In the latest episode, the Ancient Warfare Podcast team discuss what they think was the most influential weapon in the Ancient World. From the iconic Roman gladius to the powerful composite bow, ancient weapons shaped the course of history in countless ways. 

But which one stands out as the most influential?

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Carlos sent this question in for Murray to consider: "Besides elephants, what other units or ideas did the Hellenistic kingdoms adopt from the peoples of the lands they ruled? For example, did they have horse-archer units, etc.?"

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

"In the Western empire, what was the last recorded Legion to take the field as a formed/cohesive unit? And the same question for the Eastern Empire."

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

"Let's continue that theme [of lost legions]. How new imperial Legions were raised? Did other other legions provide cadres to train?" Murray continues the discussion.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

‘Once the Persians had been defeated at Salamis and Plataea, they withdrew from the Greek mainland. But the war was far from over, and the Greeks went on the offensive.’

For this episode, the team discuss issue XVII.4 of the magazine Finally Finishing The Fight: The Greco-Persian Wars, part II.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Thanks to Jamie for sending this in: "What was the first wargame? Did it really start at WATU, or are there examples of ancient generals playing games to practice for war, an ancient equivalent of a modern wargame?"

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

John Asks: "Hi Murray and all, quick question for AWA (and sorry its not a post card) - Murray mentioned "The Last Kingdom" in the Finis Britanniae episode. My question is: How accurate do you feel Last Kingdom is in its overall theme and description of the period? (I guess that the simple colour schemes everyone wears are not the best example of accuracy). Murray shares his (somewhat rambling) thoughts.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

CliosPaintingBench asks "Would like to ask a question if possible: what do you think are the most visually distinct and impressive ancient warfare armies outside of the ones most audiences would know?" Oh, and Murray also adds a bit to the discussion on the fate of the ninth legion. 

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Robert asks "I really enjoyed the article about the Hunnic Siege of Naissus. However, I had a question about the Hunnic siege engines described and illustrated in the article. They look like proto-trebuchets with mantlets to protect the crew, and instead of a counterweight or pulleys, the archer platform looks like primitive cherry picker trucks.

My question is why did the Huns construct these unique engines? Is there any evidence why or do scholars have any theories? Did they have insufficient resources to construct regular siege towers and catapults? Did the Huns want to bring their strength of arrow storms to bear? Or were the Huns just unique?" 

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

In this episode, the team turn their attention to the silver screen with a look at the newly released trailer for "Gladiator II." Join them as they explore this long-awaited sequel's historical inspirations, artistic choices, and potential accuracies and liberties.

John asks one of the big questions of Roman Imperial military history - what happened to the ninth legion (Legio IX Hispana). Murray presents his theory (and adds on the fate of the other lost legion too - the twenty-second Legio XXII Deiotariana)

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

'When a Legion is transferred, is it sent en masse? and generally, were replacement troops put in place to assume the fortifications et al that the departing Legion would have left behind? and is it expected that a transferred legion would take over standard positions in their new territory? And are troops left behind to provide handovers to the incoming staff?'

There is a lot there for Murray to answer!

Greg wonders what really happened at the Battle of Panium in 200 BC, and how good a tactician was Antiochus III? Are there some books that you could recommend to me about this subject?

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

"Over the course of its long history and expansion, Rome fought a range of peoples. Some were conquered, while others never were. A few would even return for revenge."

In the latest issue, the team discuss issue XVII.3 Rome's May Enemies: Threats from within and without. 

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Jan asks what do we really know about ancient massed archery? How was it conducted? We may envision Hollywood-style showers of arrows raining down accurately on a target, but… how realistic is this?

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Euchale writes that he has recently watched a video by Farya Faraji on just how inaccurate a lot of modern "interpretations" of ancient music is. One of his pet peeves is the use of Armenian Duduks for anything vaguely Arabic. Euchale poses two questions to Murray, do you have pet peeve that every movie gets wrong about ancient warfare? And, have you ever researched anything in regard to ancient music in your area of expertise?

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

College library director Darren is sponsoring a wargame involving a student tabletop game club (D&D, etc.) and a student history club. Darren writes to ask Murray what, in his opinion, would be the best ancient battle(s) for a group of 18 to 20-year-old students.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

In conversation with Ancient Warfare regular Marc DeSantis, Murray tells us about his new book Finis Britanniae: A Military History of Late Roman Britain and the Saxon Conquest.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Dave Latham asked about the Kingdom of Soissons, and after a particularly deep rabbit hole, Murray has emerged to give you his musings.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Mark asks, 'did any of the friendly client states (i.e. Thrace, Cappadocia, Mauretania etc) try to copy Roman legions in terms of equipment, organisation, tactics etc?'

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Thanks to Andy for sending this one in. 'I’m listening to SJA Turney’s Marius' Mules. Over the first three books, he frequently references the medical support for the legions. How developed were the medics? Were their skills another advantage for the Romans ?'

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

In a second question from his postcard, Gus asks, what was the difference between bronze and iron weapons and armour in terms of availability, hardness, temper and penetrating ability?

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

'After two decades of war, Alexander's successors had found a delicate balance. When Ptolemy's wayward son managed to destabilize matters, the Celts grabbed their chance.'

The Ancient Warfare team discuss the latest issue of the magazine XVII.2 Invasion of the Celts: Brennus' Campaign into Greece.

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

In a new Ancient Warfare Answers postcard, Gus asks Thureophoroi - what were they? (light troops/peltast replacements)and where did they originate?

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

Aaron asks "On your comment about written battle accounts, were Empire era writings less common, lost to time, or were the generals less educated than Republic era generals?"

Join us on Patron
patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast