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Indexed 13 mentions
Hardcore HistoryOct 28, 2015

Show 56 Kings Of Kings

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Show 56 Kings Of Kings on Hardcore History.

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Show 56 Kings Of Kings mentions From Cyrus to Alexander by Pierre Briant, From Sumer to Rome by Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz, Discovering Cyrus by Reza Sargami, and Histories by Herodotus with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

3 books from this episode

I actually laughed out loud when I read Pierre Breon's book from Cyrus to Alexander.

From Sumer to Rome
Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz

The Assyrian army of the 8th century BCE was comprised of at least 150,000 to 200,000 men, and was the largest standing military force that the Middl…

Discovering Cyrus
Reza Sargami

Faced with the very real prospect that his cities would open up their gates to the conqueror, Nabonidas settled upon a drastic policy.

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From Cyrus to Alexander
Pierre Briant

The host mentions Pierre Briant's book 'From Cyrus to Alexander' to highlight the complexities of ancient history and…

Card
From Sumer to Rome
Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz

The host mentions 'From Sumer to Rome' to provide a detailed understanding of the Assyrian army's size and sophistica…

Card
Discovering Cyrus
Reza Sargami

The host discusses the complexities of Cyrus's character and governance, referencing Reza Sargami's insights from 'Di…

Card
Histories
Herodotus

The host discusses the contrasting narratives of historical events, particularly the Battle of Thermopylae, and highl…

Card
the Book of Daniel
Doyle

The host discusses the Book of Daniel to highlight its intriguing narrative and the historical context of its writing…

Card
A History of the Persian Empire
A.T. Olmstead

The host discusses the significant role of Cyrus the Great in shaping history, particularly in relation to Judaism an…

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The Story of Civilization
Will Durant

The host references Will Durant's 'The Story of Civilization' to illustrate how moral decline can lead to societal do…

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the old Hebrew Bible

The host discusses the complexities of the Old Hebrew Bible and its historical context, particularly regarding its ac…

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Book mentions13
Media mentions0
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Quick FAQ

Answers to common summary, books, and takeaway questions for this episode.

What is Show 56 Kings Of Kings about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for Show 56 Kings Of Kings on Hardcore History.

What are the main takeaways from Show 56 Kings Of Kings?

These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for Show 56 Kings Of Kings.

  • The conversation centers on ancient storytelling and history.
  • A second recurring theme is ancient history storytelling.
  • Referenced books include From Cyrus to Alexander by Pierre Briant and From Sumer to Rome by Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Historians and students of ancient history and Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military history.

Which books are mentioned in Show 56 Kings Of Kings?

From Cyrus to Alexander by Pierre Briant, From Sumer to Rome by Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz, and Discovering Cyrus by Reza Sargami are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

Why are listeners searching for Show 56 Kings Of Kings?

Show 56 Kings Of Kings keeps attracting summary-style searches because this page combines episode context, transcript quotes, book references, and direct jump links back into the audio.

Topic and sentiment signals

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Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(6)Passing Reference(5)Critical Analysis(1)Highly Recommended(1)
Audience signals
Historians and students of ancient historyHistorians and enthusiasts of ancient military historyHistorians and readers interested in ancient governanceHistory enthusiasts and students of narrative techniquesReaders interested in biblical narratives and historical context.Historians and those interested in 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.

From Cyrus to Alexander cover
Best for Historians and students of ancient historyOften cited around ancient history storytelling

This is from Pierre Brianne's book from Cyrus to Alexander but it's the translation from the bible that he uses in the same way that the cyrus cylinder says the babylonian god marduk took cyrus's hand.

