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
Sep 10, 2021 • 29min
Episode 170: Operation Smithereens
Vasco da Gama returns to India intent upon enforcing Portuguese authority and will. This requires him to deal with the Zamorin and Calicut. And he decides there is only one way to do that... violence. Check out the website for more at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today and support the show at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Sep 3, 2021 • 30min
Episode 169: Homeward Bound
Vasco da Gama gives up on Calicut and sails for Portugal. News of his successful voyage infuriates the Spanish and Venetians in equal parts. Before long, Vasco da Gama finds himself once more forced into service. Check out more episodes at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for more content at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Aug 27, 2021 • 28min
Episode 168: India
Vasco da Gama reaches India but quickly finds out that it is not the paradise he expected. Faced with the intractable Zamorin of Calicut, eventually, de Gama realizes he has to resort to force to deliver the spices he so badly must. Check out our website for more at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for more content at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Aug 20, 2021 • 24min
Episode 167: Up The Coast
Vasco de Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope and moves up the Eastern Coast of Africa - a first for Europeans. The Age of Exploration hits several new firsts as, among other things, Christians and Muslims come to blows on the waves of the Indian Ocean for the first time in recorded history. For more, check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com Or, become a Patron and support the show at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Aug 13, 2021 • 31min
Episode 166: The Unknown Captain
Vasco de Gama eventually became famous as the first European explorer to sail into the Indian Ocean. But, in reality, his selection for the job was a surprise to everyone at the time. In this episode, we cover the basics of the man and the beginnings of his first voyage. Check out the website for more: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today to support the show at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Aug 6, 2021 • 37min
Episode 165: To the Ends of the Earth
Today we begin our Vasco de Gama story arc. Vasco de Gama did what Columbus could not: he found a sea route to India. But, In this episode, we explore how it was SO much more than a commercial endeavor. It was a crusade. Check out more at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron for bonus content at pateon.com/westerncivpodcast
Jul 30, 2021 • 36min
Episode 164: Castaways
Columbus's voyaging comes to end marooned in Jamaica. He makes it back to Spain, but... where did his body end up? Check out our website for more: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for hours of additional content at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Jul 23, 2021 • 33min
Episode 163: A Not-So-Happy Homecoming
Columbus returns to Spain in chains only to have his fortunes reverse once more and set sail on his third voyage. Check out our website for more content at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today and support the show for only $1.00 per month. For $2.00 per month gain access to over 20 hours (and always increasing) of bonus content.
Jul 16, 2021 • 41min
Episode 162: Roldan's Revolt
Christopher Columbus's shaky hold on Hispaniola finally breaks apart. Now, with India still nowhere to be found and with ever-dwindling supplies of gold, Columbus has to deal with a revolt by the very mayor of Santo Domingo. Check out our website for more: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Jul 9, 2021 • 37min
Episode 161: Blood in a Virgin World
Columbus's efforts to capitalize on the New World quickly turns exploitive, disgusting Las Casas. When an Inquisitor from Spain arrives to investigate his conduct, Columbus finds he has no choice but to return to Spain and defend himself. Check out our website for more: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for more content at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
