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Hardcore History #43-47
Wrath of the Khans
I - In one of the most violent outbursts in history a little-known tribe of Eurasian nomads breaks upon the great societies of the Old World like a human tsunami. It may have ushered in the modern era, but at what cost?
II - The Mongol leader Genghis Khan displays an unmatched level of strategic genius while moving against both Northern China and the Eastern Islamic world. Both civilizations are left stunned and millions are slaughtered.
III - The expansion of Genghis Khan’s conquests continue, with locations as far apart as Europe and China feeling the bloody effects of Mongol warfare and retribution. Can anything halt the carnage?
IV - The death of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, should have slowed the momentum of Mongol conquests, but instead it accelerated it. This time though, all of Europe is on the Mongol hit list.
V - Succession issues weaken the Mongol Empire as the grandchildren of Genghis Khan fight over their imperial inheritance. This doesn’t stop them from dealing out pain, suffering, and ironically good governance while doing so.
II - The Mongol leader Genghis Khan displays an unmatched level of strategic genius while moving against both Northern China and the Eastern Islamic world. Both civilizations are left stunned and millions are slaughtered.
III - The expansion of Genghis Khan’s conquests continue, with locations as far apart as Europe and China feeling the bloody effects of Mongol warfare and retribution. Can anything halt the carnage?
IV - The death of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, should have slowed the momentum of Mongol conquests, but instead it accelerated it. This time though, all of Europe is on the Mongol hit list.
V - Succession issues weaken the Mongol Empire as the grandchildren of Genghis Khan fight over their imperial inheritance. This doesn’t stop them from dealing out pain, suffering, and ironically good governance while doing so.
Audiobook
First published June 13, 2012
About the author
Dan Carlin
84 books1,364 followersDan Carlin is an American political commentator, amateur historian, and podcaster. Once a professional radio host, Carlin eventually took his show to the Internet, and he now hosts two popular independent podcasts: Common Sense and Hardcore History. Carlin broke into the television news business in Los Angeles in the late 1980s. He has worked as a television news reporter, an author, a columnist, and for the last dozen years, a radio talk show host. No longer broadcasting on terrestrial radio, Carlin has achieved recognition in internet radio, podcasting, and the blogosphere. Currently, he hosts two popular podcasts, both of which are frequently among the highest-ranked podcasts on review sites such as Podcastalley and iTunes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 12, 2018
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcasts are among the best out there. The Wrath of Kahn series about the Mongol Empire and its impact on world history is one of his best. Don't miss this one!
June 7, 2024
Mongol history was not really a part of my world history class and yet, 1200s had such an enormous impact on the development of the Asian continent.
This is an excellent series but now I need more details!
This is an excellent series but now I need more details!
February 29, 2020
Carlin in top form here. What an amazing and horrifying story. Dan balances these two emotions expertly, and tells the story as only he can.
May 10, 2021
Look who's back. Asia conqueror Ghenghis Khan and his horses. I started Hardcore history long ago, but now revisited in the lockdown, because I did not have anything better to listen. So few reddit posts later, I found myself listening to this massive podcasts, and it has swept me away.
Theater of mind: this is the best material that made me imagine the total landscapes, attires, battles, even emotions while the mongol emperors' letters were read out.
Dan Carlin is one of the best narrators, and this never gets boring, you can listen to this without getting tired for 5 hours straight.
Recommended to history lovers. I will re-listen to this again. Now moving on to the next multi-part series.
Theater of mind: this is the best material that made me imagine the total landscapes, attires, battles, even emotions while the mongol emperors' letters were read out.
Dan Carlin is one of the best narrators, and this never gets boring, you can listen to this without getting tired for 5 hours straight.
Recommended to history lovers. I will re-listen to this again. Now moving on to the next multi-part series.
July 4, 2018
Það gerist ekki mikið betra en þetta.
October 25, 2019
Dan Carlin at his best. After I listened to the second episode of this series it was very difficult to stop.
I'm a bit disappointed there wasn't more about Kublai Khan, but I understand he was discussed in many other places. I enjoyed the Extra chapter focused on military history. The series looped nicely back around to the second episode - Guns and Horses.
Information that especially stuck with me:
- Mongol fighting tactics
- Historical arsonists
- Diplomacy used as a sword
- Europe being saved by the death of the second great Khan
- Bundle of arrows
- Efficient extinction
- The Pope's letter to the Mongols. WTF?
