Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Blood and Gold (with Dan Snow)
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Apr 23, 2024 
Join historian Dan Snow, a celebrated presenter known for his engaging historical documentaries, as he delves into the conquest of the Inca Empire by Spanish conquistadors. Discover the bloody quest for gold that led to the empire's downfall and hear about the dramatic Battle of Crécy, revealing surprising tactics and cultural clashes. Dan highlights how European diseases devastated indigenous populations and examines the Inca's courage in the face of tragedy, drawing contemporary parallels that resonate today.
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Capetian Succession Crisis
- The Capetian dynasty's consistent father-to-son succession ended in the 14th century.
- This led to Edward III of England claiming the French throne, starting the Hundred Years' War.
Uncertainty Breeds Conflict
- Uncertainty in leadership creates conflict.
- Edward III aimed to delegitimize Philip of Valois by demonstrating his inability to protect France.
Crécy's Emergent Chaos
- The French army's advance at Crécy wasn't direct disobedience but an emergent phenomenon.
- Soldiers, fearing accusations of cowardice or dawdling, kept moving forward, causing a chaotic advance.