Archways: Western Civilization History Podcast
Archways is a podcast for learning history, offering a classical perspective with a focus on Western Civilization's Judeo-Christian heritage. It explores the events, ideas, and people that built and sustained this tradition, while also drawing lessons from other parts of the world. The podcast aims to help listeners understand history to ensure future success.
Episodes
History of Demons: Part 1 (1000 BC - AD 1942)
In this episode we're discussing the origins of demonology in Western Civilization, tracing it back to its ancient roots. Pre-Christian cultures across Mesopotamia, Egypt, and beyond featured a range of supernatural beings blamed for sickness and bad choices. When Zoroastrianism came on the scene, in 8th century BC Iran, religion first developed the idea of dualism: that the world is locked in the
History of Leisure (384 BC - AD 2020)
In this episode we discuss the history of thinking about leisure from Aristotle, Epicurus, Seneca, and Cicero to St. Paul, Gregory I, St. Benedict, Thomas Aquinas, Dante, and John Calvin to Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. Leisure was once seen as a time for debating philosophy or studying the universe, before giving way to slothful bread and circuses. Christian thought hit back hard against Roman exce
Ranking American Monarchies (AD 1804-1883)
In this episode we use a ranking system I made up to examine the unique monarchies that were declared in the Americas during the Age of Revolutions. We will learn about the Haitian Revolution that led to the Empire of Haiti and the Kingdom of Haiti. We will learn about the Mexican Revolution that led to the First and Second Empires of Mexico. And we will learn about the Brazilian War of Independen
Monarchy: History and Advantages
In this episode we take a deep dive into one of the oldest, most famous, and most stable forms of government: monarchy. Looking at examples from the past, we see what makes a monarchy successful. And we extract lessons for our own governments today. We will study with particular interest Ancient Egypt, Babylon, as well as 17 century France, Belgium, Britain, and modern Japan and Saudi Arabia.
History of Bacon Cheeseburgers: Only in the West
Bacon cheeseburgers are a unique creation of the West, particularly the American melting pot and its dynamism. While all civilizations have governing dietary restrictions based on their religion or philosophy, only the West had the perfect combination of dietary beliefs that permitted the Bacon Cheeseburger to be created. In this episode, we will look into what taboos the Bacon Cheeseburger violat
West Threats: Horse Archers Pt. 2
In this captivating episode, we delve into the remarkable legacy of horse archer civilizations—the Parthians, Mongols, and Comanche—and their profound impact on Western societies. Buckle up as we ride through history, exploring their strategies, innovations, and cultural exchanges.
🏹 The Parthians: From the mid-3rd century BC until 224 CE, the Parthian Empire spanned vast territories—from the Euph
West Threats: Horse Archers Pt. 1 (2000 BC-AD 1875)
In this episode we study the unique technologies and cultures that developed in the womb of the great Eurasian and American steppes. We will look at how these hearty humans adapted to their harsh environments and synergized with horses to form mobile civilizations. We will then look into how these civilizations accumulated enormous wealth and developed key horse-related technologies: the bridle, s
Tales of Medieval Courtship Fails (AD 900-1200)
It's the time of year where romance is in the air. In this episode, we look at several ill-fated high-profile romances throughout the medieval period including...
- Prince Mal and Princess Olga of Kiev
- Constantine the VII and Regent Olga of Kiev
- Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere
- Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Polenta
- Heloise and Abelard
Sources for this episode include:
The Primary Chro
Chess Openings: History and Strategy
In this episode, we draw from the well of chess again. This time discussing five of the most popular and successful openings in Chess: the Spanish Opening, the Sicilian Defense, the Italian Game, the French Defense, and the Caro-Kann. On our journey to learn about openings, we will also learn about chess legends like Arpad Elo (the inventor of ELO), Ruy Lopez, Giulio Greco, and more. We will sink
The History of Podcasting: From cavemen to now
It is our 50th episode! To celebrate this historic milestone we are having a meta episode about the history of speaking itself. We will examine the oldest oral histories of the Indigenous Australians that have endured over 10,000 years. Then we will look at Moses and the oral law, followed by Homer and the bardic tradition. We will look at tricks bards used to memorize lengthy historical epics. Af
Guy Fawkes Night (AD 1605)
November 5th is the anniversary of the Gunpowder Treason Plot, an almost successful attempt by persecuted Catholics to blow away their Protestant opposition by detonating 36 barrels of gunpowder directly underneath the House of Lords on the opening day of parliament in 1605. Learn how crafty King James I avoided the fate of his father (being exploded), and why the man caught holding the fuse, Guy
History of Halloween: What do ghosts, candy, costumes and pumpkins have to do with each other?
In this episode learn about Halloween's spooky origins as Samhain, an October 31st Celtic harvest festival featuring all the scariest things: mischievous fairies, ghosts, and taxes! Then learn how All Saints Day and All Souls Day got moved to this time of the year fusing them inextricably with the Celtic traditions resulting in new rituals like wearing white bedsheets and calling yourself a ghost,
History of Playing Cards
Marie is back! This episode discusses the origins of playing cards and tarot cards in the Middle Ages. We discuss the origins of suits, the games you could play and what they tell us about Medieval life.
Sources
A Cultural History of Tarot by Farley
Pleasure and Leisure in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Age by Classen
Random Riches by Zollinger
Master of the Playing Cards | The Queen of Flow
History of the Papal States: the Pope's Kingdom on Earth (AD 756-1870)
When looking at the Republics of medieval Italy it's always shocking to see on the map a northern central Italian country with Rome in it known as the Papal States. The Papal States were a territory under the direct control of the Pope for over a thousand years from AD 756 to 1870. In this episode, we look into why the Pope became a sovereign king over earthly territory, how he protected this land
History of the Pope: What Do All His Titles Mean?
In this episode we continue our series on the Italian City-States by discussing the ruler of the Papal States: The Pope. He is probably more famous for being the head of the Catholic church though, and so this episode focuses on the history of this position. We will look at where his authority derives from and how the early Bishops of Rome gained primacy over their peers: the Bishops of Alexandria
History of Genoa: Jeans, Salami, Columbus, and Crossbows (AD 900-1700)
In this fourth episode in our series on the Italian City States of the high middle ages and Renaissance, we learn about Genoa. Genoa was a major maritime republic in the northwest of Italy that ran an empire from the 10th century to the 17th century that included territories across the Crimean coast, Anatolia, the Aegean sea, Corsica, Sardinia, and even Panama.
In this episode you'll learn about
History of Florence: Part 2 - Birthplace of the Rennaissance (AD 1300-1600)
In this episode, we learn about how the Medici family came to power in Florence, and how their efforts gave a place to thrive for the geniuses who called Florence home. We will discuss some of these famous Florentines: including Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Amerigo Vespucci. But of course, that would be impossible without discussing the Medici family and
History of Florence: Part 1 - from Romans to Dante (AD 300-1300)
In this episode you will learn about a Roman fort that turned into a retirement community for veterans of the legions. They moved out of the mountains and into the valley, establishing a key trading hub that became the gateway to northern Italy. For this reason, the city was quarreled over by the Ostrogoths and the Byzantines. Eventually, their fighting reduced the city to rubble. Fortunately, vis
History of Venice: Seeing Through A Glass Darkly (AD 697-1797)
In this short episode, we take a quick look into what was up with the Republic of Venice: a free market merchant-run nation that lasted for over 1100 years. We talk about its industries, innovations, and institutions to figure out what made this unique place tick. First episode in a series on medieval Italian city-states.
Sources Referenced:
Italy - The Republic of Venice | Britannica
https://www
History of Chariot Racing in Rome and Byzantium: Bread and Circuses
In this episode, Doug discusses the history and rules of chariot racing in ancient Rome and how it carried over to the Byzantines. He will discuss the various strategies and teams that developed, as well as some notable racers and horses. He concludes with an assessment of how wealthy winners could become vs how deadly the races were, including, sometimes, for the spectators.
Sources
Chariot rac
Benedictine Monk Lifestyle, Vows, and Schedule
In this episode we will dive into what life was like for a medieval Benedictine monk. We will talk about the vows they made and the codes they abode by like the Vows of Stability, Conversion, Obedience, Chastity, Poverty, and Silence. We will also discuss their daily schedule including what they did for prayers and work. We will learn about the different occupations monks found themselves in such
History of Monks in Western Europe: 1 Giant Leap for Monk-kind
In this episode we learn about the ancient practice of living as a hermit, and why people did so. We then look at how innovators like St. Anthony of Egypt and St. Pachomius the Great turned this individual experience into a communal one open not just to those who can survive by themselves in the desert, but to anyone wanting a cloistered life of peace and enlightenment.
