Gone Medieval

History Hit
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23 snips
May 1, 2024 • 44min

Origins of the Normans

Dr. Eleanor Jannega dives into the origins of the Normans, tracing back to Viking raids and strategic alliances. Explore the rise of the Normans from Viking raiders to noble rulers, their consolidation of power in Normandy, and William the Conqueror's journey to dominance in England. Discover fascinating stories of witch trials, royal scandals, and the enduring legacy of the Normans as fighters and statesmen.
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Apr 26, 2024 • 41min

The Witan: England's First Parliament?

Discover the emergence of the Whitan as an early English governing body, paving the way for Parliament. Explore the role and evolution of the Witan, serving as advisors to the monarch. Learn about the Witan's authority in decision-making, monarch selection, and elite governance in Anglo-Saxon England.
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8 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 40min

Medieval Italy

Ross King, critically-acclaimed author, joins Dr. Eleanor Janega to unravel the complexities of Medieval Italy. They dive into the transitions from Roman Empire to successor states, key figures like Theodoric the Great, scandals like Hitler's sexuality influence, and the emergence of city-states like Venice and Florence.
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Apr 19, 2024 • 47min

How the Plantagenets Built England

Dr. Caroline Burt and Richard Partington discuss how the Plantagenet kings shaped England through civil war, deposition, international warfare, and the first major peasant uprising. Topics include the foundation of common law, medieval legal systems, military tactics, Parliament's role in foreign policy, and promoting their new book on the English state.
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Apr 16, 2024 • 43min

Rise of Wessex

Dr. Rob Gallagher, a historian of early medieval Britain, joins to discuss the rise of Wessex under Alfred the Great. They explore key figures, strategic alliances, and the formation of English identity during this pivotal time in early medieval Britain.
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Apr 11, 2024 • 42min

Rise of Mercia

Annie Whitehead, author of Mercia: The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom, joins to discuss the powerful rulers of Mercia, including Penda and Offa, and their triumphs and defeats. The episode explores Mercia's trade relations with Charlemagne and the mysterious Dyke construction. Uncover the complexities of Mercian politics, culture, and its resistance against Viking invasions, challenging the narrative of Wessex's superiority.
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23 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 46min

Life on Crusade

Dr. Simon Thomas Parsons, a historian, sheds light on the experiences of ordinary crusaders in this episode. They discuss diverse crusader backgrounds, recruitment methods, logistical challenges, cultural dynamics in the Latin East, women and children in crusades, and the decision-making process for returning crusaders.
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Apr 5, 2024 • 36min

The Dynasty that Made Medieval France

Professor Justine Firnhaber-Baker discusses the Capetian dynasty's rise to power and their lasting impact on medieval France. Topics include the strategic alliances of Capetian kings, the significance of nicknames, and the influence of influential women like Eleanor of Aquitaine.
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Apr 2, 2024 • 41min

Rise of Northumbria

Historian and author Max Adams joins to discuss the fascinating rise of Northumbria - from the landscape and power dynamics to King Edwin's palace and the unification of the kingdom. They explore the strategies and identity of Northumbria, along with the legacy and martyrdom of Oswald in spreading Christianity.
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Mar 29, 2024 • 36min

What is a Pilgrimage?

Dr. Emma Wells, an architectural historian, discusses medieval pilgrimages with Matt Lewis, exploring the religious, economic, and social aspects. They touch on the significance of pilgrimage sites, the motivations of pilgrims, and the evolution of pilgrimage into modern tourism. The conversation also highlights the power of relics in pilgrimage and draws parallels between medieval pilgrimages and modern travel experiences.

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