After the catastrophic Battle of Raphia, Antiochus III turned north and went to face the rebel royal Achaios and retake Anatolia in the aftermath of many surprising alliances. Download
Gold tetradrachm featuring Ptolemy IV Philopator via Wikimedia
Following the Fourth Syrian War, Ptolemy IV Philopator went back to Egypt to enjoy his victory and leave administration to his advisers, at least until native Egyptian revolts brought Egypt’s royal party to a screeching halt. Download
Army formations and movements at the Battle of Raphia, via Wikimedia
After defeating Molon and Alexander in the Upper Satrapies, Antiochus III arranged or accepted the assassination of Hermeias before resuming the Fourth Syrian War against Egypt. The Seleucids rise to new heights as they approach the Battle of Raphia. Download
Continuing the grand tour of western Iran, it’s time to talk about Hellenistic Persia. The province of Persis was home to a unique set of governors called Frataraka under Seleucid rule who introduced new and exciting trends to the Persian homeland while the Seleucids ran the show. Download
America: Secret Wars Season 2 kicks off with Trevor, Roberto, and Ben discussing current events in the 2026 Iran-Israel-US War. We talked a lot about the foreseeable consequences of the conflict, it’s place in history, and a relatively long tangent about Muppets to break up the darkness. Download
Drachm coin depicting Satrap Molon of Media, minted during his rebellion, via Wikimedia
Despite his Prime Minister’s insistence against it, Antiochus III resolved to march east and face the rebel satrap Molon in 220 BCE. It’s also time for a new Grand Tour of the Empire as we follow Antiochus on his travels. Download
The Seleucid narrative is back, and Antiochus III is the new king. Fresh off the death of his father and brother, the young Antiochus found himself pulled in three different directions by his nobles as rebellions, wars, and scheming advisers took their toll on the Empire. Download
Map of key locations in the Cleomenean War via Wikimedia
Prepare for a return to the narrative with a quick round of catch up with the Seleucids’ neighbors: Egypt, Macedon, India, and surprisingly, Sparta one last time before the famed warriors of Ancient Greece fade into history. Download
Title card featuring cuneiform and the Behistun Inscription. Text: Darius: The Great (Big Liar) Host: Trevor Culley, HoPful Media: History of Persia & America: Secret Wars
Intelligent Speech Online 2026 is almost here, and if I haven’t yet sold you on attending the conference on February 28, 2026 (starting at 9am US Eastern Time), you might be interested in my presentation from last year’s event.
When he seized the Persian throne in 522 BCE, Darius the Great made a public declaration explaining his coup in the Bisotun Inscription. Details changed with each retelling, but that version of story is the only one that survived in ancient sources. Modern historians are pretty sure that it’s one of the most successful lies ever told. Download
Slightly delayed by world events, but planned and written for December 2025, History of Persia marks the Iranian and Zoroastrian holiday of Sadeh, a feast and fire to stave off the dark winter nights and celebrate light and warmth. Download