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 16, 2018 • 38min
Episode 77: The Norman Conquest Part Four
In this episode William the Conqueror cleans up the last few rebellions in England, only to turn around see his possessions back on the continent under siege. While William fights his son and the King of France, his subordinates in England nearly drive the English to yet another rebellion.
Feb 2, 2018 • 53min
Episode 76: The Norman Invasion Part Three
Between 1066 and 1074 William the Conqueror fights off a series of rebellions in England to solidify his rule.
Jan 19, 2018 • 56min
Episode 75: The Norman Invasion Part Two
In this episode we follow Harold Hardrada and William of Normandy across the seas to England to battle Harold Godwinson for the throne. When the dust settled, William the Bastard would be re-titled, William the Conqueror.
Jan 1, 2018 • 1h 5min
Episode 74: The Norman Conquest Part One
We resume our narrative in this episode circa 1000 AD in the Kingdoms of England and Normandy. Things are not going well in England. A series of inept English rulers allow different Scandinavian Kings to seize control over the English throne. Finally, when Edward the Confessor established himself as the English King things appear to be headed in the right direction. But, left without an heir, the question looms large in the distance: who will rule when he is gone? Then, a fishing trip gone really, really bad, has a very odd result when Harold Godwinson, the heir apparent, shows up in the court of William of Normandy. And all that sets the stage for one of the most unusual and fateful years in human history: 1066.
Dec 15, 2017 • 21min
Episode 73: Why 1000?
In this episode, we step back again from the narrative to consider the major demographic changes which swept Europe during the High Middle Ages (1000 - 1300 AD).
Dec 1, 2017 • 34min
Episode 71: What Exactly is the "Dark Ages"?
In this episode we consider the question: what are the Dark Ages? And specifically, when should the Early Middle Ages be said to begin?
Nov 17, 2017 • 30min
Episode 70: The Magyars
Medieval Hungary (865 - 1035)
Nov 3, 2017 • 27min
Episode 69: The End of the Carolingian Empire
The empire of Charlemagne finally collapses for good.
Oct 27, 2017 • 15min
Voices: Norse Mythology
The Binding of Fenrir Wolf
Oct 20, 2017 • 43min
Episode 68: The Fury of the Northmen (Part Three)
The Age of Viking Exploration
