Soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia - Podcast Details

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So You Think You Can Rule PersiaSemifinal 1The group has been narrowed to only four contestants, and today we are facing off Darius I and Seleucus I. Both somewhat founders of empires in a time of turmoil, who will gain an edge over the other? You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia Our new merch store is here! https://sythycarp-store.printify.me/ 2025-07-271h 14

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 2-2We have made it to the last of our rounds, it's only champions from here on out! Tune in to find out which of these rulers will gain a seat in the semifinals: Seleucus I, Kavad I, Bahram VI, Antiochus III, Musa. You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia Our new merch store is here! https://sythycarp-store.printify.me/ 2025-07-201h 04

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 2-1Our first set of champions felled, it's time to make some really difficult decisions. Only two among these greats will survive to see the semifinals: Darius I, Mithridates II, Khosrow I, Shapur I, Khosrow II. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/07/15/face-of-faces-round/ You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia Our new merch store is here! https://sythycarp-store.printify.me/ 2025-07-151h 08

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 1-5Time for the last of our first set of rounds before we move on to the next level. Khosrow II Parviz, Cyrus II the Great, Peroz I, Musa, Narseh: which two of these last five will make it through? You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia Our merch store is here! https://sythycarp-store.printify.me/ 2025-06-151h 09

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 1-4Round four is here at last and this time we have a more simple set of choices but let's reminisce nonetheless. Antiochus III the Great, Shapur I, Artaxerxes III Ochus, Yazdegerd I the Accursed, Cyaxares: find out which three we'll bid adieu to. Our new merch store is here! https://sythycarp-store.printify.me/ You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-06-0854 min

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 1-3It's time for a third round on the way to glory and we have some difficult decisions to make! Khosrow I, Bahram Chobin, Ardashir I, Xerxes I, Mithridates I: time for two to leave the others behind Our new merch store is here! https://sythycarp-store.printify.me/ You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-06-011h 13

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 1-2Our first round left a favorite in the dust, the next will be more controversial still! Shapur II, Orodes II, Kavad I, Vologases IV, Mithridates II the Great: which two will be successful and which three will be left behind? You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-05-1857 min

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaRound 1-1It's time to start thinning the crowd in the rounds! Darius the Great, Seleucus Nicator, Antiochus Epiphanes, Alexander the Great, Sinatruces I: five enter, only two will make it to the next stage! You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-05-111h 08

So You Think You Can Rule Persia92.5 Caliphate Conclave Special with Popeular HistoryHere's a surprise extra episode for you all! With current events around the conclave, we partnered up with Gregg of Popeular History and Cardinal Numbers to discuss the election of the early caliphs and how they differed or matched the pope in Rome. Find Gregg here at Popeular History and Cardinal Numbers https://www.popeularhistory.com/ You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-05-0647 min

So You Think You Can Rule PersiaDraws and Can Sariel Rule Persia?With all the kings reviewed, it's time to find who our favorite is so we'll start by drawing up the rounds. After that, we'll see how Sariel would do as monarch of monarchs in a choose your own adventure! You can find the current rounds here! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/final-rounds/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-05-041h 37

So You Think You Can Rule Persia92. Yazdegerd IIIWe've made it at last, welcome to the final episode! Yazdegerd III comes to the throne as a disempowered child but will have the chance to influence historic events that will change Iran forever... You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/04/20/92-yazdegerd-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-04-201h 36

So You Think You Can Rule Persia91. BoranWe jump back and forwards in time with the last woman to rule all of Iran as everyone desperately tries to find a way out of the crisis. Boran is quite different to her sister but she will do what she can to save the Sassanid dynasty. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/04/13/91-boran/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-04-131h 02

So You Think You Can Rule Persia90. AzarmidokhtThe Iranians have tried usurpers, children, and random men off the street but nothing is working; maybe this princess will fix things? Join us as Azarmidokht shows people they can still have pride in their empire...for a while. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/04/06/90-azarmidokht/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-04-0649 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia89. Shapur V -i ShahrbarazThe son of Shahrbaraz succeeds him after a brief interregnum and will try to establish some legitimacy during the greatest crisis the empire has ever seen. But don't worry, there are many other contenders for the throne. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/03/23/89-shapur-v/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-03-2342 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia88. ShahrbarazThe triumphant (more or less) hero has at last returned home at the low low price of a child's life and the empire's pride. But what brought him to this point, will he rule well, and what will come after him? Listen to Kingdom here! https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/3qt9v-335976/Kingdom-Swedish-Rulers-Podcast You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/03/16/88-shahrbaraz/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-03-161h 08

So You Think You Can Rule Persia87. Ardashir IIIIf there's one thing an empire doesn't need in a time of crisis, it's a child in charge, but maybe this one will be different! Tune in for more Roman meddling, a surprising regent, and a war hero's return. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/03/09/87-ardashir-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-03-0942 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia86. Kavad II ShiroeKavad II has overthrown his father and killed most of his brothers to get to the throne. Surely, it was all worth it? Join us for the horsemen of the apocalypse planning a world tour at our expense. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/03/02/86-kavad-ii-shiroe/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-03-0257 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia85.2 Khosrow II ParvizThe world-conqueror sits upon his throne in glory but Herodotus taught us to count no living man happy. Witness Icarus graze the sun with his fingertips before reality brings everything crashing down. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/02/09/85-khosrow-ii-parviz/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-02-161h 43

So You Think You Can Rule Persia85.1 Khosrow II the VictoriousKhosrow's reign starts out with him as a puppet to the Romans first and the nobility second, how does he go from that to being called the Victorious? It will take a lot of skill, a lot of luck, and even more hubris. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/02/09/85-khosrow-ii-parviz/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-02-091h 33

So You Think You Can Rule Persia84. Bahram VI ChobinBahram Chobin is the first non-Sassanid to rule in three centuries, will he make it stick? Tune in to hear about messianic prophecies, trick shots, and the first glimpse of the oncoming storm. Get your Intelligent Speech tickets here! https://intelligentspeechonline.com/event/intelligent-speech-conference-2025/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2025/02/02/84-bahram-vi-chobin/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2025-02-021h 05

So You Think You Can Rule Persia83. Hormizd IVIt's always hard to follow up on a talented father, even more if your grandfather was talented as well. In this episode, Hormizd will do his best to keep up with his ancestors and deal with the nobles' displeasure. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/12/15/83-hormizd-iv/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-12-151h 14

So You Think You Can Rule Persia82.2 Khosrow I AnushirvanKhosrow has vanquished all the enemies of Iran from west to east, north to south; now comes the time for internal reform and restructuring. Join us for happy farmers, terrified nobles, and one last Roman war. You can purchase the graphic novel "Ammianus, vesper mundi" in English, Italian, or Latin, at https://www.nubes.live/en/product/ammianus-vesper-mundi/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/11/17/82-khosrow-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-12-081h 18

So You Think You Can Rule Persia82.1 Khosrow I the King of SteelKavad needs a strong heir to complete his reforms and Khosrow is just that man. From west to east of the empire, he will be feared by Justinian and the Hephthalites while he endeavors to build a new golden age. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/11/17/82-khosrow-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-11-171h 25

So You Think You Can Rule Persia81. JamaspWe know how Jamasp's story ends, he's often a blip in Kavad's reign but that doesn't mean we skip him. Tune in to find out what it's like to be a puppet and whether he actually had agency in his brother's usurpation. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/11/10/81-jamasp/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-11-1036 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia80. Kavad IKavad rises to the throne in a very difficult situation, with enemies internal and external all around. But he has a solution...to all of it; all it will take is massive social upheaval and dueling a certain Justinian. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/11/03/80-kavad-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-11-031h 33

