The History of Byzantium

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

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

We review the players in the impending struggle over the throne. And answer some more listener questions on the way.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Byzantine Stories Episode Four Announcement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I answer more of your questions including sports, Iconoclasm, prices, symbols, literature and more.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

We explore arguments for and against the idea that commerce was a huge source of revenue for Byzantium.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Its time for some of your questions. We cover queries about the Bulgars, Slavs, Greece, Coins and modern Romania.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We place the Khazars, Magyars, Pechenegs and Rus on the map and explore their relationships with Constantinople.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

We explore the diplomatic and trade exchanges between Byzantium, the Caliphate and the Franks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlemagne's empire could not last. Frankish customs saw the realm divided and it would never be put back together.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

Byzantine Stories episode three announcement 2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Byzantine Stories Episode 3 announcement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

Listen here for an announcement about the second episode in the Byzantine Stories series and an increase in the subscription price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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