Length: 54 minutes
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empire/id1639561921?i=1000642853857
The introduction to this podcast episode sucked me in. It was eloquent and well presented. I didn’t know anything about the historical figure to be discussed but I wanted to learn more about Nader Shah after listening to the first minute.
It was clear from listening to this podcast that the hosts William Dalrymple and Anita Anand know a lot about history. They worked together well and at times it seemed like it was just two friends discussing history. This presented an informal listening atmosphere. At times it seems like they are easily sidetracked by neat historical facts that draw away from the topic of conversation.
There were often references to past episodes so it appears that these episodes build upon one another to present a wider view of the subject. The current topic is the Persian Empire. Despite this I felt that I could just begin with this episode and still learn. Dalrymple also does a good job of plugging his book during the podcast.
I felt like they tried to cover too much ground in this podcast and it might have been better suited for a couple of episodes. I feel like I learned interesting facts about Nader Shah but not quite as much substance as I would have liked.
Overall it was an enjoyable podcast. I will listen to a few more episodes and see if it makes it into my library.
Thomas Aquinas is credited as one of the greatest proponents of natural law. During his time in Cologne he was taught by Albertus Magnus. Magnus used the teachings of Aristotle in his mentorship of Thomas Aquinas.
Samuel Adams believed in American Independence from Great Britain. He is one of the most well know Son's of Liberty. On August 1, 1776 he gave a speech to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
The Mount of Forty Springs, Zagros Mountains, Iran Saturday 11:30 PM
By the dim light of torches seven hooded figures made their ascent up the nearly invisible path. Thirty minutes had passed since they began hiking off the established trail. A person who had never traveled this path would not have been able to find it.
These men were not making their first journey. Each had traveled this path as part of a group and individually. Even without the torches each man would find the destination without difficulty. Some things could never be forgotten.
In silence they made their final steps. Amidst the juniper and oak trees stood a single cedar tree. They had arrived at their destination. Concealed amidst the undergrowth was a small cave. Sliding a large bolder away from the back of the cave revealed a secret stairwell.
The men could not be completely at ease yet, but the most physically demanding portion of their journey was over. From this point things would be more psychologically challenging and each man would handle those struggles...