- Discussion on the steps of history - villain, apologists, center
I'm a bit disappointed there wasn't more about Kublai Khan, but I understand he was discussed in many other places. I enjoyed the Extra chapter focused on military history. The series looped nicely back around to the second episode - Guns and Horses.
Information that especially stuck with me:
- Mongol fighting tactics
- Historical arsonists
- Diplomacy used as a sword
- Europe being saved by the death of the second great Khan
- Bundle of arrows
- Efficient extinction
- The Pope's letter to the Mongols. WTF?
- Discussion on the steps of history - villain, apologists, center
January 30, 2019
Gets "ranty" in places but it's understandable. In my view, such an unstable but powerful empire, conquering so many established cultures and empires, lead to a reset and an atomization that favored lesser forces and the creation of many other future nations that otherwise wouldn't have gotten enough power to free themselves. And that includes my nation (I had an epiphany of that when Carlin speaks about the cuman persecution in the kingdom of Hungary coupled with the theory of a romanian historian, Neagu Djuvara, that Basarab the I-st was a cuman).
Thank you Subutai for defeating the army of Bela the 4th, I guess.
Thank you Subutai for defeating the army of Bela the 4th, I guess.
April 21, 2018
Wow. Mongols were a force of nature and Genghis Khan was a brilliant military genius.
Dan Carlin does a great job with his deep exciting narrative.
Dan Carlin does a great job with his deep exciting narrative.
August 22, 2021
An interesting look at the rise of the Mongol empire with a heavy subplot on on how historical revisionism is still subject to human trends and biases and how today's Hitler isn't all that different from the past Alexander the Great.
The further we get from the tragedy and horror of the past the more we allow ourselves the luxury to focus on on the side benefits that arose from it because those who paid the bill aren't around to enjoy the goods.
One example of this is that the Holocaust clearly played a large part in the creation of the nation of Israel. A self-determined homeland for the Jewish people that had been sought after for thousands of years.
It is still socially and culturally untenable to say to Holocaust survivors and their families that a pleasant upside of the Nazi regime was that the Jews finally got their own country out of it.
Give it 500 years. When all of these people are consigned to history and orange around to to be outraged, suddenly it is a lot easier to make this argument without fear of social castigation.
This is effectively what is happening when people in the last 30 years have begun praising Genghis Khan for his religious tolerance, opening of trade routes, and positive environmental effects by culling tens of millions of people.
The author covers the campaigns of Genghis Khan and finishes with the election of kublai Khan. One consistent through line is the complete fear and inability to cope that comes with people who try to face off against the Mongols.
It is an interesting story in how the author really pushes the idea of the human cost of war and how that tends to get forgotten with time. The sheer amount of rape and pillaging that we usually associate with the Mongols is downplayed in the same way we currently have a very Disney focused view of pirates.
We have come to focus on the funny costumes and and silly idiosyncratic things and begin to forget why these groups of people are so feared by their contemporaries.
Airtime is also given to the fact that history really does have wild cards and both the state of Christian Europe and of political Islam in the middle East survives in no small way because of the unfortunate timings of death in the mongol political machine.
Anyone who wants more content on the meta commentary of history as a humanities subject vs history as a scientific subject would really enjoy Carlin's Old School Toughness
I think this series is a really good introduction for anyone who has an interest in Dan Carlin.
The further we get from the tragedy and horror of the past the more we allow ourselves the luxury to focus on on the side benefits that arose from it because those who paid the bill aren't around to enjoy the goods.
One example of this is that the Holocaust clearly played a large part in the creation of the nation of Israel. A self-determined homeland for the Jewish people that had been sought after for thousands of years.
It is still socially and culturally untenable to say to Holocaust survivors and their families that a pleasant upside of the Nazi regime was that the Jews finally got their own country out of it.
Give it 500 years. When all of these people are consigned to history and orange around to to be outraged, suddenly it is a lot easier to make this argument without fear of social castigation.
This is effectively what is happening when people in the last 30 years have begun praising Genghis Khan for his religious tolerance, opening of trade routes, and positive environmental effects by culling tens of millions of people.
The author covers the campaigns of Genghis Khan and finishes with the election of kublai Khan. One consistent through line is the complete fear and inability to cope that comes with people who try to face off against the Mongols.
It is an interesting story in how the author really pushes the idea of the human cost of war and how that tends to get forgotten with time. The sheer amount of rape and pillaging that we usually associate with the Mongols is downplayed in the same way we currently have a very Disney focused view of pirates.
We have come to focus on the funny costumes and and silly idiosyncratic things and begin to forget why these groups of people are so feared by their contemporaries.
Airtime is also given to the fact that history really does have wild cards and both the state of Christian Europe and of political Islam in the middle East survives in no small way because of the unfortunate timings of death in the mongol political machine.
Anyone who wants more content on the meta commentary of history as a humanities subject vs history as a scientific subject would really enjoy Carlin's Old School Toughness
I think this series is a really good introduction for anyone who has an interest in Dan Carlin.
August 10, 2021
Looking at the big picture while also providing the details and anecdotes.
Being interpretative while also being objective.
And going into real depth without getting the listeners overwhelmed.
Its hard to believe that these can be balanced and balanced so well and that too in a monologue. And so, Dan Carlin has been called the greatest podcaster ever by many.
Recently, had been medically advised to reduce screen time and so decided to tryout Hardcore History which a close friend had been recommending for some time. Right from the beginning, Dan Carlin grasps your attention and doesnt let go, even after 10 hrs as you sit pondering - both on the content and the presentation.
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In 10 hrs, "Wrath of the Khans" details the rise of Chengiz Khan, his battles, strategy, tactics and the long-lasting impact. Also his times have been adequately described and actually the second half has covered his son(s) and grandson(s) too. This in itself would have been enough for a 4/5 rating especially in a podcast. But as I have discovered now, the author is not content to be dispassionate and will also interpret/judge the characters and events. As he says, he is looking at history also as a humanities subject. And while at times repetitive this added a lot to the experience.
Highly recommended.
Being interpretative while also being objective.
And going into real depth without getting the listeners overwhelmed.
Its hard to believe that these can be balanced and balanced so well and that too in a monologue. And so, Dan Carlin has been called the greatest podcaster ever by many.
Recently, had been medically advised to reduce screen time and so decided to tryout Hardcore History which a close friend had been recommending for some time. Right from the beginning, Dan Carlin grasps your attention and doesnt let go, even after 10 hrs as you sit pondering - both on the content and the presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 10 hrs, "Wrath of the Khans" details the rise of Chengiz Khan, his battles, strategy, tactics and the long-lasting impact. Also his times have been adequately described and actually the second half has covered his son(s) and grandson(s) too. This in itself would have been enough for a 4/5 rating especially in a podcast. But as I have discovered now, the author is not content to be dispassionate and will also interpret/judge the characters and events. As he says, he is looking at history also as a humanities subject. And while at times repetitive this added a lot to the experience.
Highly recommended.
September 2, 2018
Uzun süredir Dan Carlin'i ve Hardcore History sesli kitap serisini takip ediyorum. Fırsat buldukça da dinliyorum. İnanılmaz keyifli ve bilgilendirici bir seri. Özellikle bu kitabı Moğolistan'ın başkentine Ulan-Bator'a yaptığım sırada dinledim. Çok etkileyiciydi. Cengiz Han ve Moğol İmparatorluğu'nu alternatif bir şekilde ele alıp inceliyor. Eğer İngilizceniz varsa Dan Carlin'i takip etmenizi ve kitaplarını dinlemenizi tavsiye ederim. Tarihe farklı bir bakış açısı getirirken aynı zamanda bilgi veriyor.
Bu kitabında Cengiz Han ve Moğol İmparatorluğu hakkında; başardıkları, yaptıkları olumlu ve olumsuz şeylerden söz ediyor. Bir imparatorluğun nelerin üzerine kurulduğunu ve Moğolların aslında diğerlerinden tek farkının aynı süreçleri çok kısa sürede ve inanılmaz boyutlarda yapmış olması. Klasik tarihte yer almayan ya da çok az yer alan bazı gerçekler eşliğinde konuyu işliyor.
Bu kitabında Cengiz Han ve Moğol İmparatorluğu hakkında; başardıkları, yaptıkları olumlu ve olumsuz şeylerden söz ediyor. Bir imparatorluğun nelerin üzerine kurulduğunu ve Moğolların aslında diğerlerinden tek farkının aynı süreçleri çok kısa sürede ve inanılmaz boyutlarda yapmış olması. Klasik tarihte yer almayan ya da çok az yer alan bazı gerçekler eşliğinde konuyu işliyor.
June 26, 2024
When Dan Carlin’s “Wrath of the Khans” was released, we sent word for you to take heed. You have not done so, and you send excuses. You may think your knowledge vast, your other books important, but is the brightness of the moon such that it can eclipse the brilliance of the sun? The time for boasts and excuses has passed. If you wish to preserve your line, listen to Carlin's tale and tremble at the might of the Mongol horde he describes, from the time of Genghis Kahn until today. Should you ignore this counsel, should you fancy yourself beyond our reach, know that the fury of our ancestors courses in our veins. We stand ready, our bows strung, our horses feral with impatience. Submit and learn of our glory through Carlin's words or feel the truth of them carved into your flesh. If you do not, let us see what God’s will is.
November 7, 2021
What a beautiful narrative and the power of storytelling! Only Dan Carlin can carry us to the times of the Mongols just by his sheer voice and exceptional gravitas. We are carried to the world which shook in fear of Genghis Khan and his successors, the superior archery and unflinching valour that nearly carries to the summit of the world conquerors and their eventual downfall. I will certainly revisit this several times in the future.
December 30, 2021
Dan Carlin duikt in deze uitgebreide podcast in de wereld van Djenghis Khan en zijn opvolgers. De enorme impact van de nomadische steppenvolkeren op de geschiedenis kan niet onderschat worden, maar het bloedstollende relaas over de Mongoolse horden laat weinig aan de verbeelding over. De enorme wreedheid als afschrikmiddel, het handig gebruik van diplomatie, de aanvankelijke onderschatting van de tegenstanders... het komt allemaal aan bod.
December 27, 2018
Great source for learning about the Khans and the Mongol empire. The strategies they've used, according to what I listened to in the audio episodes, were mainly focused on reconnaissance.
This was also a new kind of taste in historical literature for me. I may come back to Dan Carlin's content later on, history isn't my strong suit or best source of entertainment.
This was also a new kind of taste in historical literature for me. I may come back to Dan Carlin's content later on, history isn't my strong suit or best source of entertainment.
May 11, 2022
4.6/5
Another great series by Dan Carlin. I wish there was more history about to Mongols in the world so a more in-depth look could be made into them. Dan does a good job explaining the Mongols from both perspectives; their empire uniting the eastern world and the amount of people they killed and tortured in the process. Fascinating people and fun to learn about.
Another great series by Dan Carlin. I wish there was more history about to Mongols in the world so a more in-depth look could be made into them. Dan does a good job explaining the Mongols from both perspectives; their empire uniting the eastern world and the amount of people they killed and tortured in the process. Fascinating people and fun to learn about.
February 24, 2018
Who writes the history? that is a good question on understanding the steppes. By different records like the Chinese, the Arabs, the Russians, and the other Europeans, the history of the Mongols are vastly different. So who do we read?
January 6, 2019
Dan Carlin skuffer aldri. Dette må være av det beste han har gjort. Han levendegjør en del av historien jeg hadde liten kunnskap om. Historien om Djengis Khan og hans første etterkommere er spennende og svært blodig, fortalt med en unik entusiasme.
May 19, 2020
This history-series made me fundamentally reassess my views on Humanity. Serious and careful listeners are in for an existential ride though one of the most bloody, and perhaps on the face of it counterintuitively, also most peaceful, periods of history.
July 15, 2020
Dan Carlin is a great storyteller and brings life and perspective to the story of the Khan legacy. I honestly think he could've done 10 episodes to get into greater detail and further explore the impact of the Mongolian conquests on future civilizations. But, this is a great intro!
October 26, 2021
It’s Dan Carlin being Dan Carlin, he has a good voice and can tell a tale well but it becomes what he thinks is interesting and worth telling and what isn’t; and how big and narrow a view that he wants to look at.
The khans are interesting but I wish he had kept going with Kublai
The khans are interesting but I wish he had kept going with Kublai
August 27, 2018
Wow! So much I did not know about the Eurasian step.
November 17, 2018
El mejor trabajo de Dan Carlin en mi opinión.
March 2, 2019
This is one of my favorite historical series. So good.
September 3, 2019
Amazing analysis of the lives and wars of Genghis Khan and the other great Mongol khans.
October 29, 2019
The Hardcore History take on the rise of the Mongol Empire. Good stuff.
March 2, 2020
Full metal history!
March 25, 2020
Absolutely brilliant podcast on the rise of the Khans and the Mongol empire!
December 1, 2020
Dan Carlin at his finest. His ability to convey events and their impacts in such a unique and interesting way explains why he’s so popular.
January 20, 2021
Highly recommended listen to the story of Genghis Khan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews