Teach Medieval

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

The Field of Blood: The Battle for Aleppo and the Remaking of the Medieval Middle East

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

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Main theme by Aroshanti

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Why did the Second Crusade fail? (Ep.1: Narrative)

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This episode is part of a mini-series:

Ep.1: Narrative - What's the story of the Second crusade?

ep.2: Analysis - Why did the Second Crusade fail?

Recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

The First Crusade and the Failure of Kerbogha’s Campaign from Mosul to Antioch (March–June 1098): A Re-evaluation

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was the early Islamic response to the crusades? (Ep.2: Later unity)

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:03:50 GMT

The early Islamic response to the First Crusade was deeply disunited, with rivalry, distrust and self-interest undermining all hope of any real cooperation. This lack of unity was a major factor in the Crusaders’ remarkable success, allowing them to seize territory and establish the states of Outremer. In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas Brosset explores the nature and extent of this early disunity before turning to the emergence of key leaders who, in time, managed to coordinate a stronger, more muscular response to the Frankish presence in the Near East.

This episode is one of a two-part mini-series:

Ep.1: How disunited was the response in the early decades?

Ep.2: How and when did unity begin to emerge?

This mini-series was part-inspired by:

Dr Thomas Brosset refers to this work in 'Ep.1: Disunity':

Nicholas Morton: The Field of Blood: The Battle for Aleppo and the Making of the Medieval Middle East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Jonathan Riley-Smith: The Crusades: A History (4th Ed.)

Social media:

Main theme by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was the early Islamic response to the crusades? (Ep.1: Early disunity)

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The early Islamic response to the First Crusade was deeply disunited, with rivalry, distrust and self-interest undermining al hope of any real cooperation. This lack of unity was a major factor in the Crusaders’ remarkable success, allowing them to seize territory and establish the states of Outremer. In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas Brosset explores the nature and extent of this early disunity before turning to the emergence of key leaders who, in time, managed to coordinate a stronger, more muscular response to the Frankish presence in the Near East.

This episode is one of a two-part mini-series:

Ep.1: How disunited was the response in the early decades?

Ep.2: How and when did unity begin to emerge?

This mini-series was part-inspired by:

The First Crusade and the Failure of Kerbogha’s Campaign from Mosul to Antioch (March–June 1098): A Re-evaluation

Dr Thomas Brosset refers to this work in 'Ep.1: Disunity':

Nicholas Morton: The Field of Blood: The Battle for Aleppo and the Making of the Medieval Middle East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Jonathan Riley-Smith: The Crusades: A History (4th Ed.)

Social media:

Main theme by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who were the real Assassins and Templars? (Ep.3: Parallels)

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The Assassins and Templars are two of the most iconic and enigmatic groups associated with the medieval Near East to the point where, even today, myths continue to swirl around their very names and huge entertainment franchises such as Ubisoft's 'Assassin's Creed' are founded on their legacy. But behind the (admittedly thrilling) fantasy, what's the reality? What part did these two groups play in what Dr Steve Tibble has called "the crazy, bloody world of the medieval Near East"?

This episode is one of a three-part mini-series:

Ep.1: Who were the real Assassins?

Ep.2: Who were the real Templars?

Ep.3: What parallels can we see between them?

This mini-series is based on:

Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Further reading:

Jonathan Riley-Smith: The Crusades: A History (4th Ed.)

Social media:

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who were the real Assassins and Templars? (Ep.2: Templars)

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This episode is one of a three-part mini-series:

Ep.1: Who were the real Assassins?

Ep.2: Who were the real Templars?

Ep.3: What parallels can we see between them?

This mini-series is based on:

Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Further reading:

Jonathan Riley-Smith: The Crusades: A History (4th Ed.)

Social media:

Main theme by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who were the real Assassins and Templars? (Ep.1: Assassins)

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This episode is one of a three-part mini-series:

Ep.1: Who were the real Assassins?

Ep.2: Who were the real Templars?

Ep.3: What parallels can we see between them?

This mini-series is based on:

Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Further reading:

Jonathan Riley-Smith: The Crusades: A History (4th Ed.)

