The AskHistorians Podcast

AsiaExpert provides an overview of the politics and social unrest of South Korea since the end of the Korean War. Starting from the meteoric rise of Syngman Rhee and continuing up to the establishment of the 6th Republic, this episode covers everything from the April Revolution, to Park dictatorship, to the chaebol system, to some reasons why South Koreans today may be less familiar with the smell of tear gas than their parents and grandparents.

Jasfss continues our examination of the Mongols, this time on the Eastern side of Asia. We start with the socio-political -- even artistic -- state of China on the eve of the Mongol advance before moving on to Kublai's establishment of the Yuan Dynasty and the final fall of the Song. We then move on to how the Mongols dealt with finding themselves as the ruling dynasty of China and their eventual downfall.

Rakony discusses the Ilkhanate, the portion of the Mongol Empire in Persia and the surrounding areas. The reasons for the Mongol push into the area, why it did not go farther, and how the local peoples and the Mongols accomodated to each other, somewhat ironically leading to a resugence of Persian culture. Also, a surprising amoung of digging up graves.

Bemonk, host of the History of Alchemy Podcast (among others), speaks on how the practices and concepts of alchemy relate to the development of modern scientific methods and ideas. Covered in the talk are some basic pointers about what alchemy is, how long it has been around, differences between "Western" and "Eastern" alchemy, notable figures, and urine.

l_mack relates the strange tale of the Principality of Outer Baldonia, a micronation founded off the coast of Nova Scotia in the mid-20th Century by an American businessman seeking freedom from "question, nagging, shaving, interruption, women, taxes, politics, and monologues," as well as the right to stay up all night drinking, swearing and gambling. The tiny island nation ended up recieving international notice, with write-ups in a California paper and a denunciation in a Soviet journal.

Ambarenya wraps up the Komnenian dynasty, covering Alexios I finally securing the borders of the Empire, stabilizing the economy, and turning towards the West for help in the form of the First Crusade. The Crusader States, relations between the Byzantines and the Latins, and attempts to recapture lost territory are all covered as we move towards the bloody end of the Komnenian Dynasty.

Ambarenya discusses with 400-Rabbits the two dynasties that formed the golden age of the medieval Byzantine Empire, albeit a golden age that was fraught with internal dissent and encroaching enemies on all sides. Part 1 covers the Macedonian dynasty, primarily examining their later period and decline, before seguing ino the turmoil that eventually gave rise to Alexios Komnenos as the first of the Komnenian dynasty.

Daeres speaks to 400-Rabbits about a collection of cuneiform documents known as the Assyrian State Archives. The interview delves into texts relating to everything from high level political arrangements to land purchases to hectoring bureaucratic memos to one poor official who was simply not very good at spelling. Insights into Assyrian life and historiography occur amidst this textual conversation.

Husky54 speaks to 400-Rabbits about the Hebrew Bible. They cover what exactly the "Hebrew Bible" really is, when it was written, who was doing the writing, the historical precursors, corresponding epigraphy, textual intricacies, and, of course, Richard Dawkins.

DavidAOP and EternalKerri continue their talk on all things piratical. This second of two parts focuses more on the meta-conversation of the study of pirates, their portrayals in popular media, the place as cultural icons, and, of course, that famous accent, before wrapping up with why and how this era came to an end.

400-Rabbits moderates a discussion with DavidAOP and EternalKerri over the Golden Age of Pirates. Did a Pirate Code exist? What about pirate cities? What did pirates actually do all day and how did they go about finding booty for plunder? Just how common was being made to walk the plank? Why is EternalKerri so excited about keelhauling? All these topics and more get covered. Part 1 of 2.

AC_7 speaks to 400-Rabbits on the topic of the infamous early action of World War 2, the Battle of France. The preparations for the Nazi invasion of France, the vaious plans, opening moves, the motivations of both sides, and the ultimate aftermath are all covered.

Snickeringshadow and 400-Rabbits continue their discussion on the topic of the Mesoamerican group commonly known as the Tarascans. In this second of two parts, the expansion of the Tarascan state, their clashes with Aztecs, and the eventual arrival of the Spanish are all covered.

Snickeringshadow is interviewed by 400-Rabbits on the topic of the Mesoamerican group commonly known as the Tarascans. In this first of two parts, the origin of the Tarascans, their initial settlement in Michoacan, and their rise to power are outlined along with dramatic details and archaeological asides.

AskHistorians Podcast Episode 12: TasfromTAS sits down with Domini_canes and tobbinator to discuss The Spanish Civil War, organizing anarchist movements, fascism, and the drama and horror of war.

Tas interviews Shakespeare-Gurl about a topic that has nothing to do with Shakespeare: Medieval Japan. The Heian period and particularly the "pirates" of that time are covered, along with the Tale of the Heike and some general notes about working with Japanese primary sources.

Trying something new this week! Tas, AnOldHope, 400-Rabbits & caffarelli got together to talk alcohol, reddit, moderator lyfe and upcoming episodes. AnOldHope did an impromptu AMA too, which was hilariously informative.

This week Tas interviews Margaret Harris from the ANZAC Remembered project at Monash University. They cover the Gallipoli Campaign and the different ways in which Australia, New Zealand and Turkey remember the events of WWI.

This week 400-Rabbits interviews Gingerkid on Jewish Languages.

This week Celebreth gives us a closer look at the ancient Roman system of government.

This episode has been removed at the request of the original guest.

Part 2 of the interview with /u/400-Rabbits on the Aztec Conquest. Cortez is enters Tenochtitlan. What happens next will amaze you!

This week we interview 400-Rabbits and talk tequila, anthropology and the Aztec Conquest.

This week we look at the role of human sacrifice in Mesoamerican cultures. Tas and idjet read a series of answers from snickeringshadow on the topic.

TasfromTAS tells the dreadful tale of the cannibal convict of Van Diemen's Land, Alexander Pearce. Also talks Tasmanian Gothic literature and sings a song.

Welcome to the AskHistorians Podcast, created by the moderators of the largest history forum on the internet, AskHistorians.reddit.com. For the pilot episode, Artrw and Celebreth talk about Julius Caesar.