Best Compact Warfare Podcasts (2026)

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The Battle of Alesia 12:32

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2h ago12:32

12:32

In 52 BCE Julius Caesar trapped Vercingetorix in the hilltop oppidum of Alesia, ringed it with miles of earthworks, then fought off a massive Gallic relief force from a second line. This episode explains the double fortifications, the cavalry battles, the relief assaults, and how surrender turned the Gallic War. Visit our website: Compact Warfare F…

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The Battle of Verdun 13:01

1d ago13:01

13:01

In 1916 the German army struck at Verdun to bleed France white. For ten grim months forts like Douaumont and Vaux changed hands, artillery ruled the field, and the Voie Sacrée kept the French line alive. This episode explains Falkenhayn's plan, Pétain's rotation system, the fortress battles, and why Verdun became a symbol of national endurance. Vis…

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The Battle of Flodden 13:35

9d ago13:35

13:35

In September 1513, Scotland's King James IV met the Earl of Surrey near Branxton Moor. Scottish pike formations advanced off high ground into boggy slopes, where English bills and longbows bit hard. Flodden ended with a broken host, fallen nobles and a slain king, reshaping power on both sides of the border. Visit our website: Compact Warfare Find …

1
Cnut The Great's Conquest of England 12:06

16d ago12:06

12:06

Between 1013 and 1016, England was torn by Danish invasions, shifting allegiances and brutal campaigning. This episode tracks how Sweyn Forkbeard's seizure of power set the stage, how Æthelred's return faltered, how Edmund Ironside fought back, and how Cnut finally secured the crown after Assandun and a hard political settlement with the English el…

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The Battle of the Little Bighorn 10:57

23d ago10:57

10:57

Join us as we explore the dramatic clash between the US 7th Cavalry and the united Lakota and Cheyenne forces at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Learn how strategy, leadership, and overconfidence shaped one of history's most iconic last stands. Visit our website: Compact Warfare Find us on our social media sites: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Yout…

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The Battle of Kursk 16:32

1M ago16:32

16:32

In July 1943 Germany launched Operation Citadel to pinch off the Kursk salient. Tigers, Panthers and Ferdinands met layered Soviet defences packed with mines, guns and trenches, then crashed into massed armour at Prokhorovka. This episode unpacks why Citadel stalled, how Soviet depth and artillery decided the fight, and how the counteroffensives se…

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The Battle of the Plains of Abraham 15:33

1M ago15:33

15:33

In September 1759 a silent night run on the St Lawrence put British regulars on the heights west of Quebec. At dawn their two-rank line held fire, then delivered a crushing close-range volley that broke Montcalm's advance and forced the city's fall days later. This episode traces the river gamble at Anse-au-Foulon, the short but decisive exchange o…

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The Battle of Bannockburn 14:41

2M ago14:41

14:41

In June 1314, Robert Bruce met Edward II near Stirling and turned tight ground, drilled schiltrons, and smart timing into a decisive Scottish win. This episode explains why the approaches mattered, how the spearmen advanced, where the archers were blunted, and how Bannockburn shifted the wider war and Scotland's future. Visit our website: Compact W…

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The Battle of Teutoberg Forest 17:07

2M ago17:07

17:07

In the year 9CE, a Roman army marching through the Teutoburg Forest met a storm of javelins, mud, and deception. Led by Arminius, Germanic warriors smashed three legions under Publius Quinctilius Varus at the narrow defiles near Kalkriese, turning Rome's advance into a retreat and forcing a strategic rethink on the Rhine. In this episode we unpack …

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The Rise of Drone Warfare 12:41

2M ago12:41

12:41

From pocket quadcopters over alleyways to long-endurance aircraft striking deep targets, drones have reshaped reconnaissance, artillery, and air defence. This episode covers how sensors and data links make drones powerful, how jamming and counter-drone systems fight back, why logistics and training matter more than hype, and where autonomy and swar…

1
The Zulu Wars 17:08

2M ago17:08

17:08

In 1879 the British Empire collided with the Zulu kingdom on the Natal frontier. From the shock defeat at Isandlwana to the desperate stand at Rorke's Drift and the set-piece victory at Ulundi, this episode explains why the first invasion failed, how firepower and fortification reshaped the second, and how the settlement that followed broke Zulu so…

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The Battle of Marathon 14:55

3M ago14:55

14:55

In 490 BCE a citizen army met an empire on the Marathon plain. Athens and Plataea formed a thin centre and strong wings, charged to beat the arrow storm, and broke the Persian flanks before the enemy could bring cavalry to bear. This episode explains the plan, the ground, the crisis in the centre, and the shoreline rout that sent the fleet sailing …

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The Battle of Crécy 15:41

3M ago15:41

15:41

On 26 August 1346, Edward III chose his ground at Crécy and turned a larger French army into chaos. Longbowmen, fieldworks, and disciplined infantry shattered repeated cavalry charges, while early cannon added shock and smoke to the fight. In this episode we track the march, the tactics, the storm-soaked opening, and the aftermath that led straight…

1
The Battle of Midway 15:09

3M ago15:09

15:09

In June 1942, four Japanese carriers sailed to crush the U.S. Pacific Fleet near a tiny atoll. Codebreakers set the trap, dive bombers delivered the blows, and in five decisive minutes the balance of the Pacific war shifted. This episode breaks down the intelligence play, the torpedo squadrons' sacrifice, the dive-bomber strikes, and why Midway tur…

1
The Battle of the Boyne 15:18

3M ago15:18

15:18

On the banks of the River Boyne in July 1690, William III forced a river crossing, turned the Jacobite flank at Slane, and drove James II from the field. In this episode we unpack the plans, the fight at Oldbridge, the upstream maneuver, and the rearguard to Duleek, then trace how Boyne shaped the Williamite War and the wider European struggle with…

1
The Wars of the Roses 14:38

4M ago14:38

14:38

Civil war, rival crowns, and battles fought in snow and mud. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we track the Wars of the Roses from St Albans to Towton, the Kingmaker's rise and fall, and the final clashes at Barnet, Tewkesbury, Bosworth, and Stoke Field. See how York and Lancaster tore England apart and how Henry VII forged a new dynasty from the…

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The Rise of the Samurai 13:51

4M ago13:51

13:51

From Heian frontier horse archers to Tokugawa-era officials, this episode traces how Japan's warrior class rose to power, reinvented warfare, and reshaped government. We follow the Minamoto–Taira rivalry, the first shogunate at Kamakura, the shock of the Mongol invasions, Sengoku-era castle wars, the arrival of firearms, and unification under Nobun…

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The Battle of Stalingrad 12:32

4M ago12:32

12:32

In one of the most brutal turning points of World War II, Soviet and German forces fought street by street for control of Stalingrad. From factory-floor firefights to a massive encirclement that trapped the German Sixth Army, this episode of Compact Warfare explains how a shattered city on the Volga reshaped the entire Eastern Front. #BattleOfStali…

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The Seven Years' War 9:20

4M ago9:20

9:20

The Seven Years' War was one of the most wide-reaching and consequential conflicts in history. Fought from 1756 to 1763, it spanned five continents and involved the world's greatest powers of the time. From the muddy battlefields of Europe to the dense forests of North America, and from the trade routes of West Africa to the ports of India and the …

1
The Reconquista 8:57

5M ago8:57

8:57

For over 700 years, Christian and Muslim forces battled for control of the Iberian Peninsula in a relentless campaign known as the Reconquista. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore the shifting front lines, epic sieges, and enduring legacies of a conflict that reshaped the map of Europe. From the fall of Visigothic Spain to the rise of un…

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Spartan Warfare 10:17

5M ago10:17

10:17

Elite, disciplined, and feared, the Spartans built a society devoted entirely to war. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we take a deep dive into the training, tactics, and battles of ancient Sparta. From the brutal agoge to the unbreakable phalanx, explore how Spartan warriors earned their legendary reputation and why their legacy endures today. …

1
The Falklands War 9:01

5M ago9:01

9:01

In 1982, two nations clashed over a remote group of islands in the South Atlantic. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore the Falklands War — from the Argentine invasion to the British counterattack, and the fierce battles on land, sea, and air. Discover how this short but intense conflict reshaped politics, military strategy, and national …

1
The Rise of Gunpowder 7:46

5M ago7:46

7:46

From thunderous cannon blasts to the smoking barrels of early muskets, The Rise of Gunpowder charts the explosive impact of this revolutionary substance on the world of warfare. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore how gunpowder reshaped armies, rewrote battlefield tactics, and brought the era of castles and knights crashing down. Episode…

1
The Viking Raids 7:10

6M ago7:10

7:10

For nearly 300 years, Viking ships brought fear to the coasts of Europe. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we explore the rise of the Norse raiders, their daring attacks on towns, monasteries, and kingdoms, and how their raids changed the face of Europe. From Lindisfarne to Normandy, discover the real story behind the Viking Age. Please consider …

1
The Siege of Troy 6:25

6M ago6:25

6:25

The Siege of Troy is one of history's most famous conflicts, blending legend with the possibility of real-world events. In this episode of Compact Warfare, we unpack the story behind Troy's downfall, from the epic battles to the legendary deception of the Trojan Horse, and explore whether there's truth buried beneath the myth. Join us as we take a …

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The Rise of Cyber Warfare 7:15

