The History of Byzantium

948-954. We return to the frontier where the Phokas family inflict a series of sharp defeats on Sayf al-Dawla. Sayf starts again by restoring his border fortresses and driving off Roman attacks. When Constantine Phokas is captured alive the war begins to escalate.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Constantine VII seeks peace in the east but Sayf al-Dawla is not interested. The Emperor presses on with the attempted pacification of Crete.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An interview with Professor John Haldon about his book "The Empire That Would Not Die: The Paradox of Eastern Roman Survival, 640-740." In particular we discuss environmental research which helps us understand important changes in Anatolia. I think you'll be fascinated by what it can show us.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 129 is available Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Rus raid delays John Kourkouas from leading a raid into Syria. When he does though he captures the sacred Mandylion and brings it back to the capital. Soon afterwards though he and Romanus are ousted from power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Kourkouas captures Melitene, providing the Empire with its first eastern conquest in centuries. The Islamic world is alarmed at this news and the Hamdanid family begin to provide resistance. However their preoccupation with Baghdad means they may have already conceded the mountains to the Romans.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

927-8 was a terrible winter. The suffering of the common people led many to sell their farms to their wealthy neighbours. Romanus legislated quickly to put a stop to it. Meanwhile John Kourkouas led the army into Armenia with Melitene in his sights.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in the tent with Symeon and Nicholas we learn that a title was granted that day. Symeon wanted to be hailed as Emperor. Wrangling over this title would lead to another decade of war before the two sides could come together.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Emperor Alexander dies after only a year on the throne. The next six years see an interregnum as the Patriarch, Empress and leading Generals vie to become the guardian to young Constantine VII.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We review the players in the impending struggle over the throne. And answer some more listener questions on the way.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.