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History of Persia
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History of Persia

New173: Senatus Populusque Romanus (Rome Check 2)October 17, 2026 · 1 h 6 min
Episodes
222
Released
monthly
Latest episode
Oct 17, 2026

About the podcast

A podcast dedicated to the history of Persia, and the great empires that ruled there beginning with the Achaemenid Empire of Cyrus the Great and the foundation of an imperial legacy that directly impacted ancient civilizations from Rome to China, and everywhere in between. Join me as we explore the cultures, militaries, religions, successes, and failures of some of the greatest empires of the ancient world.

Episodes 222

  1. 173: Senatus Populusque Romanus (Rome Check 2)

    1 h 6 minSeason 2 · Episode 173

    After expanding to dominate most of the central Italian Peninsula, Rome was quick to take advantage of political crises to the south to expand their influence. From Pyrrhus' invasion on behalf of Tarentum to …

  2. 172: Meet the Romans (Rome Check 1)

    52 minSeason 2 · Episode 172

    The Roman Republic has finally arrived in our narrative after negotiating with Antiochus the Great on behalf of Ptolemy V. Today we begin our introduction to Rome from their earliest origins to their rise as …

  3. 171: Syria Five

    40 minSeason 2 · Episode 171

    Following his return from Mesopotamia and Arabia, Antiochus the Great was poised to begin a Fifth Syrian War with the goal of conquering Koile Syria. To prepare for this, he would settle Anatolia, fully annex …

  4. 170: Hellenistic Mesopotamia

    27 minSeason 2 · Episode 170

    We've had the opportunity to tour the Seleucid Empire under Antiochus the Great as he conquered his way from Syria to the Hindu Kush, and now it's time to discuss both the longstanding imperial core of …

  5. 169: A New Alexander

    34 minSeason 2 · Episode 170

    Following his victory over the Parthian Kingdom, Antiochus III marched against the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and beyond, tracing the path of Alexander the Great and beyond.Visit https://HoPfulMedia.com.co to …

  6. 168: Xerxes, Arsakes, and Beyond

    33 minSeason 2 · Episode 168

    After defeating Achaeus, Antiochus III was quick to continue his reconquest of former Seleucid territory, or at least what he claimed was former Seleucid territory with a siege of Arsomasata and King Xerxes of …

  7. 167: King Achaeus

    42 minSeason 2 · Episode 167

    After the catastrophic Battle of Raphia, Antiochus III turned north and went to face the rebel royal Achaios and retake Anatolia in the aftermath of many surprising alliances.Visit https://HoPfulMedia.com.co to …

  8. 166: Meet the Egyptians

    33 minSeason 2 · Episode 166

    Following the Fourth Syrian War, Ptolemy IV Philopator went back to Egypt to enjoy his victory and leave administration to his advisers, at least until native Egyptian revolts brought Egypt's royal party to a …

  9. 165: Syrian War

    34 minSeason 2 · Episode 165

    After defeating Molon and Alexander in the Upper Satrapies, Antiochus III arranged or accepted the assassination of Hermeias before resuming the Fourth Syrian War against Egypt. The Seleucids rise to new …

  10. 164: Frataraka

    42 minSeason 2 · Episode 164

    Continuing the grand tour of western Iran, it's time to talk about Hellenistic Persia. The province of Persis was home to a unique set of governors called Frataraka under Seleucid rule who introduced new and …

  11. Thoughts on the 2026 Iran War - America: Secret Wars 023

    1 h 22 minSeason 2Bonus

    America: Secret Wars Season 2 kicks off with Trevor, Roberto, and Ben discussing current events in the 2026 Iran-Israel-US War. We talked a lot about the foreseeable consequences of the conflict, it's place in …

  12. 163: The Upper Satrapies

    41 minSeason 2 · Episode 163

    Despite his Prime Minister's insistence against it, Antiochus III resolved to march east and face the rebel satrap Molon in 220 BCE. It's also time for a new Grand Tour of the Empire as we follow Antiochus on …

  13. 162: The Great Revolt

    42 minSeason 2 · Episode 162

    The Seleucid narrative is back, and Antiochus III is the new king. Fresh off the death of his father and brother, the young Antiochus found himself pulled in three different directions by his nobles as …

  14. 161: Meet the Neighbors Speed Round

    49 minSeason 2 · Episode 161

    Prepare for a return to the narrative with a quick round of catch up with the Seleucids' neighbors: Egypt, Macedon, India, and surprisingly, Sparta one last time before the famed warriors of Ancient Greece fade …

  15. Intelligent Speech 2026!!!

    43 minSeason 2Bonus

    Intelligent Speech Online 2026 is almost here, and if I haven't yet sold you on attending the conference on February 28, 2026 (starting at 9am US Eastern Time), you might be interested in my presentation from …

  16. Holiday Special 2025 (Happy Sadeh!)

    38 minSeason 2Bonus

    Slightly delayed by world events, but planned and written for December 2025, History of Persia marks the Iranian and Zoroastrian holiday of Sadeh, a feast and fire to stave off the dark winter nights and …

  17. 160: Philosophy and Medicine

    43 minSeason 2 · Episode 160

    Unfortunately for the study of Seleucid philosophy, the Seleucid kings were not major patrons of the lovers of wisdom as their Hellenistic neighbors were, and the works of the philosophers they did patronize …

  18. 159: The Lovers of Wisdom

    43 minSeason 2 · Episode 159

    We're taking a break from the narrative for a brief introduction to Ancient Greek Philosophy. From Thales to Epicurus, it's time.IntelligentSpeechOnline.com – Intelligent Speech Online 2026 Tickets available …

  19. 158: A Flawed Inheritance

    29 minSeason 2 · Episode 158

    After chasing his brother out of Asia, but still beaten by the Parthians, Seleucus II returned to Antioch to face the family drama royals are best known for and to prepare for another round of war. In a speed …

  20. 157: The Seleucid Civil War

    44 minSeason 2 · Episode 157

    During the Third Syrian War, Seleucus II Callinicus discovered treachery. His younger brother, Antiochus Hierax and their royal relatives in Anatolia attempted to usurp the throne. Seleucus was forced to make a …

  21. 156: Babylon Drift

    34 minSeason 2 · Episode 156

    With Babylonia and the Seleucis of Syria under Ptolemaic occupation, it's entirely possible that the only thing that saved Seleucus II was an Egyptian famine. Free to go on the offensive, Seleucus turned the …

  22. 155: The War of the Mothers

    29 minSeason 2 · Episode 155

    Antiochus II Theos was dead and his wives, Laodike and Berenike, were both trying to get their sons on the Seleucid throne. Both sides called on their relatives, the Achaeids and Ptolemies, to plunder and …

  23. 154: Meet the Messy Neighbors

    46 minSeason 2 · Episode 154

    We take a break from the Seleucids to discuss their western neighbors: Egypt under Ptolemy II and Macedon under Antigonus II..The Hellenistic Age Podcast - https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/.Visit …

    Show notes

    We take a break from the Seleucids to discuss their western neighbors: Egypt under Ptolemy II and Macedon under Antigonus II.

    .

    The Hellenistic Age Podcast - https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/

    .

    Visit https://HoPfulMedia.com.co to support this show!

    .

    Support | BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code PERSIA for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
  24. Bonus Teaser: Frank Miller's "Xerxes"

    7 minBonus

    We've covered 300. We've covered Rise of an Empire. We've covered all sorts of Achaemenid historical fiction. So now, we cover Xerxes, with a shockingly positive review of Frank Miller's sequel graphic …

  25. Bonus Teaser: Achaemenid Movies?

    9 minBonus

    Thank you all so much for supporting History of Persia. In this bonus episode, I wanted to try out something a little different than usual. Today, I'm pitching my ideas for movies and series set in the …

  26. 153: Blood Relations

    28 minSeason 2 · Episode 153

    It's time to wind down Antiochus II Theos and talk about his extended royal family, from his various siblings spread out across the Hellenistic world to the powerful cousins entrenched in Anatolia. Then we'll …

  27. Bonus Teaser: Daniel

    6 minBonus

    The Book of Daniel is a fascinating combination of genuine history, folk tale, historical inaccuracy, and prophecy. Let's talk about it.Visit https://HoPfulMedia.com.co to support this show and HEAR THE FULL …

    Show notes

    The Book of Daniel is a fascinating combination of genuine history, folk tale, historical inaccuracy, and prophecy. Let's talk about it.


    Visit https://HoPfulMedia.com.co to support this show and HEAR THE FULL EPISODE!

    Support | BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code PERSIA for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
  28. 152: There Goes the Neighborhood

    36 minSeason 2 · Episode 152

    During and after the Second Syrian War, Antiochus II was involved in many ongoing events with his smaller neighbors and subordinates. Whether it was intervening in the Cappadocian monarchy, being kept out of …

  29. 151: 2 Syria 2 War

    31 minSeason 2 · Episode 151

    Trevor's WiFi is back, and so is the History of Persia. Although he started in a relatively strong position, the new Seleucid king Antiochus II's reign was immediately derailed by the Second Syrian War …

  30. 150: The Time Lord

    43 minSeason 2 · Episode 150

    To wrap up our series on Orphism and its connections to Hellenistic Iran, it's time to discuss Zurvan, the Zoroastrian yazata of Time, and his growing cult in the Hellenistic Age.Visit …

These are the latest 40 of 222 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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