Want your kids to hear historical battles as if it is a report from Afghanistan today? Then go to this website and download this audio (podiobook)book to your ipod (or mp3 player). I love the British accent in this, and the battle sounds in the background. Your boys will get a real kick out of it! Here is the text with this audio book. You can also listen through your computer (assuming a good internet link!). The website operates on donations, so contribute what you think it is worth! Enjoy these podcasts!
Episode 1: Greek-Persian Wars
This recording allows you to charge with the Athenians at Marathon; die with the Spartan 300 at the tragedy of Thermopylae; and thrill to the final Greek victory at Plataea. Important insights are also to be learned about the quarrelsome nature of the Greeks.
Episode 2: Assassination of Caesar
Far from causing the fall of the Roman Republic as his enemies charged, it was Caesar's genius to attempt a solution to Rome's problems: poverty, unemployment, ignorance. It is all here, Caesar's program, his treacherous assassination, and the solemn speculation of shocked newsmen about the impact on Rome of Caesar's death.
Episode 3: Death of Socrates
More than anything else, we remember Socrates for insisting on his right to speak freely, even at the cost of his own life. Now, you can hear Socrates plead for the freedom to speak his mind and experience his wisdom and razor wit. Come to know that grand old man, and he will touch your mind across a thousand years.
Episode 4: Battle of Hastings
From the first heroic charge to the bizarre victory, you are at Hastings, reliving that most famous of all battles. King Harold of England and William the Conqueror highlight the succession dispute that can only be settled on the field of combat. Don't miss the battle that changed England forever!
Episode 5: Defeat of the Spanish Armada
King Phillip II, Sir Francis Drake, Queen Elizabeth -- again they meet in the climactic struggle. Return to 1588 as Spanish ships sail out upon the ebb of empire!
Episode 6: King Philip's War
Although you may never have heard of this event in history, it is an excellent vehicle for exposing the era of Puritan America in 1675. It was the most desperate and bloody Indian War ever fought in America. Here, the positions of both Indian and White are presented against a background of savagery on both sides.
Episode 7: The Salem Witch Trials
Always current, the witch trials at Salem remind us of how easily men can become a mob. The emotions of fear and hysteria have always branched forth the poisoned fruit of injustice.
Episode 8: Road to Revolution: 1775
Listen to a heated debate as Benjamin Franklin, a Tory, a British official, and a member of the Sons of Liberty discuss law and order, political violence, and representation for minorities. We also hear the Boston Massacre, and march with the British Army to Lexington and Concord.
Episode 9: Yorktown: Victor and Vanquished
The American Revolution is reviewed, culminating in the Battle of Yorktown. We hear Washington, Burgoyne, Von Steuben, Clinton, DeGrasse, and Cornwallis. There is nothing as dramatic as a tiny nation struggling for national independence.
Episode 10: 1812: Jackson at New Orleans
The War of 1812 is not one of the brighter spots in American history; our motives for declaring it were mixed at best, our capital was burned, our navy driven from the sea. While reviewing the war, this emotion-packed recording centers on the Battle of New Orleans --- less an American triumph than a British blunder.
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