The History of Byzantium

Episode 347 - Trebizond! Part One

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:27:35 GMT

We explore the history of Trebizond under the Grand Komnenoi. Today I cover the period from 1204-1297.

The music for these episodes comes from the brilliant Youtube channel of Farya Faraji. Farya is a musicologist who collaborates with traditional musicians around the world to present music from different cultures on his channel, with an emphasis on authenticity and accurate cultural representation. This track is called Trapezuntine - Epic Byzantine Music. You can buy his music here.

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Episode 346 - What If?

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:30:10 GMT

I tackle your counter factual questions.

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Episode 345 - The Immortal Emperor

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:53:33 GMT

Did you hear that Constantine XI didn't die? That he was taken below ground by an angel and will one day return. We explore all the myths which attached themselves to the final Roman Emperor.

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Episode 344 - Cold Case: Constantine XI

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:20:59 GMT

I investigate the death of the Emperor Constantine XI. What happened to him on the last day of his life?

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Episode 343 - The End of Crusading and the Third Rome

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:31:48 GMT

We look at the reaction to the fall of Constantinople in Venice, Rome and Russia. And briefly discuss those who claimed descent from Constantine XI.

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Intelligent Speech conference this Saturday

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:06:16 GMT

What if Belisarius had accepted the Goths offer and become the Western Roman Emperor in 540AD? This is one scenario I will be discussing on Saturday at the Intelligent Speech Conference. Use the code Byzantium to get 10% off your ticket https://intelligentspeechonline.com/

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Episode 342 - The Roman Diaspora

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:15:32 GMT

We look at the fate of the Roman people after 1453. Many were enslaved while others searched desperately for loved ones. Those who adapted quickly to Ottoman rule could gain great wealth. While some fled to the West.

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Episode 341 - Mehmed and Constantinople

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:31:23 GMT

Mehmed did not make Constantinople his capital straight away. There were political, practical and psychological arguments against it. We talk about these and how the Sultan overcame them.

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Episode 340 - Questions XVII

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:19:04 GMT

We look at all your questions about the siege of 1453. As well as the Palaiologan era in general.

If you want to hear more about Trebizond then check out Byzansimp's Youtube series

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Episode 339 - What Happened Next?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:51:00 GMT

We follow events after the Ottomans broke through the walls of Constantinople. Taking the story up to the Sultans triumphant return to Edirne.

To win the game Seljuk: Byzantium Besieged email me thehistoryofbyzantium at gmail.com before February 28th. See an interview with the creator here.

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Episode 338 - Get Rid of Byzantium with Leonora Neville

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:44:40 GMT

Professor Leonora Neville joins us to make the case for getting rid of the term Byzantium for good. She wants to replace it with a different term and a different understanding of Roman history.

Professor Neville is the John W and Jeanne M Rowe Chair of Byzantine History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She specialises in the 9-12th centuries of the Empire’s history. And her research has focussed on gender, civic religion, and religious aspects of political culture as well as historical memory and historiography.

She has written several excellent books which have been vital to this podcast. Her guide to Byzantine historians is essential reading for students. Her book on Byzantine gender helped direct my episodes on ‘Women in the Roman world’ and her book on provincial authority was extremely helpful in understanding Kekaumenos. She is also a Senior fellow at Dumbarton Oaks and an editor of several book series. Find out more at the University of Madison-Wisconsin website.

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Episode 336 - 10 Influential East Romans with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 2

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:32:26 GMT

As we look back at Byzantium I turned once more to Professor Anthony Kaldellis. I asked him to present a list of ten influential East Romans who were not featured heavily in the political narrative.

Anthony Kaldellis is a Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Chicago. He is the author of over a dozen books on Byzantium including the definitive history (The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium). Find out more here.

Timestamps:

Photios: 0.47 secs - 15m 08s

Michael Psellos: 15m 09s - 31m 25s

Anna Komnene: 31m 26s - 39m 25s

Eustathios of Thessaloniki: 39m 26s - 47m 27s

George Gemistos Plethon: 47m 28s - 1h 07m 22s

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Episode 335 - 10 Influential East Romans with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 1

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:21:51 GMT

As we look back at Byzantium I turned once more to Professor Anthony Kaldellis. I asked him to present a list of ten influential East Romans who were not featured heavily in the political narrative.

Timestamps:

Gregory of Nazianzus: 6m 10s - 21m 12s

John Chrysostom: 21m 12s - 38m 12s

Tribonian: 38m 12s - 52m 40s

Anthemius of Tralles: 52m 40s - 1h 02m

Theodore the Studite: 1h 02m - 1h 15m

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Episode 334 - State Builders from the Steppe with Eric Halsey

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:04:59 GMT

I talk to Eric Halsey about his new book State Builders from the Steppe: A History of the First Bulgarian Empire.

In it he chronicles the rise and fall of the Bulgars as they arrive in the Balkans and forge a state that would be a thorn in the Byzantine side.

I thoroughly recommended the book. It’s well researched, easy to read and it’s nice to hear about a subject so intimately entwined with Byzantine history from a different perspective.

Find the book on Amazon or check out the Bulgarian History podcast where Eric takes the Bulgarian story all the way to the present.

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Episode 333 - The Bachelorhood of Basil II with Mark Masterson

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:44:08 GMT

To mark the 1000th anniversary of his death we revisit the bachelorhood of Basil II.

My guest is Mark Masterson — until recently Associate Professor of Classics at Victoria University of Wellington (retired 2025). His work explores masculinity, desire, and male social bonds in the Roman world.

In his book Between Byzantine Men he discusses an oration written in Basil's day which may shed light on his intimate life.

Find out more about Professor Mark Masterson here and check out his two books on male relationships within the Roman world.

Between Byzantine Men: Desire, Homosociality, and Brotherhood in the Medieval Empire

Routledge (2022)

Man to Man: Desire, Homosociality and Authority in Late-Roman Manhood

The Ohio State University Press. (2014)

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More Patreon Zoom Calls, more podcasts and more thank yous

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:13:44 GMT

More Patreon Zoom Calls, more podcasts and more thank yous

https://www.patreon.com/historyofbyzantium

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What Happens Next

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:49:01 GMT

I talk about what will happen with the podcast next. Send your questions to thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com

This Sunday the 20th July I will be hosting 3 Zoom calls for Patrons at 1, 5 and 9pm UK time. It looks like I will be doing an AMA on Reddit this weekend too. I’ll post the Reddit address on the website as soon as I have it.

If you’d like a History of Byzantium podcast t-shirt to commemorate 13 years of this obscure hobby of yours then go to etsy.com/shop/ImperialWares

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Episode 332 - Not with a Whimper but a Bang

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 19:13:51 GMT

Mehmed II becomes Sultan in 1451 and immediately makes plans to conquer Constantinople.

Period: 1448-53

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Episode 331 - The Last Hope

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:06:42 GMT

John VIII Palaiologos asks the Pope for an Ecumenical Council to reunite the churches. To his surprise the Pontiff says yes and a huge Byzantine contingent travels to Italy.

Period: 1425-48

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Episode 329 - Buying Time

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:04:56 GMT

With the Ottoman civil war raging Manuel II Palaiologos tries to improve the Roman position and ensure his sons succeed him.

Period: 1402-30

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Episode 328 - In the Nick of Timur

Fri, 30 May 2025 18:06:21 GMT

Manuel II Palaiologos refuses to play vassal to Sultan Bayezid. So the Ottomans set up a permanent blockade of New Rome. The siege would last for eight years and only a miracle could save the Romans.

Period: 1391-1402

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Episode 327 - Vassals and Pawns

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:02:07 GMT

John V Palaiologos faces rebellions from his sons and Grandsons. Forcing the Romans to become both Ottomans vassals and the pawns of Venice and Genoa.

Period: 1371-91

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Episode 326 - The Rise of the Ottomans, Part 2

Thu, 15 May 2025 22:39:25 GMT

We look at the details of how the Ottomans ran their state. Including the creation of loyalty to the ruling dynasty, succession policy, military recruitment and slave trading.

Period: 1280-1371

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Episode 325 - The Rise of the Ottomans, Part 1

Fri, 09 May 2025 20:52:15 GMT

We follow the last century of narrative from an Ottoman point of view.

Period: 1280-1371

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Episode 324 - Just Another Beylik

Fri, 02 May 2025 21:39:05 GMT

John V Palaiologos takes charge of the Empire but finds he has only one option left to save his state. He must travel West and beg for Latin help. Meanwhile the Turks conquer Thrace.

Period: 1355-71

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Episode 323 - At Least Things Can’t Get Any Worse

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:46:45 GMT

Finally in sole control of the Empire John Kantakouzenos makes plans to restore the Roman world. His plans come to nothing though as he immediately faces war, invasion and plague.

Period: 1347-55

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Episode 322 - The Worst Civil War, Part 2

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:16:15 GMT

In order to gain the throne John Kantakouzenos destroys what is left of the Roman Empire. He allows the Serbs to conquer Macedonia while his Turkish allies enslave his people.

Period: 1343-47

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Episode 321 - The Worst Civil War, Part 1

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 21:48:38 GMT

Andronikos III Palaiologos died on the 15th June 1341. Four months later his nearest and dearest were at each others throats.

His right hand man John Kantakouzenos declared himself Emperor but was rejected by the people at every turn. Refusing to give up he invited foreign powers to intervene on his behalf.

Period: 1341-43

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Episode 320 - The Last Hurrah

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:46:03 GMT

Andronikos III Palaiologos takes charge of a Roman state still recovering from the loss of Anatolia and the raids of the Catalans.

He takes on the challenge with enthusiasm and tangles with the Turks, Latins and Serbs. He also reunites Epiros and Thessaly with Constantinople.

Period: 1328-41

Check out my episodes on the First Crusade which have been turned into videos by @Empire-Builders

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Episode 319 - Orthodox Questions with Father John Strickland. Part 2

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:44:00 GMT

This is part two of my Q&A with Father John Strickland. We talk about the Protestant reformation, Autocephalous churches and connections to Byzantium amongst other topics.

John is the pastor of an Orthodox Church in Poulsbo in Washington State. He wrote a four-volume series about the history of Christian civilization called Paradise and Utopia. He’s also recorded a podcast of the same name as an accompaniment to the books which you can find wherever you get your podcasts or at www.ancientfaith.com.

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Episode 318 - Orthodox Questions with Father John Strickland. Part 1

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:44:03 GMT

This episode is brought to you by Telepaideia, a collection of live online courses in Latin, Ancient Greek, and the classical humanities offered by The Paideia Institute. Visit www.paideiainstitute.org/telepaideia to browse the course catalogue and register!

It’s my pleasure today to welcome back Father John Strickland to the podcast. Four episodes ago we talked in detail about the Divine Liturgy and its place at the heart of Byzantine life. I put out the call for listeners to ask questions. Particularly those of us not familiar with Orthodoxy or ecclesiastical issues in general. And Father Strickland has kindly returned to answer them.

The questions are wide ranging and so demand thorough answers which Father John provides. So we decided to split them over two episodes. Today we tackle the Orthodox view on salvation and purgatory. As well as the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch and thoughts on the Byzantine understanding of how the divine played a role in daily life. Then we finish with the Orthodox view of Catholicism, Church Union and evangelisation.

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Intelligent Speech conference this Saturday

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:12:12 GMT

This Saturday – the 8th February 2025 is the Intelligent Speech online conference. A gathering of fellow history podcasters. Who will be talking about Deception – lies and forgeries. There are 3 keynote speakers in Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse, Otto English and Wesley Livesay. Along with a host of fun roundtables packed with podcasting talent. I will be on two panels. They are back to back so from 11 am – 1pm Eastern Standard time you will get all the History of Byzantium you need.

I will be on a panel discussing Byzantine deception and playing a game of historical call my bluff. So come and find out how good a liar I am.

Go to intelligentspeechonline.com to find out more. And use the code Sophia. As in Hagia Sophia to get a discount on your ticket.

See you on Saturday.

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Episode 317 - The Byzantine Legacy with David Hendrix

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 20:53:25 GMT

I interview David Hendrix the man behind the incredible website 'The Byzantine Legacy.' It was David who showed me around Istanbul when I first visited in 2018. His website is an amazing resource for anyone who wants to know what survives from Byzantium today.

David is leading a tour of Byzantine Macedonia in September 2025.

Check out the Byzantine Legacy website and Youtube channel. Follow David on Instagram, Facebook and X. And support him at Patreon.

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January 2025 Update

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:19:13 GMT

Happy New Year. I have two interviews coming out shortly for you to enjoy. One with David Hendrix of the Byzantine Legacy website (www.thebyzantinelegacy.com) and a return visit from Father John Strickland to answer more questions about Orthodoxy.

Both those episodes are being sponsored by Telepaideia. a collection of live online courses in Latin, Ancient Greek, and the classical humanities offered by The Paideia Institute. You can take beginner classes in Latin and Ancient Greek. Visit www.paideiainstitute.org/telepaideia to browse the course catalogue and register!

If you’d like to hear me being interviewed about my life and the podcast then check out the Ancient Office Hours podcast (www.theozymandiasproject.com/podcast). Hosted by the charming Lexie Henning it’s a podcast that interviews academics and podcasters about their work in history. And I really enjoyed talking to her.

Finally do get your tickets for the podcast conference Intelligent Speech. I will be live on Saturday 8th February as part of 2 roundtables. Go to intelligentspeechonline.com to find out more.

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Episode 316 - Questions XVI

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:50:09 GMT

We look at listener questions about feudalism, the Catalans, the Armenians and many other topics.

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Episode 315 - Questions XV

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:07:51 GMT

We look at listener questions about Andronikos II. Why was he so useless? Why did no one overthrow him? How poor was the Empire? And many more.

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Ask me anything and Tour Dates

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 14:44:12 GMT

I have another 3 things to tell you.

Tomorrow, as in Sunday 1st December, I will be hosting 3 Zoom Calls for Patrons, where you can ask me anything. This is a reminder for those of you already on Patreon. And if you’re not but want to get on the call then you could just sign up for $1 and join in the conversation.

The calls are at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm in Coordinated Universal Time. Which is essentially the same as Greenwich Mean Time but apparently we don’t want to show off too much about that. Anyway, hopefully you’ll be free then.

Second thing to tell you is that tour dates for 2025 have been provisionally agreed.

They are May 17-26th and Oct 11-20th. The first tour will be in Istanbul for five days before visiting Ephesus and other sites in Western Anatolia. While the October tour will also spend five days in Istanbul before visiting Nicaea and Cappadocia.

Remember these are provisional dates before you ink them into your diary. But they should be made official soon. Email me thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com to get on the mailing list so you can get booking information as soon as it’s available.

Finally you may have a heard an unfamiliar voice introducing this update. That was Kirin Tsang from Frugalflyer.ca. Kirin was on our last tour back in October and has written a review of our journey down Turkey’s west coast for FrugalFlyer.ca. You can read that review at frugalflyer.ca/blog and hear about what it’s like to be on one of our tours.

As the name suggests the folks at Frugalflyer try to help you gather points and rewards so you can travel better and cheaper. They have their own podcast where they share tips and ideas with you. It’s the Miles Ahead podcast so search for Miles Ahead wherever you get your podcasts to find out more.

