The History of Byzantium

Aside from the rise of the landed magnates there have been some other important changes in the Roman military in the past century. We cover the Themes, recruitment, payment, skirmishing and all the rest.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fruits of the recovery were unevenly distributed. The wealthy landowners of the plateau were building huge estates and developing family histories to go with them.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore arguments for and against the idea that commerce was a huge source of revenue for Byzantium.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Romans are finally recovering from three centuries of struggle. One of the lesser-discussed reasons for this was the payments made to the elites for their loyalty.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its time for some of your questions. We cover queries about the Bulgars, Slavs, Greece, Coins and modern Romania.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We place the Khazars, Magyars, Pechenegs and Rus on the map and explore their relationships with Constantinople.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 9th century was a period of amazing social and political change in the Balkans. We follow the Khans as they plot a path toward recognition of their right to exist.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore the diplomatic and trade exchanges between Byzantium, the Caliphate and the Franks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlemagne's empire could not last. Frankish customs saw the realm divided and it would never be put back together.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Caliphate in decline the Romans take a greater interest in the Armenian lands on their eastern border. We explore the fragmented landscape and politics of Armenia and take a quick glance at Cilicia and the forts beyond.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin our end of the century episodes in the East. Since 838 the great Caliphal armies have not been seen in Anatolia. We explore why as the Caliphate slowly pulls itself apart across the 9th century.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Byzantine Stories episode three announcement 2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Byzantine Stories Episode 3 announcement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo enters the second half of his reign desperate to leave the Empire to a healthy son. Meanwhile his military are successful on land but suffer at sea.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Basil's son Leo was known as "the Wise" during his lifetime. We get to know the new Emperor and explore if this reputation was justified. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We follow Basil's time in office as tries to wash away the sin of murder and secure legitimacy for his new dynasty. He also tests the limits of Byzantium's growing power in East and West.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chart the rise of Basil the Macedonian and his murder of both Bardas and Michael. We also look at how Basil's descendants would re-brand Michael as "the Drunkard" before saying goodbye to the Amorion Dynasty.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen here for an announcement about the second episode in the Byzantine Stories series and an increase in the subscription price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theodora and Theoctistus rule for young Michael until he comes of age. Then Uncle Bardas takes over the government. Meanwhile the Romans begin to gain the upper hand in Anatolia while a schism with the Papacy looms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theophilus reorganises the army and leaves the throne to his wife and two year-old son. Theodora decides to restore the Icons and we discuss the end to the Iconoclast era of Byzantine history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We focus on Theophilus' record on the eastern front. The last gasp of true Caliphal power sees the Emperor harshly punished for his support of the Khurramite rebellion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Young Theophilus becomes Emperor at a rare moment ofinternal peace. We look at his domestic policies across his 13 yearreign and touch on his non-Anatolian foreign policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael II tries to secure his regime now that the civil war is over. However attacks on Sicily and Crete prevent him from returning to "normality." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo's murder is greeted with disgust in Anatolia where men rally behind Thomas the Slav. But back at the capital men get behind Michael of Amorium as a suitable replacement. This split leads to a three year civil war and a stalemate which suggests that God favours neither man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to all of you for helping us get to episode 100. And of course our eternal gratitude to Mike Duncan and The History of Rome podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo restores Iconoclasm and defeats the Bulgars in battle. After signing the peace treaty he raid the Caliphate and returns to domestic matters. However a palace conspiracy overthrows him in favour of his old ally Michael of Amorium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo the Armenian becomes Leo V and waits out Krum's slaughter in Thrace. He also makes plans to restore Iconoclasm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicephorus' successors are his wounded son and his unsuitable son-in-law. Between them they ensure that the dynasty comes to a sad end while Krum improves his position considerably. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why were the Bulgars so successful compared to their larger neighbour? We look at this question and the limitations of the Byzantine army on campaign as Nicephorus leads his men to their doom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicephorus turns his attention to the Balkans and begins settling colonists in the Peloponnese. His plans for Macedonia though are thwarted by the Bulgars. The Emperor organises a mass migration from Anatolia to Europe and reorganises the Themes and the finances of the state to make the new venture a success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The General Logothete Nicephorus becomes Emperor and embarks on a wide ranging programme of reform. In this episode we focus on relations with the Caliphate, Charlemagne and the clergy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reminder of where we've come from in the 8th century and where we are going in the 9th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I answer your questions about the Themes, the Khazars, China, daily life and blinding. I also update our Constantine acrostic.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Interview with Paul Kastenellos (the pseudonym of author Vincent O'Reilly) about his two historical novels "Antonina - A Byzantine Slut" and "Count No Man Happy." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I flesh out some details and answer your questions about the Roman army in 800AD.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I present a fantasy narrative of a soldier's life during a raid in Cappadocia. The details are all taken from Byzantine sources.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Thoughts on "The Byzantine Republic" and my interview with Anthony Kaldellis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An interview with Professor Anthony Kaldellis about his book "The Byzantine Republic." It's a fascinating discussion about Byzantine political culture. He explores what the Romans really thought about their government and what all those rebellions really say about them. You will want to hear this! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

An introduction to life in Antioch in 350AD. Amidst the great buildings live the beleaguered poor of the Roman world. The Christians were destined to care for and convert these people but in 350AD the threat of losing souls to Judaism or Paganism was real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to the latest podcast to find out about the new fundraising sale and your chance to get 4 new episodes of "The History of Byzantium." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.