173: Senatus Populusque Romanus (Rome Check 2)
Summary
This episode covers the Pyrrhic War, where Rome defeated King Pyrrhus to secure Magna Graecia, followed by the First Punic War, which ended with Carthage ceding Sicily. The narrative then shifts to the Second Punic War, detailing Hannibal’s invasion of Italy and his devastating victories at Trebia and Cannae. It also explores Rome’s simultaneous campaigns in Iberia and Greece, culminating in Scipio’s conquest of Hispania and the final African campaign that secured Roman dominance.
Topics discussed
Podcast intros and sponsor reads
Episode 173 introduction: Rome and Persia
Pyrrhus of Epirus and the start of the Pyrrhic War
Battles of Heraclea and Asculum
Pyrrhus in Sicily and the end of the Pyrrhic War
Sponsor segment: True Age biological testing
The First Punic War: Sicily and naval battles
Aftermath of Punic War and Illyrian conflicts
Gallic raids and the Second Illyrian War
Hannibal's rise and the start of the Second Punic War
Hannibal's crossing of the Alps and Battle of the Trebia
Roman naming conventions and military structure
Battles of Lake Trasimene and Cannae
Roman recovery and the siege of Capua
First Macedonian War and the siege of Syracuse
Scipio's campaign in Iberia and Battle of the Metaurus
Battle of Zama and the end of the Second Punic War
Roman trade issues and preview of next episode
Outro and other podcast recommendations
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