So You Think You Can Rule Persia79. BalashOh no, everything is on fire and the empire is about to fall, will Balash save us all? Not really... But it's time to find the unlikeliest of heroes and give the nobles a grudging "well done". You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/10/20/79-balash/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-10-2037 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia78. Peroz IInviting a massive horde of nomads to invade your homeland is often a bad idea. Peroz can't see the harm in it; after all, when have the consequences of my actions ever affected *me*. Perhaps this one time... You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/10/13/78-peroz-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-10-131h 10

So You Think You Can Rule Persia77. Hormizd IIILeaving the succession up to the nobles is often a bad idea and today we find out how bad the consequences can possibly be. Join us for a fratricidal war, a disappointed mom, and a thundering of hooves. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/10/06/77-hormizd-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-10-0639 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia76. Yazdegerd IIThe middle Yazdegerd of the bunch pops up with a stable succession and an empire doing reasonably well. In his reign, he'll try to handle Armenia, the nobles, and deal with some new rumblings in the east. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/09/22/76-yazdegerd-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-09-2256 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia75. Bahram V GurThe civil war is over so let's meet the king that survived. This Bahram here has an epithet and it's a cool one to boot! Tune in to learn about hunting, epic poems, and bid a fond farewell to Armenia. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/09/16/75-bahram-v-gur/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-09-151h 04

So You Think You Can Rule Persia74. Khosrow the UsurperStarting out with an inauspicious name is Khosrow the Usurper who doesn't even get a number! However, you will be happy to hear that there's a story about usurpation, puppets, and extreme violence towards lions. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/09/08/74-khosrow-the-usurper/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-09-0831 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia73. Shapur IVOur previous good king for a while has been murdered by nobles so now we have to deal with the succession. Shapur is already king of Armenia so everything will be easy for him right? Right?? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/73-shapur-iv/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-09-0133 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia72. Yazdegerd IWelcome the first Yazdegerd of the lot! He'll actually try his best to improve things: peace, religious toleration, a sensible government. He must be stopped before things go too well, and the nobles know a guy... You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/72-yazdegerd-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-08-111h 10

So You Think You Can Rule Persia71. Bahram IVMurder and betrayal abound in Iran but will a new Bahram manage to fix it all? Not likely but hey, we get to talk about a story Attila the Hun told at a dinner party this one time. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/07/14/71-bahram-iv/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-07-1432 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia70. Shapur IIIShapur III carries an important name that gave us two greats, will he be up for the challenge? He'll face another situation in Armenia, nomads in the east, and complaints about tent manufacturing. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/07/07/70-shapur-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-07-0741 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia69. Ardashir IIAfter the long successful reign of Shapur II, we get a caretaker king to rule until the heir comes of age. Will he actually give up power? Will Shapur's legacy collapse? Join to find out. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/69-ardashir-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-06-2349 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia68.2 Shapur II the PeacemakerShapur has made a name for himself in his first decades of life but now he must face Julian the Apostate and end the war with Rome. Find out here how he fares and what legacy he will leave behind You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/06/09/68-shapur-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-06-161h 33

So You Think You Can Rule Persia68.1 Shapur II Dhu'l-AktafCrowned before even being born, Shapur has a difficult life ahead of him with raids from without and treacherous nobles from within. But despite all of that, he gets two episodes, join us to discover how. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/06/09/68-shapur-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-06-091h 17

So You Think You Can Rule Persia67. Adur NarsehOur last king was murdered for daring to make things better but now his son is in charge! Will he succeed? Probably not. But join us for the introduction of the youngest ruler in history. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/06/02/67-adur-narseh/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-06-0230 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia66. Hormizd IIAfter humiliation at the hands of Rome, Narseh's branch of the dynasty continues under Hormizd who wants to get everything back on track. Also, it's time to meet our new recurring friends, the Arabs. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/05/19/66-hormizd-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-05-1943 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia65. NarsehWe're finally out of Bahrams and the promised heir is here, will Narseh live up to his reputation now that he's king of kings? Join us for a quest for legitimacy, an internal reform, and a rematch with Rome. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/05/05/65-narseh/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-05-051h 13

