Roger Crowley

Roger Crowley, author of 'Spice: The 16th-Century Contest that Shaped the Modern World', discusses the fierce competition for spices in the 16th century, detailing the adventures, shipwrecks, and sieges that remade the world economy. The episode explores the impact of spices on the global economy, the exploration of the Spice Islands, and the intense conflicts between Portugal and Spain in controlling the spice trade.

Roger Crowley, a narrative historian and author, dives into the cutthroat world of the 16th-century spice trade, where cloves were as valuable as gold. He discusses the Portuguese and Spanish maritime rivalries that led to crucial conquests and the establishment of the Manila Galleon Trade, which became a cornerstone of global commerce. Crowley also highlights how earlier navigational innovations and cultural exchanges shaped the modern world, illustrating a fascinating tapestry of exploration that persists in our global economy today.

In a fascinating discussion, historian Roger Crowley, author of City of Fortune, reveals the rise of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. He explores how this lagoon-born city transformed into a maritime empire in the 15th century, emphasizing its unique social structures and pivotal role in the Fourth Crusade. The conversation also delves into Venice's strategic trade expansions, the complex rivalries with Genoa, and the lasting influence of its economic policies that mirror modern trading hubs. Crowley's insights illuminate Venice's historical significance and resilience.