Western Civ
Adam Walsh
A fast-moving history of the western world from the ancient world to the present day. Examine how the emergence of the western world as a global dominant power was not something that should ever have been taken for granted. This podcast traces the development of western civilization starting in the ancient Near East, through Greece and Rome, past the collapse of the Western Roman Empire into the Dark Ages, and then follows European and, ultimately, American history as the western world moved into a dominant world position.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 14, 2023 • 44min
Immeasurable Outcomes
in this bonus, author interview, I sit down with Professor Gayle Greene and discuss her book: Immeasurable Outcomes: Teaching Shakespeare in the Age of Algorithms. This book is for any educator right now. There is a lot for us all to commiserate with.Note: Full disclosure, we had some tech issues with this one. I could not use my normal recording system and what we did use abruptly cut off about thirty-eight minutes in. So the end is rather sudden. WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0
Feb 10, 2023 • 20min
History Ramble: All That is Lost
The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria destroyed a large portion of Gaziantep Castle in Turkey. This site dated back to the Second and Third Century CE to the never-ending wars between the Romans and Parthians. Seeing the footage of the destruction, I was reminded how fragile history can be. We need to work to preserve sites like this so that they are not lost because once they are lost, we cannot get them back.To donate to UNESCO's efforts to preserve sites like this, click HERE.
Feb 10, 2023 • 1h 5min
Queens of a Fallen World
In this bonus interview, I sit down with historian Kate Cooper and discuss her most recent book: Queens of a Fallen World. This gripping and innovative history of St. Augustine looks at the four women who influenced his life, theology, and writing. Like any work, Confessions was not written in a bubble. Augustine, one of the most important church fathers, was highly influenced by his mother, fianceé, and lover. And if that weren't enough, Cooper analyzes the role of Empress Justina as she tangles with the powerful Bishop Ambrose - another leading figure in Augustine's life. The book is an excellent read and you can get a copy HERE.Check out our WEBSITE for more content.To support the show and for ad-free versions for only $1 per month, click HERE.Check out a free trial of Western Civ 2.0.
Feb 10, 2023 • 55min
Episode: 234: The Aztecs
In this episode, we take a look at the Aztecs as they are commonly known or the Mexica as they are correctly known. The Mexica ruled a flourishing, cohesive empire when Hernan Cortes showed up. Today I cover the basics of the Mexica civilization. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westerncivTeaching Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/History-Simulations
Feb 3, 2023 • 45min
Episode 233: Painting with a Broad Brush
Today we cover what we can in terms of Mayan political history. The Maya organized themselves into essentially what we might call city-states. These centered around some locations you might recognize like Chichen Itza and Tikal, and many more you will not recognize. Sadly, much of Mayan history is lost to us as much of the written record did not survive the centuries. But, I'll give you what I can.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.pateon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv
Jan 27, 2023 • 48min
Episode 232: The Maya
Today we really switch gears. Before we explore the Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, we have to set the stage. Long before those conquests, the Maya dominated the jungles and mountains of the Yucatan. Today we introduce them.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Version: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Seven-Day Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv
Jan 20, 2023 • 54min
Episode 231: Suleiman's Final Years
In our final episode on Suleiman the Magnificent, he nearly completes his conquest of the Mediterranean and Iran. Meanwhile, succession issues threaten to derail the entire Ottoman Empire. Still, when Suleiman dies in 1566 it is officially high tide for the Ottoman State.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv
Jan 17, 2023 • 51min
A Woman's Life
In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Felicia Kornbluh and discuss her most recent book: A Woman's Life is a Human Life. This objective history of the battle over reproductive rights is a true tour de force. To purchase the book, please click on the link below.Disclaimer: The book covers the fight to end sterilization and legalize abortion. Listeners who are sensitive to this subject would be advised to skip this one. Buy the BookWebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0
Jan 13, 2023 • 56min
Episode 230: Ottoman High Tide
In this episode, we follow Suleiman as he leads the Ottoman Empire to its territorial height. After teaming up with the intrepid Barbarossa, Suleiman leads the Ottoman navy across the Mediterranean until Ottoman hegemony over the eastern Mediterranean is complete and Charles V is forced into a defensive posture. Then, in 1541, Suleiman formally annexes Hungary, which will remain in Ottoman possession until 1699. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv
Jan 10, 2023 • 48min
No Right To An Honest Living
In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Jacqueline Jones and talk about her latest book: No Right to an Honest Living. The book details the Black experience in Boston between roughly 1840 and 1880. It is an excellent book and I hope you enjoy the interview.To purchase the book, click HERE.WebsitePatreon PageWestern Civ 2.0
