AWA378 - Did the Persians Really Use Cats at the Battle of Pelusium?
Augusto from Argentina asks: “How reliable is Polyaenus’ account of the Persians using cats—or images of cats—against the Egyptians at Pelusium? Is there any truth to the story, or is it just legend?” Murray Dahm explores the evidence behind this curious tale. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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AWA377 - How Much Do We Really Know About the Bacaudae?
A listener on YouTube asks: “How much do we really know about the Bacaudae, and how important were they in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire?” Murray takes a closer look at these enigmatic rebels of Late Antiquity. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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AWA376 - Are there any sources for the chariot driver actually exiting the chariot before contact?
In this episode, Murray Dahm revisits Alexander’s encounter with scythed chariots and unpacks some of the practical and tactical issues surrounding their historical use. From wargaming figure ratios to the use of caltrops, shield-banging, and even Roman caligae, we explore how ancient armies may have neutralised these fearsome weapons. Were chariots best used against cavalry or lighter infantry? Did ancient troops rely on noise and tight formations—or did they use more direct countermeasures? And finally, a listener asks: is there any evidence that chariot drivers dismounted before impact—or is that a modern myth? Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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AWA375 - What was the relationship between Korybantic/Kouretic dances and ancient warfare?
In this episode of Ancient Warfare Answers, Murray Dahm explores the link between the Korybantic and Kouretic dances and the ancient warrior tradition. Unlike the more familiar Pyrrhic dance—used as military training—these ritual performances were deeply spiritual, involving ecstatic movement, clashing weapons, and the warding of evil. But could such rituals have shaped not just warrior identity, but also the tools of war themselves? Murray considers how spiritual beliefs may have influenced the way ancient cultures approached weapons, armour, and even materials like bronze and iron. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
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AW374 - Which Battle Would You Witness?
In this episode, we explore the ultimate “time travel” question: if you could witness any battle in history, which one would you choose? We focus on a handful of iconic clashes, including Pharsalus, where Pompey surrendered unexpectedly, and Actium, exploring the real plan behind Antinous’ manoeuvres. We also dive into the Teutoburg Forest, one of Rome’s most devastating defeats, and consider what makes a battle truly unforgettable. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Discussions from Ancient Warfare Magazine. Why did early civilisations fight? Who were their Generals? What was life like for the earliest soldiers? Ancient Warfare Magazine will try and answer these questions. Warfare minus two thousand years.
New Zealand