6M ago7:15

7:15

Forget the trenches — modern warfare has a new front line, and it's happening behind your screen. In this episode, we explore the rise of cyber warfare, where hackers, viruses, and digital sabotage have replaced tanks and troops. From power grid attacks to election meddling, discover how battles are now fought in the shadows of cyberspace — with gl…

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The War of the Spanish Succession 8:15

6M ago8:15

8:15

A royal death, a global empire, and Europe on the brink of chaos — welcome to the War of the Spanish Succession. In this episode, we unpack the 13-year struggle that saw kings clash, alliances form, and the balance of European power hang by a thread. From battlefield brilliance to backroom diplomacy, discover how a royal family squabble turned into…

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Castles and Siege Warfare: Defending the Fortress 7:51

6M ago7:51

7:51

Prepare for battering rams, boiling oil, and towering walls as episode 30 of 5 Minute Warfare storms the world of castles and siege warfare. In an age where stone fortresses dominated the landscape, attackers and defenders played a deadly game of patience, engineering, and brute force. From siege towers to sneaky tunnels, discover how medieval stro…

1
Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars 8:58

7M ago8:58

8:58

March with Julius Caesar as 5 Minute Warfare unpacks the brutal brilliance of the Gallic Wars — a decade-long conquest that brought Gaul under Roman control and turned Caesar into a legend (and a political time bomb). From ambushes in dark forests to siege warfare on tribal strongholds, this was Rome at its most ruthless — and strategic. Tune in fo…

1
The Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm 8:32

7M ago8:32

8:32

Blast into the era of high-tech warfare with 5 Minute Warfare as we break down Operation Desert Storm — the lightning-fast campaign that showcased the raw power of modern air forces. From stealth bombers slicing through enemy defenses to precision-guided missiles lighting up the desert night, the Gulf War redefined how wars would be fought in the 2…

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The Battle of Lepanto: Christian Europe's Last Great Naval Victory 7:59

7M ago7:59

7:59

Set sail into one of history's most dramatic naval showdowns! In this episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we dive into the thunderous clash of oars, cannons, and cultures at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 — where a Christian alliance faced off against the mighty Ottoman Empire in a fight that changed the course of Mediterranean power. Expect heroics, holy …

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The Battle of Agincourt: The Longbow's Deadly Legacy 8:25

10M ago8:25

8:25

In Episode 26 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we revisit the legendary Battle of Agincourt and the deadly legacy of the English longbow. Fought on 25 October 1415 during the Hundred Years' War, Agincourt saw King Henry V's vastly outnumbered army achieve a stunning victory against the French. The battle became a defining moment in medieval warfare…

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War Elephants in Ancient India 7:10

10M ago7:10

7:10

In Episode 25 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the formidable war elephants of ancient India—massive battlefield beasts that struck fear into enemies and shaped the course of warfare for centuries. Used by Indian armies as early as the 4th century BCE, these towering creatures were armoured, trained for combat, and deployed to crush infa…

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The Korean War: The Forgotten Conflict 8:07

10M ago8:07

8:07

In Episode 24 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into the brutal and often overlooked conflict of the Korean War. Fought between 1950 and 1953, this Cold War battleground saw fierce combat between North and South Korea, backed by global superpowers in a deadly proxy war. From trench warfare along the 38th parallel to relentless aerial bombar…

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The English Civil War: Muskets, Pikes and the Fall of a King 7:43

10M ago7:43

7:43

In episode 23 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we dive into the English Civil War, a brutal conflict that tore a nation apart and led to the unprecedented execution of a king. Fought between 1642 and 1651, the war saw Parliament's Roundheads clash with the Royalist Cavaliers in a struggle over power, governance, and the future of England. From the …

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The Hundred Years War: England vs France for a Century 7:59

11M ago7:59

7:59

In episode 22 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the Hundred Years' War, the epic conflict that saw England and France locked in battle for over a century. Fought between 1337 and 1453, this war was not just a struggle for the French throne but a series of brutal campaigns that reshaped medieval Europe. From the longbow's devastating power…

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Rome vs Carthage: The Punic Wars Unleashed 6:59

11M ago6:59

6:59

In episode 21 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into one of history's greatest rivalries—Rome versus Carthage. The Punic Wars, fought between 264 and 146 BCE, were a brutal series of conflicts that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world. From epic naval battles to Hannibal's legendary march over the Alps, these wars saw tactical brilliance,…

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The Cold War: Proxy Wars & The Threat of Nuclear Annihilation 8:20

11M ago8:20

8:20

In episode 20 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into the intense and complex era of the Cold War, a geopolitical struggle defined by proxy wars and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation. In just five minutes, we explore how the United States and the Soviet Union clashed ideologically and militarily across the globe, supporting opposin…

