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Pretending to run away. The oldest trick in the book, if by 'book' you mean 'Old Testament'. Ben Macintyre on one of the earliest recorded instances of military deception (2 of 5).

In the Old Testament of the Bible, Joshua takes the city of Ai for the Israelites by pretending his army is running away. Believing they have routed their enemy, the city's defending fighters give chase to finish the job. Only then does a hidden Israelite attack-force rush into the city to set it ablaze. It is one of the earliest recorded instances of military deception. In episode 2 of his series, historian Ben Macintyre explores how this kind of feint has been a central tenet of military strategy ever since.

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14 minutes

Last on

Tue 30 Mar 202113:45
BBC Radio 4

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Broadcasts

  • Tue 27 Oct 201513:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 30 Mar 202113:45
    BBC Radio 4