I look forward to speaking to some of you tomorrow and seeing some of you in 2025.

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Episode 314 - The Divine Liturgy with Father John Strickland

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 19:38:14 GMT

It's time we talked about Orthodoxy in more detail. I ask Father John Strickland to explain the Divine Liturgy, and it's Byzantine origins, to me.

John is the pastor of an Orthodox Church in Poulsbo in Washington State. He has also written a four-volume series about the history of Christian civilization called Paradise and Utopia. And he’s recorded a podcast of the same name as an accompaniment to the books. He also wrote the Making of Holy Russia: The Orthodox Church and Russian Nationalism before the Revolution.

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Episode 313 - A Roman Comic Book with Marco Cappelli

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:05:26 GMT

Marco Cappelli, the man behind the Storia D'Italia podcast, has created a Roman history comic book. Ammianus - the Twilight of an Era tells the story of the incredible change that took place across Italy during the 6th century.

The comic is so good it made me cry. I interview Marco about why he decided to make this and where the inspiration came from.

Get your own copy in Italian, English or Latin! And in physical or digital form here.

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Episode 312 - The Mediterranean in the Crusading era with Nicholas Morton

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:51:53 GMT

Professor Nicholas Morton returns to tell us about developments on the sea during the Crusading era. We discuss why Venice, Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi were able to dominate the waves. And talk about the ships they used and how they fought.

Dr Morton is Associate Professor in Middle Eastern and Global history at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. His new book The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East is available now.

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3 things you might like

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:48:34 GMT

Hello everyone,

Here are 3 podcast-related things you may be interested in.

Roman Graphic Novel

Friend of the show Marco Capelli has made a comic book set in 6th century Italy. It follows two figures that we know about from an Ostrogothic jewellery collection that was discovered in 1938. A Roman Patrician Stephanus who marries a Gothic noblewoman Valatrud. They are subjects of King Theodoric who is trying to create a functioning Gothic-Roman kingdom in Italy. But their union comes shortly before Italy submerges into chaos. And Justinian sends Belisarius out to retake the home peninsula.

You can get your hands on a copy in English or Italian. In paper or in a digital format. Plus loads of other goodies are available from Marco’s Kickstarter campaign.

The Kickstarter ends on October 11th so act now.

Tour of Greece

Lantern Jack, the host of the podcast Ancient Greece Declassified, is leading a tour to Greece.

It’s taking place from January 3rd to the 11th 2025. And it visits every site connected with the famous war between the Persians and the Athenians and Spartans. If you want to go you will visit the Acropolis, the Straits of Salamis, Marathon, Eubeoa, Thermopylae, Delphi, Plataea and you’ll get to try on Hoplite Armour!

Click here to find out more

The History of Byzantium T-Shirts

Finally my new friend Magnus who creates Roman themed merchandise on Etsy has created an actual History of Byzantium podcast t-shirt. Or I should say t-shirts. Branded with the podcast logo you have several to choose from. I’m sure they will light up any occasion you go to with looks of confusion and bewilderment. But I think they look beautiful.

Check them out here. He also has t-shirts and mugs celebrating lesser figures than me – such as Constantine, Justinian, Basil II, Marcus Aurelius and others.

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Episode 311 - The Next Generation

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:24:04 GMT

When Andronikos' son dies he ponders whether to disinherit his Grandson Andronikos III. This prompts two bouts of civil war as the younger generation try to force change on their elders.

Period: 1310-1328

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Episode 310 - The Catalan Company

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:47:07 GMT

Andronikos roles the dice and hires the Catalan Grand Company to fight the Turks. Those who advised the Emperor not to hire them could never have imagined just how badly things would go. Meanwhile Latin forces continue to take Aegean islands for themselves.

Period: 1281-1303

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Episode 309 - Cautious and Weak

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 23:20:41 GMT

We look at Andronikos II Palailogos' domestic arrangements and European wars. After disbanding his fleet to save money the Emperor was repeatedly humiliated by the Venetians. We also look at the Emperor's personality to understand why he was not best suited to the difficult times he lived in.

Period: 1281-1303

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Episode 308 - The Fall of Anatolia

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:27:32 GMT

The arrival of the Mongols in Anatolia would eventually lead to the expulsion of the Romans. Mongol dominance of the plateau sent waves of tribes into Byzantine territory. It was a crisis which the Emperor Andronikos was not equal to.

Period: 1281-1303

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Episode 307 - Healing the Divisions

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:12:24 GMT

The Union of Lyons had unleashed bitter division within Byzantium. We follow Michael and his son Andronikos as they try to make peace with the various factions that had opposed them.

Period: 1281-1310

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Episode 306 - Church Union

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:43:09 GMT

The Pope responds with despair to the news of Constantinople's fall. He calls for a Crusade to restore the Latin position. The man who answers is the brother of the King of France, Charles of Anjou. Michael Palaiologos is willing to do whatever it takes to stop them. This means he must agree to church union.

Period: 1261-82

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Episode 305 - The Return from Exile

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:00:21 GMT

Michael VIII Palaiologos enters the city of Constantine for the first time. He has a lot of work to do to rebuild the city and restore its prestige. He must also navigate a complex diplomatic position which sees his forces in action on five fronts simultaneously.

Period: 1261-5

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Episode 304 - Questions XIV

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:13:03 GMT

We look at listener questions about this period of narrative. Were the Varangian Guard still employed at Nicaea? Had Greek Fire been lost? How many Emperors are actually Saints? Why did Nicaea win? Should they have moved back to Constantinople? Were the Romans Greeks now?

Period: 1204-61

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Episode 303 - Pinch Me

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 22:19:23 GMT

We talk about the challenges which Michael Palaiologos and the Nicaens faced as they prepared to move back to Constantinople.

Period: 1204-61

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Episode 302 - Colonial Occupation

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:12:25 GMT

We talk about the Latin occupied parts of Byzantium. What was life like for the conquered and the conquerors? Was the occupation a colonial enterprise?

Period: 1204-61

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Episode 301 - The Fifth Crusade with Nicholas Morton

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 23:29:12 GMT

Professor Nicholas Morton returns to tell us the story of the Fifth Crusade. To learn more check out his book The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East.

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Episode 300 - The 10 Greatest Byzantine Emperors

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:00:32 GMT

For our 300th episode I decided to do something different. I chose my 10 greatest Byzantine Emperors.

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Episode 299 - Baldwin II with John Giebfried

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:22:07 GMT

With Constantinople back in Roman hands we explore the one vantage point we've ignored: the last Latin Emperor Baldwin II. Dr John Giebfried returns to give us Baldwin's biography.

Period: 1215-61

John completed his PhD in Medieval History at St Louis University in 2015 and has subsequently worked at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Georgia Southern University, East Georgia State College, and since 2022 has been a faculty member at the University of Vienna, where he teaches History and Digital Humanities. His academic work focuses on the Crusades, the Crusader-States, and European interactions with the Mongols.

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Episode 298 - The Providence of God

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:12:31 GMT

Theodore Laskaris II beds down his father's conquests in Europe. But his early death sees his family sidelined by Michael Palaiologos. The new Emperor needs some victories to legitimise his seizure of power and the fates reward him beyond all expectations.

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Episode 297 - The Rise and Rise of Nicaea

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:23:44 GMT

With the Bulgarians and Turks hobbled by the Mongols the field is clear for Nicaea. John Vatatzes annexes a huge swathe of European territory and is widely recognised as the true Roman Emperor.

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Episode 296 - The Mongol Storm with Nicholas Morton

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:15:53 GMT

We talk to Dr Nicholas Morton about the arrival of the Mongols into the Byzantine world. Their confrontation with the Seljuks of Anatolia will have serious consequences.

In it he offers a panoramic account of the Mongol invasions of the Middle East during the thirteenth century, examining these wars from the perspectives of the many different societies impacted by their conquests, including of course Byzantium.

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Episode 295 - The Forgotten Siege

Wed, 22 May 2024 20:13:38 GMT

While Epirus was rising and falling, Nicaea was consolidating. John Vatatzes, the new Emperor, was competent at home and abroad. After years of consolidation he decided to besiege Constantinople. But he didn't act alone he invited an unlikely ally to join him.

Period: 1215-37

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Episode 294 - The Rise and Fall of Epirus

Tue, 14 May 2024 20:37:55 GMT

Theodoros Doukas the leader of the Roman state of Epirus leads his people to ever greater heights in the 1220s. He captures Thessalonica and drives towards Constantinople itself. Doukas declares himself Emperor but does he have the resources necessary to reach the Hagia Sophia?

Period: 1215-30

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Episode 293 - Governing Constantinople with John Giebfried

Wed, 08 May 2024 12:54:53 GMT

Today we look at Constantinople itself. What was the physical state of the city and what was the Latin administration like? Guiding us today is Dr John Giebfried.

Reacting to the Past Games: https://reactingconsortium.org

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Episode 292 - Venice and the Rest of the Empire with John Giebfried

Wed, 01 May 2024 22:29:19 GMT

Today we look at the parts of the Roman Empire we haven't covered so far in the post-siege narrative. This includes Attalia, Trebizond and the multiple acquisitions of Venice. Helping me is Dr John Giebfried from the University of Vienna.

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Episode 291 - Michael Doukas of Epirus

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 22:25:14 GMT

Michael Komnenos Doukas would have had a forgettable career if it wasn't for the chaos which followed Manuel Komnenos' death.

But the twists of fate allowed him to found a new state in Epirus (Western Greece) which would eventually seize huge parts of the Roman world.

Period: 1204-15

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Episode 290 - The Despot, Theodore Laskaris

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:57:53 GMT

We follow Theodore Laskaris as he escapes from Constantinople and establishes a new state at Nicaea. Crowned as the new Roman Emperor he must face down rivals on every side including the Turks.

Period: 1204-12

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Episode 289 - Kaloyan, Tsar of Bulgaria

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:37:41 GMT

With Baldwin and Boniface dead the Bulgarians run riot across Thrace. Their Tsar Kaloyan attempts to capture Thessalonica and ponders whether he could become the new Roman Emperor.

Period: 1204-07

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Episode 288 - Boniface, Marquis of Montferrat

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 19:29:02 GMT

After throwing a huge strop Boniface, the Marquis of Montferrat, is made King of Thessalonica.

He sent his men to conquer most of Greece but the Bulgarians were on his tail.

Period: 1204-07

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Episode 287 - Count Baldwin of Flanders and Hainaut

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:25:43 GMT

The Latins agree to stay for another year and to conquer the whole of the Roman Empire. They elect Count Baldwin of Flanders and Hainaut to be their Emperor and all seems well. It only takes a year for everything to fall apart.

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Episode 286 - Vantage Point

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:55:48 GMT

The narrative returns as we head back to 1204 and the sack of Constantinople. The arrival of the Latins had actually splintered the Roman world into at least 13 different states.

With a little help from the 2008 film 'Vantage Point' we will be following the different perspectives of these actors as they deal with the fallout from the sack.

We begin with the story of Alexios V Doukas who fled the city just before it fell.

Period: 1204

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Episode 285 - Totalus Rankium

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:40:32 GMT

I speak to Rob and Jamie from the podcast Totalus Rankium. Their show is a light hearted ranking of every Roman Emperor from Augustus to Constantine XI. It's a really fun listen and they include all the amusing stories which I edited out of Byzantine history.

They have a sister show where they rank American Presidents. Find both shows here.

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Episode 284 - To The City with Alexander Christie-Miller

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 21:11:18 GMT

Alexander Christie-Miller was the Turkish correspondent for the Times Newspaper between 2010 and 2017. He has written a book called ‘To the City’ about the people who live along the Theodosian Walls in Istanbul today. He tells the story and charts the sweeping changes they've experienced in Turkey over the past 50 years. It's a brilliant read, ideal for those of you who have visited Istanbul or plan to.

Alexander Christie-Miller is from Wiltshire in the UK, studied in Dublin and was then in Istanbul for 7 years. He was the Times Turkish correspondent during that period and his writing has also appeared in Newsweek, The Atlantic, Der Spiegel and the White Review amongst other publications.

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Episode 283 - The New Roman Empire with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 5 - More Questions

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:19:56 GMT

Professor Kaldellis' new history of Byzantium is out now in the USA and on Kindle everywhere.

In the final episode in this series he answers more of your questions. Amongst the topics we cover are citizenship, class, counter-factuals, academia and AI.

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Episode 282 - The New Roman Empire with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 4 - Your Questions

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:53:04 GMT

Professor Kaldellis' new history of Byzantium is out now in the USA and on Kindle everywhere.

In this episode he answers your questions. Including succession mechanisms, taxation, the Senate, usurpers, Belisarius, Maurice and many more topics.

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Update February 2024

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 23:08:07 GMT

On today’s update I’m going to tell you about when the narrative is coming back, about podcast tours to Turkey in 2024 and about how Anthony Kaldellis is answering more questions than I told him to.

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Episode 281 - Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint with Peter Sarris

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:25:47 GMT

A new book has come out about that most famous of Byzantines. It's called Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint by Peter Sarris and it is excellent. It is not a dramatization of his career but a brilliantly researched account of his life and time in office.

Track his evolving thinking through the amazing range of sources we have for his reign and gain a deeper understanding of the interesting times he lived in.

The book is on sale everywhere including on Audible.com. To listen to the book for free check out Audible's service here.

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Some Heraclian Fiction and Maps you might enjoy

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:26:44 GMT

This beautiful map of the Crusader States has just been put on sale. Adomas, the artist, is offering 15% off any map at his store for podcast listeners. Just use the code Byzantium at his online store. mapklimantas.etsy.com

‘The Emperor’ by Matthew Storm: http://tinyurl.com/juj44cdb. The Heraclius story is so epic that it took two books to cover. Book 1 is called the Exarch’s son. And Book 2 is THE EMPEROR: Heraclius Battles Persia for the Life of Rome.

‘The Gardens of Byzantium’: http://tinyurl.com/nhh6b4jw A romance about Asana (a Persian woman) and a Roman soldier who are brought together by Heraclius’ war.

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Episode 280 - The New Roman Empire with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 3 - Narrative

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 21:39:43 GMT

Professor Kaldellis' new history of Byzantium is out now in the USA and on Kindle everywhere.

In our third conversation we walk through the narrative picking out interesting things to talk about. The creation of Constantinople, Justinian's personality, Heraclius' achievements and life under the Sassanian occupation to name a few.

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Episode 279 - Catching up with Max Lau

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:33 GMT

50 episodes ago Dr Maximilian Lau came on the podcast to talk about John II Komnenos. Max kindly shared his book with me before publication to guide the podcast through John's reign.

Now he is back on the show to catch up on the next century of Byzantine history and to give us the great news that the book has been published.

The book is 'Emperor John II Komnenos: Rebuilding New Rome 1118-1143'. You can buy the book here and if you use the discount code AAFLYG6 you can 30% off.

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Illness Update December 2023

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:09:13 GMT

Illness Update December 2023

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Episode 278 - The New Roman Empire with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 2 - Christianity and the Law

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:45:04 GMT

Professor Kaldellis' new history of Byzantium is out now in the USA and on Kindle everywhere.

In our second conversation we discuss the adoption of Christianity as the Roman religion. How much did Roman society change as a result? Why was early Christianity so riven with disputes?

We also talk about the function of the law in Roman society. How did it help define individual rights and responsibilities beyond criminal behaviour?

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Episode 277 - The New Roman Empire with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 1 - Government

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:02:35 GMT

Professor Kaldellis' new history of Byzantium is out now in the USA and on Kindle everywhere. He has kindly agreed to talk to us about it across 4 episodes!

In this first conversation we discuss the new Roman government that Constantine established in 330AD. What was the 'personality' of government? How did it achieve legitimacy in the eyes of the people? Was it really a Republican Monarchy?

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Episode 276 - Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age with Tom Holland

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:58:46 GMT

Tom Holland is the author of half a dozen brilliant books on the ancient world. He has now written three on the Roman Empire. The latest 'Pax' takes the story from the death of Nero to that of Hadrian. It's the golden age of Roman power and yet insecurity and anxiety lie under the surface. I talk to Tom about how he gains insight into people so utterly different to us.

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October 2023 Update

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:43:52 GMT

October 2023 Update

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Episode 275 - Climate Change in the 6th Century with Robert Bruton

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:37:23 GMT

American author Robert Bruton takes us through his Master’s thesis on the role of climate change and plague in the decline of Roman fortunes in the 6th century.

He is also writing a trilogy of historical fiction novels about the life of Belisarius.

Find out more about Robert and his work here.

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Episode 274 - The 10 Worst Emperors with Anthony Kaldellis

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:51:00 GMT

Professor Kaldellis returns to give us his 10 Worst Emperors.

He is a Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Chicago and the author of dozens of books and articles on key aspects of Byzantine history.

Find out more here.

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Byzantine Fiction special offer

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 20:06:00 GMT

The Guardians of Byzantium - Book 2 is now available. Listen for a special offer to get hold of both books today.

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Episode 273 - Rome and Persia: The 700 Year Rivalry with Adrian Goldsworthy

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 20:22:16 GMT

I talk to historian Adrian Goldsworthy about his new book. It covers the 700 year rivalry between the two great powers of the ancient world. Everything from Crassus having gold poured down his throat to Heraclius returning the True Cross to Jerusalem.

Dr Goldsworthy is an award winning historian of the classical world. He has written a dozen books on Greco-Roman topics including biographies of Julius Caesar and Augustus. As well as studies of the Roman army and the Empire’s rise and fall. So if you like what you hear today there is a small library of Goldsworthy goodness waiting for you to read.

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Episode 271 - Twilight Cities with Katherine Pangonis

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:30:43 GMT

I talk to Katherine Pangonis about her new book - Twilight Cities: Lost Capitals of the Mediterranean. In it she travels to Tyre, Carthage, Syracuse, Ravenna and Antioch to tell their stories and experience what remains.

It's a fantastic book for those who want to learn more about these ancient power centres and be inspired to visit them.

We spoke to Katherine about her first book 'Queens of Jerusalem' back in episode 238. She returned to tell us about the devastating earthquakes in Turkey in February 2023. Find out more about her at her website.

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Episode 270 - Loss, Suffering and Enslavement

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 22:00:59 GMT

We look at the stories of three different Romans who had to deal with their city being sacked. Through their experiences we come to a better understanding of the loss felt by those who lived through the fall of Constantinople in 1204. NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG EARS.

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June 2023 Schedule Update

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:44:41 GMT

June 2023 Schedule Update

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Episode 269 - Questions XIII

Fri, 19 May 2023 20:43:06 GMT

Our final batch of questions for this century includes queries about the Hippodrome, diplomatic marriages, national identity and political legitimacy. We also enjoy an update on the Crimea, the Jewish communities of Byzantium and the Varangian Guard. I also talk about the perception of time and rank some dynasties.

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Episode 268 - The Collapse of the Komnenian System

Sun, 14 May 2023 16:22:40 GMT

We take a look at the pros and cons of the Komnenian system. Then trace why it was causing enough resentment to lead to provincial separatism.

We then move on to discuss the army and the bureaucracy and the people of Constantinople. Looking at how each was affecting political stability in the run up to the Fourth Crusade.

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Episode 267 - Provincial Separatism with Nathan Websdale

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:08:10 GMT

Nathan Websdale is a PHD candidate at Oxford University and President of the Oxford University Byzantine Society. His work is focussed on ethnic identification, social inclusion and self-determination in the Byzantine World, c.1200-c.1230.

Nathan graduated with a BA (First Class) in History from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2016 and an MA (Merit) in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies from the Intercollegiate University of London in 2017.

I talk to Nathan about the thorny issue of provincial separatism before and after the Fourth Crusade.

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Episode 266 - Questions XII

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 20:17:06 GMT

More questions to tackle this week. Comparing the sack of 1204 to the sack of Rome in 410. Questioning the Byzantine system of succession and the roots of their decline. And pondering whether other Emperors rose to power like Alexios Angelos - on the back of a foreign army.

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Episode 265 - The 10 Greatest Emperors with Anthony Kaldellis

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:07:02 GMT

Professor Anthony Kaldellis has just completed a new history of Byzantium which will be published in October 2023. So I cheekily asked him if he would list his 10 greatest Emperors. Graciously he agreed to apply his immense knowledge to this frivolous topic.

He is a Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Chicago. This is his third interview on the History of Byzantium. I talked to him about two of his books 'The Byzantine Republic' and 'Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood: The Rise and Fall of Byzantium, 955 A.D. to the First Crusade.' But he is the author of over a dozen books on Byzantium along with translations of texts and many articles. Find out more here.

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Episode 264 - Questions XI

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 18:37:11 GMT

I answer more questions about the Fourth Crusade and the sack of Constantinople. What was the reaction of other nations? Did people see it as sign of the end times? What did the Byzantines think of the Templars and Hospitallers? What were the religious differences between the Orthodox and the Catholics?

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Episode 263 - Questions X

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:34:50 GMT

I answer more questions about the Fourth Crusade and the sack of Constantinople. We talk about why the Roman response was so feeble and if anything else could have been done? Along with questions about the tombs of the Emperors, statues, coins and ships.

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Episode 262 - Questions IX

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 19:25:58 GMT

I answer listener questions about the Fourth Crusade. This episode focuses on the big picture. Who is to blame? Was it inevitable?

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Antakya Appeal with Andrea de Giorgi and Katherine Pangonis

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 19:50:42 GMT

This is a special episode to urge listeners to donate to the ongoing relief effort in Turkey and Syria. I interview two expert guests about the situation with a particular focus on the city of Antakya (Byzantine Antioch).

Andrea De Giorgi is a Professor of Classical Studies at Florida State University. He specializes in Roman urbanism and visual culture and has written many books and articles on the subject. He co-authored the fantastic book Antioch. A History which I thoroughly recommend. Dr. De Giorgi has also directed excavations and surveys in Turkey, Syria, Georgia, Jordan, and the UAE. Since 2013, he has codirected the Cosa Excavations in Italy and, since 2021, the Coastal Caesarea Archeological Project in Israel; currently, he is studying the 1930s Antioch and Daphne collections at the Princeton University Art Museum.

Katherine Pangonis is a historian and author of the book ‘Queens of Jerusalem’ who I interviewed back in episode 238 of the podcast. Her second book - to be published this summer - is called ‘Twilight Cities: Lost Capitals of the Mediterranean.’ In it she explores famous cities from antiquity like Tyre, Carthage and Ravenna. Cities who once ruled whole Empires and were littered with magnificent buildings but have been somewhat forgotten. One of the cities she covers is Antioch. She also hosts the podcast - Women Who Dared to Write.

This is an appeal for you to donate to one of the various charities who are rushing to the scene at this moment to help the survivors. You have a number of options. You may have campaigns being run in your country by reputable organisations. So here in the UK the Disaster Emergency Committee have launched an appeal that has raised millions. This is an organisation which brings a group of charities together. In this case Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund and Islamic Relief amongst many others.

dec.org.uk/appeals/

To help specific groups directly:

The White Helmets are volunteers who have been operating in Syria for many years. They help evacuate people from dangerous areas and offer medical help.

https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/

AKUT Search and Rescue Association. They are a non-governmental organisation offering emergency and disaster relief to people caught up in natural disasters in Turkey.

https://www.akut.org.tr/en/donation

AHBAP an independent civilian organisation who offer disaster relief to communities in need across Turkey. This is the organisation that the kind listener who prompted me to make this appeal recommends.

https://ahbap.org/disasters-turkey

International Red Cross

https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/syria-emergency

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A personal appeal from a listener

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:56:52 GMT

A personal appeal from a listener who has family in Antakya.

dec.org.uk/appeals/

To help specific groups directly:

The White Helmets are volunteers who have been operating in Syria for many years. They help evacuate people from dangerous areas and offer medical help.

https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/

AKUT Search and Rescue Association. They are a non-governmental organisation offering emergency and disaster relief to people caught up in natural disasters in Turkey.

https://www.akut.org.tr/en/donation

https://ahbap.org/disasters-turkey

International Red Cross

https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/syria-emergency

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An appeal for help for Turkey and Syria

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 22:00:52 GMT

dec.org.uk/appeals/

To help specific groups directly:

The White Helmets are volunteers who have been operating in Syria for many years. They help evacuate people from dangerous areas and offer medical help.

https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/

AKUT Search and Rescue Association. They are a non-governmental organisation offering emergency and disaster relief to people caught up in natural disasters in Turkey.

https://www.akut.org.tr/en/donation

https://ahbap.org/disasters-turkey

International Red Cross

https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/syria-emergency

Turkish Red Crescent

https://www.kizilay.org.tr/Bagis/BagisYap/404/pazarcik-depremi-bagisi

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Episode 261 - The Sack

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 23:26:33 GMT

We discuss what happened once the Latins started looting. How were the Byzantines treated? What was taken and what has survived?

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Episode 260 - The Fourth Crusade (Part 2)

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:28:47 GMT

The Latins assault the city and Alexios Angelos Komnenos flees. Alexios Angelos becomes Emperor and empties the treasury into the Crusaders' hands. But when he runs out of money the two sides face an inevitable confrontation.

Period: 1203-4

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Episode 259 - The Fourth Crusade (Part 1)

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:01:17 GMT

Pope Innocent calls for a new Crusade to retake Jerusalem. A group of French Knights decide to form an expedition to Egypt and make a deal with Venice to transport them. But when they can't pay the bill the mission goes awry and ends up at Constantinople.

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Episode 258 - Almost Ungovernable

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:13:01 GMT

Alexios Angelos faces down one internal rebellion after another as the Roman Empire continues to contract. The biggest threat to his throne comes from disgruntled aristocrats and the people of Constantinople.

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Episode 257 - What Could Be More Trustworthy than a Brother?

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 20:14:54 GMT

Isaac Angelos does his best to secure his position and confront the Bulgarians. But he is overthrown by his brother at the head of a coalition of aristocratic families.

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Episode 255 - The Third Crusade (part 1)

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 18:07:08 GMT

As soon as news reached the West that Jerusalem had fallen a new Crusade was called. The German, French and English Kings all led armies East but only Frederick Barbarossa went by land. He led a large army across the Balkans towards Constantinople and Isaac Angelos had to decided whether to treat him as friend or foe.

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Episode 254 - Saladin the Strategist with Ben Duval

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:01:57 GMT

I speak to author Ben Duval, author of the book: "Saladin the Strategist: How the Crusaders Lost the Holy Land."

We go through Saladin's career starting with how he captured Egypt. Then how he built the coalition which defeated the Crusaders. Finally we watch on as he traps them at Hattin and then sweeps across the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Buy the book here, follow Ben on twitter @byzantinemporia and find out more about his work here.

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Episode 253 - The Second Bulgarian Empire

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:53:15 GMT

Isaac Angelos begins his reign by defeating the Normans and making as many alliances as he can to secure his position. Unfortunately he rejects an offer from two Vlach Chieftains Peter and Asen. They turn on the Romans and found the Second Bulgarian Empire north of the Haemus Mountains.

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Episode 252 - The Sack of Thessalonica

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:20:18 GMT

Andronikos continues to terrorise his relatives. Many leave Byzantium seeking help from foreign courts. One arrives in Sicily and calls on the Normans to help him. They launch an invasion and sack the city of Thessalonica.

Period: 1184-85

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Episode 251 - A Lion Pouncing on a Large Prey

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:27:12 GMT

When Manuel Komnenos died he left an 11 year old son as his heir. The Regency Council set up to protect him fails. Manuel's cousin Andronikos seizes the throne instead and begins a reign of terror.

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Episode 250 - Retaking Anatolia

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 22:51:37 GMT

We talk about why the Romans didn't have more success in fighting the Turks. Was there a better way to fight the nomads? Or was it not really about tactics but strategy?

Period: 1070-1180

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Episode 249 - Life in Byzantine Anatolia

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 10:50:25 GMT

We look around the Roman provinces in Anatolia to review their defensive situation and the lifestyle of its people. We also briefly talk about Turkic people who lived in Byzantium.

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Episode 248 - Life in Turkic Anatolia

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 14:06:29 GMT

We take a look around the parts of Anatolia which were controlled by Turkic peoples between 1080 and 1180 AD. We don’t have a huge amount of written sources to draw on but hopefully there’s enough information available to give you a better picture of what’s been happening there. We also discuss the two different groups of Turkic peoples in Anatolia - the settled and the nomads.

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August 2022 Update

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:44:43 GMT

On my last update I told you that because of my forthcoming fatherhood – I would be switching to a season by season format from now on. Where there are periods of silence followed by a run of episodes altogether. That is still the case. But I am making an exception for 3 episodes which I’m going to release now.

This triptych of episodes covers life in Anatolia during the Komnenian century. What was life like for Romans living under Turkic rule? What was life like in Imperial territory and an analysis of the military situation.

These episodes are really more connected to the reign of Manuel than they are to the narrative which follows. So I thought I’d release these now while the Komnenian century is still fresh in your memory. Then the feed will go quiet for a while till the narrative returns.

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And the Winner is

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:24:25 GMT

Hello everyone, as you may remember our last episode was an interview with author Gordon Doherty. Gordon generously offered to give away a copy of his book – Strategos: Born in the Borderlands to one of you. We set a competition and a winner has been chosen. I will leave it to Gordon to tell you about the best entries he read and to announce the winner. I will just remind you all to check out https://www.gordondoherty.co.uk/ to learn more about his work.

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Baby and New Schedule

Wed, 11 May 2022 17:15:06 GMT

I have big news. A History of Byzantium baby is on the way. The purple room in the Palace is being prepared for the Autumn and I can assure you that the names Justinian and Theodora will not be under consideration.

Of course I’m very excited. But it means I think we need to change the way the podcast is scheduled. I plan on being as involved as possible during the first few months of my baby’s life. And so it won’t be possible to keep a normal podcast routine.

So what we’re going to do is switch to a sort of TV schedule. Where there is silence for a few months and then I will release a complete series of episodes. So that when the podcast is on air, so to speak, you know that it will be out every week without fail and that whatever period of narrative we’re in will reach a natural conclusion. This will include bonus episodes for those who subscribe over at Patreon.

I feel more comfortable switching to this new schedule thanks to Patreon. It means that those of you who kindly support the show can manage your subscriptions however you see fit. And if you’re still in any doubt about how Patreon works - you can pick up a subscription or cancel one any time you like. There is no contract or commitment. And when you resubscribe you get your benefits back instantly.

We’re going to switch to this new schedule immediately. So there will now be a period of silence before a run of episodes that will take us from the death of Manuel through to the sack of Constantinople in 1204.

I won’t be announcing any dates for this new schedule. The periods of silence will take as long as they take and then there will be loads of episodes in a row to enjoy. It will be an adjustment for all of us but I think it’s for the best.

I have pushed myself hard in the past to try and produce the podcast weekly and to leave as few gaps as possible and it can cause a lot of stress. History podcasting just does take a long time. Some topics take weeks to research. And the more I read the better the show gets.

I’m hoping this new schedule will make life easier for you and for me. Thank you for your patience and for your support.

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Episode 247 - Writing Byzantine Fiction with Gordon Doherty

Thu, 05 May 2022 21:22:11 GMT

I talk to historical fiction author Gordon Doherty about his Byzantine book series 'Strategos.' We talk about inspiration and research but also what advice he'd give to aspiring writers.

We also give you the chance to win a copy of the first book in the Strategos trilogy.

Find out more about Gordon and his other book series (including more Roman era stories) at his website.

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Episode 246 - Travelling to Turkey with Şerif Yenen

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:03:02 GMT

While I'm away on the third 'History of Byzantium' tour I thought it was time to talk to the man behind them - Şerif Yenen. Şerif has been a tour guide in Istanbul for decades and has published many excellent books on the subject. He has also gone online to share his love for travel through podcasts and Youtube videos. I talk to Serif about his career and ask him listener questions about what to do and see in Turkey.

Contact me if you'd like to be on the mailing list for future 'History of Byzantium' tours.

Check out Şerif's Youtube channel and his podcast 'Turkish Odyssey.' Or visit his website to find out more about his books, lectures and tours around Turkey.

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April 2022 Update

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 19:47:16 GMT

April 2022 Update

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Episode 245 - Means and Ends

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 20:50:46 GMT

I answer listener questions about Manuel's reign.

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Episode 244 - Not Completely Unreasonable

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 21:24:23 GMT

Manuel deals with the aftermath of the Battle of Myriokephalon. He is left out of an Italian peace conference and must negotiate a peace of his own in Anatolia. He continues his efforts to position Byzantium as a friend of the Latins. And we look at his church and financial policies.

Period: 1176-80

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Episode 243 - The Battle of Myriokephalon

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 23:03:22 GMT

Manuel launches a Crusade against the Turks of Iconium.

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The History of Byzantium on Youtube - Flash Point History

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:46:16 GMT

I have teamed up with Nitin Sil of the Flash Point History Youtube Channel. We are turning the podcast into a Youtube series with brilliant maps, images and animations accompanying my words. Check out our first video now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2pQjfOebdI&t=2241s charting the rise of Justinian.

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Episode 242 - Manuel’s Follies

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:39:18 GMT

While his armies were fighting in the Balkans Manuel's diplomats and fleets were busy elsewhere. Komnenos poured money into Italy to try and gain influence there. He considered alliances with the Germans, the Pope and the Normans but ultimately lost them all. He made war on Venice and tried to capture an Egyptian port.

Period: 1161-73

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History of Byzantium Tour - April 23 to May 2, 2022

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 22:27:05 GMT

History of Byzantium Tour - April 23 to May 2, 2022. The tour will visit Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. If you'd like to come or if you'd like to hear about future tours please email thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com

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Episode 241 - Hungary for Security

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 21:18:02 GMT

Manuel spends the 1160s at war with Hungary. During these campaigns the Emperor adopts the Hungarian King's brother making him his heir. This enables the Romans to seize Sirmium and parts of Dalmatia. The Hungarian elites won't stand for it and try to throw the Romans out.

Period: 1161-72

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Episode 240 - Manuel’s Constantinople

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:28:29 GMT

We look around Constantinople in Manuel's day. We discuss his use of the two urban palaces and the growth of the Italian population along the Golden Horn.

Period: 1143-61

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Episode 239 - The New Aristocracy

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:26:19 GMT

When Alexios Komnenos came to power his family decided to marry their way out of the civil wars which threatened the state. By Manuel's day this meant that a new aristocracy had grown up who dominated the organs of the Byzantine state.

We discuss this development and how Manuel managed his family. As well as those who resented this innovation.

Period: 1143-61

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Episode 238 - Queens of Jerusalem with Katherine Pangonis

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 20:50:35 GMT

Today we talk to historian Katherine Pangonis about her book 'Queens of Jerusalem.' Not only do we talk about the fascinating lives of the women of Outremer but we also pick up Andronikos' story as he manages to scandalise all of Christendom.

Find out more about Katherine at her website

To listen to the book for free why not use Audible's 30-day trial

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Episode 237 - Manuel and Andronikos

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 20:00:14 GMT

We pause the narrative briefly to learn more about Manuel's world. Today we talk about the Emperor's personality and relatives. Including his cousin, friend and rival Andronikos.

Period: 1143-61

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Episode 236 - Why Make Peace?

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 19:30:33 GMT

With Italy and the Balkans at peace Manuel turns his attention to Anatolia. He marches to Antioch to punish those who'd wronged him. He then campaigns against the Turks with surprisingly positive results.

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Episode 235 - Sundered by Gold

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 21:21:52 GMT

Manuel's Italian campaign begins brightly but ends in failure. Meanwhile his cousin Andronikos tries to kill him and more bad news arrives from Antioch.

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Episode 234 - Changing Priorities

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 20:53:17 GMT

The Normans raid the cities of Greece during the passage of the Second Crusade. Manuel sees this as such a worrying development that he makes the decision to prioritise the recovery of Apulia over Antioch. This sets off a series of conflicts in the Balkans and a series of missed opportunities in Syria.

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Episode 232 - The Second Crusade, Part 2

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 16:30:29 GMT

We follow the Emperor Conrad and King Louis as they both attempt to cross Anatolia.

Period: 1147-1148

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Episode 231 - The Second Crusade, Part 1

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 18:13:23 GMT

A 'Second' Crusade is called in response to the fall of Edessa in 1144. The French and German monarchs sign up leaving the Byzantines with multiple headaches to deal with.

Period: 1144-1147

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Episode 230 - The Sack of Edessa

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 13:37:00 GMT

John II Komnenos' youngest son Manuel takes charge of the Empire. After securing the capital and punishing Raymond of Antioch the new Emperor goes on campaign against the Turks. After chasing the Sultan of Iconium to his capital Manuel realises that fighting on the plateau is no easy business. Meanwhile the Crusader city of Edessa falls and the Byzantines don't appreciate the significance of this event.

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Discussion with Marco Capelli about Byzantium and Italy

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 20:26:10 GMT

Robin discusses 'Byzantium and Italy' with Marco Capelli. Marco is the brilliant host of Storia d'Italia - a podcast telling the story of the History of Italy - in Italian. This interview is in English. Please do tell any Italian speakers you know about Storia d'Italia (italiastoria.com).

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Family Update

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 22:03:10 GMT

Family Update

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Episode 229 - John Komnenos with Dr Maximilian Lau

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:33:58 GMT

Today we talk to the man whose research has guided our last few podcasts Dr Maximilian Lau.

Dr Lau is Adjunct Professor of Economic History at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, and also a Research Associate in History at St Benet’s Hall, University of Oxford. He has been studying 12th century Byzantine history for many years now and the fruits of that labour can be found in his forthcoming book “Rebuilding New Rome. The Foreign Policy of John II Komnenos.”

The book is written and will be out next year and Dr Lau very generously shared it with me in advance. It’s been incredibly helpful in part because of its quality but also because it follows a format similar to our narrative episodes. It is a chronological account of John’s military and political activity with a discussion of the sources as each incident unfolds. As Dr Lau explains in the interview – John’s reign often gets short shrift in popular Byzantine books because our Roman sources cover him fairly briefly. But there are plenty of other sources to work with and Dr Lau has synthesised them to create a new history of John's reign.

Period: 1118-1143

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Episode 228 - Forgiveness not Permission

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 15:12:14 GMT

Last time we watched as John Komnenos attempted to untangle the Gordian knot which Anatolia had become. After campaigning against the Danishmends – John moved on to Cilicia and Antioch. The Emperor attempted to enforce his rights without angering the Latins. A trick which he failed to pull off.

Today John will be forced to go through the whole process all over again. But when he reaches the gates of Antioch this time he won’t take no for an answer.

Period: 1138-1143

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Episode 227 - Just Take the Damn City

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:28:25 GMT

John II Komnenos is finally free to campaign in Anatolia. If he can keep the Turks quiet then he can make it to Antioch where his real goal lies. But once there will he risk outraging Latin opinion by assaulting the city or will he negotiate a deal to bring the city back into the Empire?

Period: 1127-1138

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Episode 226 - A Crowded Chessboard

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 22:40:57 GMT

John II Komnenos takes charge of the Empire and campaigns immediately in Anatolia. But he is soon beset by the complications of the new position Byzantium finds itself in. Serbians, Steppe tribes, Hungarians and Venetians all demand his attention. Enemies and allies are crowding the chess board and John must make each move very carefully.

Period: 1118-1127

If you want to send in feedback to the podcast:

- Either comment at https://thehistoryofbyzantium.com/

- Or on the facebook page.

- Leave a review on Itunes.

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Back to the Narrative

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 17:51:02 GMT

I have now finished all of the videos of Istanbul. So do subscribe to the History of Byzantium Youtube channel if you’d like to see them. The first few will go up next week.

I have also completed our next Byzantine Story. It will be available in the next hour. It’s about a provincial magnate named Kekaumenos whose life gives us the invaluable perspective of a Roman outsider. Someone who viewed the Emperor and his bureaucracy with some suspicion. For anyone interested in daily life in other parts of the Empire this is a must listen.

It will be available on the bonus episodes feed at Patreon and to anyone who is still subscribed at thehistoryofbyzantium.com. If your subscription ran out in the last year email me and I’ll add it to your feed for free.

You can also buy the episode on its own for $7 but remember from October the only place to get any bonus episodes will be Patreon. Go to patreon.com/historyofbyzantium to find out more. The feeds at Patreon are also advert-free.

You’ll be pleased to hear that I am now going back to the narrative. I’ll be back soon with the reign of John Komnenos, son of Alexios.

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Family Illness

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:06:41 GMT

Hello everyone,

I don’t normally talk about personal things on the podcast. But my father has been diagnosed with cancer. It’s serious and it’s all happened very quickly.

I am still working away on the next Byzantine Story but further disruption to the schedule is inevitable.

Thanks for your understanding.

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Byzantine Stories, Episode 9 - Women in the Byzantine World. Part 1 - Immense and Immeasurable

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:53:42 GMT

As you may know I have already produced three episodes about Women in the Roman World which are available for you on the Ad-Free Bonus Feed at Patreon.

I now present three more episodes about Women in the Byzantine World. And these episodes are very much a continuation of that series. In part one we talk about how the arrival of Christianity affected Roman women. We also hear a couple of Saints' Lives. These tales give us a rare glimpse of how women appeared in popular culture.

This first episode is free but parts 2 and 3 are only available on the Ad-Free Bonus Feed at Patreon.

The Incidental Music used is “Introspection” from Purple-Planet.com

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Women in the Byzantine World announcement

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:05:27 GMT

Hello everyone,

I am back with three bonus episodes for you about Women in the Byzantine World. These episodes should be available within an hour or so of this update.

Since women get much less attention than they deserve in our narrative I’ll put the first of these episodes out for free for everyone to enjoy. Parts 2 and 3 though are only available on the Ad-Free Bonus Feed at Patreon or at thehistoryofbyzantium.com.

Since I’m very late with these bonus episodes they will be available to anyone whose subscription at the website ran out in the last year. So if you had a subscription which ran out any time from July 2020 and you haven’t renewed or switched to Patreon just email me and I’ll add the episodes to your account manually. That email is thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com.

These 3 episodes are a continuation of another 3 parter I recorded a couple of years ago called Women in the Roman World. If you like what you hear in part 1 of the new series but want to hear more about women’s lives in the Greco-Roman world then do check out those episodes. Either at Patreon or at thehistoryofbyzantium.com. But just to remind you episodes will no longer be available from the website from October.

I am now moving on to work on another Byzantine Story and then it will be back to the narrative.

Take care and thanks for listening.

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An update on the schedule of the podcast, May 2021

Thu, 13 May 2021 16:55:06 GMT

An Update on the schedule of the podcast, May 2021

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Backer Rewards Episode 16 - Russia and Byzantium with Professor Sergey Ivanov

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:53:08 GMT

Our sixteenth Kickstarter backers reward episode looks at the relationship between Byzantium and the Rus and later Russia in conversation with Professor Sergey Ivanov.

Professor Ivanov is a Russian scholar who has been studying Byzantium for many decades. He currently works in the Institute of Oriental and Ancient Studies at the National Research University “Higher School of Economics” in Moscow.

He has written several books about Byzantium as well as contributing hundreds of articles to the field. His areas of study include Byzantine religious missions, the cultural influence of Byzantium on the Rus', Holy Fools and Constantinople itself. He has also taken part in public lectures and debates on the legacy of Byzantium in modern Russia.

To see his full list of publications please click here . His books ‘Holy Fools in Byzantium and Beyond’ and ‘Pearls before Swine: Missionary Work in Byzantium’ have been translated into English. As have a number of articles and other book chapters.

To read a public lecture which Professor Ivanov gave in 2009 about “The Second Rome as Seen by the Third: Russian Debates on the “Byzantine Legacy” please click here.

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Merchandise

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:51:04 GMT

High Speed History have Byzantine-themed merchandise available!

The good people over at Highspeedhistory.com have produced a range of delightful items featuring our beloved Byzantium. We’re talking t-shirts, hoodies, bags, clocks, towels and stickers amongst many other items.

I’m very pleased to say that some of your ideas have made their way into the collection. I asked for your input on social media and you came up with great ideas. If you want to celebrate your love of Justinian or Belisarius then an Empire Strikes Back t-shirt could be yours. Or if you’ve been dying to show your support for the Green faction or the Blues but they won’t let you in the Hippodrome anymore then fear not because a Green or Blue iphone case or mouse mat or t-shirt could be yours. Or what about the most adorable item of all – a baby grow with porphyrogennitos on it. Come on, how could you resist?

Please go to www.highspeedhistory.com/byzantium to check out the full range. If you decide to buy something then use the code ‘byzantium’ at checkout to get a pound or dollar off each item you purchase. And you’ll be helping out the podcast as I will get a little something for sending you there. Anyone can buy these items – they ship worldwide. And this discount also applies to any items you purchase from the Greek or Roman sections of the website. Yes High Speed History has merch from a variety of historical eras check them all out at highspeedhistory.com.

I also did a written interview for the site to lure in those of you who find me weirdly interesting. So if you want to know my favourite film or what I’d put on a billboard in a busy city then check out the interview here.

Happy browsing.

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Episode 225 - Belisarius in Metal

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:57:48 GMT

When I announced I would be taking a break back in the Autumn I received an email from listener Brian Sherry offering to produce an episode of the show for me. He told me about the metal band Judicator recording an entire album about Belisarius. And he very kindly offered to interview them on my behalf.

I said yes and Brian got lead singer and writer John Yelland on the phone and they talked about turning the life story of Justinian’s most trusted General into a full metal album.

Today's episode is an edited version of that interview. They talk through the concept and the choice of moments in Belisarius’ life to capture in song. And they play a few snippets of music to give you an idea of what the album sounds like.

If you’d like more then the full 2 hour interview is available on Judicator’s Youtube channel. And of course if you’d like to buy the album - Let There Be Nothing – go to judicatormetal.bandcamp.com or check it out on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify or wherever you get your music.

I am still working on the bonus content I owe many of you. I will be back at some point in Spring with the narrative. For now enjoy the interview.

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Episode 224 - The Coup of Anna Komnene with Leonora Neville

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 18:22:58 GMT

Our final episode on Alexios' reign returns us to our first. Back in episode 197 we interviewed Professor Leonora Neville about Anna Komnene. That interview set us up to cover Alexios' reign and the First Crusade with Anna as our primary source. But the last question I asked that day was about the succession from Alexios to John and Anna's supposed coup attempt. Here we finally hear Professor Neville's argument that Anna did no such thing. We also briefly look at our main historian for our next period of narrative - Niketas Choniates.

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Episode 223 - Questions VIII

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:19:17 GMT

We look at your questions about Alexios and the Crusades. Listeners wanted an update on the state of Byzantium's army, economy and administration. How much credit or blame should Alexios get for the events of his reign? What about his relationship with his family? Were the Latins tougher fighters than the Byzantines? And several more.

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Schedule and Patreon Update.

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:19:31 GMT

Three new episodes are coming your way in the next three weeks. New narrative episodes will come at some point in the Spring. I am still busy working on the Istanbul videos and Byzantine Stories. Also we have a new Patreon https://www.patreon.com/historyofbyzantium. Bonus episodes will no longer be available at thehistoryofbyzantium.com from October 2021.

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An update on the schedule of the podcast

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:00:08 GMT

Hello everyone,

This is a short update about the podcast and the likely schedule for the next few months.

The main takeaways are:

- The narrative will resume around Spring 2021

- In the meantime I will be producing bonus episodes and videos from Istanbul. As well as doing work for my Dad and taking a little time out for my mental health.

- At least two more free episodes about Alexios will be coming soon. Including a Q&A about his reign and the Crusades so do send your questions in. You can comment on the thread below.

Thanks for your support and understanding,

Robin

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Episode 222 - The Good Helmsman

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 16:25:24 GMT

Alexios tries to forge a coalition against Antioch but has to abandon his plans when Anatolia comes calling again. The Emperor leaves this world frustrated by his failure to outmanoeuvre the Normans but his record in office is impressive nonetheless.

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Episode 221 - The Triptych

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:55:44 GMT

Bohemond heads back to Western Europe to recruit a new army. He leads them back to the Balkans to capture Dyrrhachium but Alexios is waiting for him.

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Episode 220 - The Crusade of 1101

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:25:51 GMT

More armed pilgrims arrive at Constantinople in the wake of the fall of Jerusalem. Alexios advises them to avoid the Turks of Anatolia but they ignore him. Meanwhile Alexios' attempts to put pressure on Antioch are thwarted by Bohemond's nephew Tancred. Finally we return to Constantinople to check in with the Komnenian regime and watch a man get burnt to death.

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Episode 219 - A Spectacular Interruption or Jerusalem is now available

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 17:33:15 GMT

It's the end of the First Crusade and this episode is for sale. Either at the website or at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofbyzantium

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Episode 218 - The Siege of Antioch

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 18:50:31 GMT

The Crusaders set up a siege of Antioch. The vast size of the city makes it impossible to fully encircle. What follows is a battle of attrition as the Crusaders wait for the Turkic garrison to make a mistake and the garrison await reinforcements. Meanwhile Alexios makes his way to the centre of the Anatolian plateau to consolidate the return of Byzantine power. He also awaits news from Antioch.

Time Stamps - each section is broken up by our drum sound effect

00.00-03.05 Introduction

03.06-08.47 Why did the Crusaders have to capture Antioch?

08.48-14.22 Baldwin at Edessa

14.23-17.14 The political fragmentation of Syria

17.15-27.35 The geography of Antioch

27.36-33.52 Early stages of the siege

33.53-46.35 Winter stalemate. Suffering and desertions. Bohemond and Robert of Flanders drive off forces from Damascus

46.36-54.42 Victory over the forces of Aleppo

54.43-62.18 More fully surrounding the city

62.19-77.09 Antioch falls

77.10-84.24 The Crusaders besieged. Kerbogah attacks from the Citadel

84.25-87.46 Desperation and talk of surrender

87.47-92.03 Alexios goes home

92.04-100.19 The final battle

100.19-107.00 Conclusion

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Episode 217 - Diverging Paths

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:15:55 GMT

The Byzantines recover the West Coast of Anatolia while the Crusaders cross the plateau. As they travel the Westerners begin dropping like flies and come to hate the land they've come to liberate.

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Episode 216 - The Battle of Dorylaeum

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:15:31 GMT

The Crusaders march out from Nicaea on their way to Antioch. First stop is at Dorylaeum on the Anatolian plateau. But the forces of Kilij Arslan are lying in wait.

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Final reminder about the Intelligent Speech Conference

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 15:37:06 GMT

This is your final reminder about the Intelligent Speech Conference taking place this Saturday 27th June. I'll be taking part in two sessions and if you want to be there go to https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/ to get tickets

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Episode 215 - The Siege of Nicaea

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:18:35 GMT

Alexios directs the Crusaders to Nicaea where they set up a siege. Behind the scenes though the Emperor was busy negotiating with the city's garrison.

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Basil II may have been gay! Intelligent Speech tickets still available for $10

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:41:00 GMT

Basil II may have been gay! Just one of the 'Hidden Stories' I'll be talking about at the Intelligent Speech Conference in a week's time. Tickets are still available for $10 until the 19th June.

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Buy Intelligent Speech tickets now! Prices going up!

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:33:47 GMT

I'm a part of two sessions at the Intelligent Speech Conference on June 27th. Please consider buying your ticket today before prices go up! https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/

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Episode 214 - The Prince's Crusade

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 17:53:24 GMT

The senior nobles of the First Crusade make the journey to Constantinople. There Alexios asks them to swear an oath of allegiance to him.

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Episode 213 - The People's Crusade

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:47:55 GMT

Our narrative resumes as the so-called People's Crusade crosses the Danube and heads for Constantinople.

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Intelligent Speech Conference 2020

Fri, 29 May 2020 08:18:29 GMT

I will be taking part in the Intelligent Speech Conference on June 27th. I will be part of a panel talking about how medieval history is depicted in popular culture. And giving a talk about the hidden voices of Byzantium. Find out more at intelligentspeechconference.com

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Episode 212 - Who went on Crusade and why?

Sun, 17 May 2020 15:01:44 GMT

How many people went on Crusade? Who were they and who was in charge of them? Why did they go? What does all this mean for Byzantium?

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Episode 211 - Why people went on Crusade with Sharyn Eastaugh

Wed, 13 May 2020 13:34:05 GMT

Sharyn Eastaugh from the History of the Crusades podcast explores why people responded to Urban's call.

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Episode 210 - What did Urban say?

Fri, 08 May 2020 14:05:43 GMT

We follow Urban as he crosses into France and spends over a year on tour. We talk about the steps he took to prepare for the announcement of the Crusades. Then we break down what we believe he said and why he said it.

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Episode 209 - What about Jerusalem?

Sun, 03 May 2020 20:08:23 GMT

We briefly talk about events in Jerusalem and the wider Levant on the eve of the First Crusade. Had anything happened there that could have sparked the Crusades?

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Episode 208 - The Call from the East with Peter Frankopan

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:23:39 GMT

An interview with Professor Peter Frankopan about his book 'The First Crusade: The Call from the East.'

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Episode 207 - What did Urban want?

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 19:31:22 GMT

We talk about Pope Urban's shaky political position on the eve of the Crusade. As well as discussing the wider Papal reform movement and how military violence came to be a part of their plans.

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Episode 206 - What did Alexios want?

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:40:07 GMT

We discuss what Alexios really wanted from the West. Was he surprised by the Crusading army that formed or had he been lobbying for something similar?

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Episode 205 - Introducing the Crusades

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:28:16 GMT

A quick introduction to the Crusading topic and a discussion of how religious interpretations of historical events can be particularly distorting.

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Episode 204 - Komnenian Reforms

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:38:01 GMT

We look at events in Constantinople during Alexios' first fifteen years in power. Including reforms to the court, the coinage and social care. We conclude by talking about Alexios' personality.

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Episode 203 - The Pecheneg Wars, again

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 23:36:17 GMT

Alexios campaigns in Europe for a decade dealing with Pechenegs, Cumans and Serbs. But his supporters begin to question his priorities as Anatolia sinks into the mire.

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Episode 202 - A Wild West Vibe

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 20:04:07 GMT

With Alexios constantly at war in Europe during the 1080s he could only deal with Anatolia through diplomacy. He searched in vain for allies who could stabilise the situation but by 1095 realised he would have to turn West for the manpower needed to campaign in person. For the Romans who actually lived in Anatolia the situation had a Wild West vibe.

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Episode 201 - A Narrow Escape

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 17:00:04 GMT

Alexios marches back out to fight the Normans only to be beaten again and again. Finally he comes up with a strategy to throw them out of the Balkans but must embrace the Venetians ever closer as a result.

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Episode 200 - A Tribute to Professor Mark Whittow

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:15:48 GMT

For our 200th show I pay tribute to the scholar who has had the most influence on this podcast - Professor Mark Whittow. Sadly Professor Whittow died in 2017 and he is a huge loss to academia and Byzantine Studies in particular. I take you through three articles he wrote about political power in Byzantium to give you a taste of the kind of insights that have shaped the podcast.

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Episode 199 - The Battle of Dyrrachium

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:35:49 GMT

Robert Guiscard, the Norman leader in Southern Italy, invades the Empire. He surrounds the key port city of Dyrrachium and Alexios gathers an army to stop him.

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Episode 198 - Heavy Lifting

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 12:43:00 GMT

Alexios Komnenos leads a revolt and quickly captures the throne from Nicephorus Botaneiates. But to truly understand this coup we need to explore the dynastic dual of Doukas and Komnenos.

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Episode 197 - Anna Komnene with Leonora Neville

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:12:30 GMT

Our best primary source for Alexios Komnenos reign is The Alexiad written by his daughter Anna Komnene. I talk to Professor Leonora Neville about Anna's life and writing and how she overcame the obstacles facing a woman trying to write history.

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The House of War is live

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 13:32:35 GMT

4 new episodes based on the original House of War episode are now available for purchase. Listen to this update for more information.

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Episode 196 - Cultural Revival

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:44:14 GMT

We explore the revival of intellectual and literary culture over the past century. We focus particularly on the work of Michael Psellos and Symeon the New Theologian.

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January 2020 Update

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 20:36:32 GMT

An update on the podcast, the Kickstarter projects and a couple of recommendations.

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Backer Rewards Episode 15 - The Hagia Sophia and Imperial Coronations

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 17:02:59 GMT

Our fifteenth Kickstarter backers reward episode looks at some aspects of the Hagia Sophia and the coronation ceremony of Emperors.

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On Stage with Mike Duncan!

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:09:44 GMT

I am attending the Sound Education Conference next month and sharing the stage with Mike Duncan! It will be a huge honour for me to meet and chat to the man who inspired 'The History of Byzantium.' And you can be there too. I've recorded a short explanation for the show but all the details can be found at soundeducation.fm

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Robin interviewed on the Roads to Liberty Podcast

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 21:31:57 GMT

Robin interviewed on the Roads to Liberty Podcast

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Live Facebook recording today

Sun, 28 Jul 2019 09:18:41 GMT

Live Facebook recording today

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2020 Tours

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 18:53:46 GMT

2020 Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus Tour information

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Episode 195 - King of the Ashes

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 17:11:05 GMT

We follow the flailing administration of Michael VII as it slowly collapses under the immense weight of events. Then we watch as the remaining Roman Generals line up one after another as each attempts to burn the Empire down in order to become King of the Ashes.

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Episode 194 - Normandy-in-Anatolia

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 15:25:49 GMT

Turkic nomads begin to raid Anatolia. The Imperial response is hampered by the defection of their Norman mercenaries. Under their commander Roussel de Bailleul they begin operating independently leading the government to squander precious resources in bringing them down.

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Episode 193 - Manzikert

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 21:42:13 GMT

Doukas' widow Eudocia marries Romanos Diogenes to empower a General who can stop the Turkic raids. Diogenes does his best but ends up meeting the Sultan, Alp Arslan, in battle on the fields outside the city of Manzikert.

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Episode 192 - Feeling Blank

Fri, 31 May 2019 13:10:31 GMT

Constantine X Doukas spends his reign doing little to help the eastern front. We explore the possible reasons for this inactivity. We also cover Doukas' death and the oath he made his wife swear.

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Episode 191 - The Sack of Ani

Fri, 24 May 2019 16:49:06 GMT

Isaac Komnenos comes to power urgently trying to restore the budget. But when he dies two years later his successor Constantine X Doukas reverses his economising. As he cuts from the military budget instead Turkic raiders sack the Armenian city of Ani.

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Episode 190 - The End of the Macedonian Dynasty

Sun, 12 May 2019 21:03:08 GMT

Theodora resumes control of the Empire but dies a year later. Her eunuchs choose Michael Bringas to replace her but he is not approved of by the Empire's military establishment.

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An interview with Barry Strauss - Author of '10 Caesars' and the 'Antiquitas' podcast

Fri, 03 May 2019 10:18:56 GMT

An interview with Professor Barry Strauss about his new book '10 Caesars' and his podcast 'Antiquitas.' I quiz him about the two Emperors with most relevance to Byzantium: Diocletian and Constantine.

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Backer Rewards Episode 14 - The City of Rome with Steve Guerra

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:54:09 GMT

Our fourteenth Kickstarter backers reward episode looks at the city of Rome and its development from the height of Antonine Rome to the post Justinian world of Gregory the Great. You will be in the capable hands of Steve Guerra from the History of the Papacy Podcast.

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Backer Rewards Episode 13 – The Byzantine Legacy

Sun, 07 Apr 2019 14:21:28 GMT

Our thirteenth Kickstarter backers reward episode looks at the legacy of Byzantium and why it seems so forgotten today.

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Episode 189 - End of Act Two

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 11:53:24 GMT

As Constantine IX leaves the stage we see him desperately searching for ways to raise tax revenue.

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Episode 188 - The Great Schism

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 14:10:16 GMT

The rapacious behaviour of the Normans in Italy brings together an alliance against them. The Byzantines and the Papacy try to get on the same page but discover that they may never be able to.

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Episode 187 - Hey Big Spender

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 22:44:21 GMT

After the Pecheneg Wars the Roman treasury was empty. We look at Constantine Monomachos' response to this and other Imperial expenses which may have exacerbated the situation.

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Episode 186 - The Pecheneg Wars

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 13:38:24 GMT

The first large Seljuk raids on the Empire lead to a series of events which unravel Byzantium's Western defences.

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The History of History Podcasting

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:54:59 GMT

A quick interview with me about the History of History Podcasting

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Episode 185 - Winning the Election

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 15:05:25 GMT

Constantine Monomachos faces yet more challenges in the early years of his reign. We cover the annexation of Ani, the Pechenegs crossing the Danube and the revolt of Leo Tornikios.

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Episode 184 - Act Two Begins

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 19:15:38 GMT

Zoe chooses Constantine Monomachos to be her new husband and Emperor. We discuss his character and relationship with our historian Michael Psellos. Then move on to two major challenges which greeted his arrival on the throne.

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Backer Rewards Episode 12 - Harald Hardrada with Noah Tetzner

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 00:38:38 GMT

Our twelfth Kickstarter backers reward episode looks at the life of Harald Hardrada in conversation with Noah Tetzner from the History of Vikings Podcast.

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Episode 183 is live

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:54:36 GMT

If you'd like to hear about the dramatic fall of Michael V then episode 183 is now available to buy

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Episode 182 - The Double Agent

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:12:18 GMT

We cover the Bulgarian uprising of 1040 and the events elsewhere in the Balkans which led up to it.

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Episode 181 - A Bunch of Nobodies

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 15:49:14 GMT

Michael IV marries Zoe and becomes Emperor. Despite ill health he rules well with his brother John the Orphanotrophos. Their invasion of Sicily goes well initially but soon falls apart.

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Episode 180 - Stumbling Forward

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 19:23:23 GMT

Romanos III is faced with the same problems which troubled his predecessor. He decides that a campaign against Aleppo will solve some of his problems. Meanwhile Zoe is left alone and frustrated in the Palace.

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Episode 179 - Where Were We

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 16:41:44 GMT

We return to the narrative with a short introduction and the short reign of Basil's brother Constantine VIII.

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Backer Rewards Episode 11 - The Jewish Communities of Byzantium

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:12:40 GMT

Our eleventh Kickstarter backers reward episode explores Byzantium's Jewish communities.

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Episode 178 - Questions VII

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:17:19 GMT

Listener questions on Varangians, provincial administration, diplomacy, family mottos and the ever popular top 5 best and worst Emperors.

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Episode 177 - Questions VI

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 16:34:04 GMT

Listener questions on houses, slavery, citizenship, vacations and common sayings amongst others.

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Episode 176 - Michael Psellos with Peter Adamson

Sun, 25 Nov 2018 22:57:19 GMT

An interview with Peter Adamson from the History of Philosophy Without any Gaps podcast. We talk primarily about Michael Psellos and his role in the intellectual history of Byzantium. But we also talk about Byzantine philosophy in general.

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Episode 175 - The Turks

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 16:22:00 GMT

The Turks are coming to the borders of Armenia and we examine why.

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Backer Rewards Episode 10 - Economy and Population Questions

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 13:28:16 GMT

Our tenth Kickstarter backers reward episode answers a series of questions about the growing population and economy.

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Episode 174 - The Economic Recovery

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 17:05:01 GMT

We explore the economic recovery of the Empire.

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Backer Rewards Episode 9 - The Sweep of History

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:45:41 GMT

Our ninth Kickstarter backers reward episode discusses the sweep of history during our period and what lies under the maps.

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Episode 173 - Dead Ideas Podcast interview: The Varangian Guard

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 09:27:46 GMT

I was a guest on the Dead Ideas podcast to discuss the Varangian Guard. We talk about their role in the palace and the field armies and contrast their role to Eunuchs in Byzantium. Do check out Dead Ideas for episodes covering Titoism, Serfdom, Cuneiform, Vikings and many other fun topics.

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Episode 172 - The Roman Army in 1025 AD

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 10:24:07 GMT

We discuss the past century of success for the Roman military and answer some listener questions

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Backer Rewards Episode 8 - Greek Fire on Land

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:49:26 GMT

Our eighth Kickstarter backers reward episode features questions about the use of Greek Fire on land.

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Episode 171 - The Eastern Frontier

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:19:18 GMT

We head to the Eastern frontier to see what Byzantium's expansion into Armenia meant for the Empire.

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Tour Announcement

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 22:28:32 GMT

The 2019 History of Byzantium tour is here. Book your place now!

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Backer Rewards Episode 7 - Georgia and the Black Sea

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 11:54:21 GMT

Our seventh Kickstarter backers reward episode features questions about Georgia, the Orthodox nations around the Black Sea and Ravenna.

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Episode 170 - The "Conquest" of Armenia

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 18:37:06 GMT

We head to the Eastern frontier to see what Byzantium's expansion into Armenia meant for the Empire.

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Backer Rewards Episode 6 - Respect, Institutions, Justice

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:36:07 GMT

Our sixth Kickstarter backers reward episode features questions about the institutions which influenced Byzantine life and the legal punishments for everyday crimes.

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Episode 169 - Constantinople in 1025

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 09:40:10 GMT

Having covered the famous monuments thoroughly we take a look around the rest of Constantinople. We survey changes in the population, harbours, architecture and palace amongst other things.

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Byzantine Stories Episode 7 Announcement

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:09:23 GMT

Byzantine Stories Episode 7: Women in the Roman World is now available

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Backer Rewards Episode 5 - Imperial Qualities and More Feelings

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 20:48:41 GMT

Our fifth Kickstarter backers reward episode features questions about what makes a good Emperor and more about feeling attached to the Romans.

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Backer Rewards Episode 4 - Lucky Romans and Being a Celebrity

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:46:20 GMT

Our fourth Kickstarter backers reward episode features questions about Constantinople and some personal ones for me.

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Backer Rewards Episode 3 - What was Istanbul like?

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 13:32:44 GMT

Our third Kickstarter backers reward episode features a lot of chat about my trip to Istanbul. I talk about the experience of visiting for the first time and answer listener questions.

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Backer Rewards Episode 2 - A Day in the Life of a Podcaster

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 08:37:06 GMT

Our second Kickstarter backers reward episode featuring some book recommendations and me describing a day in the life of a podcaster.

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Episode 168 - A Guided Tour

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:49:34 GMT

What would a foreign visitor to Constantinople expect to see and hear?

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Hello from Istanbul

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:40:57 GMT

Hello from Istanbul

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Episode 167 - Five Centuries On

Mon, 28 May 2018 20:39:59 GMT

We survey the main structures and services of Constantinople to see what has changed since 518 AD (episode 10 of the show)

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Post Script to episode 166

Wed, 23 May 2018 14:51:53 GMT

An explanation and some credits from Episode 166 - To The City.

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Episode 166 - To The City

Mon, 21 May 2018 11:40:28 GMT

You visit Constantinople, guided by a stranger.

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Backer Rewards Episode 1 - Byzantine Games

Sat, 12 May 2018 10:14:25 GMT

Our first Kickstarter backers reward episode showcasing the Byzantine board and role playing games available.

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Send me your thoughts

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 10:11:55 GMT

For those who pledged £65 on the Kickstarter I need to hear from you. Get in touch with me about having your voice on the podcast.

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Final Kickstarter Reminder

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 20:03:21 GMT

Final Kickstarter Reminder

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Episode 165 - The Eagle and the Frogs

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 22:30:38 GMT

We explore the reasons why the Bulgarians never became Romans.

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Episode 164 - Don't Believe Your Map

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 00:05:21 GMT

The maps commonly used in books and the internet give a misleading impression of the Byzantine occupation of Bulgaria. We tour the Balkans and discuss the reality on the ground.

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Ask Me Anything

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 23:10:04 GMT

I am doing an AMA. That's an Ask Me Anything for a website called WhatPods. I will be answering questions on the 21st March at 4.30pm US eastern standard time. Post your questions now.

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A replay of the House of War

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 21:12:38 GMT

A replay of episode 89 "The House of War"

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Episode 163 - The Magyars, Pechenegs and Rus

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 18:37:03 GMT

We trace the interconnected developments of the Magyars, Pechenegs and Rus.

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Istanbul Kickstarter Campaign

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 09:28:28 GMT

My Istanbul Kickstarter Campaign launches today. Please consider supporting it.

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Episode 162 - Venetians and Normans

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:45:23 GMT

We move on to Venice and Normandy to discuss the development of two peoples who will play a key role in the future of Byzantium.

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Episode 161 - Not Yet Holy Roman Emperors

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:55:13 GMT

We talk about developments in the Frankish realm as they relate to Byzantium across the past century.

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Episode 160 - Why Italy Matters

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:27:16 GMT

We talk about the big picture status of Italy during the 10th century and why it mattered to Byzantium.

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Byzantine Stories episode six announcement

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:20:38 GMT

Byzantine Stories episode six announcement

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Episode 159 - Rest in Peace

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 19:03:53 GMT

We discuss Byzantine funeral practices and the burial places of Emperors.

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Episode 158 - The Legend Slayer

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 14:02:08 GMT

I answer some listener questions about Basil II and Byzantine first names.

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Update on schedule and Istanbul

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 14:07:36 GMT

Update on schedule and Istanbul

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Episode 157 - The Culmination

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:29:32 GMT

We cover Basil's last few years as he deals with the Fatimids, the Georgians and his own rebellious soldiers. We then wrap up his reign and bring our century to a close.

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Episode 156 - The Half Blind Leading the Blind

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 17:07:44 GMT

We discuss campaigning in the Balkans, the end of the Bulgarian war and the legend of the Bulgar Slayer.

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Episode 155 - The Year 1000

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 19:14:16 GMT

Basil continues his campaigns against the Fatimids and the Bulgarians. We also discuss the turning of the year 1000.

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Episode 154 - A Cat Among Mice

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:21:02 GMT

We discuss the origins of the revived Bulgarian Empire and follow Basil as he campaigns against them and the Fatimids in the East.

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Episode 153 - Basil II

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 15:21:55 GMT

Finally Basil II stands alone as master of the Roman world. Let's get to know him.

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Episode 152 - Bardas Phokas

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 21:52:13 GMT

Civil war resumes as both Bardas Sclerus and Bardas Phokas rebel against Basil. An epic showdown follows which drags the Bulgarians, the Rus, Varangians, Arabs, Armenians and Georgians into the contest.

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Episode 151 - Bardas Sclerus

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 20:39:55 GMT

The civil war continues with Bardas Sclerus and Bardas Phokas locking horns. Although the Imperial side emerge victorious, the price is years of tension with their new Domestic.

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Podcasting in Istanbul?

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:43:55 GMT

Your feedback needed on the idea of me travelling to Istanbul to record material for the podcast.

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Episode 150 - Basil Lekapenos

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 17:45:39 GMT

The narrative resumes with Basil Lekapenos elevating his great-nephew Basil II to the throne. However Bardas Sclerus immediately rebels and declares himself Emperor.

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Episode 149 - Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:16:20 GMT

The full interview with Professor Kaldellis about his book "Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood." The book is a narrative history from the time when Nicephorus Phokas took charge of the military through till the First Crusade. In our conversation we talk about sources, Basil IIs reign, the Magnates and the struggles of the 11th century.

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Episode 148 - Sources and Magnates

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:05:06 GMT

We return to our interview with Professor Kaldellis to discuss Basil II's reign. We talk about our sources, about his decision never to marry and his relationship with the landed magnates.

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Episode 147 - Bulgarian Solidarity

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:58:36 GMT

We look at a series of questions about what's been happening in Bulgaria since the peace was signed in 927. Why were the Rus able to defeat the Bulgarians so quickly? What did the Roman occupation look like? And more.

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Episode 146 - What's the Plan?

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:02:54 GMT

Did the Romans dream of reconquering their eastern provinces? Or were their border acquisitions enough?

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Episode 145 - The Eastern Conquests

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:07:11 GMT

We discuss the eastern conquests and how valuable they really were. As well as the deployment and organisation of the military in the borderlands.

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Episode 144 - Setting the Table

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 15:39:19 GMT

We begin our mini end-of-the-century series by talking about our sources. Huge thanks to Professor Anthony Kaldellis for talking to me about his new book "Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood." It's a narrative history covering the period from when Nicephorus Phokas took over the military until the First Crusade. This is only part of our interview focusing on the task of sifting sources to create a more realistic narrative.

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Byzantine Stories Episode 5 - Roman Healthcare. Part 1 - Choosing Your Provider

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 17:02:36 GMT

Part 1 is an overview of the history of Greek medicine. How it developed and what kind of treatments were on offer.

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Episode 143 - Strange Trajectories

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 21:48:39 GMT

John returns home triumphant but must deal with the Fatimid attacks in the east.

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Listener Survey

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 19:04:32 GMT

Please help the show by filling out our listener survey

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Episode 142 - Brave in Danger

Sun, 18 Jun 2017 17:20:26 GMT

John Tzimiskes faces down the Phokas rebellion and then marches for Bulgaria to take on the Rus.

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Episode 141 - How To Get Away With Murder

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 23:43:58 GMT

John Tzimiskes pacifies his domestic and foreign enemies as he consolidates his rule. However the Rus leader Sviatoslav makes the decision to move his capital to the Danube forcing the Romans to respond.

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Episode 140 - Magnificent and Insufferable

Fri, 26 May 2017 22:28:21 GMT

Nicephorus Phokas is murdered by his nephew John Tzimiskes. We discuss the plot, the aftermath and the personalities of both men.

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Episode 139 - All In A Day's Work

Sun, 21 May 2017 16:57:11 GMT

We cover Nicephorus' foreign policy issues during his final two years in office. Armenian, Bulgarian and Italian concerns then go on hold for one last march through Syria.

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Moving to Acast

Thu, 18 May 2017 09:33:33 GMT

Moving to Acast

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Episode 138 - Abhorring the Palace

Fri, 12 May 2017 13:47:29 GMT

Nicephorus stays at home to administer his realm and manages to alienate every strata of society.

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Episode 137 - Cilicia

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 17:30:41 GMT

Nicephorus leads the armies in person against Tarsus and Mopsuestia, bringing Cilicia and Cyprus back into the Empire.

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Episode 136 - The White Death of the Saracens

Sun, 23 Apr 2017 18:35:34 GMT

We discuss Nicephorus' life and career and what his rise meant for Romania.

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Episode 135 – Triumphal Procession

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 22:07:08 GMT

We catch up on what Romanus II and Sayf were up to during the Cretan expedition. Then we move forward with Nicephorus Phokas as he sacks Aleppo.

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Episode 134 - Third Time's the Charm

Sun, 09 Apr 2017 18:53:51 GMT

With Nicephorus Phokas in charge of the military the Romans win a string of victories against Sayf al-Dawlah. Constantine VII decides to attack Crete again but dies before the expedition sets off.

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Episode 133 - Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth with Eric McGeer

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 16:25:19 GMT

An interview with Eric McGeer about his book "Sowing the Dragon's Teeth" which charts the changes in the Roman army as it moved to an offensive deployment in the 10th century.

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Episode 132 - Escalating Violence

Sat, 18 Mar 2017 14:05:11 GMT

948-954. We return to the frontier where the Phokas family inflict a series of sharp defeats on Sayf al-Dawla. Sayf starts again by restoring his border fortresses and driving off Roman attacks. When Constantine Phokas is captured alive the war begins to escalate.

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Episode 131 - False Economy

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 22:29:38 GMT

Constantine VII seeks peace in the east but Sayf al-Dawla is not interested. The Emperor presses on with the attempted pacification of Crete.

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Episode 130 - The Empire That Would Not Die with John Haldon

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:31:58 GMT

An interview with Professor John Haldon about his book "The Empire That Would Not Die: The Paradox of Eastern Roman Survival, 640-740." In particular we discuss environmental research which helps us understand important changes in Anatolia. I think you'll be fascinated by what it can show us.

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Episode 129 is available

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 23:40:03 GMT

Episode 129 is available

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Episode 128 - The Prudent Course

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 18:10:01 GMT

A Rus raid delays John Kourkouas from leading a raid into Syria. When he does though he captures the sacred Mandylion and brings it back to the capital. Soon afterwards though he and Romanus are ousted from power.

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Episode 127 - Melitene

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 22:09:34 GMT

John Kourkouas captures Melitene, providing the Empire with its first eastern conquest in centuries. The Islamic world is alarmed at this news and the Hamdanid family begin to provide resistance. However their preoccupation with Baghdad means they may have already conceded the mountains to the Romans.

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Episode 126 - Attract and Repel

Fri, 03 Feb 2017 18:26:18 GMT

927-8 was a terrible winter. The suffering of the common people led many to sell their farms to their wealthy neighbours. Romanus legislated quickly to put a stop to it. Meanwhile John Kourkouas led the army into Armenia with Melitene in his sights.

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Episode 125 - A Tsar is Born

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 15:23:34 GMT

Back in the tent with Symeon and Nicholas we learn that a title was granted that day. Symeon wanted to be hailed as Emperor. Wrangling over this title would lead to another decade of war before the two sides could come together.

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Episode 124 - A Roman Story

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:48:16 GMT

The new Emperor Alexander dies after only a year on the throne. The next six years see an interregnum as the Patriarch, Empress and leading Generals vie to become the guardian to young Constantine VII.

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Episode 123 - Dramatis Personae

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:31:02 GMT

We review the players in the impending struggle over the throne. And answer some more listener questions on the way.

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Byzantine Stories Episode Four Announcement

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:20:02 GMT

Byzantine Stories Episode Four Announcement

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Episode 122 - Questions V

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 02:04:41 GMT

I answer more of your questions including sports, Iconoclasm, prices, symbols, literature and more.

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Episode 121 - The Roman Army in 900AD

Sun, 11 Dec 2016 17:13:35 GMT

Aside from the rise of the landed magnates there have been some other important changes in the Roman military in the past century. We cover the Themes, recruitment, payment, skirmishing and all the rest.

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Episode 120 - The Magnates

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 22:32:18 GMT

The fruits of the recovery were unevenly distributed. The wealthy landowners of the plateau were building huge estates and developing family histories to go with them.

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Episode 119 - Follow the Money

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 18:29:25 GMT

We explore arguments for and against the idea that commerce was a huge source of revenue for Byzantium.

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Episode 118 - Revival

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 17:05:11 GMT

The Romans are finally recovering from three centuries of struggle. One of the lesser-discussed reasons for this was the payments made to the elites for their loyalty.

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Episode 117 - Questions IV

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 15:01:03 GMT

Its time for some of your questions. We cover queries about the Bulgars, Slavs, Greece, Coins and modern Romania.

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Episode 116 - North of the Danube

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 19:08:10 GMT

We place the Khazars, Magyars, Pechenegs and Rus on the map and explore their relationships with Constantinople.

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Episode 115 - The Rise of Bulgaria

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 20:03:33 GMT

The 9th century was a period of amazing social and political change in the Balkans. We follow the Khans as they plot a path toward recognition of their right to exist.

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Episode 114 - International Relations

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 22:11:34 GMT

We explore the diplomatic and trade exchanges between Byzantium, the Caliphate and the Franks.

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Episode 113 - Carolingian Decline

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 15:19:48 GMT

Charlemagne's empire could not last. Frankish customs saw the realm divided and it would never be put back together.

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Episode 112 - The Frontier

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 20:48:10 GMT

With the Caliphate in decline the Romans take a greater interest in the Armenian lands on their eastern border. We explore the fragmented landscape and politics of Armenia and take a quick glance at Cilicia and the forts beyond.

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Episode 111 - Abbasid Decline

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:57:36 GMT

We begin our end of the century episodes in the East. Since 838 the great Caliphal armies have not been seen in Anatolia. We explore why as the Caliphate slowly pulls itself apart across the 9th century.

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Byzantine Stories Episode 3 announcement 2

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 14:57:49 GMT

Byzantine Stories episode three announcement 2

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Byzantine Stories Episode 3 announcement

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 21:07:43 GMT

Byzantine Stories Episode 3 announcement

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Episode 110 - The Four Wives of Leo VI

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:06:19 GMT

Leo enters the second half of his reign desperate to leave the Empire to a healthy son. Meanwhile his military are successful on land but suffer at sea.

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Episode 109 - Leo the Wise?

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:35:29 GMT

Basil's son Leo was known as "the Wise" during his lifetime. We get to know the new Emperor and explore if this reputation was justified.

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Episode 108 - Known Unknowns

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 16:07:04 GMT

We follow Basil's time in office as tries to wash away the sin of murder and secure legitimacy for his new dynasty. He also tests the limits of Byzantium's growing power in East and West.

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Episode 107 - Keeping up with the Macedonians

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 20:13:41 GMT

We chart the rise of Basil the Macedonian and his murder of both Bardas and Michael. We also look at how Basil's descendants would re-brand Michael as "the Drunkard" before saying goodbye to the Amorion Dynasty.

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Byzantine Stories Episode 2 Announcement

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:12:32 GMT

Listen here for an announcement about the second episode in the Byzantine Stories series and an increase in the subscription price.

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Episode 106 - Mother and Uncle

Mon, 30 May 2016 16:51:54 GMT

Theodora and Theoctistus rule for young Michael until he comes of age. Then Uncle Bardas takes over the government. Meanwhile the Romans begin to gain the upper hand in Anatolia while a schism with the Papacy looms.

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Episode 105 - The Triumph of Orthodoxy

Fri, 20 May 2016 14:14:53 GMT

Theophilus reorganises the army and leaves the throne to his wife and two year-old son. Theodora decides to restore the Icons and we discuss the end to the Iconoclast era of Byzantine history.

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Episode 104 - God-Fearing

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 17:58:47 GMT

We focus on Theophilus' record on the eastern front. The last gasp of true Caliphal power sees the Emperor harshly punished for his support of the Khurramite rebellion.

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Episode 103 - God-Loving

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 18:48:27 GMT

Young Theophilus becomes Emperor at a rare moment ofinternal peace. We look at his domestic policies across his 13 yearreign and touch on his non-Anatolian foreign policy.

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Episode 102 - The Islands

Sat, 26 Mar 2016 14:14:12 GMT

Michael II tries to secure his regime now that the civil war is over. However attacks on Sicily and Crete prevent him from returning to "normality."

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Episode 101 - Thomas the Slav

Sun, 13 Mar 2016 17:23:38 GMT

Leo's murder is greeted with disgust in Anatolia where men rally behind Thomas the Slav. But back at the capital men get behind Michael of Amorium as a suitable replacement. This split leads to a three year civil war and a stalemate which suggests that God favours neither man.

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Episode 100 - An Interview with Mike Duncan

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:46:44 GMT

Thanks to all of you for helping us get to episode 100. And of course our eternal gratitude to Mike Duncan and The History of Rome podcast.

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Episode 99 - Michael of Amorium

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:51:34 GMT

Leo restores Iconoclasm and defeats the Bulgars in battle. After signing the peace treaty he raid the Caliphate and returns to domestic matters. However a palace conspiracy overthrows him in favour of his old ally Michael of Amorium.

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Episode 98 - Leo the Armenian

Sat, 06 Feb 2016 16:25:38 GMT

Leo the Armenian becomes Leo V and waits out Krum's slaughter in Thrace. He also makes plans to restore Iconoclasm.

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Episode 97 - Michael Rhangabe, Emperor of the Romans

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 18:42:44 GMT

Nicephorus' successors are his wounded son and his unsuitable son-in-law. Between them they ensure that the dynasty comes to a sad end while Krum improves his position considerably.

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Episode 96 - Shoulda

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:14:32 GMT

Why were the Bulgars so successful compared to their larger neighbour? We look at this question and the limitations of the Byzantine army on campaign as Nicephorus leads his men to their doom.

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Episode 95 - Coulda

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:33:13 GMT

Nicephorus turns his attention to the Balkans and begins settling colonists in the Peloponnese. His plans for Macedonia though are thwarted by the Bulgars. The Emperor organises a mass migration from Anatolia to Europe and reorganises the Themes and the finances of the state to make the new venture a success.

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Episode 94 - Woulda

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:48:04 GMT

The General Logothete Nicephorus becomes Emperor and embarks on a wide ranging programme of reform. In this episode we focus on relations with the Caliphate, Charlemagne and the clergy.

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Episode 93 - Recap and Precap

Sun, 03 Jan 2016 17:47:35 GMT

A reminder of where we've come from in the 8th century and where we are going in the 9th.

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Episode 92 - Questions III

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 17:49:01 GMT

I answer your questions about the Themes, the Khazars, China, daily life and blinding. I also update our Constantine acrostic.

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Episode 91 - An Interview with Author Vincent O'Reilly

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:01:26 GMT

An Interview with Paul Kastenellos (the pseudonym of author Vincent O'Reilly) about his two historical novels "Antonina - A Byzantine Slut" and "Count No Man Happy."

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Episode 90 - The Roman Army in 800AD

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 18:07:28 GMT

I flesh out some details and answer your questions about the Roman army in 800AD.

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Episode 89 - The House of War

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 15:27:50 GMT

I present a fantasy narrative of a soldier's life during a raid in Cappadocia. The details are all taken from Byzantine sources.

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Episode 88 - More Thoughts on the Byzantine Republic by Anthony Kaldellis

Sun, 22 Nov 2015 10:30:54 GMT

More Thoughts on "The Byzantine Republic" and my interview with Anthony Kaldellis.

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Episode 87 - The Byzantine Republic with Anthony Kaldellis

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:47:37 GMT

An interview with Professor Anthony Kaldellis about his book "The Byzantine Republic." It's a fascinating discussion about Byzantine political culture. He explores what the Romans really thought about their government and what all those rebellions really say about them. You will want to hear this!

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Episode 86 - The People

Sat, 31 Oct 2015 07:00:20 GMT

We explore the lives of the people of Byzantium. From the Emperor through the court down to the farmers, merchants and minorities who made up the population.

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Episode 85 - Imperial Territory

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 12:09:30 GMT

We explore the remaining provinces of the Roman Empire from Sicily to Cilicia. Ok Cilicia is no longer a part of the Empire but its on the border and I liked the alliteration.

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Episode 84 - The Leftovers

Sat, 03 Oct 2015 15:31:12 GMT

We explore the lives of the former Romans of Syria, Palestine and Egypt. We discuss the survival of language and Christianity and answer other listener questions. We also look at what the Romans and Arabs really thought of one another.

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Episode 83 - The Decline and Fall of the Arab Empire

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 16:48:21 GMT

We return to 700AD to chart events in the Caliphate throughout the century. We follow the disintegration of Umayyad rule and the establishment of Abbasid Baghdad.

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Episode 82 - Charlemagne and Leo (part 2)

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:17:49 GMT

How did Charlemagne and Leo each spin the coronation of 800AD? And how did the Byzantines react to the growth of Frankish power? After examining these questions we look at your questions about the 8th century West.

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Episode 81 - Charlemagne and Leo (part 1)

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 17:24:30 GMT

We look at developments in the West during the 8th century. We follow the rise of the Carolingians and the amazing career of Charlemagne. We also see the various dilemma faced by the Papacy and how the collapse of Byzantine influence created a new power dynamic.

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Episode 80 - The Isaurian Dynasty

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 17:08:10 GMT

Irene rules alone but the search for her successor undermines her. Then I recap the century and look at what Iconoclasm really represents.

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Episode 79 - A Mother's Love

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 14:21:46 GMT

An army revolt leads to Constantine becoming sole ruler. But soon Irene is back in the palace while her son searches in vain for military glory. Eventually though her desire to rule again overwhelms her love for her son.

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Episode 78 - A New Helena

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 10:21:50 GMT

The Empress Irene becomes Regent for her son Constantine VI and sets about securing their rule. She manages to gain the support of the bureaucracy, army and church. Then she organises another Ecumenical Council to restore the Icons.

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Thoughts on the John Chrysostom series

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 16:12:25 GMT

Thoughts on the John Chrysostom series

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Byzantine Stories Episode 1 - John Chrysostom. Part 1 - Welcome to Antioch

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:51:34 GMT

An introduction to life in Antioch in 350AD. Amidst the great buildings live the beleaguered poor of the Roman world. The Christians were destined to care for and convert these people but in 350AD the threat of losing souls to Judaism or Paganism was real.

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An update on the Fundraising Sale and the new RSS Feed

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 19:05:11 GMT

Listen to the latest podcast to find out about the new fundraising sale and your chance to get 4 new episodes of "The History of Byzantium."

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Episode 76 - The Dung Named

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 10:50:54 GMT

Constantine V faces a conspiracy against his throne and his response is violent. He continues to rebuild his capital and campaign against the Bulgars. Yet despite all his success he was remembered as the Dung named.

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Episode 75 - The Headless Council

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:17:17 GMT

Constantine V gathers an Ecumenical Council to gain acceptance for his views on the place of icons. He also goes to war with the Bulgar Khanate. We close by discussing his personal life and the capture of Ravenna by the Lombards.

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Episode 74 - The Quest for Legitimacy

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:47:34 GMT

Constantine V becomes Emperor but is immediately forced into a two year civil war. Once back in power we follow his reorganisation of the army and military planning in the face of the Caliphate's own internal struggles.

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Episode 73 - Leo's Reign in the 730s

Fri, 15 May 2015 12:23:52 GMT

We look at Leo's second decade in power. First tracing the military and political developments and then going back to look at the development of Iconoclasm.

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Episode 72 - Leo's Reign in the 720s

Fri, 01 May 2015 09:44:54 GMT

We look at Leo's first decade in power. First tracing the military and political developments and then going back to look at domestic policies.

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Episode 71 - Iconoclasm

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 16:45:49 GMT

We take a look at the whole period of Iconoclasm as an introduction to this era.

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Episode 70 - Zombies of Byzantium

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 17:20:05 GMT

An interview with author Sean Munger about his book "Zombies of Byzantium." The novel is set during the Siege of 717-18 and sees an outbreak of the undead just as Maslama and Leo battle in Constantinople.

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Episode 69 - Lost to the West

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 10:07:38 GMT

Maslama puts Constantinople under siege. The Romans look to the heavens for a sign that God still favours them.

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Episode 68 - Leo III

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:32:49 GMT

We trace the origins of Leo III from his family's relocation to Thrace, his service in the Caucasus through to his interaction with the invading Arabs.

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Episode 67 - The Tightening Noose

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:46:20 GMT

Justinian II tries to return to vigorous action but things quickly fall apart. The Arabs advance in the east and a rebellion in Cherson blows up. We meet our fourth, fifth and sixth Emperors.

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Episode 66 - The Emperor Strikes Back

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:23:22 GMT

Justinian II heads off into exile but dreams of returning to Constantinople. He makes friends in Cherson and talks openly of rebellion. The city's authorities report this to Apsimar and Justinian flees Cherson looking for an ally who can return him to the throne.

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Episode 65 - Seven Emperors

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:15:52 GMT

The Arabs capture Carthage and the new Emperor Leontius is forced to send a fleet to recapture it. When that mission fails the men of the fleet wonder if one of their own might make a better Emperor.

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Episode 64 - Questions II

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:49:11 GMT

We finish our 7th century tour by answering more of your questions. We cover nose slitting, coins, education, fashion, when did Late Antiquity end and did the Romans miss the Persians?

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Episode 63 - Byzantine Theodicy with David Gyllenhaal

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:02:56 GMT

An interview with David Gyllenhaal, a PHD Student at Oxford University discussing his thesis on how the 7th century changed Byzantine self conception.

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Episode 62 - God's Punishment

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:40:48 GMT

What did the Romans think was responsible for their defeats? We look at the Christian thought-world of the 7th century and the reactions from Byzantium and those left behind in the Caliphate.

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Episode 61 - Why did the Romans Survive?

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 14:50:49 GMT

We look at the changes the Roman army and government went through in the 7th century and consider why the Romans survived.

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Episode 60 - Looking West

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:03:25 GMT

We look West at Spain, Gaul and Italy to see what has changed since 600AD. Then we head into the Balkans to peer into the darkness and try to understand who lived there.

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Episode 59 - Why did the Arabs win? Part 4: The Conquest Society

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:35:31 GMT

Now that the Arabs have conquered Syria and Mesopotamia how did they organise themselves? And how did this contribute to their continuing military victories?

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An explantion of The Origins of Islam episode

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 11:30:59 GMT

Find out how you can buy the sale episode on the Origins of Islam by listening to this episode.

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Episode 58 - Why did the Arabs win? Part 3: They Wanted it More

Sun, 16 Nov 2014 01:58:31 GMT

We explore more issues surrounding why the Arabs won. We look into their society. We explore the great battles themselves and the armies who fought in them.

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Episode 57 - Why did the Arabs win? Part 2: In the Shadow of the Sword

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:26:25 GMT

An interview with Tom Holland, author of the book "In the Shadow of the Sword." The book traces the origins of Islam by looking at the Jewish, Roman and Persian worlds of late antiquity. In the interview he gives his views on how this process worked and then I ask him why did the Arabs win?

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Episode 56 - Why did the Arabs win? Part 1: The Sources

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:33:37 GMT

Why can't we entirely trust the traditional Islamic account of the conquests?

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Episode 55 - Why did the Romans lose?

Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:23:57 GMT

Why did the Romans lose control of their Eastern provinces so easily?

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Episode 54 - Justinian II

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 15:47:53 GMT

Justinian II comes to power aged 16 and begins imitating his namesake in ambition and productivity. He orders campaigns in east and west, begins building and taxing and calls for an Ecumenical Council. All the while though his popularity plummets.

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Episode 53 - The Bulgars are Coming

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 16:39:38 GMT

Constantine IV calls an Ecumenical Council to discuss the issue of Monotheletism. He also has to deal with an invasion of the Balkans by the Bulgars.

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Episode 52 - The Non-Siege of Constantinople

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:11:38 GMT

Constantine IV inherits his father's throne together with his ceaseless war with Muʿāwiyah. As the Caliph builds a fleet to threaten Constantinople the Emperor responds with the weapons at his disposal.

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Episode 51 - The Themes

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:00:13 GMT

Constans II uses the Muslim civil war to reorganise the Roman military in the East. Then he travels to the West making a new home for himself in Syracuse in Sicily.

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Episode 50 - The Teenage Emperor

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:27:56 GMT

Heraclius' family fall out with each other over the succession. The crown eventually comes to rest on the head of the fourteen year old Constans II. He is left with an Empire under attack in Egypt, Armenia and the Mediterranean.

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Episode 49 - The Man Who Lived Too Long

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 14:18:18 GMT

The Arabs march on into Mesopotamia and Egypt. Meanwhile the bad news keeps piling up for Heraclius as he nears his final days.

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Episode 48 - The Battle of Hieromyax

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:54:18 GMT

The Muslim Arabs invade Syria and begin to sweep away Roman resistance. Heraclius gathers the Army of the East for what he hopes will be a decisive battle.

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Episode 47 - A Brief Respite

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:45:39 GMT

Heraclius surveys his shattered realm and plans how to remake things. We deal with three issues specifically - the Imperial title, the Empire's Jews and the Monophysites.

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Episode 46 - The Final War

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:33:10 GMT

Heraclius takes the winter off to plan what to do next. He needs to buy off the Avars as he removes all the remaining troops from the Balkans. After training the last Roman army left in the Empire, Heraclius prepares to march East and either restore the old borders or never return.

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Byzantine Project Update

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 13:52:54 GMT

Byzantine Project Update

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Episode 45 - The Empty Fleet

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 23:33:00 GMT

The Persians conquer Egypt as Nicetas fails to defend Alexandria. Heraclius tries to find a way to avoid blame for this disaster and acquire the resources to fight back.

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Episode 44 - Unceasing Lamentations

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 16:10:45 GMT

Heraclius fails to push the Persians back and has to watch in horror as they capture Jerusalem.

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Episode 43 - Heraclius to the rescue

Fri, 17 Jan 2014 21:27:04 GMT

Phocas is overthrown by Heraclius but the Empire's problems are only deepening.

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Episode 42 - In Fairness to Phocas

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 19:58:34 GMT

The narrative resumes with the new Emperor Phocas having to deal with yet another Persian invasion.

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Episode 41 - Who is a Byzantine?

Sat, 21 Dec 2013 16:37:29 GMT

We explore who the Byzantines thought they were and whether they were right.

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Episode 40 - Questions

Sat, 14 Dec 2013 18:28:05 GMT

I answer your 6th century questions from education to eunuchs and food to fleets.

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Episode 39 - Neighbours and Provinces

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:02:39 GMT

We travel through Spain, Gaul, Italy, the Balkans, Anatolia, the East and Persia to uncover the geo-political situation in 600AD.

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Episode 38 - Christianising

Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:07:47 GMT

We look at how Christianity spread more deeply into Roman culture across the 6th century and see how this affected the Empire's cities and Jews.

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Episode 37 - The Army of the Strategikon

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:02:53 GMT

We look at how the Roman army has changed up to the end of the 6th century. To guide us we are using the Byzantine army manual the Strategikon. We learn how the army fought, who fought, what they looked like and how they were organised.

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Episode 36 - The End of Legitimacy

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:46:00 GMT

Maurice has a tough decision to make about his role in the Persian civil war. Once that is over he turns his attention to the Balkans. Success in the field is ruined by the cost of paying the army.

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Episode 35 - The Lucky Break

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 15:20:41 GMT

The new Emperor Maurice continues fighting on the Eastern front trying to convince the Persians to sign a peace treaty. But they won't.

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Episode 34 - Overbalancing

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:10:13 GMT

The new Emperor Tiberius II decided to throw the Empire's strength into the war with Persia. He spends liberally and recruits new men to bolster the Eastern Empire.

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Episode 33 - The Madness of Justin II

Fri, 02 Aug 2013 21:43:51 GMT

The new Emperor Justin II comes to power with the conviction that the Roman Empire should not be paying tribute to anyone. But after cancelling subsidies to the Avars, the Ghassanids and the Persians he finds himself with war and disaster on all sides.

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Episode 32 - The True Believer

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:37:51 GMT

Was Justinian a good Emperor?

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Episode 31 - Getting the Band Back Together

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:07:27 GMT

A series of natural disasters and domestic disturbances mar the final years of Justinian's reign. We also meet the Avars, bring silk to Byzantium and give Belisarius one last chance to shine.

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Episode 30 - Age Before Beauty

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 15:37:26 GMT

The men Justinian puts in charge of his military operations keep getting older or more unlikely as the 550s unfold. However they bring success in Italy, the Balkans, Lazica and then most surprisingly in Spain.

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Episode 29 - The Nightmare Decade

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

With the sack of Antioch, the Italian conquest falling apart and the Plague, the years 540-45 were like a nightmare for Justinian. The next five years would continue to bring bad news as war continues on every front and members of the Imperial family begin to die.

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An explanation of the fund raising podcast

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:05:00 GMT

An explanation of the fund raising podcast

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Episode 27 - The Walking Dead

Mon, 27 May 2013 11:07:17 GMT

The Plague arrives at Pelusium and spreads to Alexandria where it rages for four months. By Spring 542 the Egyptians have to begin sending out the grain fleets. They export the Plague with them and Constantinople endures a nightmare summer of death.

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A clarification on the sale

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:47:47 GMT

A clarification on the fundraising sale of Episode 28.

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Episode 26 - The Sack of Antioch

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:47:26 GMT

Khosrou leads the Persian Army across the border into Syria and begins extorting money from every city he passes. The Byzantine army is nowhere to be found as the army approaches the Empire's third largest city: Antioch.

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Episode 25 - The Roaring Thirties

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:35:44 GMT

We take a look at what else was going on in the Empire during the 530s including: monophysites, tax and administration, buildings, Africa and possibly a meteor strike.

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Episode 24 - The Western Emperor

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:57:21 GMT

Belisarius is content to leave John to die in Ariminum but the Chamberlain Narses arrives and begs to differ. Conflicts over how to complete the conquest of Italy lead to disaster at Milan and a long delay in finally reaching Ravenna.

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Episode 23 - The Siege of Rome

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:46:25 GMT

When Athalaric, Prince of the Goths dies in 534 his mother has to choose whether to flee East or try to cling to power. Amalasuntha makes the wrong choice and calls in her cousin Theodahad. When he has her killed he hands Justinian the chance to invade.

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Episode 22 - Justinian's Legacy

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:08:00 GMT

We examine the Corpus Juris Civilis and the Hagia Sophia. The two achievements of Justinian's reign which outlasted both him and the Byzantine Empire.

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Episode 21 - The Vandal War

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:47:55 GMT

With the Nika Revolt quelled, Justinian orders Belisarius to retake the province of Africa. In the Summer of 533 an armada sets sail and lands east of Carthage. Belisarius leads his army cautiously up the coast as King Gelimer rallies his army.

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Episode 20 - The Nika Revolt

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:19:23 GMT

In January 532 a seemingly typical riot at the races escalates into a full blown rebellion against Justinian. Trapped up in the Palace while Constantinople burns, the Emperor must decide whether to flee or to fight.

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Episode 19 - 527-532, Part 3: The Kindling

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:06:58 GMT

In part three we return to Constantinople and see Justinian begin to reform his Empire. We take a look at his building projects, his new legal code and the laws he enacted. Particularly those aimed at pagans and heretics.

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Episode 18 - 527-532, Part 2: The Eternal Peace, the Danube Frontier and Diplomacy

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:48:13 GMT

The first five years of Justinian's reign (527-532) are so incident-filled that it will take us a few episodes to get through them.

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Episode 17 - 527-532, Part 1: The Battle of Dara

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:20:28 GMT

The first five years of Justinian's reign (527-532) are so incident-filled that it will take us a few episodes to get through them. In part one we stay on the Eastern front for the Battle of Dara.

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Episode 16 - Theodora

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 12:40:49 GMT

We continue the narrative on the Eastern frontier as Lazica and Iberia try to form an alliance with Byzantium and leave the Persian orbit. King Kavad responds by trying to get Justin to adopt his favourite son.

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Episode 15 - Justinian

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:21:49 GMT

We get a thorough introduction to Justinian, Justin's nephew and presumed heir. We look as Justinian's education and the kind of worldview he was developing. We follow his rise up the ranks from Palace guard to potential Caesar.

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Episode 14 - The Emperor Justin

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:08:00 GMT

We restart the narrative with the death of the Emperor Anastasius and the accession of Justin, Count of the Excubitors. The new Emperor is decidedly orthodox and begins a persecution of the monophysites and heals the schism with Rome. We also introduce our sources for the period with particular attention paid to Procopius of Caesarea.

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Episode 13 - The State (Part 2)

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:07:00 GMT

Part 2 is the church and the army. We look at the administration of the church and its affects on society. Then we look at the size and disposition of the army and wrap up the tour.

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Episode 12 - The State (Part 1)

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:06:00 GMT

We finally end our tour of the Empire by examining the Byzantine state. By focussing on the government, the church and the army we see how the Empire is shaping up since the fall of the West and how it is set up to deal with the world we explored in the previous five episodes. Part 1 is the government as we look at the Emperor, his ministers and the wider civil service.

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Episode 11 - The Eastern Provinces

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:04:00 GMT

In this episode we move across the Bosporus into the Eastern Provinces and explore Anatolia, Syria, Palestine and Egypt. We then take a look at the neighbours of the Empire and see what the Persians are up to before moving on to the Arabs, Armenians and other peoples from the Caucus mountains.

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Episode 10 - Constantinople

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:03:00 GMT

We explore the capital of the Byzantine Empire: Constantinople. We look at the origins of the city and trace its development from Greek city to Imperial centre. Then we see why it had such a strategically valuable location. After that we visit the city itself in the 6th century from the Great Palace to the streets.

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Episode 9 - The Balkan Provinces

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:01:00 GMT

We take a look at the remaining Byzantine Balkan Provinces along with the northern neighbours of the Empire. We also take a glance at the Black Sea Coast and the Byzantine military interest in the Crimea.

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Episode 8 - Italy and Africa

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 GMT

We take a look at the former Roman Provinces of Italy and Africa and see what Theodoric’s Ostrogoths and the Vandals, respectively, have been up to in the last century.

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Episode 7 - Gaul and Spain

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:51:48 GMT

We take a look at the former Roman Provinces of Gaul and Spain and see what the Franks and Goths have been up to in the last century.

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Episode 6 - The Prosperous Exuberance

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:48:04 GMT

The Emperor Anastasius now faces a real rebellion from the Count of the Federates in Thrace, Vitalian. The Emperor sends out an army under his nephew Hypatius but they are defeated and Vitalian marches on Constantinople.

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Episode 5 - The Gamble

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:45:02 GMT

The Emperor Anastasius deals with more riots along with an invasion in the West by the Bulgars and the East by the Persians. He then begins to give in to his monophysite sympathies and is almost toppled after allowing his Patriarch to interfere with the O

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Episode 4 - Give us a Roman Emperor

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:39:21 GMT

The Emperor Zeno dies in 491 after trying to appease the monophysites with his 'Henoticon.' Zeno's widow Ariadne then gets to pick his succesor and marries Flavius Anastasius. We have a look at the early years of his reign and the Isaurian War.

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Episode 3 - The Isaurian Emperor

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:00:00 GMT

The Emperor Zeno is now back in charge and has to deal with the members of the conspiracy that ousted him. In the first half of the episode we see how he handled his enemies close to him and in the second we look at his relationship with the Goths.

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Episode 2 - Two Steps Back

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:00:00 GMT

We journey back to 457 to introduce the Emperor Leo. I don’t cover his reign in full but there are important details about life in the East which “The History of Rome” didn’t cover.

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Episode 1a – An Introduction to Byzantine History

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

An introduction for listeners who haven't listened to "The History of Rome" podcast.

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Episode 1 - An Introduction

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

I explain the idea behind the podcast and how I intend to proceed. I also talk about how often I will be able to create episodes.

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