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
Mar 5, 2021 • 40min
Episode 147: The Wars of the Roses (Part One)
We begin our Wars of the Roses story arc by looking at the death of Henry V and the minority of his son, Henry VI. The Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester vie for power as England desperately tries to stabilize the situation in France. Check out our website for more content: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for tons of bonus content plus every episode early at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Feb 26, 2021 • 44min
Episode 146: Victorious
Today we catch up on early modern France after the Hundred Years' War. Then we do a quick run through the medieval Low Countries, Scandinavia, and Ireland to catch everyone up to 1492. Check out our website for images and more: westerncivpodcast.com Become a patron today and support the show for as little as $1 per month at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Feb 19, 2021 • 41min
Episode 145: To The East
In this episode, we cover the Rus as they do battle with the Mongol's Golden Horde and medieval Russia begins to emerge around Moscow. Then, we turn back to the Holy Roman Empire for the first time since 1250 and see how developments within the empire lead to economic growth but also political decentralization. Check out our website for more content at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! For only $2.00 per month, you'll get access to over six hours of new content with new bonus content monthly.
Feb 14, 2021 • 14min
The History of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day has not always been all flowers and heart-shaped cards. Our eighth most popular holiday today, St. Valentine's Day is the product of a combination of ancient, medieval, and Victorian traditions, not all of which are pleasant or even relate to love. In this bonus episode, we cover the history of the holiday.
Feb 10, 2021 • 2h 45min
Leonardo da Vinci: The Genius of Imagination
Leonardo da Vinci. Everyone knows the name. But how much do you really know about the great man? The Mona Lisa? Sure. The Last Supper? Of course. But, Lady with Ermine? Probably not. Groundbreaking medical discoveries? Nope. In this mega-episode, we cover all this and more. WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0
Feb 5, 2021 • 46min
Episode 144: The Renaissance in Eastern Europe
Today we wheel east and bring our narrative up to date for several regions we have not discussed in some time: Bohemia, Hungary, the Balkans, and Poland. We cover the early modern/renaissance history of each region. Check out our website for more! westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Jan 31, 2021 • 16min
The Development of Renaissance Art
In this bonus episode, we do cover the basics of Renaissance painting, sculpture, writing, and architecture. I highly recommend looking at the images on our website, westerncivpodcast.com, while listening so you can follow along. Become a Patron today and support the show for $1 per month at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Jan 29, 2021 • 53min
Episode 143: The Italian Renaissance Part Three
In our last look at the Italian Renaissance, we turn to Florence and the Medici, the name that is almost synonymous with the Renaissance. Check out our website for the images referenced in the show: westerncivpodcast@gmail.com Want more content? Become a patron today for as little as $1 per month at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast
Jan 15, 2021 • 39min
Episode 142: The Italian Renaissance Part Two
In this episode, we turn to Milan and its contributions to the Renaissance as well as doing a quick overview of the city's history during this early-modern period. Then, we shift south to Rome and catch up with the Papacy as well as reviewing the history of the Sistine Chapel. Check out our website at westerncivpodcast.com Support the podcast now on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcast?fan_landing=true
Jan 10, 2021 • 46min
A History of Classical Greek Medicine
Inspired by my interview with Historian Robin Lane Fox, I put together a brief overview of Classical Greek medical thought and practice. If you want much more information, check out Robin's book here: https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/robin-lane-fox/the-invention-of-medicine/9780465093458/ Become a patron today at: patreon.com/westerncivpodcast Check out our website at: westerncivpodcast.com