Social media:

Main theme by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was the Second Barons' War? (Ep.3: Significance)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:30:00 GMT

It is over 750 years since Simon de Montfort called his 1265 parliament. Is his failed revolution still worth talking about today? Did it even matter at the time?

This episode part of a mini-series:

Ep.1: What were the causes of the Second Barons' War?

Ep.2: What were the events of the Second Barons' War?

Ep.3: What is the significance of the Second Barons' War?

This mini-series is based on:

The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry

Further reading:

Adrian Jobson (ed.): Baronial Reform and Revolution in England 1258-67

David Carpenter: Henry III: The Rise to Power and Personal Rule, 1207-1258

David Carpenter: Henry III: Reform, Rebellion, Civil War, Settlement, 1258-1272

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was the Second Barons' War? (Ep.2: Events)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:25:00 GMT

From 1264 to 1267, Henry III of England was at war with many of his barons. What form did this conflict take? And how, ultimately, did it end?

This episode part of a mini-series:

Ep.1: What were the causes of the Second Barons' War?

Ep.2: What were the events of the Second Barons' War?

Ep.3: What is the significance of the Second Barons' War?

This mini-series is based on:

The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry

Further reading:

Adrian Jobson (ed.): Baronial Reform and Revolution in England 1258-67

David Carpenter: Henry III: The Rise to Power and Personal Rule, 1207-1258

David Carpenter: Henry III: Reform, Rebellion, Civil War, Settlement, 1258-1272

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was the Second Barons' War? (Ep.1: Causes)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT

From 1264 to 1267, Henry III of England was at war with many of his barons. Why? What had gone wrong during Henry's reign to make so many of his barons and bishops so frustrated with his rule?

This episode part of a mini-series:

Ep.1: What were the causes of the Second Barons' War?

Ep.2: What were the events of the Second Barons' War?

Ep.3: What is the significance of the Second Barons' War?

This mini-series is based on:

The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary and the Death of Chivalry

Further reading:

Adrian Jobson (ed.): Baronial Reform and Revolution in England 1258-67

David Carpenter: Henry III: The Rise to Power and Personal Rule, 1207-1258

David Carpenter: Henry III: Reform, Rebellion, Civil War, Settlement, 1258-1272

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How were the crusader states established? (Ep.4: External support)

Fri, 10 May 2024 06:00:58 GMT

In the decades immediately following the First Crusade, an isolated and outnumbered Frankish elite managed to establish four new states in the Levant. How were they able to do this? In this mini-series, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton explores the four main contributory factors. In this final episode, he considers the role played by the states' supporters abroad. Just how significant was it?

This episode is the fourth in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did Muslim disunity play?

Ep.3: What role did political leadership play?

Ep.4: What role did external support play?

This mini-series is based on:

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

Other recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How were the crusader states established? (Ep.3: Political leadership)

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:38:13 GMT

In the decades immediately following the First Crusade, an isolated and outnumbered Frankish elite managed to establish four new states in the Levant. How were they able to do this? In this mini-series, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton explores the four main contributory factors. In this third episode, he considers the role played by the leaders' political decision-making. Just how skilled were they?

This episode is the third in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did Muslim disunity play?

Ep.3: What role did political leadership play?

Ep.4: What role did external support play?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How were the crusader states established? (Ep.2: Muslim disunity)

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 19:36:37 GMT

In the decades following the First Crusade, an isolated and outnumbered Frankish elite managed to establish four new states in the Levant. How were they able to do this? In this mini-series, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton explores the four main contributory factors. In this second episode, he considers the role played by their Muslim opponents’ disunity.

This episode is the second in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did Muslim disunity play?

Ep.3: What role did political skill play?

Ep.4: What role did external support play?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How were the crusader states established? (Ep.1: Military skill)

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:21:23 GMT

In the decades immediately following the First Crusade, an isolated and outnumbered Frankish elite managed to establish four new states in the Levant. How were they able to do this? In this new mini-series, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton explores the four main contributory factors. In this first episode, he considers the role played by the crusaders’ military skill.

This episode is the first in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did Muslim disunity play?

Ep.3: What role did political skill play?

