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History with Cy

Come join me, Cy, as I uncover and explore the stories of the people and places that make up (or made up) our world. Whether through primary sources such as ancient inscriptions or interviews with some of the greatest scholars in the field of ancient and medieval history, this podcast will expose yo

New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 46 min
Latest: 18 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

18 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 43 min

The Greco-Persian Wars - PART VII: The Battle of Plataea and the End of the War

In the epic conclusion to the Greco-Persian Wars series, the fate of mainland Greece is finally decided. Following the naval clash at Salamis, the Persian general Mardonius and the Hellene alliance led by the Spartan regent Pausanias face off in the ultimate land showdown at the Battle of Plataea. After weeks of tactical stalemates, fierce cavalry skirmishes along the Asopus River, and a chaotic night maneuver that fractured the Hellene lines, the two massive armies finally clash. The brutal ...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
The Greco-Persian Wars - PART VI: Aftermath of the Battle of Salamis an the Road to Plataea
In the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Salamis (480 BC), both the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire are left facing a critical question: what comes next? In this episode, we explore the tense and uncertain months that followed one of the most decisive naval battles in ancient history. While the Athenians celebrate their victory, they must also confront the reality that the war is far from over. Themistocles, ever the strategist, takes to the Aegean—seeking to punish those accused...
10 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
The Greco-Persian Wars - PART V: The Sack of Athens and the Battle of Salamis
In 480 BC, following the fall of Thermopylae, the Greek fleet withdrew from Artemisium and regrouped at Salamis. At the same time, Xerxes advanced through Boeotia virtually unopposed, while Athens prepared for evacuation under the so-called Decree of Themistocles. Ancient sources speak of a Persian attempt to plunder Delphi, but modern scholarship generally regards this as later propaganda intended to protect the sanctuary’s reputation. At Salamis, the Greek alliance faced difficult choices....
25 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
The Greco-Persian Wars - PART IV: Artemisium, Thermopylae and the Struggle for the Soul of Greece
It is the year 480 BC and the massive army and navy of the Great King of Persiam, Xerxes, is on the move. The Great King himself is personally leading the campaign and eager to witness his armed forces' triumph as they advance through northern and central Greece. Two battles, fought on land and sea, will test the resolve of a fragile but determined anti-Persian Greek alliance hastily formed to check the Great King's advance. Despite deep rivalries and a history of conflict among themse...
17 Jan 2025 · 47 min
The Greco-Persian Wars - PART III: Eve of the Great Invasion (490-480 BC)
In this episode, we’ll explore the critical decade between the Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC and Xerxes’ invasion of Greece in 480 BC—a period that shaped the course of the Greco-Persian Wars. Following their defeat at Marathon, the Persians, under King Darius I, began preparing for a renewed campaign, but internal challenges, including rebellions and Darius’ death in 486 BC, delayed their plans. With the ascension of Xerxes I, the Persian Empire moved decisively. Xerxes ...
20 Dec 2024 · 46 min
The Greco-Persian Wars - PART II: The Aegean Campaigns and the Battle of Marathon (492-490 BC)
In the last episode of this series, we covered the rise of the Achaemenid Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great and its expansion into Anatolia and the eastern Aegean, including the predominantly Greek-speaking region of Ionia. Though much of Ionia prospered under their new overlords, in 499 BC, the Ionians revolted with their help of their allies, including the city-states of Athens and Eritrea. By 493 BC, what become known as the Ionian Revolt had been crushed, and order restored...
25 Nov 2024 · 59 min
The Greco-Persian Wars - PART I: The Rise of Persia and the Ionian Revolt (550-493 BC)
The great conflict that we know today as the Greco-Persian Wars between a few independent city-states of ancient Greece and mighty Achaemenid Persian Empire is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating and consequential in all of history. More than just battles for territory and glory - they were clashes of culture, ideology, and power between East and West. The war saw legendary figures such as Leonides, The Great King Xerxes, Themistocles, Darius the Great, Miltiades, Mardonius, Art...
15 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 28 min
The Concise History of Ancient Canaan and the Canaanite Peoples (c. 7000-539 BC)
This is the episode that several of you have requested – a one stop shop on the history of ancient Canaan and its people, the Canaanites. In this program we’ll look at the history of this region and how it developed from the Bronze Age, Canaan’s relationship with Egypt and other parts of the world, and various Canaanite kingdoms such Moab, Edom, Ammon, Israel and Judah, as well as the Phoenician cities of Sidon, Tyre and Byblos. If you want a general history of ancient Canaan and ...
14 Jun 2024 · 37 min
An Introduction to Archaic Greece (c. 750-500 BC)
In this video we'll take a look at the pivotal period of Greek history known as the Archaic Period. It's this time frame that gave rise to the polis, hoplite warfare, increased colonization around the coasts of the Mediterranean and Black Seas, oligarchies, tyrannies and lot of other really interesting aspects of life in the Greek-speaking world from 750-500 BC. Contents: 00:00 Introduction and Context 02:07 A Hard Life for Many 07:27 The Polis 11:00 Oligarchies 16:35 Hoplite Wa...
13 Jun 2024 · 23 min
Scattered Candles in the Night – Civilization during the Greek Dark Age (c. 1100-750 BC)
The Greek Dark Age, spanning roughly from 1100 to 750 BC, marks a mysterious chapter in the history of ancient Greece. Characterized by a sharp decrease in population, the abandonment of the once might Mycenaean palatial centers, disruption of trade networks, the loss of literacy and a steep decline in artistic endeavors, this time period was generally one of economic hardship and political fragmentation. However, amidst the darkness there were pockets of prosperity and social changes that ev...
19 Mar 2024 · 45 min
Darius the Great: The Life and Times of the Great King of Persia in his Own Words
In this program we'll take a look at the illustrious life of the great Persian King of Kings, Darius I, also known as Darius the Great. Regarded by many as the most powerful ruler of the Achaemenid Dynasty of ancient Iran, Darius I is also amongst its most controversial. We'll dive deeper into the life of great king, the contentious debate about his rise to power, and ultimately examine the words of Darius himself about his these and other aspects of his life and beliefs. Conten...
1 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 20 min
The World's First Superpower: Sargon of Akkad and the Mighty Akkadian Empire - Bronze Age History
This is the episode that many of your have been waiting for - a comprehensive, in-depth look at the Akkadian Empire from just before it was created to its mysterious end. Founded by Sargon of Akkad and expanded by his descendants Rimush, Manishtushu and Naram-Sin, the Akkadian Empire was the first hegemonic state and superpower of the early Bronze Age. This program will examine Akkad's beginning, it's rise and expansion to the far corners of the known world, its economy, administr...
25 Jan 2024 · 1 hr 31 min
Exploring Mycenaean Greece – Culture, Kingdoms and the Historical Context of the Trojan War
In this video we'll journey back to the late Bronze Age and explore Mycenaean Civilization in Greece and the wider Aegean world. We'll also delve into the historical events that may have led to armed conflicts between Mycenaeans and Hittites and that may have ultimately served as the basis for Homer's great epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Contents: 00:00 Contents and Introduction 02:43 Helladic Chronology Explained 03:42 Discovery of Mycenaean Culture 05:35 Geography of Greece...
17 Jan 2023 · 3 hr 8 min
Babylon: The City at the Center of the World - The Concise History of Babylonia (2000-539 BC)
This program explores the history of the ancient city of Babylon and the land once known as Babylonia. We'll uncover the story of this great city over the course of fifteen centuries and learn about its impact and why it was so beloved as well as hated by so many in the ancient world. We'll also meet an interesting and rather eclectic cast of kings including Hammurabi, Zimri-Lim, Rim-Sin, Samsu-iluna, Marduk-apla-iddina II, Sargon II, Sennacherib, Ashurbanipal, Nabopolassar, Nebu...
14 Jul 2022 · 27 min
The Peloponnesian War - PART III: Revolt of Mytilene, Fate of Plataea, Civil War in Corcyra and more
In this third installment of the Peloponnesian War podcast, we take a look at life after Pericles and the years 428 and 427 BC. Leaders of Mytilene's oligarchy have decided that now is the time to leave the Athenian-led alliance. The conflict in Plataea also finally comes to an end while another bloody civil conflict between factions in Corcyra gets out of hand and shocks the Greek world. At the end of it, the Athenians head west to see if they can exert their influence in s...
24 Apr 2022 · 50 min
The Peloponnesian War - PART II: Pericles' War Begins
War begins! In this episode, we take a look at the start of the great war and the Athenian statesman Pericles' strategy to keep Athens and it's empire safe from the attacks of the Spartan general Archidamos and the Peloponnesian forces. Find out in this episode of the Peloponnesian War Podcast. Support the show
6 Mar 2022 · 45 min
The Peloponnesian War - PART I: The Gathering Storm
This is the first episode of the podcast series on the Peloponnesian War. How did it start? What does Thucydides, the war's great historian, tell us about the reasons and motivations of Athens, Sparta, Corinth and the different parties involved? Could the conflict have been prevented? We'll take a look at these questions and more as we go through the story of the greatest internal conflict of ancient Greek history, the Peloponnesian War! Support the show
4 Jul 2021 · 21 min
Herodotus - A Quick Look at his Life and the Gold-digging Ants of India
Herodotus, arguably the ancient world's greatest historian...or storyteller. Perhaps a bit of both. In this episode, we take a look at his life, where he traveled and see what may have been the source for one of his more fantastical stories, namely the gold-digging ants of India. Follow History with Cy: YouTube Channel Instagram Facebook Twitter Website Support the show
20 Apr 2021 · 1 hr
History of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, Part II (486-330 BC; Xerxes I - Alexander the Great)
In the second of this two part series on the Achaemenid Persian Empire, we continue with Darius the Great's son, Xerxes and some of the main events of the Greco-Persian wars, and then follow the lives of his successors up to Darius III and the fall of the Achaemenid Empire with its conquest by Alexander of Macedonia, a.k.a. Alexander the Great. Contents: 00:00 Intro and Recap 01:33 Xerxes (486-465 BC) 03:43 Xerxes Invades Greece 08:47 Battle of Thermopylae 11:18 Battle ...
21 Mar 2021 · 1 hr 15 min
History of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, Part I (550-486 BC; Cyrus the Great - Darius the Great)
In this first of a two-part series, we'll take a concise look at the history of one of the greatest empires in all of antiquity - the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Founded by Cyrus II and expanded by his successors Cambyses II and Darius I, the Achaemenid dynasty would not just go on to rule most of the known world at the time, but also transmit the ideas and innovations of its many subject peoples to from the shores of the eastern Mediterranean to the Indus River valley and beyond. ...
10 Feb 2021 · 21 min
The Early Amorites of Mesopotamia (2600-1800 BC)
Some of you wanted to know a bit more about the Amorites and they're arrival into Mesopotamia, so I thought I'd do a quick podcast on it. This program will take a look at early references to Amorites in Sumerian, Elbaite and Akkadian documents. Contents: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Who were the Amorites? 05:20 Earliest mention of Amorites in Sumerian texts 06:26 Amorites in texts from Ebla and other cities 12:25 Amorites and the fall of Ur 16:52 Letter of Ushashum the Amorite...
4 Feb 2021 · 1 hr 12 min
The Complete and Concise History of the Sumerians and Early Bronze Age Mesopotamia (7000-2000 BC)
The history of ancient Sumer and the Sumerians, from the first notable farming communities to occupy their land to their magnificent cities, innovations, great kingdoms and empires. If you want to get a good grasp of who the Sumerians were, this is the program for you! Follow History with Cy: YouTube Channel Instagram Facebook Twitter Website Support the show
24 Dec 2020 · 25 min
Croesus of Lydia and the Lydians (plus Herodotus' tale of Croesus meeting Solon the Athenian)