So You Think You Can Rule Persia64. Bahram IIIThird Bahram of the list, will he be lucky? Or is he going to be brutally overthrown by great-uncle Narseh? The nobles and religious establishment have a big decision before them, let's hope they choose right. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/04/21/64-bahram-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-04-2143 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia63. Bahram IIThis newest Bahram comes highly recommended by his father and the religious establishment, anyone else? Not really. Oh and this comes at a time when all the Sassanid neighbors are in turmoil? Excellent. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/04/14/63-bahram-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-04-1449 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia62. Bahram IBahram was never meant to be king of kings, but now he's finally gotten the job thanks to good old-fashioned corruption. Will he herald a new golden age? No. Will he commit some atrocities? You can bet on it. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/04/07/62-bahram-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-04-0748 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia61. Hormizd IAfter Shapur's exhaustive succession plan, we have Hormizd on the throne at last. Will he live up to his famous father and grandfather? Join us for Kartir, Mani, and a questionable end. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/03/17/61-hormizd-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-03-1753 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia60. Shapur IThe Sassanids have started strong and now Shapur has stepped up to the throne. In a lifetime full of action, he's going to make sure to treat the empire's fatigue with some very fine Valerian. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/03/03/60-shapur-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-03-031h 30

So You Think You Can Rule Persia59. Ardashir I the GreatA new dawn rises from Persia as Ardashir founds his dynasty. How will the empire change with this new management? Will the Sassanids follow in the Arsacids' footsteps or will they choose to change things up a bit? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/02/18/59-ardashir-i-the-great/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-02-181h 27

So You Think You Can Rule Persia58.5 Plumas on MazdayasnaToday we welcome back our Queen of Queens! Plumas is back again to talk to us about Madayazna, Zoroastrianism, and much more now that we'll be heading into the new world of the Sassanid Empire. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/02/11/58-5-plumas/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-02-111h 23

So You Think You Can Rule Persia58. Vologases VIThe empire is not in a good place, it sorely needs an injection of energy and competence to survive. Enter Vologases, will he manage to overcome rebellions and an ambitious brother to triumph? Wait, who's this Ardashir fellow? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/02/04/58-vologases-vi/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-02-0435 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia57. Vologases VThe previous Vologases managed to keep the empire stable for a good few decades. Now his son has the customary Roman invasion to deal with but there are concerning stirrings of revolt from Persia, where will this go? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/01/22/57-vologases-v/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-01-2149 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia56. Vologases IVAfter a tumultuous reign, a new Vologases has taken over Parthia and starteed a new branch of the dynasty. He will now have to deal with more Roman trouble, a devastating plague and...stability maybe? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/01/14/56-vologases-iv/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-01-141h 06

So You Think You Can Rule Persia55. Vologases IIIParthia is split between east and west, the Kushans are ravaging the east and Trajan is getting ready to set the west alight. Will the empire survive? Is Vologases the man for the job? Seems unlikely. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2024/01/07/55-vologases-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2024-01-0754 min

PONTIFACTS: Ranking the PopesBonus: The Night Before Popemas ft. Umberto of So You Think You Can Rule PersiaFor the holidays, we've brought you a special popey surprise! But we cannot take any of the credit for this - this poem was written and performed by Umberto Molinatti of the 'So You Think You Can Rule Persia?', a podcast rating and reviewing all the kings of Persia from Deioces to Yazdegerd III. It was simply too perfect not to share. Thank you Umberto! Find So You Think You Can Rule Persia?: https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/ https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.podbean.com/ 2023-12-2404 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia54. Pacorus IIThe empire is back on its feet and ready for a great century, only something absolutely catastrophic could stop us now. To shreds you say? What about our defenses against the Romans? To shreds you say? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/12/17/54-pacorus-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-12-1749 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia53. Vologases IVologases has become king after decades of political instabilty but he has a plan to fix it. All it will take is fighting the Kushans, internal rebels, and dueling emperor Nero over control of Armenia. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/12/10/53-vologases-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-12-101h 19

