Podcast Episodes

Episode 135 – Triumphal Procession

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 infor…

Published on 8 years, 8 months ago

Episode 134 - Third Time's the Charm

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.

H…

Published on 8 years, 8 months ago

Episode 133 - Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth with Eric McGeer

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 a…

Published on 8 years, 9 months ago

Episode 132 - Escalating Violence

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…

Published on 8 years, 9 months ago

Episode 131 - False Economy

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 informat…

Published on 8 years, 9 months ago

Episode 130 - The Empire That Would Not Die with John Haldon

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 …

Published on 8 years, 9 months ago

Episode 129 is available

Episode 129 is available

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

Published on 8 years, 10 months ago

Episode 128 - The Prudent Course

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 oust…

Published on 8 years, 10 months ago

Episode 127 - Melitene

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. How…

Published on 8 years, 10 months ago

Episode 126 - Attract and Repel

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 …

Published on 8 years, 10 months ago