Episode B54 – Efqa

Synopsis:  Monotheism, modern Syria, the world’s first romance story, and the end of the Bloodline.

“The oasis and town of Palmyra owe their existence to the plentiful spring that runs from Jebel Muntar.  This spring dominates a narrow passage in the principal route between the Homs pass and the Euphrates River and is in the heart of the Syrian desert.  The oasis furnishes a resting place between Iraq and Central Syria, and it was a primary stop for caravans plying between the Gulf, Iran, and the Mediterranean.” – Khaled Al-Asaad and Adnan Bounni, Palmyra: History, Monuments & Museum

13 thoughts on “Episode B54 – Efqa

  1. Thanks Vince! Very happy to hear you've been listening so long & enjoying all the series. It's great fun for me, but also hard work, so looking forward to a break. Take care! – Scott C.

  2. I've listened and loved every single one of them. You're top quality – on the same level as Mike Duncan and Dan Carlin. Why aren't sponsors throwing you money?

    1. I know I’m late, working my way through, but wow what an episode that was!
      You do mighty fine work sir, but you surpassed yourself on this one!
      Much gratitude!

      1. That’s probably the single episode I’m most proud of. Thanks very much for the the feedback, take care!

  3. Sorry for the late reply, was off on vacation. To listen in sequence, I recommend getting the episodes off iTunes, Stitcher, or some other podcasting websites or apps. Thanks!

  4. Scott, thank you so much for you’re amazing series and all the hard work you’ve put in to making it so wonderful!

    I discovered your podcast only in February and have binged all the episodes since then, having just listened to this final episode of blood lines. I have to second Stephen’s comment and say you truly are one of the very best podcasters out there. I can’t wait for the next series in The Ancient World or for any other podcast you put out.

    As a final question, what history podcasts do you listen to? I feel like I’ve listened to most of the more well known ones and would love to know of any hidden gems you might recommend.

  5. Scott, thanks for all your work. You've made a really great series. One small question: The world's first romance story? Isn't Greek literature full of earlier love stories? Orpheus and Eurydice, for example?

  6. Thanks! To be more precise, Iamblichus is commonly regarded as the first "romance novelist," where "romance novel" is defined as one where the primary focus in on the couple's romantic love and which has an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending." Not the first romantic tale per se, but a slightly narrower field 😉 – Scott C.

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