Courage and Conflict dives into the heart of history's most gripping battles and political showdowns. Join us as we uncover the untold stories of fearless heroes, cunning strategies, and the indomitable human spirit. Each episode brings you face-to-face with the courage and chaos that shaped our world. Prepare for an epic journey through time, where bravery and strife collide. Narrated in sweet southern tones with music composed and performed by the host.
Spartacus and Crixus began the revolt as brothers in arms — but by the time the Third Servile War reached its bloody final act, the two men had split, their armies divided by strategy as much as survival. This episode traces that fracture: the divorce between Spartacus and Crixus, the battles that followed, and the crushing final defeat that ended Rome's greatest slave rebellion.
Part of Courage and Conflict, a history podcast with original scoring composed and mixed by the host. More stories and free episodes at dwhawkins.com (https://dwhawkins.com).
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11 Jul 2026
Spartacus II: Terror Servilis
In this episode, we discuss how Spartacus, having defeated Glaber and thumbed his nose in the face of the Roman Senate, rose to what Plutarch described as "Great and Terrible."
It's my favorite part of the story.
A quick note--when speaking of the Roman provinces in 73 BCE, I mixed up my "east" and "west" without realizing it. So, to be clear, Campania and Lucania are on the WEST coast, and Apullia on the EAST. I do it sometimes in my writing, too, so maybe it's something unconscious. Just keep that in mind.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tale.
As always, you can go to dwhawkins.com/join (https://dwhawkins.com/join) and I'll send you a free fantasy or science fiction novel right to your inbox.
If you enjoy this show, please rate and review, and if you'd like to support it, head over to patreon.com/dwhawkins (https://patreon.com/dwhawkins)
Thanks for listening.
27 Jun 2026
The Rise of Spartacus
In this episode, we cover the conditions in Rome after the death of Sulla. The legions fighting in far-flung corners of the Republic, manipulative climbers manning the Senate, and a storm brewing right at home.
We cover the rise of the man, the myth, the legend--Spartacus. His origins, his time as a gladiator, and the tiny act of rebellion that spiraled into an all-out war.
I also talk about where I've been and where the show is going from here. In short, we're starting season two, and expect an episode every two weeks.
Don't forget to follow the show; please like, comment, share, and do all those wonderful things. You can always find out more about me at my website, dwhawkins.com (https://dwhawkins.com), where you can also enter my fantasy worlds and dive into my books.
Welcome back to Courage and Conflict.
16 Jan 2024
Pompey and Crassus: Sulla's Hounds
We dive into the story of two of the greatest figures in Roman history, men who will take the reins of Republic and direct it toward the precipice of its own destruction. Today we're talking about Pompey and Crassus, so tune in, brave travelers, and let's embark on this journey through ancient Rome.
18 Dec 2023
Sertorius: The Last Republican
We talk about the fall of one of the Roman Republic's greatest warrior-generals, Quintus Sertorius. From his war in Hispania to his death at the hands of conspirators, we'll follow the most exciting exploits of his life. So sit back and enjoy this thrilling episode of Courage and Conflict.
18 Apr 2023
Sertorius: Rebel's Dawn
Discover the epic story of Quintus Sertorius, Rome's rebellious general, in this thrilling two-part podcast. In part one, 'Sertorius: Rebel's Dawn,' we delve into the early years of Sertorius, exploring his military and political rise amid the backdrop of Rome's turbulent political climate. Witness his tactical prowess on the battlefield, and learn how he gained the respect and admiration of his peers and soldiers. Uncover the events that shaped Sertorius into a formidable force, challenging the Roman Republic and ultimately leading him to his fateful journey to Hispania.
1 Apr 2023
Dictator's Demise
Embark on a journey through the final years of Lucius Cornelius Sulla's life in this gripping episode of Courage and Conflict. Delve into the tumultuous events of the Civil War, where Sulla's cunning tactics and ruthless ambition led him to become Rome's dictator. As we explore the aftermath of the war, discover how Sulla's reign forever altered the Roman political landscape. Then, step into the twilight years of this enigmatic figure, from his surprising resignation of power to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. Immerse yourself in the dramatic story of Sulla, a man whose life and legacy continue to shape our understanding of Roman history.
25 Mar 2023
Fortuna Favors the Bold
Join us as we delve into the incredible story of Sulla's legendary war against Mithridates. Discover how Sulla's strategic genius and unwavering courage helped him overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve one of Rome's greatest military victories.
17 Mar 2023
Sulla: Rome's Playboy General
We take a wild ride through the early life and rise to power of Lucius Cornelius Sulla--loverboy, party animal, and great general of Rome.
10 Mar 2023
The Vengeance of Marius
Marius struggles back in Rome and his enemies circle. A series of bad partnerships and poor political moves puts Marius in a bad position, and Sulla takes advantage. The war between them will be only the opening salvos in the conflict that tears Rome apart.
8 Mar 2023
Terror Cimbricum
A terrible foe emerges from the savage north, threatening Rome's very existence. Unwilling to gamble with untested--and possibly corrupt--leaders, the Roman people turn again and again to the only man they trust to see them through the crisis: Gaius Marius.
28 Feb 2023
The Rise of Marius
We hear the story of Rome's first true warlord, Gaius Marius, and the conflicts that propelled him to the top of the Roman world.
22 Feb 2023
Revenge of the Gracchi
Caius Gracchus, the younger brother of Tiberius, brings flame and vigor to the Senate, and the Senate answers in kind.
20 Feb 2023
The Tragedy of Tiberius Gracchus
We take a wild ride through the life and death of a hero of Rome.
18 Feb 2023
The Celtiberian Wars: Part III
We dive into the end of the war and see a parade of historical rockstars marching toward a tragic fate.
17 Feb 2023
The Celtiberian Wars: Part II
We spiral into the conflict that continues to burn in the Iberian Peninsula. From unscrupulous Roman generals to plucky guerilla heroes, this episode has it all. So sit back, tune in, and fade out with me.
16 Feb 2023
The Celtiberian Wars: Part I
Rome, a newly minted powerhouse on the world stage, comes up against a rebellious province, and the conflict that ensues helps to forge the people who will one day send the Republic on a path to its own destruction.
14 Feb 2023
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