The Western Traditions Podcast

Episode III.11 - Carthage

A look at the great counterpart of the Roman Republic: Carthage. How the Phoenicians colonized the Western Mediterranean and what little else we can learn about this ancient culture that was destroyed completely by the Romans by the end of the Punic Wars. A meditation on child-sacrifice in ancient cultures.

Episode I.03 - Introduction to Prehistory

The history before history. For most of human existence, there was no such thing as writing. Yet our ancestors did leave records and remains that we can study to learn more about the human past.

Episode I.02 - Introduction to the Ancient World

History and prehistory. Before the dawn of writing, the human past is shrouded in darkness. The episodes of the Ancient World explore events before and just after the rise of civilization.

Episode III.10 - The Conquest of Italy

The Romans expand beyond their central Italian limits. In the 4th and 3rd century BC, they conquer their enemies and allies in central and southern Italy. They are led by consuls like Publius Decius Mus, who sacrificed his own life to give Rome victory. But every Roman soldier shows himself to be both valiant and indomitable.

Episode III.09 - The Early Roman Republic

The stories of three heroes of the early Roman Republic: Coriolanus, Cincinnatus and Camillus. The struggle between the social classes is known as the Conflict of Orders. 

Episode XIB.009 - Genesis 12-13

God establishes a covenant with Abram. The journey to Egypt. Altars in Canaan.

Episode III.08 - Introduction to the Roman Republic

In the eighth episode of the Roman series of the Western Traditions Podcast, we embark on a journey back to 509 BC when the Roman Republic was born from the ashes of monarchy. Discover how the Senate, patricians, and consuls shaped the nascent Republic amid a tumultuous landscape of political intrigue and warfare. We delve into the military might of early Rome, its societal structure, and the legislative foundation laid by the Twelve Tables. Brimming with tales of valor, justice, and social evolution, this episode unveils the resilience and strategies that propelled a small city-state toward greatness.

Episode XII.05 - The First Lesson

How to teach the first lesson of the Western Traditions curriculum.

Episode I.01 - The General Prologue

The introduction to the Western Traditions podcast. The Great Books of the Western World and the Bible. The great men and women of western civilization.

Episode III.07 - The Roman Kingdom

The seven kings of Rome. Numa Pompilius succeeds Romulus. The line of kings ends with Tarquinius Superbus. Some background on Roman institutions, practices and vocabulary.