The Rest Is History

131. Burgundy: Europe's forgotten superpower

67 snips
Dec 16, 2021
Bart van Loo, a renowned author and expert on Burgundy, explores the region's once-mighty influence in medieval Europe. He shares tales of notable figures like Philip the Good, whose romantic exploits and leadership shaped history. The discussion intertwines themes of power and betrayal, diving into the intricate relationships that defined Burgundy's legacy. Listeners learn how this forgotten superpower played a pivotal role in the identity of contemporary regions like Belgium and the Netherlands, and the cultural and political ramifications that still resonate today.
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ANECDOTE

Shakespeare's Burgundy

  • Shakespeare's Richard III dreams of escaping to Burgundy by ship.
  • This highlights Burgundy's historical significance, even though it's landlocked.
INSIGHT

Burgundy's forgotten prominence

  • Burgundy, a forgotten European superpower, rivalled France and England in the Middle Ages.
  • Its collapse is a historical what-if, potentially leading to a new kingdom.
ANECDOTE

Philip the Bold's Bravery

  • Philip the Bold, at 14, guided his father, John the Good, in the Battle of Poitiers (1356).
  • Despite French defeat, Philip's bravery earned him the title "the Bold."
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