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Gustavus Adolphus: The Father of Modern Warfare 7:59

11M ago7:59

7:59

In episode 19 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the remarkable legacy of Gustavus Adolphus, the Swedish king hailed as the Father of Modern Warfare. In just five minutes, we uncover how his revolutionary military tactics, from the use of combined arms to the mobility of his forces, transformed the art of war in the 17th century. Leading S…

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The Mongol Invasions: Genghis Khan's Unstoppable Army 8:16

12M ago8:16

8:16

In the 18th episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we delve into the extraordinary story of the Mongol invasions and the unstoppable army led by Genghis Khan. In just five minutes, we explore how the Mongols, driven by unmatched strategy, mobility, and discipline, created the largest contiguous empire in history. From their sweeping conquests across Asia to …

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The Battle of Kadesh: Chariots, Strategy and the First Peace Treaty 7:27

1y ago7:27

7:27

In the seventeenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we journey back to 1274 BCE to explore the epic Battle of Kadesh, one of history's most iconic clashes. In just five minutes, we unravel how the Egyptians under Pharaoh Ramesses II faced off against the mighty Hittites in a contest of chariots, strategy, and deception. The episode delves into the batt…

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The Vietnam War: Guerrilla Tactics and a Superpower Stalemate 8:09

1y ago8:09

8:09

In the sixteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the Vietnam War, a conflict defined by its gruelling guerilla tactics and the stalemate between a superpower and a determined insurgency. In just five minutes, we delve into the strategies of the Viet Cong, the challenges faced by the United States, and how the dense jungles of Vietnam became…

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The Siege of Vienna - Ottoman Ambitions vs European Defenders 8:00

1y ago8:00

8:00

In the fifteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we recount the dramatic events of the Siege of Vienna in 1683, a pivotal clash between the Ottoman Empire and European defenders. In just five minutes, we explore how the city of Vienna, on the brink of collapse after months of siege, was saved by a coalition of forces led by King John III Sobieski of P…

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The Siege of Jerusalem - Bloodshed in the First Crusade 7:39

1y ago7:39

7:39

In the fourteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we revisit the dramatic Siege of Jerusalem in 1099, a pivotal moment in the First Crusade. In just five minutes, we recount how Crusader forces, driven by religious fervour, laid siege to the holy city, overcoming its defences in a brutal assault. The siege culminated in a bloody conquest, with thousan…

1
Hannibal's Masterstroke: Crossing the Alps 7:28

1y ago7:28

7:28

In the thirteenth episode of 5 Minute Warfare, we delve into Hannibal's audacious crossing of the Alps, one of the most legendary feats in military history. In just five minutes, we recount how, in 218 BC, the Carthaginian general led his army, including war elephants, through treacherous mountain terrain to surprise the Roman Republic. This bold m…

1
D-Day: The Invasion that Turned the Tide 8:51

1y ago8:51

8:51

In episode 12 of 5 Minute Warfare, we examine D-Day, the pivotal invasion that turned the tide of World War II. In just around 5 minutes, we'll explore the planning, execution, and immense significance of the Normandy landings, which marked the beginning of the end for Nazi-occupied Europe. Join us for a concise and insightful look at one of the mo…

1
The Pike & Shot: Revolutionising Battlefield Tactics 8:49

1y ago8:49

8:49

In episode 11 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the Pike and Shot era, a revolutionary period in battlefield tactics that changed the face of warfare in the early modern period. In around 5 minutes, we'll examine how the combination of pikes and firearms created powerful new formations, leading to the decline of heavy cavalry and reshaping military s…

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Knights in Shining Armour: The Rise and Fall of Heavy Cavalry 8:42

1y ago8:42

8:42

In episode 10 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the story of knights in shining armour and the rise and fall of heavy cavalry in medieval warfare. In just around 5 minutes, we examine how these armoured warriors dominated the battlefield for centuries, only to be eventually overtaken by advancements in military technology. Join us for a concise and i…

1
Alexander the Great: Conqueror of the Known World 9:07

1y ago9:07

9:07

In episode 9 of 5 Minute Warfare, we explore the life and military genius of Alexander the Great, the conqueror who reshaped the ancient world. In just around 5 minutes, we'll cover his rapid rise to power, his bold strategies, and how he built one of the largest empires in history. Join us for a quick and engaging dive into the mind of one of hist…

1
Blitzkrieg: The Lightning War That Shocked the World 8:44

1y ago8:44

8:44

In episode 8 of 5 Minute Warfare, we dive into the Blitzkrieg, the lightning-fast military strategy that took the world by surprise during World War II. In around 5 minutes, we'll explore how this revolutionary tactic changed the face of warfare, from its rapid advances to its devastating effectiveness. Learn how Blitzkrieg shocked Europe and paved…