Ep 10. Ancient Sieges

In Ancient Top 10 season 1 episode 10, viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most epic siege battles in ancient history. From the siege of Jerusalem in 587 BC to the Mongol siege of Baghdad in 1258 AD, this episode explores the tactics and strategies used by ancient armies to conquer their enemies.

The episode begins with a look at the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC. This siege lasted for more than a year and ultimately resulted in the destruction of the city and the exile of the Jewish people. The episode examines the Babylonian's use of siege towers and battering rams, as well as the defensive tactics employed by the defenders of the city.

Next, the episode explores the siege of Syracuse by the Romans in 214 BC. This was a pivotal battle in the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, and the Romans used innovative tactics to overcome the city's impressive defenses. The episode looks at the Romans' use of siege engines and the ingenious invention of the corvus, a bridge that allowed Roman soldiers to board and take over enemy ships.

Moving forward in time, the episode examines the siege of Masada by the Roman army in 73 AD. This siege was notable for its brutality and the stubborn resistance of the Jewish defenders, who refused to surrender even when defeat seemed inevitable. The episode explores the Roman's use of siege ramps and battering rams, as well as the Jewish defenders' clever use of cisterns and tunnels to survive the siege.

The episode then turns its attention to the siege of Constantinople by the Avars and the Persians in 626 AD. This siege was notable for the use of new military technologies, such as Greek fire, which was a powerful incendiary weapon that could not be extinguished by water. The episode explores the defenses that the Byzantines put in place to withstand the siege, including the use of steam-powered siege engines.

Moving on, the episode explores the Viking siege of Paris in 885 AD. This was one of the most famous Viking raids of the medieval period, and the Vikings used a combination of military prowess and intimidation tactics to lay siege to the city. The episode looks at the Vikings' use of longships and siege towers, as well as their clever use of psychological warfare to break the morale of the defenders.

Next, the episode examines the siege of Antioch during the First Crusade in 1098 AD. This siege was notable for the tenacity of the Crusaders, who endured months of siege and famine before ultimately defeating the defenders of the city. The episode explores the Crusaders' use of siege engines and tunnels, as well as their determination to continue fighting even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Moving forward in time, the episode looks at the Mongol siege of Baghdad in 1258 AD. This siege was notable for its brutality and the Mongols' use of psychological warfare to break the morale of the defenders. The episode explores the Mongols' use of gunpowder and siege engines, as well as the legendary destruction of the city that followed their victory.

The episode then examines the siege of Tenochtitlan by the Spanish in 1521 AD. This siege was notable for the sheer size of the Aztec city and the innovative tactics used by the Spanish to overcome its defenses. The episode explores the Spanish use of siege engines and the construction of several canal systems to surround the city.

Finally, the episode explores the siege of Vienna by the Ottoman Empire in 1683 AD. This siege was notable for the determination of the defenders and the timely arrival of the Polish army, which ultimately saved the city from being conquered. The episode looks at the Ottomans' use of gunpowder and their attempts to tunnel under the city's walls, as well as the heroism and ingenuity of the defenders.

Overall, Ancient Top 10 season 1 episode 10 is a thrilling exploration of some of the most epic siege battles in ancient history. Viewers will be impressed by the tactics and strategies used by ancient armies, as well as the determination and resilience of the defenders who fought against them.