The History of Byzantium

We look around Constantinople in Manuel's day. We discuss his use of the two urban palaces and the growth of the Italian population along the Golden Horn.Period: 1143-61 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Alexios Komnenos came to power his family decided to marry their way out of the civil wars which threatened the state. By Manuel's day this meant that a new aristocracy had grown up who dominated the organs of the Byzantine state. We discuss this development and how Manuel managed his family. As well as those who resented this innovation.Period: 1143-61 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we talk to historian Katherine Pangonis about her book 'Queens of Jerusalem.' Not only do we talk about the fascinating lives of the women of Outremer but we also pick up Andronikos' story as he manages to scandalise all of Christendom.Find out more about Katherine at her websiteTo listen to the book for free why not use Audible's 30-day trial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We pause the narrative briefly to learn more about Manuel's world. Today we talk about the Emperor's personality and relatives. Including his cousin, friend and rival Andronikos. Period: 1143-61 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Italy and the Balkans at peace Manuel turns his attention to Anatolia. He marches to Antioch to punish those who'd wronged him. He then campaigns against the Turks with surprisingly positive results.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manuel's Italian campaign begins brightly but ends in failure. Meanwhile his cousin Andronikos tries to kill him and more bad news arrives from Antioch.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Normans raid the cities of Greece during the passage of the Second Crusade. Manuel sees this as such a worrying development that he makes the decision to prioritise the recovery of Apulia over Antioch. This sets off a series of conflicts in the Balkans and a series of missed opportunities in Syria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We follow the Emperor Conrad and King Louis as they both attempt to cross Anatolia. Period: 1147-1148 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 'Second' Crusade is called in response to the fall of Edessa in 1144. The French and German monarchs sign up leaving the Byzantines with multiple headaches to deal with. Period: 1144-1147 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John II Komnenos' youngest son Manuel takes charge of the Empire. After securing the capital and punishing Raymond of Antioch the new Emperor goes on campaign against the Turks. After chasing the Sultan of Iconium to his capital Manuel realises that fighting on the plateau is no easy business. Meanwhile the Crusader city of Edessa falls and the Byzantines don't appreciate the significance of this event.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.