132: The Empire in Nicaea: Part Two: The Seeds of Hellenism

As we return to the Empire in Nicaea, we follow the reign of Emperor John Vatatzes. After rebuilding the Byzantine Navy, he launched an invasion of Thrace and expanded Nicaea into Europe. While John spent most of his reign on the battlefield, his son Theodore grew up in the Empire in exile. Because of his prolific writing, we have an insight into his thoughts and ideas. We can see how he viewed the East as Superior to the West and thought of himself and all his friends, who grew up in Anatolia and never knew Constantinople before the fall. It is here that Theodore brings up the idea of a return to Greek life before the Romans. A cultural identity that is separate from just the Orthodox Church and the Roman Emperors.

The History of Modern Greece Podcast covers the events from Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453, to the years under the Ottoman Empire, and 1821 when the Greeks fought for independence... all the way to the modern-day.

Website: www.moderngreecepodcast.com

Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.com

Check out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com