Podcast Episodes

History of Byzantium Tour - April 23 to May 2, 2022

History of Byzantium Tour - April 23 to May 2, 2022. The tour will visit Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. If you'd like to come or if you'd like to hear about future tours please email thehistoryofb…

Published on 3 years, 10 months ago

Episode 241 - Hungary for Security

Manuel spends the 1160s at war with Hungary. During these campaigns the Emperor adopts the Hungarian King's brother making him his heir. This enables the Romans to seize Sirmium and parts of Dalmatia…

Published on 3 years, 10 months ago

Episode 240 - Manuel’s Constantinople

We look around Constantinople in Manuel's day. We discuss his use of the two urban palaces and the growth of the Italian population along the Golden Horn.

Period: 1143-61

Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

Published on 3 years, 10 months ago

Episode 239 - The New Aristocracy

When Alexios Komnenos came to power his family decided to marry their way out of the civil wars which threatened the state. By Manuel's day this meant that a new aristocracy had grown up who dominate…

Published on 3 years, 10 months ago

Episode 238 - Queens of Jerusalem with Katherine Pangonis

Today we talk to historian Katherine Pangonis about her book 'Queens of Jerusalem.' Not only do we talk about the fascinating lives of the women of Outremer but we also pick up Andronikos' story as h…

Published on 3 years, 11 months ago

Episode 237 - Manuel and Andronikos

We pause the narrative briefly to learn more about Manuel's world. Today we talk about the Emperor's personality and relatives. Including his cousin, friend and rival Andronikos. 

Period: 1143-61

Host…

Published on 3 years, 11 months ago

Episode 236 - Why Make Peace?

With Italy and the Balkans at peace Manuel turns his attention to Anatolia. He marches to Antioch to punish those who'd wronged him. He then campaigns against the Turks with surprisingly positive res…

Published on 3 years, 11 months ago

Episode 235 - Sundered by Gold

Manuel's Italian campaign begins brightly but ends in failure. Meanwhile his cousin Andronikos tries to kill him and more bad news arrives from Antioch.  

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Published on 4 years ago

Episode 234 - Changing Priorities

The Normans raid the cities of Greece during the passage of the Second Crusade. Manuel sees this as such a worrying development that he makes the decision to prioritise the recovery of Apulia over An…

Published on 4 years ago

Episode 232 - The Second Crusade, Part 2

We follow the Emperor Conrad and King Louis as they both attempt to cross Anatolia. 

Period: 1147-1148

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

Published on 4 years, 1 month ago