So You Think You Can Rule Persia52. Vonones IIThis random old man has become king of kings thanks to the nobles. How well will he do now? Oh look, he has a son called Vologases, I wonder if he'll be important... You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/11/19/52-vonones-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-11-1927 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia51. Gotarzes IIGotarzes managed to win the throne with a lot of noble scheming and a little bit of fratricide but can he hold it all together? Join us for Karens, Emperor Claudius, and the importance of choosing a good spot for your relief. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/11/12/51-gotarzes-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-11-1245 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia50. Vardanes IArtabanus managed to stabilize the empire somewhat but dealt with his fair share of civil wars, his son Vardanes will follow in his father's footsteps on both accounts. Oh, also Caligula will mess up Armenia for us. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/11/05/50-vardanes-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-11-0542 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia49. Artabanus IIIThe nobles have chosen candidate number three and it looks like he might actually make it. Our third Artabanus has a plan to stabilize the empire, solve Armenia, and make new friends. Will he succeed? Here's the link to the Intelligent Speech tickets!! https://intelligentspeechonline.com/event/intelligent-speech-conference-2023/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/10/22/49-artabanus-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-10-221h 09

So You Think You Can Rule Persia48. Vonones IAfter an underwhelming first choice, the nobles have chosen one of the exiled heirs to come home and rule them. How did over a decade in Rome influence Vonones? Join us for news from the west, meddling nobles, and Armenia. Here's the link to the Intelligent Speech tickets!! https://intelligentspeechonline.com/event/intelligent-speech-conference-2023/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/10/08/48-vonones-i/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-10-0847 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia47. Orodes IIIOur dear queen has been ousted so who does the nobility think can do a better job? Meet Orodes, a distant member of the Arsacid dynasty who is suddenly thrust into a role he did not expect. Here's the link to the Intelligent Speech tickets!! https://intelligentspeechonline.com/event/intelligent-speech-conference-2023/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/10/01/47-orodes-iii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-10-0129 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia46. MusaShe's finally here! The first of three women to ever rule Iran and she made her way from slave all the way to queen and beyond. But now that she's in control, how will she deal with the Romans and the tenuous power she has gained? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/09/17/46-musa/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-09-171h 11

So You Think You Can Rule Persia45. Phraates IVChosen to be king just because he was next in line, will Phraates learn quickly on the job? Join us for the end of the Roman Republic, civil wars, and a look behind the curtain of Augustus' boasts. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/08/13/45-phraates-iv/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-08-131h 24

So You Think You Can Rule Persia44. Orodes IIThe recent civil war has weakened the empire but Orodes has no time to relax, the reckoning with Rome has come at last and our new king must face it head-on. Get ready for the showdown you've been waiting for: Surena, Crassus, Carrhae. Here's the link to the Intelligent Speech tickets!! https://intelligentspeechonline.com/event/intelligent-speech-conference-2023/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/07/23/44-orodes-ii/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-07-231h 20

So You Think You Can Rule Persia43. Mithridates IVWe start on a parricide and a new Mithridates taking the throne, will he live up to his illustrious namesakes or will he be marred by strife both internal and foreign? Also, be prepared for the first introduction of the famous Surena. Here's the link to the Intelligent Speech tickets!! https://intelligentspeechonline.com/event/intelligent-speech-conference-2023/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/07/16/43-mithridates-iv/ Here's the link to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia 2023-07-1652 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia42. Phraates IIIAfter Sinatruces calmed the waters, it's time for Phraates to muddy them up again as the Roman wolf's jaws close on Asia. Join us for the epilogue of the Pontic and Armenian Empires and the birth of a beautiful rivalry. Here's the link to our brand new Patreon!! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/07/09/42-phraates-iii/ 2023-07-091h 00