Even though from Pachomius
History of Chess: From India to Persia, Europe, and beyond
In this episode, we will look at the ancient origins of Chess in 6th-century Gupta India back when it was known as Chaturanga. From there we will discover how it evolved as it spread to Sassanian Persia and the Islamic empires like the Abbasids. We will see how it developed much of its core rules and strategy. Then we will look into how it continued its spread into Europe from the Byzantines and f
Age of Empires 2 Civilizations History: Vikings, Rus, Celts, Britons, and Franks
This is a follow-up to our previous episode about the Byzantines, Goths, Huns, Persians, and Turks. In this episode, we look at what was going on in the northern parts of the European continent in the early medieval period. We will shed some light on why European history went the way it did. Questions such as: Why did feudalism develop? Why does eastern Europe use the Cyrillic alphabet? Why did th
Age of Empires 2 Civilizations History: Byzantines, Goths, Huns, Persians, and Turks
In this episode, we use a 90s strategy video game (Age of Empires II) as a launchpad to discuss five of the civilizations that emerged from the ashes of Rome's fall. The civilizations are the Byzantines, the Goths, the Huns, the Persians, and the Turks. Some of these had a hand in killing Rome, some of these carried on the traditions of Rome, some did both, and others were something different alto
St. Paul Bio: Part 4 - Trial in Rome (AD 57-64)
In this episode, Doug examines quite literally the last chapter (or two) of Paul's life. Starting from his difficult and terrifying sea voyage across the Mediterranean, we will then explore how Paul used his time under house arrest in Rome, and finally learn about how his meeting with murdering psychopath Emperor Nero went (not well). We conclude the episode by closing this chapter of Christianity
St. Paul Bio: Part 3 - Third Mission (AD 54-58)
In this episode, Doug explores Paul's third missionary journey. We will learn about Ephesus, Paul's home for more than two years. We will examine the teachings taught and miracles wrought there, the book-burning extravaganza, and the angry mob of smiths who were mad that the Christians killed tourism. We will also learn about that time Paul killed someone by talking too long. And that time another
St. Paul Bio: Part 2 - Second Mission (AD 49-52)
Learn about Paul's Second Missionary Journey in this second part of our three part series on St. Paul. In this episode, Paul will get in an argument with Peter, circumcise someone, break out of prison (and baptize the warden), travel to Greece and Macedonia, debate the Stoics and Epicureans of Athens, and acquire new missionary companions and co-authors such as Silas, Timothy, Luke, and Sosthenes.
St. Paul Bio: Part 1 - Road to Damascus
In this episode, we look at the mixed Roman and Jewish milieu in which Saul of Tarsus was raised. Saul's legal status as a Roman and his education as a merchant and a Pharisee made him exceptionally qualified for his later life mission. Unfortunately, for many years he was doing the opposite of what his life mission would be. He was a fervent supporter of the Hellenized Sadducees and led efforts i
History of the Praetorian Guard: Rome's Secret Police (27 BC-AD 312)
In this episode, Doug looks into the sordid history of the Praetorian Guard.
Originally created by Emperor Augustus, it was intended to be a few thousand simple bodyguards who would protect the emperor and his family. Little did Augustus know, "[he] created potentially the most dangerous institution the Roman world had ever seen." In less than 100 years, the Guard's role expanded to become cops,
Spartacus Bio: The Third Servile War (73-71 BC)
This episode is the conclusion of Doug's trilogy on Slavery in Ancient Rome. In it, we discuss the Third Servile War. Particularly, its bold leader Spartacus, and his foil, the evil Crassus. Learn of the cat and mouse games these two played with armies of tens of thousands across the Italian peninsula. And how their struggle brought the Roman Republic to its knees... ushering in a new era. THE ROM
History of Gladiators: Funeral Rite Turned Extreme Sport
Continuing our exploration of slavery in Rome, in this episode, Doug Archway explores the surprising lives of Roman gladiators (half of whom were not slaves). He will look into the strange rules and classes of this absolutely insane sport. You'll be surprised at how much it shares with modern-day pro-wrestling and luchadors. It will also surprise you that hating and blaming referees is a tradition
History of Roman Slavery: Even the Accountants Are Slaves!
In this episode, Doug takes us through a brief rundown of slavery in Mesopotamia, the Levant, and the Mediterranean. Then, we dive straight into how it worked in Roman times. In Rome, one out of six people were slaves. The origins of slaves were as diverse and varied as their jobs and treatment. Some slaves were Celtic or Germanic prisoners of war who suffered in the mines. Others were orphaned Ro
History of Abortion: 3,500 Years of Debate
The morality, legality, and ethics of abortion has been pondered ever since it began being practiced in Egypt in 1500 BC. The Assyrians banned it. The Greeks encouraged it. The Bible teaches killing children is wrong, but apparently instructs how to perform an abortion - or does it? How did Jews and early Christians feel about the practice? How did early legal systems and Common Law manage abortio
Stoicism Key Tenets
In this episode, Doug boils down the rich Greco-Roman philosophical tradition of stoicism into its key elements. Armed with quotes from stoic philosophers, ideas from modern stoic practitioners, and lots of movie lore; Doug will discuss five of the key tenets of stoicism (adapted from reddit.com/r/stoicism by u/ElAround):
1. “Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our
History of Stoicism: Zeno to Jefferson and everyone in between
In this episode, Doug discusses the origins of stoicism in the philosophical milieu of axial age Athens. Originally developed by a shipwrecked merchant and former cynic, stoicism soon became the dominant philosophy of Athens. A few hundred years later, it was adapted to the honor-bound culture and practicality of the Romans, and quickly became a hit. The first emperor to be directly influenced by
Flavius Josephus Bio: Witness to the Siege of Jerusalem (AD 37-100)
In this episode, Doug explores the life of one of Rome's most important and controversial historians: Flavius Josephus. Josephus started his life in the first century as a brilliant Jewish scholar and Pharisee. He was familiar with the Jewish sects and Roman leaders who opposed Jesus and John the Baptist, and he saw the beginnings of Christianity. He later fought as a general in the war for Jewish
Roman Civil War: Crossing the Rubicon (49-45 BC)
Marie discusses the Roman Civil War, the first triumvirate, and how Julius Caesar became dictator of Rome.
Other topics:
Crassus, Rubicon,
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Planet Names History: Greek and Roman Origins Part 2
In this episode, Doug examines the moons, asteroids, and dwarf planets of our solar system along with some constellations we see in the night sky. And he determines how alike these bodies are with their Greek and Roman mythological namesakes.
Learn about how Jupiter placed two constellations to torture Orion, the hunter. Discover how the pettiness of Eris caused the discord of the Trojan war, and
Planet Names History: Greek and Roman Origins Part 1
Continuing our study of the influence of Greco-Roman civilization on our language and science, Doug explores the origins of our planets' names. He will discuss the ancient Mesopotamian practices of naming stars and planets after deities, how the Greeks and Romans carried on those traditions, and even later, in the Renaissance and Enlightenment these practices continued. Doug will then explain wher
Julius Caesar Bio: How to win friends and influence Romans (100 BC-44 BC)
Julius Caesar is pretty famous for dying. But why was he famous to begin with?
Marie discusses Caesar vs Pirates, Caesar the Pontifex Maximus, Caesar in Britain, and Caesar vs. Vercingetorix at the Battle of Alesia.
Shoot us an email at archwayspodcast@gmail.com
Latin's Impact On English: Not As Dead As We Thought
In this special linguistic episode, Doug discusses the importance and lasting impact that the Latin language has had on our Western culture. To give you an idea of how many Latin words, expressions, and abbreviations you use and hear without even realizing, Doug takes you through a situation where you find yourself graduating from college, getting a job, and then being accused of homicide (man-kil
Cincinnatus Bio: Farming! A man of Your Talents? (458 BC)
Join us as we learn about the broke farmer who was granted unlimited power by his government to save Rome from disaster. After a two week military campaign and victory celebration, Cincinnatus gave back all the power he was given, and went back to his plow. The story is iconic. So iconic in fact, that George Washington modeled his whole career after Cincinnatus. We conclude the episode comparing
Roman Poetry: Ovid, Catullus, and Virgil (~50 BC)
Marie talks about Ovid, Catullus, Virgil. Roman poets who are so sappy that it's adorable. Other topics: Augustus, the Aeneid, reasons to break up with your girlfriend.
Have a question? Email us!
archwayspodcast@gmail.com
Also for real, read Catullus 5
https://latinintranslation.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/catullus-5/
Also listen to the Aenied https://librivox.org/the-aeneid-by-virgil/
Roman Civics: Putting the Pieces Together (509 BC-27 BC)
In this episode, Doug takes a step back from the history to expound on the structure and roles of the Roman Republic. And you will see how many features of our republic today are copied and pasted from the Romans' homework: the rule of law, inalienable rights, checks and balances, veto powers, bicameral legislatures, and representative democracy to name a few.
In this episode, you will also learn
History of the Republic in Rome: Romancing Roman Republicanism (509 BC-27 BC)
Marie discusses the origins of the Roman Republic, how to be a terrible inlaw, and why you should stick your hand in an open flame.
