Catalog Search Results
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 5
Language
English
Description
One of the most lasting facets of the Roman Republic is its constitution, which inspired America's founding fathers, among others. Continue your exploration of the early republic with a look at its system of government and its different classes of people - citizens and noncitizens, patricians and plebeians, senators, soldiers, and more.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 9
Language
English
Description
Although the First Punic War was a major victory, the Second Punic War was, in Professor Aldrete's words, "the crucible in which the Roman Empire was forged." Encounter the brilliance of Hannibal, learn the strategy and impact of the infamous Battle of Cannae, and see how Roman leaders combatted and eventually defeated him.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 10
Language
English
Description
The most spectacular battle of the War of Jenkins' Ear was a massive amphibious assault launched against the Spanish port city of Cartagena, Colombia. Trace how this expedition began with great enthusiasm among the British but ended in failure and embarrassment, due primarily to the enmity that arose between Britain's top-ranking naval and army officers.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 24
Language
English
Description
The course opened with a simple question: "How did Rome become so powerful?" It closes with an equally simple - if equally unanswerable - question: "Why did the Roman Republic collapse?" In this final lecture, Professor Aldrete offers several leading theories, including the possibility that the republic was a victim of its own success.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 11
Language
English
Description
Prince Charles Edward Stuart disembarked a French warship onto the shore of Scotland intent on restoring the House of Stuart over England and Scotland. As you delve into the battle of Culloden, notice how his rivalries, poor decisions, and waffling led to failure against the firepower and professionalism of the British.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 2
Language
English
Description
From initiating a second front with a new enemy to dividing supreme command among multiple generals, see how failures of decision-making and leadership spelled disaster for the Greek city-state of Athens in the outcome of the Peloponnesian War, fought with Sparta.
7) History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach: Adwa: Italy's Fiasco in Ethiopia-1896
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 17
Language
English
Description
Learn how overconfidence, miscommunication, and miscalculation were all displayed by the Italians at Adwa in Ethiopia, resulting in one of the greatest victories of a native people over an imperial power during the colonization era-a rare indigenous civilization that succeeded in establishing itself as an independent modern nation.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 12
Language
English
Description
Rome is one of only a few civilizations throughout history to be a true slave state. Here, learn where Roman slaves came from and find out about the nature of their servitude - including what daily life was like for many slaves. Then look at ways slaves could buy or earn freedom, and what life was like for freed slaves.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 18
Language
English
Description
The Boer War's Battle of Colenso marked a turning point in military tactics, as the British forces clung to obsolete methods of fighting in the face of new weaponry and tactics. Explore how the stubborn determination of the British commanders to utilize outdated techniques resulted in a completely ineffectual attack.
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Your course opens by setting the stage for Rome's transition from a Republic to an Empire. Octavian, overlooking the Ionian Sea after the ferocious Battle of Actium, has just secured victory in a civil war against Mark Antony. He will soon achieve what Julius Caesar could not: one-man rule over Rome. Delve into this major turning point in world history.
11) History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach: Greasy Grass: Custer's Last Stand-1876
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 15
Language
English
Description
Military historians still argue over what happened and who was at fault in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Examine why this battle between George Custer's cavalry and the Lakota and their allies remains one of the most infamous in American history, and see how this rare victory for the indigenous tribes ultimately hastened their defeat.
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
No survey of the Roman Empire would be complete without a detailed look at one of its most central institutions: the military. Take a look at the organization of Rome's fighting forces. See what kind of equipment soldiers were outfitted with, how they trained, and what joining the military meant for farm boys in the provinces.
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Augustus may have been a tremendous emperor, but he failed in one key area: choosing a successor. After an almost comical series of events, he secured a male heir (a son of his wife's by a previous marriage) to take the throne. Witness the debacle of Roman leadership under Tiberius and then Caligula.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 1
Language
English
Description
Follow the chain of events that led to the Civil War's ill-fated Battle of the Crater, a notable example of what can happen in warfare when a plan goes awry due to poor leadership, last-minute changes, and other unclear objectives. Then, look at the phenomenon of military blunders and what they teach.
Author
Series
Language
English
Description
Following Nero, a quick series of emperors took power, ultimately ending with Vespasian, the first in the line of Flavian family emperors. After reviewing the story of these emperors, their accomplishments, and their shortcomings, Professor Aldrete offers insight into Roman bath culture and what it meant for the city.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 14
Language
English
Description
Although a minor incident, the Charge of the Light Brigade has gained a reputation as both a glorious moment in the history of warfare and one of the greatest military blunders of all time. Follow the disastrous chain of events that lead the British to attack the wrong target.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 20
Language
English
Description
The beginning of the end of the Roman Republic starts with the rise of Julius Caesar. After setting the stage with Caesar's early career, Professor Aldrete explores the dramatic events that led to Caesar's election to the senate as well as his legislative and military victories. Tensions within Roman leadership were high.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 21
Language
English
Description
The late republic tensions reached a conflagration the moment Caesar crossed the Rubicon River and led his army toward Rome. Follow the end of his astonishing career, from his exploits in Spain to his war with Egypt to his eventual assassination. Meet Mark Antony and the other conspirators.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 16
Language
English
Description
How could an army accompanied by cannon and rocket artillery be wiped out by Zulu warriors wielding spears, clubs, and a smattering of outdated firearms? Find out in this account of one of the most shocking and humiliating British defeats from the Napoleonic Wars up to World War I.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 14
Language
English
Description
Continue your study of ordinary Romans - this time with a look at the life of children, which could be quite brutal by today's standards. Learn about their toys and games, and then turn to the system of education. Finally, take a look at the Roman system of timekeeping, which organized the days, months, and years.