Western Civ

A quick bonus look at my recently-recorded Shakespeare murder mystery novel: If It Were Done.  To purchase the full audiobook, check out our website westerncivpodcast.com Or, become a Patron today for access to ALL our bonus episodes, audiobooks, and early episodes at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Richard III murders his nephews and seizes power. Yet, before he gets too comfortable, Henry Tudor crosses the Channel and the final War of the Roses begins. Check out our website for more content: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today to support the show and for tons of bonus content: patreon.com/westerncivpodcast Try a free trial of Western Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

After the Battle of Towton, Edward IV became the first Yorkist King of England. But, the Wars of the Roses know no boundaries and soon Edward found the crown easier to win than hold.  Check out our website at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

York takes over with Henry VI in tow. But, how long can he keep the masses happy as the power behind the throne? Check out our website at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast  

St. Patrick's Day today is synonymous with drinking, the color green, and parades. But, it was not always that way. Learn about how the holiday developed and, over time, became a way for the Irish diaspora to celebrate their heritage.  Become a Patron today at Patreon.com/westerncivpodcast for bonus episodes and full-length audiobooks. 

As the 1440's come to a close, those around Henry VI begin to come to terms with his ineptitude. First, the Duke of Suffolk and then the Duke of Somerset tries to control the government from behind the scenes. Both lose their heads. Ultimately, one man steps into power: Richard, Duke of York.  Check out our website for more content at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for as little as $1...

We begin our Wars of the Roses story arc by looking at the death of Henry V and the minority of his son, Henry VI. The Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester vie for power as England desperately tries to stabilize the situation in France.  Check out our website for more content: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for tons of bonus content plus every episode early at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Today we catch up on early modern France after the Hundred Years' War. Then we do a quick run through the medieval Low Countries, Scandinavia, and Ireland to catch everyone up to 1492.  Check out our website for images and more: westerncivpodcast.com Become a patron today and support the show for as little as $1 per month at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

In this episode, we cover the Rus as they do battle with the Mongol's Golden Horde and medieval Russia begins to emerge around Moscow. Then, we turn back to the Holy Roman Empire for the first time since 1250 and see how developments within the empire lead to economic growth but also political decentralization.  Check out our website for more content at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today!...

Valentine's Day has not always been all flowers and heart-shaped cards. Our eighth most popular holiday today, St. Valentine's Day is the product of a combination of ancient, medieval, and Victorian traditions, not all of which are pleasant or even relate to love. In this bonus episode, we cover the history of the holiday.

Leonardo da Vinci. Everyone knows the name. But how much do you really know about the great man? The Mona Lisa? Sure. The Last Supper? Of course. But, Lady with Ermine? Probably not. Groundbreaking medical discoveries? Nope. In this mega-episode, we cover all this and more. Website Patreon Support Western Civ 2.0

Today we wheel east and bring our narrative up to date for several regions we have not discussed in some time: Bohemia, Hungary, the Balkans, and Poland. We cover the early modern/renaissance history of each region.  Check out our website for more! westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

In this bonus episode, we do cover the basics of Renaissance painting, sculpture, writing, and architecture. I highly recommend looking at the images on our website, westerncivpodcast.com, while listening so you can follow along.  Become a Patron today and support the show for $1 per month at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

In our last look at the Italian Renaissance, we turn to Florence and the Medici, the name that is almost synonymous with the Renaissance.  Check out our website for the images referenced in the show: westerncivpodcast@gmail.com Want more content? Become a patron today for as little as $1 per month at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast  

In this episode, we turn to Milan and its contributions to the Renaissance as well as doing a quick overview of the city's history during this early-modern period. Then, we shift south to Rome and catch up with the Papacy as well as reviewing the history of the Sistine Chapel.  Check out our website at westerncivpodcast.com Support the podcast now on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/westerncivpodc...

Inspired by my interview with Historian Robin Lane Fox, I put together a brief overview of Classical Greek medical thought and practice. If you want much more information, check out Robin's book here: https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/robin-lane-fox/the-invention-of-medicine/9780465093458/ Become a patron today at: patreon.com/westerncivpodcast  Check out our website at: westerncivpodcast.com

In our first Renaissance episode, we cover the traditional "Fathers" of the Renaissance: Petrarch and Boccaccio. We discuss Humanism. Then, finally, we end with an examination of early-modern Venice.  Don't forget to follow us on Instagram (@westerncivpodcast) and on our website: westerncivpodcast.com for the most up to date information and bonus content. 

In this very quick supplemental, we take a short tour of Europe around the year 1450 (well, really 1453). There is a map posted on the website, westerncivpodcast.com, for those interested in following along. Then, next time, we start the Italian Renaissance! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @westerncivpodcast. 

A bonus episode covering the history of the western world's most popular holiday. From Santa Claus to December 25 and the origins of the Christmas tree, we cover it all.  Check out our website for more content:  westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today to support the show and for hours of bonus content: patreon.com/westerncivpodcast  

The entire "Alexander Redux" series is complete and now available for purchase at the website: westerncivpodcast.com. For only two dollars you get four hours of audio content. Enjoy a free preview here!  As always, the content is free to my patrons. To become a patron for as little as one dollar per month check out patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

The battle for Constantinople comes to a head. Mehmet and Constantine fight for the future of Europe outside the great Theodosian Walls. Nearly sixty days of siege come down to five short hours. Giustiniani suffers a severe injury that sidelines him at the last moment, just when he was needed the most. When the sun set over Constantinople on May 28, 1453, it would set over the greatest city in Chr...

Now months into the siege, Mehmet and Constantine trade blows to determine the fate of Constantinople. Mehmet launches several new attacks, which the Byzantines hold off, but just barely. Then, with his army becoming increasingly disgruntled, Mehmet settles on one last attack.  

The lost city of Atlantis. Is there any more romantic archeological find remaining? Is it real? Or, does Atlantis continue to reside merely in Plato's imagination? In a three-part series, I take a look and answer those questions and more.  Full episode available at:  westerncivpodcast.com patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

The battle for Constantinople continues as Constantine and Mehmet punch and counter-punch before the Theodosian Walls. This time, the battle extends to the Golden Horn for the first time as both sides look to the sea to score a key victory.