[RERUN] EPISODE 82: The Other 300 (Part 2)

[RERUN] EPISODE 82: The Other 300 (Part 2)

From History on Fire by Daniele Bolelli

November 3, 2025 · 1h 45m · Season 1 · Episode 82

About this episode

This episode explores the decline of Thebes and the rise of Macedon during a pivotal period in Greek history.

“Take me back to the quarries.” Philoxenus “Pelopidas died as he’d lived, a freedom fighter who rushed fearlessly into the fray.” James Romm “As one approaches Chaeronea, there is a tomb of the Thebans who died in the battle with Philip. No inscription adorns it, but a monument stands over it in the form of a lion, the best emblem of the spirit of those men. It seems to me the inscription is lacking because their fortunes were not equal to their courage.” Pausanias In this second and final episode in this series, we see the age of Thebes’ Sacred Band coming to an end, as a new power rises in Macedon. As we tackle this fundamentally important period in Greek history, we’ll run into Dionysius of Syracuse and his horrendous poetry, the rise of Philip of Macedonia and Alexander (soon to be ‘The Great’), the badass sayings of Pelopidas and his heroic death, the rise of wealthy dictators and their bloody ends, the Sacred Wars, the career of Phyrne—the greatest hetaera of the age, and the end of Thebes. If you feel generous and enjoy History on Fire, please consider joining my ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ to access plenty of bonus content. All the links to History on Fire social media can be found at…

Topics covered

  • The Sacred Band of Thebes
  • Philip of Macedon
  • Alexander the Great
  • Greek history
  • Dionysius of Syracuse

Keywords

  • Pelopidas
  • Sacred Wars
  • Phyrne
  • Thebes
  • Macedon

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Tail, Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail

Books & works: The Other 300, History on Fire

Places: Macedon, Syracuse, Macedonia, Japan

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