Western Civ
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.
Latest episodes
Sep 13, 2024 • 30min
Episode 317: Henry IV of France
Henry of Navarre spends several years fighting for the crown of France, converts to Catholicism (again), and issues the famous Edict of Nantes. WebsitePatreon Support
Sep 6, 2024 • 55min
Episode 316: The End of Tudor England
Few dynasties have had the impact on a modern state more so than the Tudors on England. Yet, the dynasty lasted hardly more than a century. Elizabeth I, the second born daughter of Henry VIII, who reigned after her younger brother and elder sister, would prove to be the final name on the list. Today we finish her story as the sun sets on Tudor England.WebsiteWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Sep 2, 2024 • 44min
Western Civ 2.0 Episode 73: Tiberius Gracchus
In this bonus episode, you get a sneak peek of the great stuff going on in Western Civ 2.0. You can join for a free trial by clicking HERE.After the Third Punic War, the Romans wasted little time turning on each other. Long-standing economic inequality became the issue of the late second century BCE and would, eventually, bring down the republic. In the late 140s, however, Tiberius Gracchus believed his land redistribution scheme might just solve the problem. The Senate felt otherwise. But, in the end, it was not the Lex Agraria per se that cost Tiberius his life. Rather, it was his refusal to play the political game by the old rules.
Aug 30, 2024 • 22min
Episode 315: England Triumphant
England emerges from the defeat of the Spanish Armada, its stock never higher. Yet all around Elizabeth the signs of the end of the Tudor age continue to emerge.Western Civ 2.0 Free TrialWebsite
Aug 23, 2024 • 46min
Episode 314: The End of the Valois
We enter this episode with an heir and a spare. We end with neither and the end of France's ruling house since the High Middle Ages. Western Civ 2.0 Free TrialWebsite
Aug 16, 2024 • 23min
Episode 313: The Armada
The "Protestant Wind" fells Philip's Armada, leaving Elizabeth "Eliza Triumphant". Western Civ 2.0 Free TrialWebsite
Aug 9, 2024 • 46min
Episode 312: The Tragical Execution
Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, finally meets her end. Western Civ 2.0 Free TrialWebsite
Aug 2, 2024 • 25min
Episode 311: Henri III
Catherine D'Medic's favorite son takes over the throne of France. Henri III is going to be notable for many reasons in French history and today we begin his story in earnest. WebsitePatreon Support
Jul 26, 2024 • 29min
Episode 310: The Death of Charles IX
Charles IX, fairly or unfairly, will forever be remembered for the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. His death ushers in a new era of uncertainty for both France and England.WebsitePatreon Support
Jul 19, 2024 • 25min
Episode 309: English Intrigues
In this episode, we return to England under Queen Elizabeth I. Around Elizabeth, her key advisors grow increasingly uneasy about her seeming unwillingness to do anything about Mary Stuart's repeated efforts to steal her throne. When the Duke of Norfolk becomes implicated, even Parliament can no longer contain its frustration. WebsiteWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial
