The History of Byzantium

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

Did the Romans dream of reconquering their eastern provinces? Or were their border acquisitions enough? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the eastern conquests and how valuable they really were. As well as the deployment and organisation of the military in the borderlands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 mo...

Part 1 is an overview of the history of Greek medicine. How it developed and what kind of treatments were on offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John returns home triumphant but must deal with the Fatimid attacks in the east. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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John Tzimiskes faces down the Phokas rebellion and then marches for Bulgaria to take on the Rus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Nicephorus Phokas is murdered by his nephew John Tzimiskes. We discuss the plot, the aftermath and the personalities of both men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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Nicephorus stays at home to administer his realm and manages to alienate every strata of society.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicephorus leads the armies in person against Tarsus and Mopsuestia, bringing Cilicia and Cyprus back into the Empire.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss Nicephorus' life and career and what his rise meant for Romania.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

Constantine VII seeks peace in the east but Sayf al-Dawla is not interested. The Emperor presses on with the attempted pacification of Crete.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Episode 129 is available Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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