History Pondered and Explored

The Battle of Marathon. The Beginning of Western Civilization?

One of the most important battles of all time. But was it really the beginning of Western Civilization? The battle pitted the city-state of Athens vs the one super power at the time-Persia. Up to 490 BC, the Persians virtually never lost, especially against any Greek city states. The Persians had a professional army whereas the Athenians only had the Hoplites, heavy infantry mostly used against other Greek city-states. The Athenians were outnumbered at least 2-1 and more likely outnumbered way more than that. So how in the world did the Athenians win? And what about the claim that, after this battle, Western Civilization began? Tune in and find out. Also go to History_Pondered on Insta to see the battle site and so much more! #History #Battle #Greeks #ancient

Rogue Heroes- The Incredible True Story of The SAS in WW2. (Part 2)

The finale of this epic saga! The fascinating and at times, almost unbelievable stories of the initial SAS. Audacious, clever, brave, sometimes reckless and nonchalant, but just packed with incredible stories and people. In particular, Jock Lewes, Paddy Mayne and David Stirling. They are the type of stories that for the TV series made from the book- Rogue Heroes, the History of the SAS- certain actual events were toned down as it was thought the viewing public might not believe these events actually happened. But they did! #History #WW2 #SAS #rogueheroes #Britain

Rogue Heroes- The Incredible True Story of The SAS in WW2. How Britain's Special Forces were Created changing War Forever

The SAS- Special Air Service- who saw that something had to be done in the deserts of North Africa to change the course of WW2 in favor of the Allies. Ingenuity, tragedy, bravery and nonchalance were among the many ingredients, that together, created not only the SAS, but the concept of modern day Special Forces. The exploits of the initial SAS, starting in July 1941 created many myths and legends. The actual stories are more unbelievable than the myths. The SAS made the impossible probable and the unthinkable doable. Their motto: Who Dares Wins- tells a lot about this incredible group. But there is so much more in this epic and fascinating story This episode, in its entirety was created by me. Roberto. Research, writing, editing, the music, the lot

The Gwangju Uprising - The Gwangju Massacre and The Pivotal Democratic Movement

Just a few years after the Korean War became a frozen conflict, a military coup came to power in South Korea. Nearly 20 years later, another military coup came to power. During these years, while "The Miracle of the Han River" greatly increased the industrialization and commercialization of the country- due in part as with similar "miracles" of the past- the influx of outside finance. This miracle came at a cost for many South Koreans, especially those in South Jeolla Province, where the city of Gwangju was situated at the time. Couple this with decades of alleged human rights oppression and marginalization, a seemingly routine protest and demonstration, quickly turns into something else entirely. An experience that many of the citizens found difficult to express. An experience that could not be openly expressed for years because of the continued political situation. The experience, if survived, made the nation take notice, eventually leading to the democratization of the country. A key source for this episode is the book - The Gwangju Uprising- the Pivotal Democratic Movement That Changed the History of Modern Korea, by Choi Jungwoon as translated by Yu Young-nan. The episode was also influenced by the novel- Human Acts- by Han Kang and the movie "A Taxi Driver" directed by Jang Hoon. These sources all show how ordinary people may react in the face of state v1olence Produced, researched and created by Roberto. All music by Roberto #democracy #korea #history @hankang @jangboon @choijungwoon

The Theft That Made The Mona Lisa A Masterpiece

Hard to believe but before the Mona Lisa was stolen, it was viewed as a fine example of Italian Renaissance Art- especially by the intelligentsia and some of the artists in Paris. Others, if they even went into the Louvre, may have likely walked past it or given it a quick look. It was tucked away in a gallery amongst many other paintings. In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen. In part due to its relatively diminutive size, which made it much easier to abscond into the streets of Paris. For two years, the painting was missing. The newspapers in Europe and then North America were awash with stories of the theft, the bungling of the security, and almost any other thing the papers could come up with to feed the frenzy of the public. In 1913, it was recovered and the thief caught, which started the stories up to a new frenzy and new heights of story telling. Only the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and later, the beginnings and rumblings regarding WW1 could keep the Mona Lisa out of the papers.