The History of Byzantium

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.

John V Palaiologos faces rebellions from his sons and Grandsons. Forcing the Romans to become both Ottomans vassals and the pawns of Venice and Genoa.Period: 1371-91 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at the details of how the Ottomans ran their state. Including the creation of loyalty to the ruling dynasty, succession policy, military recruitment and slave trading. Period: 1280-1371 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We follow the last century of narrative from an Ottoman point of view.Period: 1280-1371 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John V Palaiologos takes charge of the Empire but finds he has only one option left to save his state. He must travel West and beg for Latin help. Meanwhile the Turks conquer Thrace.Period: 1355-71 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally in sole control of the Empire John Kantakouzenos makes plans to restore the Roman world. His plans come to nothing though as he immediately faces war, invasion and plague.Period: 1347-55 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.