January 4, 2017

63. Before and After WWI (Part 1)

Show

In this episode we look at the powers participating in the First World War that went in clinging to old ideas about empire and spheres of influence, usually to their detriment. Ethan Bleskie returns as guest.

Notes: Episode 38, Vlad The Impaler (Part 2)

Notes

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information. 6:57 – This rule of three to one in warfare isn’t some newfangled idea, either. Anthropologists and primatologists have witnessed chimpanzees using a similar rule-of-thumb when attacking other groups of chimpanzees, suggesting that we have likely understood this rule for millions of years. It checks out […]

38. Vlad The Impaler (Part 2)

Show

In this episode we follow Vlad the Impaler from his war against the Ottoman Empire to his imprisonment by the Hungarian King, re-institution as ruler of Wallachia, and mysterious death. We also spend some time discussing moral justifications of the deeds of historical figures. Colin Oliver returns as guest.

Notes: Episode 37, Vlad The Impaler (Part 1)

Notes

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information. 4:32 – A map of Wallachia can be found here. The three regions shown in the map would combine to become Romania, to give some context of the region. 10:32 – I know, I’m being a bit evasive on the point of the fall of Constantinople […]

37. Vlad The Impaler (Part 1)

Show

In this episode we discuss the early years of Vlad III of Wallachia, also known as Vlad Dracula or Vlad the Impaler, both personally and in the context of the contemporary collapse of the Byzantine Empire and expansion of the Ottoman Turks. Colin Oliver returns as guest.