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: Historians and students of ancient history
Key quote: I actually laughed out loud when I read Pierre Breon's book from Cyrus to Alexander.
The host mentions Pierre Briant's book 'From Cyrus to Alexander' to highlight the complexities of ancient history and the challenges historians face in separating fact from fiction. The book is praised for its exhaustive detail and serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the history of Persia.
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From Sumer to Rome cover
From Sumer to Rome
Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz
Best for Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military historyOften cited around Assyrian military capabilities

The Assyrian army of the 8th century BCE was comprised of at least 150,000 to 200,000 men, and was the largest standing military force that the Middle East had witnessed to this time.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and enthusiasts of ancient military history
Key quote: The Assyrian army of the 8th century BCE was comprised of at least 150,000 to 200,000 men, and was the largest standing military force that the Middle East had witnessed to this time.
The host mentions 'From Sumer to Rome' to provide a detailed understanding of the Assyrian army's size and sophistication during the 8th century BCE. This book serves as a comprehensive resource for grasping the military dynamics of ancient civilizations and their impact on history.
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Discovering Cyrus cover
Discovering Cyrus
Reza Sargami
Best for Historians and readers interested in ancient governanceOften cited around Cyrus and Nabonidus

Reza Sargami has an interesting take on something that the Babylonian king did as part of the fighting with Cyrus for Babylon.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in ancient governance
Key quote: Faced with the very real prospect that his cities would open up their gates to the conqueror, Nabonidas settled upon a drastic policy.
The host discusses the complexities of Cyrus's character and governance, referencing Reza Sargami's insights from 'Discovering Cyrus'. The book provides a unique perspective on the actions of Nabonidus and their implications for Babylonian society and religion.
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Histories cover
Histories
Herodotus
Best for History enthusiasts and students of narrative techniquesOften cited around Greek and Persian wars

One of Herodotus' best stories is about the rise of Cyrus, and he provides insights into the events and the worldview of his time.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and students of narrative techniques
Key quote: Herodotus of Halicarnassus, sometimes called the father of histories, occasionally called the father of lies, writing his history a generation after the events at Thermopyli.
The host discusses the contrasting narratives of historical events, particularly the Battle of Thermopylae, and highlights Herodotus's storytelling as a significant departure from other historical accounts. This mention serves to illustrate the importance of narrative style in shaping our understanding of history.
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the Book of Daniel cover
Best for Readers interested in biblical narratives and historical context.Often cited around the Book of Daniel

The excerpt mentions the Book of Daniel, specifically a spooky story involving a ghostly hand writing on a wall.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in biblical narratives and historical context.
Key quote: The Book of Daniel has this scary story, spooky story.
The host discusses the Book of Daniel to highlight its intriguing narrative and the historical context of its writing. The mention of the ghostly hand writing on the wall serves as a captivating example of the book's dramatic storytelling.
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A History of the Persian Empire cover
Best for Historians and those interested in ancient historyOften cited around Cyrus the Great's impact

How about letting historian A.T. Olmstead in a book published in 1948 say it?

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and those interested in ancient history
Key quote: How about letting historian A.T. Olmstead in a book published in 1948 say it?
The host discusses the significant role of Cyrus the Great in shaping history, particularly in relation to Judaism and its continuity. He references A.T. Olmstead's book to highlight the historical importance and the enigmatic nature of Cyrus's life and death.
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The Story of Civilization cover
Best for Historians and students of sociologyOften cited around moral degeneration of societies

Historian Will Durant tries to tie the downfall of the meads to their moral degeneration and the fact that they were sort of Nouveau-Riche, he writes about their rapid degeneration compared to their rise.

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis
For: Historians and students of sociology
Key quote: Historian Will Durant tries to tie the downfall of the meads to their moral degeneration and the fact that they were sort of Nouveau-Riche.
The host references Will Durant's 'The Story of Civilization' to illustrate how moral decline can lead to societal downfall. Durant's insights on the Nouveau-Riche serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rapid wealth accumulation without moral grounding.
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the old Hebrew Bible cover
Best for Individuals interested in biblical history and religious studiesOften cited around historical perspectives on religion

The excerpt discusses the old Hebrew Bible, its accounts, and the historical context surrounding its writing, particularly regarding the Persians.

