The History of Byzantium

In a captivating discussion, Professor Anthony Kaldellis, a leading Byzantinist from the University of Chicago, delves into the lives of lesser-known yet influential East Romans. Topics include the scholarly contributions of Photius and Anna Komnene, highlighting Photius's role in preserving classical texts and Anna's sponsorship of philosophers. Kaldellis also explores Michael Psellos's integration of Neoplatonism into Byzantine thought and George Gemistos Plethon's radical ideas that challenged Orthodox norms, illuminating their lasting impacts on culture and identity.

As we look back at Byzantium I turned once more to Professor Anthony Kaldellis. I asked him to present a list of ten influential East Romans who were not featured heavily in the political narrative.Anthony Kaldellis is a Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Chicago. He is the author of over a dozen books on Byzantium including the definitive history (The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium). Find out more here.Timestamps:Gregory of Nazianzus: 6m 10s - 21m 12sJohn Chrysostom: 21m 12s - 38m 12sTribonian: 38m 12s - 52m 40sAnthemius of Tralles: 52m 40s - 1h 02mTheodore the Studite: 1h 02m - 1h 15m Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, historian Eric Halsey, author of *State Builders from the Steppe*, delves into the fascinating world of the First Bulgarian Empire. He shares his personal journey to Bulgaria and highlights the scarcity of English histories on the subject. Listeners learn about key figures like King Tervel and the ambitious Simeon, as well as Bulgaria's unique endurance against other steppe peoples. Eric emphasizes the deep connections between Bulgaria and Byzantium, showcasing how identity and autonomy fueled Bulgarian resistance through the ages.

To mark the 1000th anniversary of his death we revisit the bachelorhood of Basil II. My guest is Mark Masterson — until recently Associate Professor of Classics at Victoria University of Wellington (retired 2025). His work explores masculinity, desire, and male social bonds in the Roman world.In his book Between Byzantine Men he discusses an oration written in Basil's day which may shed light on his intimate life.Find out more about Professor Mark Masterson here and check out his two books on male relationships within the Roman world. Between Byzantine Men: Desire, Homosociality, and Brotherhood in the Medieval EmpireRoutledge (2022)Man to Man: Desire, Homosociality and Authority in Late-Roman Manhood The Ohio State University Press. (2014) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Patreon Zoom Calls, more podcasts and more thank youshttps://www.patreon.com/historyofbyzantium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk about what will happen with the podcast next. Send your questions to thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com This Sunday the 20th July I will be hosting 3 Zoom calls for Patrons at 1, 5 and 9pm UK time. It looks like I will be doing an AMA on Reddit this weekend too. I’ll post the Reddit address on the website as soon as I have it.  If you’d like a History of Byzantium podcast t-shirt to commemorate 13 years of this obscure hobby of yours then go to etsy.com/shop/ImperialWares Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mehmed II's rise to power sets the stage for a monumental clash with Constantinople. The challenges of defending the city are laid bare as the Byzantine Empire braces for the Ottoman onslaught. Listeners learn about the engineering marvels of defensive walls and the psychological toll on those involved in the siege. Political intrigue and desperation ramp up tension as both sides prepare for inevitable battle. This historical dive illustrates the struggle between a declining empire and a burgeoning Ottoman threat, packed with drama and strategy.

The tale of John VIII Palaiologos unfolds as he seeks to unite the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches amidst looming Ottoman threats. A surprising endorsement from the Pope leads to a grand diplomatic mission to Italy. The podcast examines the complexities of the Union of Florence and the initial hope for Christian unity. However, internal divisions plague the Byzantine clergy as the Ottoman Empire grows stronger. The struggles of leadership in the face of impending doom highlight the desperate circumstances of a fading empire.

With the Ottoman civil war raging Manuel II Palaiologos tries to improve the Roman position and ensure his sons succeed him.Period: 1402-30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manuel II Palaiologos refuses to play vassal to Sultan Bayezid. So the Ottomans set up a permanent blockade of New Rome. The siege would last for eight years and only a miracle could save the Romans.Period: 1391-1402 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.