I recently published part 3 (of 4) of my epic Dangerous History series, "The Mad Dream of Conquest," about the Athenian expedition to Sicily to attack Syracuse, the largest city on that island, during the Peloponnesian War in the 5th century BC.

This story has a shocking (& unfortunate) amount of relevance to current events: an imperial democracy, high on hubris & at the urging of far-away states, launching an unnecessary, aggressive war of choice against a faraway land that, it turned out, was much better able to defend itself than the Athenian proto-neocons said it would be. The Athenians learn the hard way that logistics & geography matter a lot, that wars rarely go according to plan, that having an unclear strategy doesn't help, & that escalation of an ill-conceived war only makes things worse & doesn't increase your odds of success.

Check it out here, or look up the Dangerous History Podcast on your preferred podcast platform. (And be sure to check out the first 2 parts if you haven't already!)

https://fountain.fm/episode/mj1aXJFy32jqXTxykbAB

FINALLY, it's here!

Part 3 of "The Mad Dream of Conquest," my Dangerous History miniseries about the Athenian expedition to Sicily during the Peloponnesian War. I've been KILLING myself working on this thing for a while, & I think it might be the longest DHP episode ever!

Check it out on Fountain at the 🔗⏬, or search for the Dangerous History podcast on your preferred audio podcast venue.

https://fountain.fm/episode/mj1aXJFy32jqXTxykbAB

My epic labors on pt 3 of “The Mad Dream of Conquest” continue - I’ve got the first segment recorded & edited, & my notes (currently ~40 pgs) are almost complete- just a few more things to add in the latter parts.

Doing my best to get it all done by Friday!
🤞🥵😅💪

Gee, the first paragraph of the prologue of the book Hubris: The Tragedy of War in the Twentieth Century by Alastair Horne (published 2015) sure is interesting.🤔

"So thoroughly had the present prosperity persuaded the Athenians that nothing could withstand them, and that they could achieve what was possible and what was impracticable alike, with means ample or inadequate it mattered not. The reason for this was their [prior] extraordinary success, which made them confuse their strengths with their hopes."

-Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War, Book IV

Whether in Sicily in 415-13 BC or the Persian Gulf today, these 5 factors are still the top determinants of success or failure in war:

1. Understanding geography
2. Understanding logistics
3. Having a clearly defined & realistically achievable goal
4. Having a well-thought-out strategy to attain that goal with the resources available
5. Prudently adapting that strategy as necessary due to changing circumstances

I’m currently hard at work on Pt 3 of “The Mad Dream of Conquest,” my Dangerous History series on the Athenian expedition to Sicily during the Peloponnesian War - stay tuned!

In honor of the 12th anniversary of the Dangerous History Podcast, I published an episode in which I reminisce a little about the journey, and share & analyze 12 of my favorite quotes from HL Mencken, including the quote that inspired the name of the DHP. Check it out!

https://fountain.fm/episode/WPj45Z7dqaSsjZfAILsj

It's here - the 2nd part of my epic Dangerous History mini-series, 'The Mad Dream of Conquest,' set during the Peloponnesian War in 5th century BC Greece!

Check it out!

https://fountain.fm/episode/G1sKwrafOYkNB6QlG9FL

I fought & won The War of Art yet again today.

After putting in another LONG day working on part II of ‘The Mad Dream of Conquest,’ I managed to record all remaining segments & edit half of them. I’m throwing in the towel for the day & will definitely finish & publish tomorrow.

I’m continuing to put a ton of time & effort into Pt II of ‘The Mad Dream of Conquest.’ I’ve had some slowdowns for family reasons, & (as often happens) the episode has continued to grow in prospective length as I’ve worked on it, but I’m making progress & nearing completion!

3 years & a few months since I adopted him, & I’m happy to report that Errol is still excellent & still my best pal.

Today is the 59th anniversary of the deliberate & unprovoked Israeli attack on the USS Liberty, an electronic surveillance ship that was in international waters at the time. 34 Americans were killed, 171 wounded, & the ship nearly sunk.

For a detailed explanation of the event & its context, check out my 4 hr+ Dangerous History Podcast episode on it:

https://fountain.fm/episode/hMuZZSj2tslFFLswUqYI