So You Think You Can Rule Persia41. SinatrucesSinatruces has been waiting for his shot for decades and at last he can sit himself on the throne of Parthia. And did we mention he has a good hat? Come along for our power grandpa and for a surprisingly good run. Here's the link to our brand new Patreon!! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/07/02/41-sinatruces/ 2023-07-0247 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia40. Orodes IWell, here we are, the deepest part of the Parthian Dark Age. Mysteries abound as Orodes inherits a still-burning civil war but we know very little about it. On the other hand, we know plenty about Rome sticking its fingers in the Asian pie for the first time. Here's the link to our brand new Patreon!! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/06/25/40-orodes-i/ 2023-06-2533 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia39. Gotarzes IAt last, we have some prosperity for the empire and the wider region, will Gotarzes be able to take advantage of the situation or squander it? Join us for a look at Armenia and the fatal flaw of the Parthian Empire. Here's the link to our brand new Patreon!! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/06/15/39-gotarzes-i/ 2023-06-1549 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia38. Mithridates II the GreatThe empire is at rock bottom, the east is in shambles and the west is on fire, who will save us now? Mithridates is going to give it a go. In today's episode, discover what made Parthia the Parthia we know and love, not only that but get ready for introductions to our western and eastern neighbors. Here's the link to our brand new Patreon!! www.patreon.com/soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/06/04/38-mithridates-ii-the-great/ 2023-06-041h 07

So You Think You Can Rule Persia29. Antiochus IV EpiphanesSo he's had his nephew killed, married his sister, and usurped the throne, a strong start for a Hellenistic ruler, but can he do more? Tune in for an Egyptian war, Roman drama, and the origins of Hanukkah. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/03/12/29-antiochus-iv-epiphanes/ 2023-03-121h 14

So You Think You Can Rule Persia28. Antiochus the ChildThe death of Seleucus IV has caused a bit of a crisis in the empire. The five-year-old Antiochus is now thrust into the limelight. Will he be a good child king? Or is he just going to follow the footsteps of Alexander IV? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/02/26/28-antiochus-the-child/ For tickets to our live event with History of Persia go to moment.co/historyofpersia 2023-02-2641 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia27. Seleucus IV PhilopatorThe empire is reeling from the death of Antiochus the Great and his son Seleucus now in charge. He will have to stabilize the empire from within and find foreign allies, that and deal with the Romans. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/02/19/27-seleucus-iv-philopator/ For tickets to our live event with History of Persia go to moment.co/historyofpersia 2023-02-1944 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia26. Antiochus III the GreatEverything is on fire, there's only one Seleucid left and it's eighteen-year-old Antiochus III, but he has a plan. He just needs to fight meddling regents, the East, the Ptolemies, and the West. Oh, and the Roman wolf is about to devour Carthage... You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/02/12/26-antiochus-iii-the-great/ 2023-02-122h 03

So You Think You Can Rule Persia25. Seleucus III CeraunusFrom the smoldering ashes of the empire rises a new young dynamic king. Seleucus III has one task in mind and that is retaking Anatolia once and for all. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/02/05/25-seleucus-iii-ceraunus/ 2023-02-0539 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia24. Seleucus II CallinicusSo Antiochus II left a right mess and now his three sons are going to have to figure out who gets to succeed. Follow Seleucus II as he balances the concerns of his own family with the Ptolemies while the thundering of hoofs makes itself heard in the east. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/01/29/24-seleucus-ii-callinicus/ 2023-01-291h 01

So You Think You Can Rule Persia23. Antiochus II TheosHe wasn't meant to be king in the first place but there aren't many options left so it'll have to be Antiochus II. How will he deal with the Ptolemies? Will plan a better succession than his father? Tune in to find out. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/01/22/23-antiochus-ii-theos/ 2023-01-2249 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia22. Antiochus I SoterAfter Seleucus getting so so close to a complete victory, his son Antiochus is here to pick up the pieces. Join us for a look at this new empire after the founder is gone and the first of those Syrian Wars there are so many of. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2023/01/15/22-antiochus-i-soter/ 2023-01-151h 17