In this podcast, we take a look at the fabled king, Croesus of Lydia, at least from the point of view of Greek writers such as Herodotus and Xenophon. Croesus was a king who during his day (r. 560-546 BC) was deemed to have been the wealthiest sovereign in the world. However, he lost it all to the Persian king Cyrus the Great while finally learning the lesson that the great Athenian sage, Solon, was trying to convey to him. It's an interesting tale and fun to examine. ...
3 Dec 2020 · 17 min
Cambyses II and the Persian Conquest of Egypt (Achaemenid Persian Empire)
The Achaemenid king, Cambyses II of Persia, was the son and successor of Cyrus the Great. Though Cyrus is lauded by friend and foe alike as the ideal ruler, his son Cambyses in many written sources has been portrayed as just the opposite - a cruel, intolerant and unjust tyrant. But are these accusations true or simply the result of anti-Persian propaganda that was spread by some of their dissatisfied subject peoples, most notably in Egypt? Most of what we know about Cambyses...
22 Oct 2020 · 41 min
Cyrus the Great and the Birth of the Achaemenid Persian Empire
With this video we start a series of programs and podcasts all dealing with ancient Persia and the beginnings of the Achaemenid Persian Empire of Cyrus II, better known to the world as Cyrus the Great. We'll first take a quick look at the history of the region around the time when the first Iranian tribes entered the region, followed by the Medes and how they laid the groundwork for the rise of one of history's greatest rulers, Cyrus the Great, founder of Persian Achaemenid Empire.&nbsp...
30 Sep 2020 · 42 min
The Neo-Elamite Period - Elam vs. Assyria (1100 - 550 BC) | Supplemental Podcast #6
In this podcast we cover the last centuries of what was once an independent and powerful Elam. During what's known as the Neo-Elamite period (1100-550 BC), Elam went on a steady decline until it's near destruction at the hands of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. This is the story of the last kings of Elam and the final end of their conflict with the peoples and empires of neighboring Babylonia and Assyria. Follow History with Cy: YouTube Channel Instagram Facebook Twitter ...
29 Jul 2020 · 21 min
Popular Religion in Canaan and the Levant (Bronze Age Canaanite Religion)
I thought it'd be a good idea to take some time and discuss the basic religious beliefs and practices that were prevalent in ancient Canaan and the Levant during the Bronze Age. In this program, you'll learn about the basics of how Canaanite religion developed as well as how it impacted the lives of the people who practiced this form of worship. Follow History with Cy: YouTube Channel Instagram Facebook Twitter Website Support the show
8 Jul 2020 · 20 min
Dark Days in Babylon - The Lost Centuries (1021-732 BCE)
This podcast is for all of your fans of Babylonian history! In it, we take a look at the some of the most obscure centuries in Babylonian history and the events as well as the dynasties that shaped them, namely the Second Dynasty of the Sealand, the Bazi Dynasty, the Elamite Dynasty and the mysterious Dynasty of E. This is the history of Babylon that you were not taught in school. Sources and Suggested Reading ► https://bit.ly/3e8qWI6 Follow History with Cy: YouTube Channel Instagram...
19 Jun 2020 · 28 min
The Early Medes and the Median Empire (History of Ancient Iran)
In this video podcast, we'll take a look at one of the most overlooked peoples of ancient history, the Medes, and reconstruct their early history using Assyrian, Babylonian and Greek sources, namely Herodotus (the Medes don't have any primary sources of their own). It was the Medes and the Median Empire that laid the foundation upon which the Achaemenid Persian Empire of Cyrus the Great and his descendants rested upon. Sources and Suggested Reading ► https://bit.ly/3ehWgov Follow Hist...
31 May 2020 · 25 min
The Amarna Letters - Conversations between Kings and Canaanites
I thought that this might be a fun topic for those of you who are into examining ancient primary sources. For those of you who may not know, the Amarna Letters are a collection of 14th century BCE correspondence between three pharaohs of Egypt and other great kings or their vassals and mayors in the Levant. They're interesting and actually fun to read for what they reveal about international relations in the Near East during the period. The program is divided up into the fol...

About History with Cy

History with Cy is a English learning podcast from Cy. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Cy
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 46 min
Latest episode: 18 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1499286921

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