The Punic Wars - Countdown to Battle (280 - 264 BC)

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In the first episode in this series, we dive into the early history of the western Mediterranean powers of Rome and Carthage, and examine the reasons for the outbreak of their first confrontation.
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Check out Stefan's video on the Life of a Carthaginian Merchant here!
• The Life Of A Carthagi...
Whilst you're at it, check out History Time's video on the History of the Phoenicians, which can be found here!
• The Entire History of ...
Special thanks to Voices of the Past for voicing Pyrrhus!
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You can find more of Ettore's excellent artwork below:
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Ettore also has a graphic novel which you can find here (note: currently only available in Italian)
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#PunicWars #Carthage #Rome
“Desert City” “Double Drift” and “Teller of the Tales” by Kevin MacLeod are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
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[@TheHistocrat]

Apologies if my voice over is hit and miss on this one, my throat has been a bit rough so I had to record it in chunks. I also got a few pronunciations wrong but didn't realise until too late to fix them for the collab deadline, thankfully my guests did a much better job. Also two minor corrections: - Around 26:38, this treaty did not restrict Roman trade in Sicily, I got that wrong. - Lilybaeum became the modern city of Marsala, not Palermo as it says in the image at 24:37. Thanks to commenter Alessandro Gianni for the catch.

[@napoleonbonapartei7245]

19:16 Rome wouldn't be sacked for another 800 years...

[@fabriziomangione3231]

This documentary is pretty good, but you ended it before talking about a major battle on my hometown soil and that makes it even better. In fact all this collab made me somewhat homesick. I hope the next chapter comes out soon, keep up the good work, happy holidays! P.s. You look like a missing member of One Direction. I just wanted to point that out.

[@YAH2121]

You're a great presenter btw, well-spoken and know when and when not to add emphasis and control inflections. Nothing sounds awkward and overly scripted.

[@taethegreat6607]

Keep up the great work man! Your channel has inspired me to start work on my own mini documentaries on ancient history

[@PalleRasmussen]

You actually tell a lie. Rome *did* have armies- in the field even- after Cannae. That, coupled with the size of the city, was why Hannibal did not besiege it. I have not watched the rest yet, but will; you are doing well in your presentation and I have noticed nothing. Remember that you *always' find yourself sounding weird "on tape".

[@shachmon1]

It's crazy how your content covers exactly my favorite periods and topics in history. Neolithic civilizations ✔️ Late Bronze Age ✔️ Late Roman Republic (Caesar) ✔️ Punic Wars ✔️ And each video is a masterclass in historical story telling. Awesome work brother! With the History channel being what it is, there's a surge in interest in historical content on youtube. Keep doing what you're doing (quality over quantity) and I'm positive that your channel will be huge.

[@StefanMilo]

What an absolutely cracking video! It always scares me when we mention the same topics. My heart was in my mouth when you mentioned the political offices lol.

[@levitatingoctahedron922]

12:00 I'm sure many know this but this event is where we get the term "phyrric victory"

[@abitoffcenter383]

It's great to finally put a face to the voice!! Have been a Histocrat fan some time now and really enjoy your work. I only wish I had the funds to support you more than just views. Hopefully once all this BS gets over with that will change. Thank You Sir for your time and efforts! They are truly appreciated!

[@3DGECASE]

I assume you didn't watch his Q&A video.

[@HistoryTime]

Cracking vid. Looking forward to the rest in the series

[@DiplexHeated]

This is comfort content. Love the topics. Subscribed!

[@josephk5385]

Sup dude, big fan

[@JasonSmith-ub8bj]

Aye what’s up Diplex

[@billyhodge2621]

Same 👍

[@rockinunderscore52]

rock on diplex 👍

[@BamaPigBows]

Yo you should do a total war play using the Punic wars mod. It's amazing and super rich in detail, I'm sure your PC setup would run it like a champ. Keep up the great work bro, one love from Nebraska USA

[@PauloGarcia-sp5ws]

I always feel sad when I hear about Carthage. Super interesting underappreciated part of history.

[@mawlinzebra]

They deserved it for sacrificing their first born

[@JexsamX]

I was not prepared for the face reveal.

[@leepeel7129]

Gobsmacked takes a new meaning!

[@napoleonbonapartei7245]

He has shown his face before. I am genuinely surprised no one has seen his face.

[@Tomartyr]

I refuse to believe he doesn't have a beard and a sweater with elbow patches.

[@gailhandschuh1138]

Excellent narrator and content BUT, you need to learn to control your distracting hands. They add nothing to the storyline and simply are distracting for the viewers.

