The Influence of the Roman Empire on Eastern Europe

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The speakers discuss the significance of the Roman Empire's historical influence on Eastern Europe and how it has shaped the region today. They explore the imprint of Byzantium and the East Roman Empire, as well as the divisions between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. The chapter also examines the economic growth and prospects of Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, and Bulgaria, and the role of religious affiliations in their development.

Jacob Mikanowski is the author of one of Tyler’s favorite books this year called Goodbye, Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land. Tyler and Jacob sat down to discuss all things Eastern Europe, including the differences between Eastern and Western European humor, whether Poles are smiling more nowadays, why the best Polish folk art is from the south, the equilibrium for Kaliningrad and the Suwałki Gap, how Romania and Bulgaria will handle depopulation, whether Moldova has an independent future, the best city to party in, why there are so few Christian-Muslim issues in Albania, a nuanced take on Orbán and Hungarian politics, why food in Poland is so good now, why Stanisław Lem hasn’t gotten more attention in the West, how Eastern Europe has changed his view of humanity, his ideal two week itinerary in the region, what he’ll do next, and more.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded September 5th, 2023.

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