Western Civ Bloody Crowns: A New History of the Hundred Years War
Oct 21, 2025
Join historian Michael Livingston, author of *Bloody Crowns*, as he reexamines the Hundred Years War, revealing it as a two-century saga of conflict across medieval Europe. He discusses the complexities of sovereignty and feudal allegiances that shaped national identities beyond England and France. Discover how Philip IV's death ignited a succession crisis, and why most battles occurred on French soil. With insights into military transformation and the legendary Battle of Crécy, Livingston uncovers the dramatic tales and mythmaking that influenced the course of history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
A Two-Century Perspective On The War
- Michael Livingston reframes the Hundred Years' War as part of a 200-year conflict from 1292–1492 that reshaped Europe.
- The struggle centers on France defining sovereignty and reclaiming lands like Aquitaine from English control.
Economics And Myth Drove The Conflict
- Control of rich territories like Gascony/Aquitaine was a major economic motive behind English–French conflict.
- Dynastic claims and centuries-old notions of rightful land amplified political and mythic reasons to fight.
Edward's Claim Was Political Leverage
- Edward III's claim to the French throne rested on contested inheritance logic and political opportunism.
- He used the claim to legally mobilize allies rather than expecting immediate French acceptance of his kingship.