Ep.4: What role did external support play?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the First Crusade succeed? (Ep.4: Muslim disunity)

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:00:01 GMT

The First Crusade 1095-99 was an astonishing success against all the odds. Why? In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas W Smith explores the four main contributory factors one at a time and in substantial depth. In this fourth episode, he considers the part played by divisions within the Muslim world at the time. Did they play a crucial role? Or can they be overplayed?

This episode is the fourth in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did religious fervour play?

Ep.3: What role did Byzantine support play?

Ep.4: What role did Muslim disunity play?

This mini-series is based on:

Curia and Crusade: Pope Honorius III and the Recovery of the Holy Land 1216-27

Other recommended works by Dr Thomas W Smith:

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: The Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the First Crusade succeed? (Ep.3: Byzantine support)

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:04 GMT

The First Crusade 1095-99 was an astonishing success against all the odds. Why? In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas W Smith explores the four main contributory factors one at a time and in substantial depth. In this third episode, he considers the role played by the crusaders’ Byzantine allies. Has their contribution to the crusade’s ultimate success been underplayed?

This episode is the third in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did religious fervour play?

Ep.3: What role did Byzantine support play?

Ep.4: What role did Muslim disunity play?

This mini-series is based on:

Curia and Crusade: Pope Honorius III and the Recovery of the Holy Land 1216-27

Other recommended works by Dr Thomas W Smith:

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: The Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the First Crusade succeed? (Ep.2: Religious fervour)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:17 GMT

The First Crusade 1095-99 was an astonishing success against all the odds. Why? In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas W Smith explores the four main contributory factors one at a time and in substantial depth. In this second episode, he considers the role played by the crusaders’ religious fervour. Just how central was it to their inexorable progress and ultimate victory?

This episode is the second in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did religious fervour play?

Ep.3: What role did Byzantine support play?

Ep.4: What role did Muslim disunity play?

This mini-series is based on:

Curia and Crusade: Pope Honorius III and the Recovery of the Holy Land 1216-27

Other recommended works by Dr Thomas W Smith:

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: The Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the First Crusade succeed? (Ep.1: Military skill)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:00:43 GMT

The First Crusade 1095-99 was an astonishing success against all the odds. Why? In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas W Smith explores the four main contributory factors one at a time and in substantial depth. In this first episode, he considers the role played by the crusaders’ martial prowess. Just how significant was it in their ultimate victory?

This episode is the first in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did religious fervour play?

Ep.3: What role did Byzantine support play?

Ep.4: What role did Muslim disunity play?

This mini-series is based on:

Curia and Crusade: Pope Honorius III and the Recovery of the Holy Land 1216-27

Other recommended works by Dr Thomas W Smith:

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: The Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Threads: Teach Medieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

LinkedIn: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.6: Resisting Saladin)

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:00:52 GMT

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses how the Crusader States desperately tried to cling to survival in the face of the rise of Saladin.

This episode is the sixth in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.5: Targeting Egypt)

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:00:33 GMT

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses how the crusaders tried to capture Fatimid Egypt to their south, arguably their last shot at long-term survival.

This episode is the fifth in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.4: Governing soundly)

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:00:17 GMT

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses how the crusaders tried to secure their states' survival by instituting a pragmatic approach to governance.

This episode is the fourth in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.3: Besieging Aleppo and Damascus)

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:37 GMT

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses how the crusaders tried to increase their states' chances of survival by capturing the inland urban centres of Edessa, Aleppo and Damascus ... with varying degrees of success.

This episode is the third in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.2: Taking the ports)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:44:30 GMT

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses how the crusaders secured their states’ initial survival by capturing the precious ports along the coastline with the help of the Italian city states.

This episode is the second in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.1: Strategic overview)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:41 GMT

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this new mini-series, Dr Steve Tibble explores the strategies that he believes the crusaders consciously formulated and deployed, with varying degrees of success, in order to secure that survival for nearly ninety years.

This episode is the first in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Templars: The knights who made Britain

Music by Aroshanti

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important were the military orders to the crusader states? (Ep.3: British Templars)

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:00:23 GMT

The Templars had a huge presence right across Western Europe and Britain was no exception. In this special episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses the ways in which the Templars in Britain supported the continued survival of Outremer from three thousand miles away on their British estates and explores the thrilling exploits in the Holy Land of a number of identifiable British Templars!