So You Think You Can Rule Persia21. Seleucus I NikatorEverything has been collapsing since Alexander came through and there is no true heir left, now what? In comes Seleucus, last of the successors to make a name for himself. Will we have peace at last? Tune in to find out. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/12/19/21-seleucus-i-nikator/ 2022-12-191h 41

So You Think You Can Rule Persia20. Alexander IVSo it's the second civil war in half a decade and one of the kings is dead. Is stability around the corner? Is a child king just what the empire needs? Tune in to find out what happens to the empire we so carefully grew over the last 400 years. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/12/11/20-alexander-iv/ 2022-12-1154 min

The Hellenistic Age Podcast081: Hellenistic Literature - Theocritus and Bucolic PoetryRather than writing tales of gods and heroes or flattering court panegyrics, the poet Theocritus of Syracuse (early second century B.C.) chose to focus on the simple life. As the founder of "Bucolic" or pastoral poetry, Theocritus cast the humble shepherd as the main subject, using idyllic scenes from the ancient countryside to illuminate his poems in a fashion that would be emulated by later artists such as Virgil. Episode Notes: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/2022/12/10/081-hellenistic-literature-theocritus-and-bucolic-poetry/) Episode Transcript: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.files.wordpress.com/2022/12/081-hellenistic-literature-theocritus-and-bucolic-poetry.pdf) So You Think You Can Rule Persia?: Website (https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/) Twitter (https...2022-12-1116 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia19. Philip III ArrhidaeusAlexander is dead and now the empire is left without a successor, or is it? Find out who Philip Arrhidaeus is and how he'll deal with ambitious generals when possession of the known world is in the balance. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/19-philip-iii-arrhidaeus/ 2022-12-041h 11

So You Think You Can Rule Persia18.2 Alexander the Great, King of PersiaAlexander is now king of kings and ruler of Persia but he's not done yet, the ends of the Earth are still outside his grasp. Listen for unbridled ambition, an attempt at conciliation, and the dawn of a new age. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/11/13/18-alexander-the-great/ 2022-11-271h 46

So You Think You Can Rule Persia18.1 Alexander the Great, King of MacedonWoe onto the people of Asia, a great scourge is coming and its name is Alexander! Join us for Alexander's early life all the way to his conquest of Persia as the Achaemenid Empire is reduced to rubble. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/11/13/18-alexander-the-great/ 2022-11-131h 46

So You Think You Can Rule Persia17. Darius III CodomannusDarius III inherits an empire in a crisis of legitimacy under the thumb of a powerful puppet-master. The internal situation is worrying but at least the borders are secure...right? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/10/30/17-darius-iii-codomannus/ 2022-10-301h 09

So You Think You Can Rule Persia16. Artaxerxes IV ArsesThe empire is back on track! Unfortunately we had a poor change in leadership last time. Let's see if Artaxerxes IV can live up to his father's name and deal with the troublesome Greeks. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/10/09/16-artaxerxes-iv-arses/ 2022-10-0939 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia15. Artaxerxes III OchusWell everything almost collapsed last time so here's hoping for something better. Artaxerxes III has risen to the throne by removing rivals in his family but will he be able to remove those further from home? You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/10/02/15-artaxerxes-iii-ochus/ 2022-10-021h 01

So You Think You Can Rule Persia14. Artaxerxes II MnemonOur first regular succession in a while! See how Artaxerxes II manages to start out his reign with Parysatis actively rooting against him. Join us also for meddling Greeks and more than one serious crisis for the empire You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/09/25/14-artaxerxes-ii-mnemon/ 2022-09-251h 41

So You Think You Can Rule Persia13. Darius II OchusWell it's been a long succession crisis and Darius thinks he's the one to end it. Tune in to find out if he makes it, what the Greeks are up to and why Parysatis is a terrifying force of nature. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/09/11/darius-ii-ochus/ 2022-09-111h 03

So You Think You Can Rule Persia12.5 PlumasWe have a special treat for you today! In place of a King you have a Queen! You'll all love her and despair! It's Plumas! She's an actual historian and will tell us ALL about her Achaemenid thoughts. You can find her here! https://twitter.com/PlumasDeSimurgh https://www.twitch.tv/lasplumasdesimurgh https://www.instagram.com/plumasdesimurgh/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9A0WHlQOb5s8VOj63435Rg https://www.patreon.com/lasplumasdesimurgh You can find all the links and images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/09/04/12-5...2022-09-041h 45

So You Think You Can Rule Persia12. SogdianusWell Xerxes II didn't last long... Let's see how Sogdianus does, after all, there's a whole empire to look after and plenty of opportunities. Tune in for all that and some information about women in the empire, including a certain Parysatis You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/08/28/12-sogdianus/ 2022-08-2844 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia11. Xerxes IIWelcome to the story of the other Xerxes, the one that didn't invade Greece. Join us for a look into the education of a prince and a cautionary tale about partying too hard You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/08/21/11-xerxes-ii/ 2022-08-2135 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia10. Artaxerxes I MacrocheirThe period known to most through Herodotus is now over and it's time to meet some interesting people while the Greeks are off doing their thing. Find out what happens in the aftermath of a palace coup and how young Artaxerxes will do what he can to hold everything together. Link to the lion hunt video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNWPKUaWJeo Link to Nobelesse Oblige https://nobelesseoblige.buzzsprout.com/ You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/08/14/10-artaxerxes-i-macrocheir/ 2022-08-141h 15

So You Think You Can Rule Persia9. Xerxes IDarius is gone and his son Xerxes has inherited a golden age. What will he do with it? His dad still left him some homework but there's so much cool stuff to do in the empire. Tune in to find out how Xerxes balances the two and say a fond farewell to Herodotus You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/08/07/xerxes-i/ 2022-08-071h 40

So You Think You Can Rule Persia8. Darius I the GreatThe usurper/legitimate ruler is dead! Now what? Well, our friend Darius is going to be very busy throughout his life, sometimes by choice and sometimes by circumstance. Join us for a hefty episode filled with intrigue, war, and a first look at the barbarians in the West You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/07/31/8-darius-i-the-great/ 2022-07-311h 49

So You Think You Can Rule Persia7. BardiyaWait, didn't he die last episode? Who is this guy? He says he's Cyrus' son but can we really trust him? Join us for a murder mystery, a cool action scene, and a look into why Herodotus didn't give us the most scandalous story this time You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/07/24/7-bardiya/ 2022-07-2453 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia6. Cambyses IICyrus is gone and has left some pretty big shoes to fill, but there is plenty of world left to conquer for Cambyses. But, what's this? The sources aren't reliable? Do we at least get some good stories? Oh thank goodness for Herodotus… You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/07/17/6-cambyses-ii/ 2022-07-171h 18

So You Think You Can Rule Persia5. Cyrus II the GreatOur first great! The child of destiny is all grown up and what was that prophecy about conquering all of Asia? At long last we have our first Persian king and it's going to be a wild ride. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/07/10/cyrus-ii-the-great/ And here is the link to the interview we mention! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY703YsXobQ 2022-07-101h 39

So You Think You Can Rule Persia4. AstyagesAstyages is handed a large and prospering empire safe from external threats. Is there a way to mess this up or are we in for some smooth sailing? Listen as we wrestle with dreams, prophecies, and a teeny tiny bit of actual facts. You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/07/03/4-astyages/ 2022-07-0358 min

So You Think You Can Rule Persia3. CyaxaresAfter the untimely death of Phraortes, it's time to move into plan B for Media and that comes in the person of Cyaxares. Join us for the first ruler we are sure existed and actual details about people and battles! Wild, I know! You can find all the images on our website! https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/2022/06/26/cyaxares/ 2022-06-261h 07