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The Modern Scholar

Wars That Made the Western World: The Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War

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The Modern Scholar

By: Timothy Shutt
Narrated by: Timothy Shutt
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About this listen

 This course addresses three wars fought in antiquity, each of which had - even 2,000 years and more later - a decisive effect in shaping our communal sense of who we are, not only in Europe, but throughout the European cultural diaspora, in the Americas, in Oceania, and to some degree, at least, in Asia and Africa as well - wherever, in short, Western values hold.

The three wars to be investigated here are (1) the Persian Wars, between a coalition of Greek city-states or "poleis", most notably Athens and Sparta, and the Achaemenid Persian empire, the central and decisive portion of which took place between 490 and 479 B.C.E.; (2) the later Peloponnesian War between Athens and her allies and Sparta and hers, 431-404 B.C.E.; and finally (3) the three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, which stretched, on and off, for well more than a century, from 264 to 146 B.C.E.

©2004 Timothy Shutt (P)2004 Recorded Books Ancient Military Ancient History Ancient Greece War
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This is a series of conferences covering 3 wars which defined the Greco-Roman world: the Persian War, the Peleponesian War and the 3 Punic wars.

The lectures are given in a lively and humourous tone by a professor which seems to know and love the topic matter. These ancient events are brought to life as if one was there as an "embedded" journalist.

The weakest parts of this audiobook are: 1) the first 10-15 minutes where we go through a slightly pedantic and PC preamble (but do continue, the rest is excellent) and 2) when the scholar tries to justify the title of "Wars That Made the Western World" to describe 3 wars that occured at least 200 years before the bith of Jesus Christ. These might have been imprortant wars, but unfortunately, there have been many other wars in the 2000 years since then.

Still, all in all, a stellar performance, about a topic most people have barely heard about.

Brings Ancient History To Life Brilliantly

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Thanks to Prof Shutt I am now addicted to audio history lectures. He makes an utterly riveting companion on the commute to work. He seems to have a natural ability for this and makes everything fascinating. His voice is easy on the ear and he delivers a good level of scholarship while retaining the excitement of a real story teller. Any folks out their studying for relevant history exams should really pick this up.

I'm now regalling my husband with details about the military strategy of hoplite battles. What has the world come to?

Couldnt recommend it highly enough.

Brilliant - a fantastic way to spend your compute

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Extremely intresting lectures, set out in easy to listen and review format. Professor Shutt brings the information across vividly, there's no droning on in these lectures. If you're interested in this subject these are a must! I just wish we'd studied these subjects at school.

Interesting Wars, Made Interesting

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Prof Shutt transports us to a time when civilisation hangs in the balance, and makes a persuasive case that the modern world would be vastly different were it not for the way these wars turned out. This was the first Modern Scholar lecture series I listened to and I agree entirely with the other reviewer that Prof Shutt brings his subject to life, transmitting, by turn, the genius, audacity, surprise and wonder of the ancient world's characters and the parts they played in these three conflicts. I can only encourage you to listen too. I have a professional interest in warfare and a passing interest in the classical world, but this series of lectures has kindled a passion for learning more.

Inspiring

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