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
Jan 4, 2019 • 36min
Episode 93: A Royal Mess
In this episode we return to our narrative though not to the Crusades. We will head back to the year 1095 when the First Crusade was launched and set about catching the rest of Europe back up to speed. Then, we spend the bulk of the second half of the episode tackling Norman England. The realm of William the Conqueror is once again fractured by civil war and it is going to take Geoffrey Plantagenet and his son, the future King Henry II, to put it all back together again. (Years: 1095-1154)
Dec 21, 2018 • 20min
Supplemental: Early Medieval Music
In this supplemental episode we examine music in the Early Middle Ages. Essentially, this comes down to Gregorian Chanting (Religious) and secular music.
Dec 7, 2018 • 27min
Supplemental: Early Medieval Architecture
In this episode, I cover some of the major architectural trends of the early to mid-Middle Ages. So, yeah, castles and churches. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon:www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastSubscription Feed 7-Day Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv
Nov 23, 2018 • 35min
92: Calling All Arms
The West kicks into gear in a last-ditch effort to save the crusader states. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastSubscription Feed: www.glow.fm/westernciv
Nov 13, 2018 • 40min
Episode 91: The Crusader States (Part Two)
In this episode we take a look at the Counties of Edessa and Tripoli and give a quick overview of life in the Near East during the Crusades. Finally, the Crusader States are dealt a series of crushing blows in the 1140's setting the stage for the Second Crusade.
Oct 29, 2018 • 40min
Episode 90: The Crusader States Part One
In this episode we follow the development of the four key Crusader States after the unexpected success of the First Crusade. King Baldwin I leads the Kingdom of Jerusalem to new heights while Tancred is forced to clean up a royal mess in Antioch.
Oct 16, 2018 • 37min
Episode 89: The Holy City
In this episode the First Crusade finally reaches Jerusalem. Once again, it turns into a make-or-break for the European invaders.
Sep 28, 2018 • 35min
Episode 88: Fortress Antioch
In this episode, we follow the First Crusader as the crusader army swings south into Asia Minor and approaches the formidable city of Antioch. At Antioch, the First Crusade will nearly meet its premature end as the crusaders quickly go from besiegers to besieged.
Sep 14, 2018 • 40min
Episode 87: Into Asia
In 1095 Pope Urban declared a "pilgrimage" to the Holy Land. In this episode we start with his declaration and then follow the First Crusade as it moves through Byzantine territory and faces its first challenge: Nicaea.
Aug 31, 2018 • 45min
Episode 86: The Gathering Storm
In this episode we begin the Crusades. Specifically, we need to catch up on Byzantium a little bit since we left off with Michael IV in the middle of the Eleventh Century. After we get back up to speed in the East we will then turn our attentions towards setting the stage for the First Crusade which begins in 1095.
