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.
“What about Roxane?” Alexander asked.
“Your prisoner bride?”
“Such disrespect is worthy of death!”
“There is no possible way that you could love her or that she could truly love you.”
“What gives you the insight to speak so assertively about matters you know nothing about?”
“Daughter of Oxyarthes, the man who surrendered the Iron Gates to you, makes for a very political marriage.”
“Continue,” said Alexander.
“At a feast celebrating your latest victory a number of young women were brought in for entertainment. You spotted one of them whose beauty far surpassed the others and you decided on the spot to marry her once you learned she was the daughter of Oxyarthes. You needed to cement a strong relationship with the local leaders. What better way to do this than through marriage? You didn’t share a common language and never even spoke to each other beforehand. She never was given a choice. So she is your prisoner bride.”
“You have a vague outline of the past. I suppose it is remarkable that you have as much ...