This episode is the third in a mini-series of three. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did the Templars and Hospitallers play?

Ep.2: What role did the Franks’ own tactics and strategy play?

Ep.3: SPECIAL EPISODE: Steve Tibble discusses his new book on the British Templars

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important were the military orders to the crusader states? (Ep.2: Frankish tactics)

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:00:49 GMT

Whilst the Military Orders certainly provided a much need injection of discipline, expertise and professionalism into Outremer’s forces, it would be remiss to discount the Franks’ own contribution to their defence. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble explores some of the tactics and strategies they developed and deployed on the battlefields of the Near East. Was the Franks’ own military skill Outremer’s main means of defence?

This episode is the second in a mini-series of three. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did the Templars and Hospitallers play?

Ep.2: What role did the Franks’ own tactics and strategy play?

Ep.3: SPECIAL EPISODE: Steve Tibble discusses his new book on the British Templars

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Templars: The knights who made Britain

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important were the military orders to the crusader states? (Ep.1: Templars and Hospitallers)

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 00:09:58 GMT

The Templars and the Hospitallers played a huge role in the defence of the Crusader States and thus their survival for two precarious centuries. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble explores the ways in which the Military Orders supported the Franks of Outremer’s efforts through both their martial exploits in the Near East and their economic endeavours in the West. Were the Orders Outremer’s main means of defence?

This episode is the first in a mini-series of three. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did the Templars and Hospitallers play?

Ep.2: What role did the Franks’ own tactics and strategy play?

Ep.3: SPECIAL EPISODE: Steve Tibble discusses his new book on the British Templars

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

Crusader Criminals: The Knights who went Rogue in the Holy Land

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Urban II call the First Crusade? (Ep.3: Religious conviction)

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:00:43 GMT

On 27th November 1095, at a great council he had summoned at Clermont in France, Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade. His motives for doing so have been much debated ever since. In this episode, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton (Nottingham Trent University) explores the role played by Urban’s own religious conviction. Was it the main reason Urban called his crusade?

This episode is the third in a mini-series of three. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did the appeal from Alexios I play?

Ep.2: What role did political ambition play?

Ep.3: What role did religious conviction play?

Recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

The Field of Blood: The Battle for Aleppo and the Remaking of the Medieval Near East

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Urban II call the First Crusade? (Ep.2: Political ambition)

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:55:48 GMT

On 27th November 1095, at a great council he had summoned at Clermont in France, Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade. His motives for doing so have been much debated ever since. In this episode, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton (Nottingham Trent University) explores the role played by Urban’s own political ambition for greater authority and influence both in the Latin West and further afield. Was it the main reason Urban called his crusade?

This episode is the second in a mini-series of three. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did the appeal from Alexios I play?

Ep.2: What role did political ambition play?

Ep.3: What role did religious conviction play?

Recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

The Field of Blood: The Battle for Aleppo and the Remaking of the Medieval Near East

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Urban II call the First Crusade? (Ep.1: Alexios I's appeal)

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:02:39 GMT

On 27th November 1095, at a great council he had summoned at Clermont in France, Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade. His motives for doing so have been much debated ever since. In this episode, Associate Professor Nicholas Morton (Nottingham Trent University) explores the role played by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos’s appeal for aid. Was it the main reason Urban called his crusade?

This episode is the first in a mini-series of three. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did the appeal from Alexios I play?

Ep.2: What role did political ambition play?

Ep.3: What role did religious conviction play?

Recommended works by Associate Professor Nicholas Morton:

The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A military history 1099-1187

The Field of Blood: The Battle for Aleppo and the Remaking of the Medieval Near East

The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Cade's Rebellion? (Ep.6: Review)

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:30:04 GMT

Cade's Rebellion of 1450 was a popular uprising against the government of Henry VI that foreshadowed the Wars of the Roses yet to come. In this fascinating mini-series, Dr James Ross (University of Winchester) explores its causes, events and significance.

The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: Why was there unrest in Kent?

