Description
1. Was it geopolitics or simply bitter hatred that fueled the ancient bloodbaths known as “The Punic Wars”? Dan highlights the unimaginable things people experienced during this intense face-off between Rome and Carthage.
Publish Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 – Duration: 58:55 minutes
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2. Darkness, horror, war and carnage dominate Part 2 of the Punic War trilogy as Hannibal rampages across Italy and pushes Rome to the brink of doom.
Publish Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2008 – Duration: 1:18:37 minutes
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3. In one of the great displays of resiliency in all history, the Romans refuse to buckle under murderous Carthaginian pressure. Instead they recover, defeat and destroy Carthage, and conquer most of the Mediterranean.
Publish Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 – Duration: 1:35:21 minutes
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Dan’s research and book list
1.”Cannae” by Victor Davis Hanson (Appeared in Military History Quarterly magazine Vol 2, Number 4, 1990)
geeksaurus –
I’m a casual reader of history and a friend told me about Dan Carlin. At first, I was skeptical because I was more used to a formal approach, but I gave it a try. I have to say, it’s really good. He brings it to life and he’s a great storyteller. What I like is that he always reminds you to try to imagine what it was like, getting inside of the heads of soldiers and generals. Plus, good use of sound effects for some haunting moments. The entertainment/educational value is more than worth the five dollars I paid.
Gorion –
I’ve only just started listening to Dan’s stuff and although this series is relatively short, I only say this due to the length and depth of the current Hardcore History series. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed his explanation and commentary on the confrontation between Carthage and Rome and the horrific events that followed. Can’t recommend this series enough.
wilky80 –
A friend turned me onto Dan Carlin a few months ago, and I don’t know whether to thank him or not. I never thought of myself as having an addictive personality, but I’ve been unable to listen to anything else in my car since. I’m an historian—something Mr. Carlin ridiculously insists he is not—and I am simply blown away by his visceral narrative and keen insight. His descriptive prose puts you in the moment the way only the best historical writers can. The only difference is, Dan Carlin is churning out the equivalent of one of David McCullough’s books every few months!
Mr. Carlin claims to be “just a fan of history”, because he does not do any primary research or write original treatises. But the ability to present history in an interesting and enlightening way is every bit as important as poring through old manuscripts and documents. Mr. Carlin has a gift for making his subject matter come alive. He makes it fresh and fun and even exciting at times. In short, he tells a great story. I’m also an historical novelist (“Scoundrel! The Secret Memoirs of General James Wilkinson”, in which I present a similar myth-busting, iconoclastic view of historical events), and I would love to see Mr. Carlin give the genre a try. Really good historical fiction can do exactly what he attempts in his podcasts—to shine a light on history from new angles, to extrapolate on events by looking at them from the perspective of the participants, to put the reader “in the moment”. Few do this better than Dan Carlin.
Hayley –
This is the 3rd series set that I have finished of his and..my god… it was an incredible tale. I have always loved history, but much like our failing school system has proved, I was never engrossed in it like I am now. Honestly, it is thanks to these stories and Carlins amazing story-telling ability that has not only increased my desire to learn more, but has me completely hooked on these POD casts. Keep being awesome Mr. Carlin, because you have created a lifer-listener out of me!
adirangan –
I was introduced to Dan Carlin by a friend (thanks mike!).
I really loved all the free content, and now I’m hooked 🙂
This particular story isn’t quite as grand as “Wrath of the Khans” or “Blueprint for Armageddon”, but those are each easily 6- or 7-stars; the punic wars still gets a 5+
– Adi.
Scott McAvoy –
As other reviewers have stated…One episode and I was hooked. The story telling, the drama, the approach to accurately telling the story from many angles is unparalleled. I’ve been through all available episodes online and ordered others for friends and family… The entertainment value, along with actual quotes and historical content is mesmerizing. Without dramatic conceit, or personal slant, Dan Carlin places you in the dark areas of our history, as well as the triumphs. You feel a part of what he is speaking. I recommend to all…those interested in history and those about to be…
Thank you Mr. Carlin.
Selfishly, I wish there were 100 more episodes on 100 different points…
Please keep them coming.
Geoffrey –
When I heard this series for the first time, it felt a little strange since I was used to the really long more recent shows. However, having just recently re-listened to it for the first time I was struck by how visceral the descriptions felt. Although I love the long shows, this more compact series felt refreshing. Certainly the content is top grade as well. The description of the panic in Rome after the battle of Canae was so well explained in such a short amount of time that I was transported to that time and place some 2,200 years ago. Great show.
Lars –
My podcast interests tend toward Sports and History, and Dan’s shows are far and away my favorite of the latter. I initially listened to the recent, free shows… but believe me when I say that whatever paltry fee they are charging is WELL worth it. As someone that reads History for fun, I can honestly say this is the most fun I’ve ever had with these subjects. Dan claims he isn’t a historian, but one look at his excellent choice of sources would argue otherwise. Dan approaches the material in the same way that I’d like to think I myself would. However, the BEST thing about Dan is that not only his respect for – but his excitement about – the subject matter is palpable when you listen to him; you can tell he genuinely loves this stuff. To be sure, this is not your father’s dry, stuffy history lecture, and I would assert that if we had more history teachers like Dan, there’d be more kids into the subject today.
travisgcheek –
The tactical chess and tenacity of each kingdom trying to figure the other one another is captivating, men trying daring new stratagems never seen before, realizations that would shake entire populations, Dan as always presents the story in an intense and insightful way.