Van Weiss's book to challenge traditional beliefs. Van Weiss argues that much of what is known about Hoplite warfare is derived from a later period, suggesting that the Spartans' reputation may be overstated compared to other city-states.
ASIN: 0715630466
Buy on Amazon
The History of the Persian Empire cover
Best for Historians and readers interested in ancient historyOften cited around Cambyses and power

Will Durant in 1930s. A great historian writing an outdated history did a wonderful job. And by the way, taking it at face value, giving you the traditional Cambysi story.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in ancient history
Key quote: One great defect had sullied his character, meaning Cyrus's character, occasional and incalculable cruelty.
The host discusses the complexities of Cambyses' reign and the historical interpretations surrounding his mental state. Will Durant's book is referenced as a traditional account that captures the dramatic and often horrific aspects of Cambyses' rule.
ASIN: B0BC3TZ4HL
Buy on Amazon
The Greek Wars cover
The Greek Wars
George Cockwell
Best for Historians and enthusiasts of ancient Greek historyOften cited around Persian Wars and Greek city-states

Historian George Cockwell entitled his whole book, The Greek Wars, instead of the Persian Wars, because the Persian Wars makes it sound, you know, like the Greeks are talking about it.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and enthusiasts of ancient Greek history
Key quote: Historian George Cockwell entitled his whole book, The Greek Wars, instead of the Persian Wars, because the Persian Wars makes it sound, you know, like the Greeks are talking about it, because to them, that's what this was.
The host discusses the significance of the Greek city-states' interactions with Persia, emphasizing how Athenian democracy and the threat from Persia shaped their political landscape. The mention of 'The Greek Wars' by George Cockwell highlights the perspective that these conflicts were primarily about Greek agency rather than merely Persian aggression.
ASIN: 0199299838
Buy on Amazon
A New Foundation for the Empire cover
Best for Historians and students of ancient empiresOften cited around Persian Empire leadership

Historian Pierre Bryant runs down Darius' qualities a bit and then points out how much of a change, the period that he inaugurates in Persian history is.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of ancient empires
Key quote: Historian Pierre Bryant runs down Darius' qualities a bit and then points out how much of a change, the period that he inaugurates in Persian history is.
The host discusses the strategic and organizational qualities of Darius, emphasizing how his leadership marked a significant transformation in Persian history. The mention of Pierre Bryant's book highlights the foundational changes Darius implemented during his reign, particularly in governance and military strategy.
ASIN: B08BT82QF5
Buy on Amazon
the Iliad cover
Best for Historians and students of military historyOften cited around ancient warfare and fear

Historians often use the book, the Iliad, the stories of Homer, as a tool to understand kind of how these weapons, you know, what kind of wounds that they inflicted and how people reacted.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of military history
Key quote: Historians often use the book, the Iliad, the stories of Homer, as a tool to understand kind of how these weapons, you know, what kind of wounds that they inflicted and how people reacted and whatnot because the weapons are the same even if maybe how they used them was different.
The host discusses the psychological impact of ancient battles, referencing 'the Iliad' as a historical tool to understand the brutality of combat. This book provides insights into the experiences of soldiers and the horrors they faced, which are still relevant in understanding warfare today.
ASIN: B0FVGG44PN
Buy on Amazon
The Histories cover
The Histories
Herodotus
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around historical legitimacy of rulers

It was also spread throughout the empire, in Aramaic translation on papyri, and possibly Herodotus used one of these as the basis for the story he told in his histories.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: Our main source of information about events is the description by the final victor, Darius, who was not a legitimate successor to the throne.
The host discusses the complexities surrounding the legitimacy of Darius's claim to the throne and the various historical interpretations of events. This leads to a mention of Herodotus's 'The Histories' as a crucial source that reflects the biases of the victor in historical narratives.
ASIN: 0199535663
Buy on Amazon
The Battle of Marathon cover
Best for History enthusiasts and students of ancient warfareOften cited around Battle of Marathon significance

Herodotus says like 6400 persians died at marathon at about 200 greeks which shows you how one-sided ancient battle could be if those numbers are correct.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and students of ancient warfare
Key quote: According to Herodotus, who's the, you know, one of the closest earliest sources, about 70, 75 years later, he says, he said, says there's a disagreement amongst the commanders, these democratically elected generals of whom Miltaiades is one.
The host discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the Battle of Marathon, emphasizing its historical significance and the various interpretations by historians. Herodotus's account is highlighted as a crucial source that sheds light on the strategic decisions made by the Athenian generals.
ASIN: 1120715083
Buy on Amazon
On Killing cover
On Killing
Dave Grossman
Best for Military professionals and historiansOften cited around military training and culture

In his book on killing, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman discusses the proximity to the victim that determines how resistant people tend to be to killing.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Military professionals and historians
Key quote: Grossman, along with a lot of other historians, goes on to point out how most historians think that the idea that there was ever bayonet fighting... is that one side always runs before having to get stuck by the other.
The host references 'On Killing' to explore the psychological barriers soldiers face when it comes to close combat. Grossman's insights provide a historical context for understanding modern warfare's aversion to direct violence.
ASIN: B008AU3SAQ
Buy on Amazon
Herodotus cover
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around Cambyses and power

Purvis translation of Herodotus says, quote. From Thassos, the fleet crossed over and sailed close to the shore of the mainland...