Ep.2: What role did the death of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk play in triggering the rebellion?

Ep.3: What key issues were put forward by Cade and his followers?

Ep.4: How did Henry VI react to the rebellion?

Ep.5: How can Richard, Duke of York be linked to the rebellion?

Ep.6: A review of Cade's Rebellion

Recommended works by Dr James Ross:

John de Vere, Thirteenth Earl of Oxford (1442-1513): 'The Foremost Man of the Kingdom'

Further reading:

Roger Turvey: Lancastrians, Yorkists and the Wars of the Roses 1399-1509

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Cade's Rebellion? (Ep.5: Richard Duke of York's part)

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:30:12 GMT

The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: Why was there unrest in Kent?

Ep.2: What role did the death of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk play in triggering the rebellion?

Ep.3: What key issues were put forward by Cade and his followers?

Ep.4: How did Henry VI react to the rebellion?

Ep.5: How can Richard, Duke of York be linked to the rebellion?

Ep.6: A review of Cade's Rebellion

Recommended works by Dr James Ross:

John de Vere, Thirteenth Earl of Oxford (1442-1513): 'The Foremost Man of the Kingdom'

Further reading:

Roger Turvey: Lancastrians, Yorkists and the Wars of the Roses 1399-1509

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Cade's Rebellion? (Ep.4: Henry VI's response)

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:20:36 GMT

The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: Why was there unrest in Kent?

Ep.2: What role did the death of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk play in triggering the rebellion?

Ep.3: What key issues were put forward by Cade and his followers?

Ep.4: How did Henry VI react to the rebellion?

Ep.5: How can Richard, Duke of York be linked to the rebellion?

Ep.6: A review of Cade's Rebellion

Recommended works by Dr James Ross:

John de Vere, Thirteenth Earl of Oxford (1442-1513): 'The Foremost Man of the Kingdom'

Further reading:

Roger Turvey: Lancastrians, Yorkists and the Wars of the Roses 1399-1509

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Cade's Rebellion? (Ep.3: Rebels' grievances)

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 07:00:46 GMT

The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: Why was there unrest in Kent?

Ep.2: What role did the death of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk play in triggering the rebellion?

Ep.3: What key issues were put forward by Cade and his followers?

Ep.4: How did Henry VI react to the rebellion?

Ep.5: How can Richard, Duke of York be linked to the rebellion?

Ep.6: A review of Cade's Rebellion

Recommended works by Dr James Ross:

John de Vere, Thirteenth Earl of Oxford (1442-1513): 'The Foremost Man of the Kingdom'

Further reading:

Roger Turvey: Lancastrians, Yorkists and the Wars of the Roses 1399-1509

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Cade's Rebellion? (Ep.2: The death of William de la Pole)

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:00:35 GMT

The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: Why was there unrest in Kent?

Ep.2: What role did the death of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk play in triggering the rebellion?

Ep.3: What key issues were put forward by Cade and his followers?

Ep.4: How did Henry VI react to the rebellion?

Ep.5: How can Richard, Duke of York be linked to the rebellion?

Ep.6: A review of Cade's Rebellion

Recommended works by Dr James Ross:

John de Vere, Thirteenth Earl of Oxford (1442-1513): 'The Foremost Man of the Kingdom'

Further reading:

Roger Turvey: Lancastrians, Yorkists and the Wars of the Roses 1399-1509

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was Cade's Rebellion? (Ep.1: Causes)

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 07:00:00 GMT

The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: Why was there unrest in Kent?

Ep.2: What role did the death of William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk play in triggering the rebellion?

Ep.3: What key issues were put forward by Cade and his followers?

Ep.4: How did Henry VI react to the rebellion?

Ep.5: How can Richard, Duke of York be linked to the rebellion?

Ep.6: A review of Cade's Rebellion

Recommended works by Dr James Ross:

John de Vere, Thirteenth Earl of Oxford (1442-1513): 'The Foremost Man of the Kingdom'

Further reading:

Roger Turvey: Lancastrians, Yorkists and the Wars of the Roses 1399-1509

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Alexios I Komnenos call for aid in 1095? (Ep.5: Komnenian Reforms)

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 19:19:17 GMT

The accession of Alexios I Komnenos in 1081 heralded the dawn of what has widely come to be seen as one of the high points of Byzantine history. In this episode, Professor Jonathan Harris (Royal Holloway University of London) discusses the actions Alexios took to deal with the empire’s myriad threats and assesses the degree to which he succeeded in dealing with them.

