The History of Byzantium

We explore the lives of the people of Byzantium. From the Emperor through the court down to the farmers, merchants and minorities who made up the population.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore the remaining provinces of the Roman Empire from Sicily to Cilicia. Ok Cilicia is no longer a part of the Empire but its on the border and I liked the alliteration.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore the lives of the former Romans of Syria, Palestine and Egypt. We discuss the survival of language and Christianity and answer other listener questions. We also look at what the Romans and Arabs really thought of one another.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to 700AD to chart events in the Caliphate throughout the century. We follow the disintegration of Umayyad rule and the establishment of Abbasid Baghdad.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Charlemagne and Leo each spin the coronation of 800AD? And how did the Byzantines react to the growth of Frankish power? After examining these questions we look at your questions about the 8th century West. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at developments in the West during the 8th century. We follow the rise of the Carolingians and the amazing career of Charlemagne. We also see the various dilemma faced by the Papacy and how the collapse of Byzantine influence created a new power dynamic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irene rules alone but the search for her successor undermines her. Then I recap the century and look at what Iconoclasm really represents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An army revolt leads to Constantine becoming sole ruler. But soon Irene is back in the palace while her son searches in vain for military glory. Eventually though her desire to rule again overwhelms her love for her son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Empress Irene becomes Regent for her son Constantine VI and sets about securing their rule. She manages to gain the support of the bureaucracy, army and church. Then she organises another Ecumenical Council to restore the Icons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thoughts on the John Chrysostom series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.