
History of Portugal
Retracing the History of the Portuguese People
Rob Mendes · Roberto Mendes
Show overview
History of Portugal has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 53 episodes, alongside 6 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 25 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 22 min and 31 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 6 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 18 episodes published. Published by Roberto Mendes.
From the publisher
On this show we retrace the history of the Portuguese people, beginning with its deepest roots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episodes
View all 53 episodesEpisode 45 - The Templars
12th Century Context Series – Episode 2: The Holy Roman Empire & Italy.

Ep 44Episode 44 - Aftermath
This episode we examine what happened after the conquest of Lisboa. How was this new territory organized and incorporated into the Portuguese project? We’ll also try to understand the larger social and political context that created the conditions for this conquest to happen in the first place.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaTo The Stars by SergePavkinMusicAmbient Trip-Hop by Abydos MusicInto the Blue Night by KaazoomGunna Type Beat by VYREBEATSFeelings of the Universe by Rockot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12th Century Context Series - Episode:1 England & France in the 12th Century
bonusOne of the things that I have wanted to do for a while now was to provide a wider context of the world we have been exploring on this show. So, I teamed up with my friend James Cassese who has researched and written these episodes to help us understand what was happening in the broader European and Mediterranean world while Portugal was emerging as an independent kingdom.So, over the next few episodes of this series we’ll be going on a clockwise tour of Europe and the Mediterranean world beginning with the Iberian Peninsula’s closest neighbors, England and France.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Alban Elfed by OB-LixEndless Road by SergePavkinMusicDesolate World by DSTechnicianPrincess of Enchanted Dryland by OB-LixUniverse Inside You by Rockot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

De Expugnatione Lyxbonensi (The Conquest of Lisboa)-Part 2
bonusThis bonus episode is the continuation of the reading of our main source for the conquest of Lisboa in 1147.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Alban Elfed the Gathering by OB-LixViking by M. MurrayLost Soul by Grand ProjectBeata by OB-LixUnder-attack by OB-LixThe flashback by Grand Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

De Expugnatione Lyxbonensi (The Conquest of Lisboa)-Part 1
bonusThis bonus episode is the first part of a reading of our main source for the conquest of Lisboa in 1147.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Alban Elfed the Gathering by OB-LixWish I Could be There With You by ArtSlop FlodurUnder Pressure by Michael Kobrin Emotional Cinematic by RockotCelestial Harmony by Yevhen OnoychenkoThe Stone Warriors by OB-LIX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 43Episode 43 - Lisboa
This episode we will cover what is arguably on of the most important milestone of Afonso Henriques reign, the conquest of Lisboa. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaView From the Top by Serge Pavkin MusicEpic Battle Music by Airwolf89Big Time by Yevhen OnoychenkoMilitary March Drums by Land of BooksCamelot by Billy ZiogasMoment to the End by RockotArabic Sadness by Serge Quadrado Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 42Episode 42 - The Royal Family
This episode we explore one of the missing critical pieces of Afonso's puzzle, which was a was a royal marriage. We see how his marriage to Matilda of Savoy and the subsequent birth of his legitimate children reshaped his royal court and his long-standing alliances.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaFantasy Medieval Mystery by DeusLowerFresh Morning Air by SergePavkinMusicMoment to The End by SergePavkinMusicJeux Olympique by MelodigneAlban Elfed the Gathering by OB-Lix Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 41Episode 41- Miles Sancti Petri
In this episode, we will be doing a deep dive into some we touched only lightly in a previous episode, the rather significant act of Afonso Henriques declaring his vassalage to the Pope. We’ll explore how Afonso navigated the complex interplay of papal authority, Leonese overlordship, and local power. As well as how despite Roman hesitation, Afonso’s de facto authority as king was firmly established in the eyes of his people.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaExperimental Synth Tech by RockotEthereal Land by SergePavkinMusicMedieval Ambient by DeusLowerTrip Outro by KulakovkaCinematic Ambient Piano by Rockot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 40Episode 40 – Divine Mission
In this episode, we explore how the collapse of Almoravid power plunged the western lands of Al-Andalus into chaos. Rival Muslim leaders like Ibn Qasi and Ibn Wasir fought for control, while Afonso Henriques seized the opportunity to expand his realm. But this wasn’t just a clash of swords, it was a game of diplomacy and deception. We’ll uncover how Portugal’s first king forged truces, traded tributes, and even made secret pacts with his supposed enemies to secure his southern frontier.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaWar and Peace by-Billy ZiogasTravel-in-Arab by StockMusicAction Cinematic Rhythm by MoodModeSahara Sunrise by ArtSlop Flodur Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 39Episode 39 - Fall and Rise
In this episode, we rewind the clock back a little and trace the dramatic unraveling of Almoravid power across al-Andalus and Morocco. From the loss of Zaragoza in 1118 to the revolt of Córdoba, we see how Yusuf ibn Tashfin’s dying warnings were ignored by his son ‘Ali—triggering disaster on both sides of the straitsJoin me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaMedin Melodies by MelodigneSuspense Day by Land_of_BooksArabic by Music_For_VideosShadows of the Night by SoundUniverseStudioServer by RockotCamelot by Billy_Ziogas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 38Episode 38 - Valiant and Tireless
In this episode, we follow Afonso Henriques as he works to secure Portugal’s fragile frontier. We’ll look at how the destruction and rebuilding of Leiria shaped the kingdom’s defenses, the role of new castles and charters in pushing settlement southward, and how the Knights Templar began to take an active hand in the border wars. Along the way, we’ll encounter stories of courage and tragedy, like the fate of Martinho, a priest captured in battle and carried deep into Muslim lands. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a shifting Iberian landscape, where local revolts and Almoravid weakness created both danger and opportunity for the young Portuguese kingdom.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaWorld Revival by White RecordsSuspense by SergePavkinMusicSan Andreas by RockotTemple of the Heights by RockotEurope by Lexin MusicEpic Trap by Muza ProductionFrom Last Forces by Serge Pavkin Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 37Episode 37 - Partners of my Labors
In this episode, we’re looking beyond the battlefield to the network of advisors who helped Afonso Henriques turn a fledgling county into a kingdom. We’ll explore the spiritual influence of Saint Teotónio, the political brilliance of Dom João Peculiar, and the often-overlooked world of church diplomacy in 12th-century Portugal. From monastic reform to papal negotiations, from court intrigue to the fight for ecclesiastical independence, this is the story of the men who stood beside the first king, and how their combined efforts shaped the destiny of the realm.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaTo Heaven by Serge Pavkin MusicBeautiful Epic Orchestral Pop Soundtrack by RockotStrength of Will by RockotLooking Far Away by Serge Pavkin MusicUnknown by Serge Pavkin MusicNight Moth by White Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 36Episode 36 – Rei de Portugal
This episode, we're diving into the controversial acclamation of Afonso Henriques as king before the Battle of Ourique. Did it really happen, or is it just legend? We'll explore conflicting historical accounts, the symbolism of his shield, and the Church's complicated role in legitimizing his kingship, uncovering how a potential battlefield tradition transformed into a powerful national myth.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaHold The Sky by SergePavkinMusicParting by SergePavkinMusicLounge Synthwave by Abydos MusicAmbient Trip Hop by Abydos_MusicDreams in Pink by kaazoomEpic Battle Song by Rolandomat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 35Episode 35 - Going on the Offensive
This episode, we follow the pivotal shift in strategy as Afonso Henriques and the Portuguese forces move from a defensive posture to full-scale offensive operations. From the construction of the Castle of Leiria to deep raids into Muslim-held territory, we’ll explore how Portugal carved out its place on the frontier. We will also unpack the legendary Battle of Ourique, what likely happened, what was mythologized later, and why it mattered. As the tide turns across the Iberian Peninsula, the crumbling Almoravid empire faces pressure on multiple fronts, setting the stage for a new phase in the development of Portugal.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaBackground Music by Levgen PoltavskyiDeep in the Heart by Magnetic TrailerHip Hop Silky Smooth by Antipodean Writerdramatic-suspense by Ashot DanielyanEthno Landscape byLexin MusicAmbient Epic by RotkoEpic War by lNPLUSMUSICOrion Nebula by Serge Pavkin Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 34Episode 34 – Sitting Sideways
In this episode, we dive deep into the murky political landscape of the 1130s, focusing on Afonso Henriques’s ambiguous status between 1128 and 1137 as he maneuvered between independence and vassalage to Alfonso VII. The episode unpacks Afonso’s calculated incursions into Galician territory, including the provocative construction of the Castle of Celmes, the backlash from Alfonso VII, and the pivotal Battle of Cerneja, where Afonso defeated key Galician nobles. It culminates in the surprising Pact of Tui, a moment of apparent submission that still leaves historians debating its true implications. Along the way, we explore feudal power dynamics, shifting alliances, and the strategic balancing act Afonso played in shaping Portugal’s early sovereignty.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaA Song For You by Still Point MusicThe Flashback by Grand ProjectJust a Click Away by OB-LIXRumba by AhmadSpace Mission by Serge Pavkin Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 33Episode 33 – The Road to Coimbra
This time, we return our focus to Afonso Henriques and the evolving dynamics between Portugal, Galicia, and the Kingdom of León-Castile in the aftermath of his rise to power. As well as the move of the royal court from Guimaraes to Coimbra.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaThe Road From Home by Serge Pavkin MusicDesolate World by DSTechnicianA Moment in Life by RockotSpace Cinematic Epic Rockot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 32Episode 32- Taking the Cross
This episode we focus on the lager cultural movement that swept Europe, known as the crusades and the effect this movement had in the County of Portugal.Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaMedieval Ambient by Deus LowerExperimental by RockotCosmic Glow by Serge Pavkin MusicLegacy of Monteverdi Lamento Della Ninfa by White RecordsGrand View by Serge Pavkin Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warfare in Medieval Iberia - Interview with Carlos Filipe Afonso
This special episode, I interview Historian Carlos Filipe Afonso, a professor of medieval military history in the Iberian Peninsula Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 31Episode 31- Portugalensis Patria
This episode we cover the D. Afonso Henriques battle for independence from D. Teresa and follow his early moves to secure power.Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at [email protected] me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rythm of War by Zakhar ValahaMidnight Forest by Syouki TakahashiFaraway by Serge PavkinMusicServer by RockotDramatic Epic by Lexin MusicThe Great Inevitable by RockotShadows of the Night by Sound Universe Studioresonant by RockotSuspense by Serge PavkinMusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.