This episode is the fifth in a mini-series of five. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What happened at the Battle of Manzikert?

Ep.2: What were the internal consequences of the defeat at Manzikert?

Ep.3: What western threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.4: What eastern threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.5: How successful was Alexios I Komnenos in stabilising the Byzantine Empire up to 1095?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Professor Jonathan Harris:

Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium (Second Edition)

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Alexios I Komnenos call for aid in 1095? (Ep.4: Seljuks)

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:00:58 GMT

The collapse of the Byzantine Empire’s authority in Anatolia in the wake of its defeat at Manzikert led to the ascent of a number of Turkish warlords in the region. In this episode, Professor Jonathan Harris (Royal Holloway University of London) explores the threat presented to the empire by men such as Suleyman, Caka, Danishmend Ghazi and Kilij Arslan.

This episode is the fourth in a mini-series of five. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What happened at the Battle of Manzikert?

Ep.2: What were the internal consequences of the defeat at Manzikert?

Ep.3: What western threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.4: What eastern threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.5: How successful was Alexios I Komnenos in stabilising the Byzantine Empire up to 1095?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Professor Jonathan Harris:

Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium (Second Edition)

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Alexios I Komnenos call for aid in 1095? (Ep.3: Normans and Pechenegs)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:16 GMT

The myriad threats to the Byzantine Empire’s stability and security in the late eleventh century didn’t only come from the east. In this episode, Professor Jonathan Harris (Royal Holloway University of London) explores the crises thrown up by the Normans’ conquest of southern Italy and the Pechenegs’ activities in the Balkans.

This episode is the third in a mini-series of five. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What happened at the Battle of Manzikert?

Ep.2: What were the internal consequences of the defeat at Manzikert?

Ep.3: What western threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.4: What eastern threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.5: How successful was Alexios I Komnenos in stabilising the Byzantine Empire up to 1095?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Professor Jonathan Harris:

Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium (Second Edition)

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Alexios I Komnenos call for aid in 1095? (Ep.2: Civil War)

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:00:09 GMT

The Byzantine defeat at the Battle of Manzikert led to ten years of civil war as the Byzantine elites fought amongst themselves whilst the victorious Seljuks seized more and more of Anatolia for themselves. In this episode, Professor Jonathan Harris (Royal Holloway University of London) explores the economic and political fallout from the battle and considers the degree to which the Byzantines themselves can be blamed for the extent of the losses.

This episode is the second in a mini-series of five. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What happened at the Battle of Manzikert?

Ep.2: What were the internal consequences of the defeat at Manzikert?

Ep.3: What western threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.4: What eastern threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.5: How successful was Alexios I Komnenos in stabilising the Byzantine Empire up to 1095?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Professor Jonathan Harris:

Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium (Second Edition)

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

If you would like to keep up to date with all things ‘Teach Medieval’, you can find us on:

Twitter: @TeachMedieval

Instagram: @teachmedieval

Facebook: Teach Medieval

Music by Aroshanti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Alexios I Komnenos call for aid in 1095? (Ep.1: Manzikert)

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 11:21:37 GMT

The Battle of Manzikert, which took place on 26th August 1071, has been identified by historians as the catalyst for a decade of decline in the Byzantine Empire's fortunes in the east. In this episode, Professor Jonathan Harris (Royal Holloway University of London) explores the background to the battle and what happened on that fateful day.

This episode is the first in a mini-series of five. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What happened at the Battle of Manzikert?

Ep.2: What were the internal consequences of the defeat at Manzikert?

Ep.3: What western threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.4: What eastern threats did the Byzantine Empire face?

Ep.5: How successful was Alexios I Komnenos in stabilising the Byzantine Empire up to 1095?

This mini-series is based on:

Other recommended works by Professor Jonathan Harris: