Restless Times in History

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire.  Why did the plague pandemic erupt at this particular time in history? In this third episode, the possible meteorological, biological, and socio-cultural events which affected the progression of the plague are examined.    Like classical literature? Consider listening...

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire.  In this second episode, the emperor persists with his dreams of conquest even as Constantinople is ravaged by the plague. But enemies take stock of a weakened city...and internal conflict threatens to overwhelm the hard hit citizens...   Like classical literature? Co...

The Justinian Plague of 542 CE ravaged the mighty city of Constantinople and had lasting consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire.  In this first episode, the plague arrives by grain ship - and as physicians are overwhelmed, the emperor is preoccupied with other matters...   Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

Part 2/2 Arthur Ransome's fantastic escapes in 1919 Arthur Ransome is best remembered as a successful author of children's books, most notably Swallows and Amazons. But in 1919 he had a series of truly remarkable, daring, improbable - and fantastic escapes through partisan forests and vast landscapes, as he attempted to reach Estonia and escape with the woman, he loved.   Like classical literature...

Part 1/2 Arthur Ransome's fantastic escapes in 1919 Arthur Ransome is best remembered as a successful author of children's books, most notably Swallows and Amazons. But in 1919 he had a series of truly remarkable, daring, improbable - and fantastic escapes through partisan forests and vast landscapes, as he attempted to reach Estonia and escape with the woman, he loved.   Like classical literature...

A NON-SPOILER review of the historical film, OPPENHEIMER, currently showing in cinemas. Who, why, and what makes this film an exceptional experience   Like classical literature or film reviews in general? Consider listening to my other channel as well: Literature, Laughter, and Learning Right now featuring a review of the 1982 best picture winner, Chariots of Fire

In the concluding episode of this podcast series on Harald Bluetooth, we examine the continued legacy of this 10th Viking king, who lived and died by the sword.  Bluetooth technology was named after Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth really and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative technology after him?...

In the year 985: With all to win and nothing to lose, King Harald Bluetooth must join battle with his greatest foe and most deadly rival - his own son and heir - for the crown of Denmark   Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th ce...

Part 5: After years of fighting external enemies and leading successful Viking raids - Bluetooth finally realizes, that deadly enemies are far closer to home. Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative te...

Part 4: Friends may fade away, but enemies are always close at hand... Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative technology after him?   Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel...

Part 3: With Norway as an ally, Bluetooth looks south for land to conquer Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative technology after him?   Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other chann...

Amendment to the episode: Next episode will be published Freday 14th (not Wednesday 12th) This episode: Part 2: Bluetooth rules his kingdom of Denmark even as he covets the lands of his neighbours Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the...

Part 1: Prologue Bluetooth technology was named after a 10th century Danish King, Harald Bluetooth.  But who was Bluetooth, and why did his achievements in the late Viking age, lead a group of young tech inventors in the 20th century to name an innovative technology after him?   Like classical literature? Consider listening to my other channel too: Literature, Laughter, and Learning

How did tennis evolve from an 11th century game played behind the cloistered walls of French monasteries to becoming the sport of kings? Part 3: Henry VIII knew how to acquire a magnificent residence complete with tennis court - by gifting his old friend's possessions to himself. Anne Boleyn never received her winnings - and Elizabeth I enjoyed a bet. The conclusion to the 3 part series on the his...

Part 2 of the history of royal tennis, today known as real tennis.  As game courts increased in number, so too did the punishments meted out to those, who attempted to sell dirty balls. By the 15th century, the game had become The Sport of (warrior) Kings. But just as kings played the game, the game could still be the death of kings, leading to sovereigns dying in squalor in France or trapped in t...

Part 1 of the history of royal tennis. A ball game once practised by 12th century monks, up against monastic walls,  it came to be the favoured sport of medieval kings.  But even as sovereigns played on their own newly constructed courts,  medieval tennis would be at the heart of several sudden, brutal, and unusual deaths among those, who ruled.    Follow on Instagram   for images of the historica...

From devil's tool to the instrument of modesty - the fork has been called many things!  A king, who would be beheaded, a sovereign, known as the Sun King, a queen, hailed as Gloriana - all had an opinion on the fork, which saw its fortunes rise and fall, as Empires came and went, and the fork came to represent the ideals of a new era. Follow on Instagram   for images of the historical events recou...

"Devil's tool. Murder Weapon, Diplomatic Device" From the Far East to the Byzantine Empire - from Constantinople to the Jewel of the Renaissance and on to the city of lights. The fork, as we know it, has a colourful history. 

The battle defeat of King Henry III of England led to the captivity of his son and heir, Edward, who was held under guard by the king's greatest enemy. But Edward planned a daring escape!

Why do Danes celebrate Morten's Aften - Martin's Eve - by eating geese? And who was Martin of Tours, who is celebrated on that day?    For suggestions for future podcast topics, please write to restlesstimesinhistory@gmail.com Follow on Instagram

A metalworker, a surgeon, and quite possibly a counterfeiter. But also, an unsung hero of the 15th century - but for him, the famous Battle of Agincourt might never have happened!

The Vikings are here! What happened at Lindisfarne on 8th June 793 - and what was the reaction at the time to the viking raid.   Follow on Instagram

Part 1: Lead up to the Viking raid on Lindisfarne What was the significance of Lindisfarne, and why did it come to the attention of the 8th century Vikings?

She was a 4th century woman in the Roman Empire, at a time when celebrating Christmas would have been a dangerous thing. So what is the history of Lucia and how did she become so closely associated with the festive season and Christmas - learn more on this episode. Happy Holidays everyone! 

It was an old tune from the frontier, which became a marching song during the American Civil War. But what inspired the 19th century poet and activist, Julia Ward Howe, to write the hymn BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC - and how did it become so popular? Vocals and arrangement: Carlymillerproductions Lyrics: Julia Ward Howe License purchased November 2022