Let's Hear Some History

In the 18th century, determining longitude while sailing across the open ocean was a significant challenge. Latitude, the distance north or south of the equator, could be relatively easily measured using the position of the stars. However, calculating longitude, the distance east or west of a reference point, was much more complex. It required knowing the precise time at a known location and compa...

During the Age of Exploration, Portugal played a significant role in leading European exploration and establishing maritime trade routes. Several historical circumstances contributed to Portugal's lead during this period. Our story begins with Prince Henry the Navigator, a visionary Portuguese prince of the 15th century.

Welcome to this podcast episode where we will delve into one of the most important battles in Spanish history, the Battle of San Juan against the notorious English pirate Francis Drake in 1595. This was a pivotal moment for the Spanish Empire, as it marked a successful defense against a formidable enemy who had previously defeated the Spanish Armada. At the center of this battle was the Spanish co...

Imagine you are living in the 16th century, when Spain and England are locked in a fierce war for global domination. You are a resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a strategic island that guards the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and the riches of the Spanish Empire. You have heard of the exploits of Sir Francis Drake, the most feared and famous English privateer who has raided and plundered many Spa...

The Odyssey is an epic poem traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. It tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders for 10 years trying to get home after the Trojan War. On his journey home, he faces many challenges and obstacles including storms at sea and encounters with mythical creatures. The poem also focuses on his son Telemachus who left home in search of his l...

"Jason and the Argonauts" is a Greek mythological tale that follows the story of Jason, a young hero, on his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece. Jason is tasked with this mission by his uncle, King Pelias, who seeks to get rid of him. Jason embarks on a dangerous journey, along with a crew of skilled and brave warriors, known as the Argonauts.  During their journey, the Argonauts face numero...

Achilles examines his own role during the Trojan War as one of the great heroes of Greek mythology.

Espionage, the practice of gathering information through covert means, was a common tactic used by the Roman military. The Roman legions and armies of occupation would often use informers and spies, but not in a formal or organized manner. This was particularly true in the city of Rome, which was known for its whispers and endless conspiracies. One notable group of spies in ancient Rome was the fr...

The Athenian fleet that set out to attack Syracuse in 415 BCE was a large and powerful force. It consisted of around 134 triremes, which were the primary warships of the time. These ships were powered by both sail and oars, and were equipped with bronze rams on the front for ramming and sinking enemy ships. The fleet also included smaller support ships and transport vessels for troops and supplies...

Mithridates' Massacre of the Italians in 88 BC was a rebellion and large massacre of Romans by King Mithridates of Pontus in Anatolia, which came to be known as the "Asiatic Vespers", and would prove to be one of the most brutal and costly conflicts in Roman history. It would be years before peace was restored, and many lives would be lost on both sides. But in the end, Rome's power would be prove...

The Lusitanian War was a conflict that took place in the early Roman Republic, between the Roman Republic and the Lusitanians (modern -day Portuguese), a group of Celtic peoples who inhabited what is now modern-day Portugal and parts of Spain. The war is also known as the Pyrinos Polemos, which means "the Fiery War" in Greek. The Lusitanians were a fiercely independent people who resisted Roman ex...

The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient Mesopotamian poem that tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of the city of Uruk. The poem is considered one of the oldest surviving works of literature in the world, and it has had a significant influence on Western literature and culture.