Archways: Western Civilization History Podcast

• History of Leisure (384 BC - AD 2020)

  In this episode we discuss the history of thinking about leisure from Aristotle, Epicurus, Seneca, and Cicero to St. Paul, Gregory I, St. Benedict, Thomas Aquinas, Dante, and John Calvin to Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. Leisure was once seen as a time for debating philosophy or studying the universe, before giving way to slothful bread and circuses. Christian thought hit back hard against Roman excess, teaching leisure was a sinful waste of God's time. In modern times, thinkers are trying to discover what leisure is good and how much is too much. In the face of the AI revolution, will we choose a future of constant passive entertainment, or will we continue to find meaning in our leisure or at the very least more work to do?

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  24:47
• Ranking American Monarchies (AD 1804-1883)

  In this episode we use a ranking system I made up to examine the unique monarchies that were declared in the Americas during the Age of Revolutions. We will learn about the Haitian Revolution that led to the Empire of Haiti and the Kingdom of Haiti. We will learn about the Mexican Revolution that led to the First and Second Empires of Mexico. And we will learn about the Brazilian War of Independence that led to the establishment of the Empire of Brazil. Based on duration, power, accomplishments, and swagger we will determine the best endemic non-colonial western civilization-based empire of the Americas.

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  24:42
• Monarchy: History and Advantages

  In this episode we take a deep dive into one of the oldest, most famous, and most stable forms of government: monarchy. Looking at examples from the past, we see what makes a monarchy successful. And we extract lessons for our own governments today. We will study with particular interest Ancient Egypt, Babylon, as well as 17 century France, Belgium, Britain, and modern Japan and Saudi Arabia.

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  24:46
• History of Bacon Cheeseburgers: Only in the West

  Bacon cheeseburgers are a unique creation of the West, particularly the American melting pot and its dynamism. While all civilizations have governing dietary restrictions based on their religion or philosophy, only the West had the perfect combination of dietary beliefs that permitted the Bacon Cheeseburger to be created. In this episode, we will look into what taboos the Bacon Cheeseburger violates in Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. Sources used in the episode: britannica.com/topic/dietary-law/Hunter-gatherers Dietary Restrictions of Other Religions - Journal of the American Dietetic Association (jandonline.org) Confucianism | Meaning, History, Beliefs, & Facts | Britannica Confucius’s Rules on Diet and Food - Chinese Culture (bellaonline.com) All About the Hindu Diet. A Simple Guide! (pastandpresentdiets.com) jewishvirtuallibrary.org/overview-of-jewish-dietary-laws-and-regulations

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• West Threats: Horse Archers Pt. 2

  In this captivating episode, we delve into the remarkable legacy of horse archer civilizations—the Parthians, Mongols, and Comanche—and their profound impact on Western societies. Buckle up as we ride through history, exploring their strategies, innovations, and cultural exchanges. 🏹 The Parthians: From the mid-3rd century BC until 224 CE, the Parthian Empire spanned vast territories—from the Euphrates River to Central Asia. Their skilled horse archers revolutionized warfare, employing tactics that confounded enemies. We’ll uncover their influence on the Greeks, Persians, and Romans. 🐎 The Mongols: Under Genghis Khan’s leadership, the Mongols forged the largest land empire in history. Their swift cavalry, including expert horse archers, reshaped geopolitics across Asia and Europe. Discover how their legacy echoes in Rus, Poland, and beyond. 🌾 The Comanche: On the American frontier, the Comanche—a formidable horse culture—transformed the Great Plains. Their mobility, tactics, and archery prowess challenged European settlers and left an indelible mark on American history. Join us as we ride alongside these equestrian warriors, exploring their impact on trade, military strategy, and cultural exchange. From ancient times to the Wild West, Japan to Amarillo, their legacy gallops through the annals of Western civilization!

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