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Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in biblical history and religious studies
Key quote: It's hard to describe exactly what the old Hebrew Bible is.
The host discusses the complexities of the Old Hebrew Bible and its historical context, particularly regarding its accounts of the Persians. They highlight the dramatic narratives within the Bible and the challenges of dating its various texts.
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The 100 Most Influential People of All Time cover
Best for History enthusiasts and studentsOften cited around Cyrus the Great's influence

The book I had that places Cyrus is one of the top most 100 influential people of all time says that that's one of the things maybe you credit him with.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: History enthusiasts and students
Key quote: The book I had that places Cyrus is one of the top most 100 influential people of all time says that that's one of the things maybe you credit him with.
The host briefly mentions the book to highlight Cyrus's significance in history. It serves as a reference point for discussing influential figures.
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the Iliad cover
Best for students and enthusiasts of ancient literature and historyOften cited around ancient storytelling and history

The excerpt mentions the Iliad as an example of ancient storytelling that predates written prose history.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: students and enthusiasts of ancient literature and history
Key quote: if you want to get drama and color and stories before the period of Herodotus, you're looking at things like the Iliad by Homer
The host mentions 'the Iliad' to illustrate the transition from oral storytelling to written history. It serves as an example of how ancient narratives were performed for entertainment, contrasting with the more utilitarian writings of later periods.
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Cyrus from Alexander cover
Best for Readers interested in ancient historyOften cited around historical accounts of Cyrus

The excerpt references Pierre Breon's book, which is a detailed historical account of Cyrus and the ancient Persian empire.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Readers interested in ancient history
Key quote: The excerpt references Pierre Breon's book, which is a detailed historical account of Cyrus and the ancient Persian empire.
The host briefly mentions Pierre Breon's book as a resource for understanding Cyrus and the ancient Persian empire. It serves as a reference point for those interested in historical narratives.
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Gilgamesh cover
Best for Students and enthusiasts of ancient history and literatureOften cited around ancient storytelling and history

The excerpt references Gilgamesh as a story from Mesopotamian history that was likely told for hundreds of years before being written down.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Students and enthusiasts of ancient history and literature
Key quote: Think of Gilgamesh from Mesopotamian history, both of which are believed, by the way, to have been stories told for hundreds of years that were finally compiled and written down.
The host mentions 'Gilgamesh' to illustrate the transition from oral storytelling to written history. This reference highlights the importance of narrative in understanding ancient cultures and their histories.
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Beowulf cover
Best for Readers interested in ancient literature and historyOften cited around ancient storytelling and history

The excerpt mentions Beowulf as another ancient story that was likely compiled and written down after being told for generations.

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Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Readers interested in ancient literature and history
Key quote: Same thing with like a Beowulf in Scandinavian history.
The host mentions 'Beowulf' in the context of discussing ancient storytelling traditions and how they differ from historical writing. This reference highlights the transition from oral traditions to written forms, emphasizing the entertainment aspect of stories like 'Beowulf'.
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From Cyrus to Alexander
Hardcore History · 3:03:05
I actually laughed out loud when I read Pierre Breon's book from Cyrus to Alexander.
From Sumer to Rome
Hardcore History · 45:46
The Assyrian army of the 8th century BCE was comprised of at least 150,000 to 200,000 men, and was the largest standing military force that the Middl…
Discovering Cyrus
Hardcore History · 2:55:10
Faced with the very real prospect that his cities would open up their gates to the conqueror, Nabonidas settled upon a drastic policy.
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From Cyrus to Alexander cover
Mentioned at 3:03:05
From Cyrus to Alexander
Pierre Briant

The host mentions Pierre Briant's book 'From Cyrus to Alexander' to highlight the complexities of ancient history and the challenges historians fac…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
From Sumer to Rome cover
Mentioned at 45:46
From Sumer to Rome
Richard Gabriel and Karen Metz

The host mentions 'From Sumer to Rome' to provide a detailed understanding of the Assyrian army's size and sophistication during the 8th century BC…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link
Discovering Cyrus cover
Mentioned at 2:55:10
Discovering Cyrus
Reza Sargami

The host discusses the complexities of Cyrus's character and governance, referencing Reza Sargami's insights from 'Discovering Cyrus'. The book pro…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

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