
The Spartans at war
Myth vs reality
Were the Spartans really so great in war? What are the roots of their image as invincible super-soldiers? A deep dive into their history and institutions shows that there is some truth, but also a great deal of distortion.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Consulting the Oracle in Delphi
It’s been a while, but we finally head off to Phocis, where we explore the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi and meet the Oracle.

Greeks fighting dirty
Warfare in Classical Greece
Our idea of the Greek way of war is changing. My book sets out a new interpretation of the iconic hoplite’s battle tactics.

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
Ousting the Athenians from the Megarid
Having decreased the Athenians’ hold over the Megarid, it’s time for one final push to get them out and secure the region for the Spartans.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
A look at the loading screen hints
On the loading screens, the game presents you with randomized “hints”, including historical tidbits. Let’s look at those for a moment.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Adventures in Megara
After sailing away from Cephalonia, our first stop on the mainland is the city of Megara, oddly referred to as “Megaris” in the game.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Exploring Cephalonia
Continuing our adventure, we explore the island of Cephalonia. Comments on ancient Greek mercenaries, clothing, architecture, and more.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
The first hour or so
Set around the start of the Peloponnesian War (431 BC), Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey offers an interesting take on ancient Greece.

Ancient Greek shield blazons
Greek shields from at least the later eighth century BC onwards were often decorated with abstract or figurative blazons.

The political pragmatist
The adventures of Alcibiades
One cannot examine the Athenian scoundrel Alcibiades without providing a potted history of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC).