The History of Byzantium

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

Sharyn Eastaugh from the History of the Crusades podcast explores why people responded to Urban's call. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

An interview with Professor Peter Frankopan about his book 'The First Crusade: The Call from the East.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

A quick introduction to the Crusading topic and a discussion of how religious interpretations of historical events can be particularly distorting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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. Hosted on Acast. Se...

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

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

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

4 new episodes based on the original House of War episode are now available for purchase. Listen to this update for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

An update on the podcast, the Kickstarter projects and a couple of recommendations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our fifteenth Kickstarter backers reward episode looks at some aspects of the Hagia Sophia and the coronation ceremony of Emperors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Robin interviewed on the Roads to Liberty Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live Facebook recording today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020 Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus Tour information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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