History of Modern Greece

Daniel Roberts
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Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 47min

149: The Fall of the Holy Land

In this episode we cover the Mamluk push out of Egypt, proving to be one of the few great powers that were able to stop the Mongolian Tide, and push them out of the Holy Land. While on a punitive Campaign against those who aided the Mongolians, the Mamluks conquered the last remaining city of the Crusader Kingdoms, marking an end to the Crusader Era. The Holy Land had fallen, and military orders were stateless, and this destabilization had severe consequences for the Greeks living in the restored Roman Empire.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172or email us at... historyofmoderngreece@gmail.comMusic by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 6min

148: The Sicilian Vesper Revolution

In this first episode after the reconquest of Constantinople we see the retaliation that was planned for the Greeks in the form of a Crusade. Charles of Anjou prepares a mighty army in Sicily to invade the Balkans and capture the city of Constantinople from the Nicaeans. But Emperor Michael Palaiologos was ready for this, and used his network of spies to encourage rebellion amongst the local Sicilians, and by the Grace of God, the island rebelled against he French in what has become known to history as the Sicilian Vesper Revolution.Here is a link to see the Sicilian Vesper Flag, in use during one of the Sicilian Independence Marches.https://youtu.be/QoozWKTBq1k?si=y_CRIXH1F7UxFnttThe 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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Nov 6, 2025 • 54min

147: Michael Palaiologos: The Reconquest of Constantinople

In this episode, Michael Palaiologos siezes power from the Laskarids and establishes the longest-reigning dynasty the Roman Empire had ever seen. It was also the last. This coup wasn't just against a family, but also against an idea. All of the grand ideas of Hellenic Revival was cast aside, and glory of the old Roman Empire was restored. Michael found himself at war with Sicily and the Despotate of Epirus, and while he was fighting a war in the Balkans, one of his generals snuck into gates of Constantinople, and reclaimed it from the latin Empire.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Oct 23, 2025 • 51min

146: The Death of Theodore and the Sack Baghdad

In this episode, we cover two major events in Nicaea's history. Specifically, the death of Theodore Laskaris II, who tragically died similarly to his father, far too early. Theodore was only in his 30s, and his reign had not quite been secured. His final days were filled with epileptic fits and paranoia. But at the same time as the downward spiral of Theodore, the Mongol Empire launched an invasion of the Abbasid caliphate. By the end of this episode, we will see the fall of the Laskarids, the Abbasids, and the Nizari Assassins.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Oct 9, 2025 • 37min

145: The Death of the John Vatatzes

In this episode, we cover the final years of John Vatatze's reign. It was a tragic period for the Laskarid dynasty, which restored the glory of the Byzantine Empire in Nicaea. First, the death of Frederick II, then the death of Conrad, then the death of Theodore Laskaris' wife, and finally, the death of Theodore's father. The Empire in Nicaea was on the rise, but the imperial family that brought them out of the jaws of defeat and into the spotlight of Constantinople was crumbling from all sides.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Sep 25, 2025 • 54min

144: The Seventh Crusade and the Death of Frederick II

In this episode, we cover the last few years of John Vatatzes' reign, and the crazy events that surrounded them. The Seventh Crusade was kicked off by King Louis the IX, and just like the 5th crusade, they attacked the city of Damietta, and then overextended their armies and ultimately lost everything to the Ayyubids, but we also cover the rise of the Mamluks, and the final battle in the life of Frederick II. The rise of the Empire of Nicaea is about to take a turn as its allies crumble, and the Laskarid Dynasty enters its final years.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Sep 11, 2025 • 33min

143: The Nicaean Reconquest of Thessalonica

In this episode, we follow John Vatatzes after he received news of a new crusade to the Holy Land, and the Mongolian invasions of the north and east. All of his enemies abroad were dead, and he felt this was the best time to attack his enemies in his neighbourhood. That is when he received a letter from the new ruler of Thessalonica, proclaiming himself to be the Emperor of the Romans. Well... John decided this was a good time to put that little kid in his place, and show him who the true emperor was.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Aug 28, 2025 • 45min

142: The Collapse of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum

The Seljuks have been a major player in the podcast since the end of season two, and finally, after nearly two centuries, they will be destroyed by the Mongolians. They put up a good fight against the Khwarezmian Empire, and perhaps that gave the Seljuks a false sense of ability. When they do face off against the Mongols, it is a disaster, and they will become vassals to the great Mongol Horde. The fractured remains of the Sultanate will leave a vacuum for a new Turkish power to rise. The events in this episode will pave the road for the rise of the Ottoman Empire.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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Aug 14, 2025 • 42min

141: The Empire in Nicaea: Part Three: Saint John Vatatzes the Merciful

After five long episodes covering the Mongolians, we return to the narrative.  John III Vatatzes ruled over the Empire in Nicaea, and it was becoming pretty clear that he would be the one to retake Constantinople so long as they could keep up the momentum. But then all of the neighbouring kingdoms, powerful kingdoms that had existed for centuries, were brought to their knees by the Mongolians. In less than five years, the entire world around John Vatatzes was going to change forever. 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.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
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Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 1min

140: The Mongolians: Part Five: The Death of Genghis

In our final episode on our Mongol mini-series, we discuss the expedition into Europe, which introduced the Christian Knights to the mighty and invincible horde that had just devastated the Chinese and Islamic world. A small two-general army broke through the Kingdom of Georgia, and annihilated the Cumans and Kievan Rus in a deadly ambush, after luring 80,000 soldiers out into the Steppe. By the end of the episode, Genghis Khan will fall dead, many suggest his death was caused by the Black Death, which is a perfect segway to the Black Plague that followed the Mongol Invasions. You can really see how people living at the time thought this was the end of times.  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.comMusic by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com

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