[@BrassDragon275]

@@gailhandschuh1138 I disagree, still hands make it appear artificial and weird. Moving your hands during long speech is perfectly natural

[@DefineLines]

Another ep I can fall asleep 300 times to

[@IzabelParis]

I do the same thing 👍

[@MythologywithMike]

A Histocrat video I can finish in 1 sitting? It's a Christmas miracle

[@MrTaxiRob]

I'm glad there are people like you making quality content like this. And having different runtimes from different creators lets me do deep dives when I want to, or scan the surface to pick up the general concepts.

[@Bazinga73904]

The struggle between carthage and rome is my favourite. Thanks for covering

[@YAH2121]

10/10 high quality content here. You deserve way more subs and way more views

[@dtomcheck]

Love the video! There are so few videos on the Punic Wars and even less of such high quality. Both incredibly informative and extremely engaging. I can’t wait for the next video(s) in the series! Great work!

[@bluewatson4341]

The prime of history channels right here

[@instinctivelychelsea2905]

Nice to see your face this time too, freaking love your content, I watch it thru once than add it to my bedtime list and listen to your videos all thru the night.

[@Zogerpogger]

Pff, people saying they weren't prepared for the face reveal, 10 steps ahead of you bud. Watched Atun-Shei's video about being a KZbinr. Jokes aside, great video! While I am inclined to whine about a new series coming out as opposed to the next installment of a History of Britain, anything you release will brighten my day; so thanks so much for making these documentaries! I totally understand creating new projects rather than continuing older ones, it can be difficult to find inspiration.

[@chriswhite4640]

History time on the phoenicians and histocrat on the punic wars, nice little early Christmas present 😁

[@Cuban20]

All HAIL the Histocrat. Can't wait to watch this.

[@dingdong917]

This feels like tuning into a tv show having missed the first few episodes But then you watch it anyway because it's a great show

[@stefanlinzmaier8702]

I really like that you discuss the different historcial sources in your videos. Great stuff!

[@SumErgoCogito10]

Give this man a TV CHANNEL!!

[@HoH]

Great video, thanks for this! Thoroughly enjoyed it. And perfect hand movement, ngl.

[@MasterEsben18]

Well, now I know what imma fall asleep to.

[@Zogerpogger]

I'm on the edge of my seat! how can you fall asleep to this?

[@MasterEsben18]

@@Zogerpogger Haha not in the sense that its boring, but its exactly the kind of stuff i like to watch in bed before I go to sleep. Merry Xmas.

[@Zogerpogger]

@@MasterEsben18 Ahh I get what your saying, yeah, podcasts are great before nodding off. I recommend Mike Duncan's A History of Rome. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@MasterEsben18]

@@Zogerpogger Hahahaha, my man, I'm nearly done with it. But holy hell, that is one big podcast. Sound isnt great, but the history and narration is awesome! Two minds alike.

[@Zogerpogger]

@@MasterEsben18 Oh nice! I've listened to it at least twice now haha. Happy to meet another kindred spirit!

[@jacobmoody2335]

When does the rest of this series come out???

[@WilliamLawrence7]

This is a GREAT documentary, well done, sub for sure, and I'll pass along the channel, and please give us the next chapter! I've now watched it a few times and am so ready for the next part!

[@Tomartyr]

13:28 tfw future historians describe western representive democracies in the same way.

[@fuferito]

Amazing crossover from _Voices of the Past, History Time_ and _Stefan Milo._

[@BeyondEcstasy]

Rome's overpowered strategy: just never surrender. Can't lose always wins.

[@TheHistocrat]

The NO YOU of warfare.

[@jackdonith]

The thing is, all the parts Rome conquered, became Rome too. The conquered people were Romans themselves and most of the places in Italy had a lot of people (unlike say Africa) which meant Rome had a big pool of men. Lose a legion send two. Lose 2 legions? Send 3 brand new. Hannibal tried to break Rome's alliances but failed. And although he was unbeatable in Italy, Rome could stillhave enough garrisons and send legions beyond italy at the same time. If Carthage was like Rome, Hannibal would have gotten enough men after Cannae to besiege Rome itself. As it was he had so few men that he had to move from city to city losing each one once he left.

[@babulburel547]

What are they saying? Something about your mother. And so, the barbarians invaded Rome.

[@weilandiv8310]

Such great storytelling and research. We know more about these old wars than we do about many modern affairs.

[@martijn9568]

I really doubt that. Modern affairs have many more sources floating around then what we have of conflicts from 2000 years ago.

