Episodes

  • End Of The Roman Empire | Part 2: Manuel II Palaiologos

    End Of The Roman Empire | Part 2: Manuel II Palaiologos
    Dec 31 2024
    The Byzantine Empire was on the verge of collapse. Surrounded by enemies, Emperor Manuel II faced the daunting task of saving Constantinople from the relentless advance of the Ottoman Turks. Sultan Bayezid "The Thunderbolt" had tightened his grip around the ancient city, and its fall seemed inevitable. Yet, when all hope seemed lost, an unexpected threat to the Ottomans arose, offering the Byzantine Empire a final, fleeting reprieve... Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • End Of The Roman Empire | Part 1: The Beggar Kings

    End Of The Roman Empire | Part 1: The Beggar Kings
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode, we dive into the turbulent final century of the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of one of its most fascinating figures: John VI Kantakouzenos. A reluctant emperor, John inherited a crumbling empire beset by internal strife and foreign threats. While others dreamed of restoring Rome’s former glory, John envisioned a smaller, reformed state that could survive by diplomacy and pragmatism. His alliances with the rising Ottoman Turks, the Italian merchant republics, and the Serbian kingdom reveal the precarious balancing act required to hold the empire together. We also explore the destructive civil wars that fractured the ruling Palaiologos dynasty, the growing dominance of Venice and Genoa in Byzantine politics, and the meteoric rise of the Ottoman Turks—an alliance that would later become the empire’s greatest enemy. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Byzantine Empire fell—and marvel at how it managed to survive as long as it did. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • The 1845 Irish Famine | Part 2: Exodus

    The 1845 Irish Famine | Part 2: Exodus
    Oct 22 2024
    In the final episode of our two-part series on the Irish Potato Famine, we examine the most devastating years of the crisis. As Lord John Russell’s government prioritizes cost-cutting, Charles Trevelyan enforces harsh famine relief policies that intensify the suffering. Amid the chaos, the Quakers revolutionize soup kitchens, while Asenath Nicholson opens her home to the starving. We also explore the mass emigration that followed, with millions fleeing on overcrowded "coffin ships" to America. This episode uncovers the famine’s lasting impact on Ireland’s population, culture, and its relationship with Britain, leaving scars that shaped generations. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • The 1845 Irish Famine | Part 1: The Great Hunger

    The 1845 Irish Famine | Part 1: The Great Hunger
    Sep 9 2024
    In this episode, we explore the early years of the Irish Potato Famine, a devastating event that reshaped Ireland's history. Known as The Great Hunger (an Gorta Mór), this crisis led to the deaths of over a million people and forced millions more to flee their homeland. But this was no mere natural disaster—it was a crisis made worse by the actions, and inactions, of those in power. We'll examine the role of Charles Trevelyan, a British civil servant whose policies worsened the famine's impact, turning a natural blight into a human-made catastrophe. We'll also meet Asenath Nicholson, an American humanitarian who travelled across Ireland, documenting the suffering and offering aid. Her accounts give us a glimpse into the lives of those who endured unimaginable hardships. As we unravel these early years, we'll see how British colonial policies and mismanagement turned a crop failure into a national tragedy. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • The Weirdest Battle Of World War II (Quickfire)

    The Weirdest Battle Of World War II (Quickfire)
    Aug 19 2024
    In this episode of Quickfire, we take a lighthearted look at one of World War II’s most bizarre moments: The Battle of Castle Itter. Picture this—a ragtag group featuring Nazis fighting against their fellow Nazis, American GIs, a French tennis champion, and a tank affectionately dubbed Besotted Jenny, all banding together to defend an ancient Austrian castle. Tune in as Alex and I wander through this wild and weird chapter of history. Help support the show on Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • 4 Petty Letters Of The Ancient World (Quickfire)

    4 Petty Letters Of The Ancient World (Quickfire)
    Jul 2 2024
    Join us for a lively journey into the ancient world as co-host Alexander Gates and I delve into the most scandalous and petty letters of antiquity. From expletive-laden tirades to guilt-tripping manipulations, we uncover the outrageous communications of everyday people. Listen in as we explore the fiery exchanges between an Ottoman Sultan and his insolent correspondent, a Sogdian wife's scathing rebuke, a Babylonian student's cunning manipulation of maternal guilt, and the rebellious outbursts of a spoiled Greek adolescent. Help support the show on Patreon! CHAPTERS: 00:00:00-What is Quickfire? 00:04:03-Reply of the Zaporizhian Cossacks 00:09:56-Sogdian wife complaining to her husband 00:12:50- Babylonian student moaning to his mother 00:16:09-Greek teenager berating his father Reply of the Zaporizhian Cossacks Painting: https://tinyurl.com/Zaporozhian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • The Battle of Manzikert 1071 | Part Three: Emperor's Folly

    The Battle of Manzikert 1071 | Part Three: Emperor's Folly
    Jun 19 2024
    “The most decisive disaster in Byzantine history” - Steven Runciman In the epic conclusion to our series, we delve into the monumental Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Through the perspectives of Alp Arslan and Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, we explore the motivations and strategies of these two pivotal leaders leading up to this climactic confrontation. Drawing from primary and secondary sources, we provide a detailed, blow-by-blow account of the battle, capturing the intensity and drama of the conflict. Following the battle, we discuss its far-reaching consequences, marking the beginning of the Byzantine Empire's decline and its impact on world history. What if The Byzantines won at Manzikert? The Turks may have never settled Anatolia and the Greek Orthodox population may've maintained majority. Join us as we unravel the events and aftermath of the Battle of Manzikert, a turning point that changed the course of history forever. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website. Cost Of Glory Podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00:00-Recap of series 00:02:29-Romanos IV marches east 00:06:22-Alp Arslan caught off-guard 00:14:06-Peace negotiations fail 00:18:35-Battle begins 00:24:09-Romanos IV betrayed 00:29:29-Romanos IV returns to Constantinople 00:33:52-Death of Romanos IV 00:37:00-Aftereffects of the battle 00:40:14-Epilogue (rise of Alexios I) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • The Battle of Manzikert 1071 | Part Two: Alp Arslan and The Seljuk Onslaught

    The Battle of Manzikert 1071 | Part Two: Alp Arslan and The Seljuk Onslaught
    Jun 4 2024
    In this episode we'll explore the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the crises within the Byzantine Empire leading up to the pivotal Battle of Manzikert in 1071. We delve into the transformation of the Seljuk Turks from a steppe horde into a powerful empire under the leadership of Alp Arslan. His strategic brilliance and conquests have cemented his status as an Islamic hero today. As the Seljuk Empire expands its influence, their ambitions bring them into direct conflict with the Byzantine Empire, setting the stage for a major clash of civilizations. We trace the escalating situation within Byzantium, marked by political instability and military challenges. Amidst this turmoil emerges Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, a soldier-emperor whose rise to power is fraught with internal strife and external threats. Romanos IV’s reign is defined by his efforts to restore the empire’s strength and counter the Seljuk advance. Join us as we explore the rise of the Seljuks under Alp Arslan and the Byzantine struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert, a battle that would alter the course of the Byzantine Empire and the region forever. Help support the show on Patreon! Sources and Attributions on our website. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00-Introduction 00:02:13-Origins of The Seljuks 00:09:58-Tughril I & Chaghri Beg's exodus 00:21:13- Rise of Alp Arslan 00:27:27-Byzantium unravels 00:38:44-Fall of Ani aftermath 00:42:29-Romanos IV takes the throne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins