Archways: Western Civilization History Podcast

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...

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...

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.

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Marie discusses the Roman Civil War, the first triumvirate, and how Julius Caesar became dictator of Rome.  Other topics: Crassus, Rubicon, RATE OUR PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN!

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...

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 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

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...

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...

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/

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...

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/gjyytWxHMj8FPHC9...

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...

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/

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...

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