[@jonny-b4954]

9:15 Damn that's not what I expected you to look like. Awesome video though man. Very in depth. Read and watched a lot on the Punic Wars. But still found this very enjoyable and thorough.

[@RizzyTizzyLando]

Just noticed how recent this upload is. You always make great content. Looking forward to this one!

[@bushyrho1674]

I have just finished Flash Point History's podcast and want to continue my study on this titanic trilogy of these wars. Now I will be able to know further my studies, thank you.

[@shachmon1]

Read or listen to Adrian Goldsworthy's 'The Fall of Carthage'. One of the best books on the subject.

[@kazyczka]

Love it, wanna more of it! Congratulations on quality and formative aspect of your video

[@johnduncan4387]

This is all fine and good but when is the next history of Britain coming out? Still an outstanding video

[@TheHistocrat]

There will be at least one in 2021. Going to Hadrian's wall and everything if I can.

[@Drumsgoon]

Sad how many old books have been lost, or even destroyed, stuff we can't never find out about, despite their authors best attempts. Great video again!

[@melodysmith1263]

Listening to these during the day then using them to fall asleep at night>>>>>

[@Wallyworld30]

I was just recommended this video after binging some Stefan Milos video’s yesterday. Subbed!

[@roisin9401]

bam actually the best youtube channel

[@AbuSous2000PR]

very good and factual series on the Punic Wars; very good jobs. honestly, this period doesn't get its share of research many thx for shedding light on it

[@JasonSmith-ub8bj]

Last time I’ve been this early the Punic Wars were happening

[@Cuban20]

😆

[@absintheminded8466]

So good I watched it twice

[@Ktotwf]

I'd love to see more Rome related content on this excellent channel

[@falkz.5234]

Great vid. Especially liked the naming of the ancient sources.

[@dsmith4413]

As always, great job. I like that you've included clips of yourself explaining things in person. The production is great and reminds me of the golden age of the history channel, back when it was about, well, history... I digress... Now for some constructive criticism. The background of book shelves in these in person scenes is good, but I feel that a relevant map may work better. In these scenes, as some have noted, your hand movements can be distracting. I would suggest practicing some hand movements that have more meaning behind them with respect to the content being voiced. For example, when describing a timeline, start on one side and hold it for the line until it mentions the later date, at which point you then move your hands over to relay the passage of that time. Little things like these help to keep us, as viewers, both engaged and entertained. Thanks for taking the time to make such great content, and I look forward to the next installment.

[@hopkinsamye]

I somehow got unsubscribed to this channel! Resubscribed! I love your content!

[@timothyhilditch]

Great stuff, I like you including yourself, brings more personality. A little bit too many hand actions though, it is distracting. I will be looking forward to the next part. Always love the small pieces of detail which bring colour to the painting of history.

[@TheHistocrat]

yeah gonna look to improve going forward, also didn't like how I shifted around a bunch in later takes (because I'd been stood in the same spot for 90 minutes and my feet were aching)

[@wademarshall2364]

Love the quality content you produce.

[@fuferito]

Amazing content. Thoroughly enjoyed all the Early civilization videos. Glad to have subscribed, and I look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@jeffstrom164]

I know how this ends, and yet, I can't help but root for Carthage every time.....

[@DesertAres]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that at this stage of Rome, soldiers actually had to own land to become a soldier. And Maleventum was a disastrous defeat for Pyrrhus. It only became named Beneventum after the Roman victory.

[@ike2010]

Not sure if it is on purpose or not, but curious if you're trying to add more background audio effects to the videos lately? Many other history channels have so much background audio that they are unwatchable. I prefer yours because of the top not content and 'less is more' approach to the sound effects. Anyway, just curious if you could/would upload versions without a backing audio track at all - just voice commentary? I've seen a few other youtubers do that. Would be an incentive for potential patreons as well. Just my thoughts, and thanks for the great videos.

[@TheHistocrat]

Been considering doing that, its on the project list.

[@Galahadka]

Rome when carthage started a war for the third time: "How many times do we have to teach you this lesson old man?"

[@MoenchCaesar]

What a beautiful sight to wake up to.

[@ParkerMcgraw]

How does this not have more hits? Great stuff.

[@Krommer1000]

Fantastic video! Really looking forward to the next parts.

[@AlviteM5]

Came here after watching pka, was not disappointed

[@thescroogemcduck]

Same bro, never thought Pyle would lead me to a history channel

[@smithyatbroadacres]

Another great video, thanks Charles

[@DATA-qt3nb]

Love the channel! I also really enjoy these history youtuber collab videos you guys do!

[@gequitz]

Rewatch before seeing your new vid on the Punic War (264-256 BC)

[@gloworm6387]

Love your library. Curious about the big red book with MI6 on the spine?

[@TheHistocrat]

It was a random gift from a family member, I will confess I've never opened it due to its extreme length.

[@timothymoore8549]

I’ve seen your face now I’ll never unsee it when I listen to you

[@egoborder3203]

great stuff! Thanks for this

[@crowvii]

Awesome job as usual - I look forward to your videos!!

[@nicholasmaniccia1005]

your cadence has improved a lot, great stuff.

[@felipebortolanza5544]

Best ounic war vídeo ever!!!

[@trav662]

You look much younger than Ive imagined you to

[@dandoig5153]

Fantastic video mate - keep it up!!

[@CutieKatieCow]

Awesome content as always keep up the awesome work!

[@nikolaevkatesla3823]

This has been a complete master piece of a video, I am looking forward to the 1st Punic war. There are no good videos in KZbin about the 1st Punic war so if you do it you would get some good merit

[@josiahcmiller]

Check out Flash Point History’s series. If you are open to podcasts, History of Rome and Dan Carlin also do great coverage.

[@Maynard0504]

yeeees my favourite historic showdown. a close second would have to be WW1.

[@17popsquare60]

Loving the hand gestures. Also Ijust had to subscribed

[@jakebkilgore2086]

It would be awesome if some of these videos were audio clips I can pull from spotify or soundcloud. Something to listen to when I drive long distance

[@Zogerpogger]

Use youtube to mp3, you can download the audio from any youtube video.

[@Heruss100]

This entire video is incredible, and I wonder what you'd do if someone ever handed you a bag of money to make a documentary or series.

[@benmcmahon928]

Great video! Love your channel

[@TrentVanwinkle]

History time is the absolute shit. Subbed my dude

[@RizzyTizzyLando]

Can’t wait for more!

[@peterwisk6797]

C'mon old chap - we hope you are also not lost to history. Please finish your fine work on the Punic period.

[@vrikey]

Watched it through twice now. You have to pay attention.

[@theexplorechanneluk7934]

This is very good thankyou

[@Embracehistoria]

Pfffff only 45 minutes long? Disgraceful :P

[@anasevi9456]

great video, thank you so much!

[@enge]

Very nice video.

[@sragon67]

The REALY need to figure out how to make Garum again... YES I KNOW "FISH SAUCE" NOT THE SAME. That's all I have to say actually, gonna binge your Chanel now THNX!

[@PalleRasmussen]

Survival in Antiquity 1.01: Do not mess with Rome. That is it. There is no Course 1.02.

[@briankeenan776]

Thanks!

[@alvarohernani6645]

There's a good trilogy about the second punic war from the point of view of Rome and Carthage. It's from a Spanish author. "Africanus, son of the Consul", "The cursed legions" and "The betray of Rome".

[@klarahvar746]

Excellent trilogy, it combines very well the novel with historical reference (I am not very sensitive, but I cried with "The cursed legions"). On the other hand, I always felt that in general Publio Cornelio Escipión "junior" was not given the same recognition as Hannibal, Postegillo did.

[@Diogolindir]

@@klarahvar746 I think Cornelio Africanus is great :)

[@klarahvar746]

@@Diogolindir History is full of "if this had been/hadn't been" and, in that sense, Cornelius Africanus was, for me, more transcendental than Julius Caesar or many others.

[@Diogolindir]

@@klarahvar746 well, I think I can agree. For instance if Pompey would have prevailed I do think Rome had a chance on surviving several centuries.

[@klarahvar746]

@@Diogolindir It could be, but there would have been no Rome after Zama if the victory belonged to Hannibal... he had the ambition of an emperor, plus his hatred of Rome

[@StationHereNow]

Thanks for another video! Wondering if some of the videos that were taken down are elsewhere?

[@slyaspie4934]

Fantastic thanks very much 😁

[@Guydude777]

A fan favorite.

[@jane-the-mentalist]

Okay that is definitely not what I expected you to look like from your voice

[@emulateiam]

another great video!

[@duquedejaca]

Maybe I'm wrong but I think archeology refuted the conquest of Veii as we previously known (as Livy said).

[@Ktotwf]

More on this!

[@rileytempest666]

first time ive seen you on cam. I like it gj

[@dtmoore500]

Thank you!!!

[@RM-rz3ph]

outstanding

[@gettysburgbrian]

Great video

[@halflifeger4179]

Great work! What sources did you draw on for this video?

[@TheHistocrat]

Check the credits for sources.