(In plainer terms, the reign of Servius Tullius, the expulsion of Tarquinius the Proud, the creation of the republic, Mucius Scaevola, Horatius Cocles).
Have a question? Ask us!
archwayspodcast@gmail.com
Have suggestions? Tell us!
https://forms.gle/gjyytWxHMj8FPHC
History of Democracy in Athens: How to Defeat Tyranny (700 BC-500 BC)
In this episode we examine the history of Athens between 700 BC and 500 BC and see how this ancient kingdom went through a series of reforms and counter-reforms, revolutions and counter-revolutions to develop DEMOCRACY!!!
Despite its problems, democracy, and the ideas that came with it: equality under the law, power in the hands of the many instead of the few, jury by peers, constitutional safeg
Battle of Platea: the Defeat of Persia (479 BC)
The last episode in our series on the Persian Wars discussing the battles of Salamis and Platea. How did those Greeks end up banding together? How did they almost fall apart? Why am I asking you all these questions?
https://hestia.open.ac.uk/the-digital-text/
Battle of Thermopylae and Spartan Culture: The Hot Gates (480 BC)
In this extra special episode, join us as Doug gives the Spartan side of the story in the Greco-Persian War. He will discuss Spartan beliefs, culture, and economy as a prelude to discussing their efforts in resisting the Persians. These efforts culminated at the battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan soldiers stood with 7,000 other Greeks to fend off tens of thousands of Persians. This battle wo
Battle of Marathon: Only 26 miles? (490 BC)
In this episode, we discuss the history and strategies of the Battle at Marathon. Giant Empire versus shrimpy city-state... Who lives? Who dies? Who tells your story?
Also, fill out a complimentary survey! Let us know how we can make our podcast better.
https://forms.gle/nzm8Crt7XLXcSn276
Battle of Salamis: The Birth of the West (480 BC)
In this episode, Doug talks about how the Greeks invented the idea of the West during the epic conflict of the Greco-Persian Wars. We then explore what "The West" has evolved to mean today, and how we ought to study and look back on the Greeks. Prior to the industrial revolution, children in school and youths in college could read and speak Greek, and knew the stories, myth, history, philosophy, a
Contributions of Ancient Greece: History, Philosophy, and Theater (600 BC- 400 BC)
In this episode we will discuss the impacts and influence of ancient Greece. After discussing the geography and peoples of the Greek archipelago, we will discuss significant Greek contributions to humanity such as the art of writing history, the art of philosophy, and the art of theater.
Maccabean Revolt: The Greek Who Stole Hanukkah (167 BC)
In this special holiday episode, we examine the tale of a self-absorbed Greek Seleucid Tyrant and the one Jewish family that refused to obey his unlawful edicts. That family, the Maccabees, preserved religious freedom in their nation, and created a new royal dynasty. Without their bravery, there would be no Christmas. Their story is a great story of faith and courage for all freedom-loving familie
St. Nicholas of Nicea Bio: Stick with Nick (AD 325)
Was Santa a little more passionate than you thought? Did he punch a guy in the face? A few of Marie's favorite stories about St. Nicholas of Myra aka Santa Clause.
Asia Minor Tour: It's Turkey Time (7000 BC - AD 800)
Just in time for the holidays, we dive into the history of Turkey (the country (not the food made of bird)). Ancient Turkey, called Anatolia, served a key role in classical Greek, Persian, Roman, and Byzantine civilization. In this podcast we tour 7 of its most influential ancient cities and see what we can learn about how they changed the West forever. The 7 cities are Urfa, Constantinople, Sardi
Judeo-Christian Civilization Part 2: The Christian Faith
Christianity, starting off as a sect of Judaism, continued to build on the ideas of that faith and introduced new ideas that have since become integrated into western civilization. Namely, Christianity heavily emphasized caring for the poor and needy and creating organizations to accomplish that, and Christianity was an evangelizing universal religion that actively sought new converts. These two e
Emperor Aaron Burr: Founding Father Killer (AD 1807)
In this episode we will learn about Aaron Burr, one of the Founding Fathers, and his bizarre attempt to create his own dynasty.
Cataline Conspiracy: Crossing the Line (63 BC)
This episode discusses Cataline's conspiracy. Brief edit: Cicero was consul in 63BC. This episode comes with a worksheet for families to work on at home to review the material: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqAnlk_O7hiPIGkLLboNGrNL_bDpB8XI/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109987401202259754934&rtpof=true&sd=true
Read Cataline's full speech here: https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc
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