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: Herodotus basically says Cambysi's lost his mind.
The host discusses the complexities of Cambyses II's reign and how historical narratives have been shaped over time. Herodotus's account is referenced to highlight the enduring debate about Cambyses's sanity and the nature of his rule.
ASIN: 1918121001
Buy on Amazon
Problems on the Greek frontier cover
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around Persian Wars and Greek city-states

Historian A.T. Olmsted has a chapter. I love the title. It's Problems on the Greek frontier.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: Historian A.T. Olmsted has a chapter. I love the title. It's Problems on the Greek frontier.
The host mentions A.T. Olmsted's book to highlight the complexities of the Greek city-states' interactions with the Persian Empire. Olmsted's insights into the Greek frontier provide a nuanced understanding of the historical context surrounding the Persian Wars.
ASIN: B0D1BDZ72R
Buy on Amazon
Discovering Cyrus cover
Discovering Cyrus
Risa Sargami
Best for Historians and readers interested in ancient historyOften cited around historical interpretation of events

Risa Sargami in his book Discovering Cyrus says we shouldn't be so quick to throw out the official story.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in ancient history
Key quote: Heck, Risa Sargami in his book Discovering Cyrus says we shouldn't be so quick to throw out the official story.
The host references 'Discovering Cyrus' to highlight the complexities and uncertainties surrounding historical narratives, particularly regarding the legitimacy of Darius's claim to the throne. Sargami's work suggests that the official story may not be easily dismissed and encourages a deeper examination of the historical context.
ASIN: B00QMJPYTU
Buy on Amazon
Will Durant cover
Best for History enthusiasts and students of ancient empiresOften cited around Cambyses and power

They might have had to rely on, you know, witness testimony back in the day of Will Durant in 1935.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and students of ancient empires
Key quote: Will Durant in 1930s. A great historian writing an outdated history did a wonderful job.
The host references Will Durant to illustrate the historical narrative surrounding Cambyses II and his controversial reign. Durant's work provides a traditional perspective on Cambyses, which has been debated by modern historians regarding his sanity and actions.
ASIN: B00102N9AA
Buy on Amazon
The Persian King of Kings cover
Best for Historians and those interested in Persian historyOften cited around Cambyses and Egyptian culture

The term 'king of kings' is used in the context of the Persian Empire's ability to call upon a diverse range of troops, showcasing its vastness.

View mention details
Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and those interested in Persian history
Key quote: But the modern day investigators, the Colombo's, the Joe Fridays, have more tools at their disposal and more information at hand than the early investigators did.
The host discusses the historical portrayal of Cambyses and how modern historians have reevaluated his actions, particularly regarding the sacred Apis bull. This leads to a mention of 'The Persian King of Kings' as a significant work that provides insight into Cambyses' reign and the complexities of historical narratives.
ASIN: B09X7D4WCM
Buy on Amazon
The Magus cover
Best for Readers interested in historical narratives and storytelling techniquesOften cited around Herodotus and assassination

the magus you know the false bardia galmatah

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in historical narratives and storytelling techniques
Key quote: So the force 10 from Navarone group get past the first level of defense.
The host discusses how Herodotus transforms the historical account of Darius and the assassination of the false king into a dramatic narrative. This comparison highlights the storytelling techniques used by Herodotus, akin to modern action films, which is why 'The Magus' is referenced.
ASIN: B0081BTOJS
Buy on Amazon
Persian Fire cover
Persian Fire
Tom Holland
Best for listeners interested in historical narrativesOften cited around historical storytelling

Tom Holland, the historian, pointed it out in his book Persian Fire, but there may be a connection to the fact that this is a really sort of hard to believe story.

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: listeners interested in historical narratives
Key quote: Tom Holland, the historian, pointed it out in his book Persian Fire, but there may be a connection to the fact that this is a really sort of hard to believe story.
The host briefly mentions Tom Holland's book 'Persian Fire' to highlight its connection to a difficult-to-believe historical narrative. This reference serves to underscore the complexities involved in interpreting historical events.
ASIN: B01HMZ5ATG
Buy on Amazon
Shop This Episode

Pick up the books after you hear them in context.

Greek Warfare Myths and Realities cover
Mentioned at 2:57:25
Greek Warfare Myths and Realities
Hans Van Weiss

The host discusses the contrasting views of historians on Spartan warfare, referencing Hans Van Weiss's book to challenge traditional beliefs. Van…

The History of the Persian Empire cover
Mentioned at 13:47
The History of the Persian Empire
Will Durant

The host discusses the complexities of Cambyses' reign and the historical interpretations surrounding his mental state. Will Durant's book is refer…

The Greek Wars cover
Mentioned at 2:21:23
The Greek Wars
George Cockwell

The host discusses the significance of the Greek city-states' interactions with Persia, emphasizing how Athenian democracy and the threat from Pers…

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