In the final episode of our series, the ancient walls of Constantinople crumble—and with them, the last heartbeat of the Roman Empire. Sultan Mehmet II launches his all-or-nothing assault: cannon fire splits the dawn, smoke cloaks the ramparts, and waves of Ottoman soldiers pour through the shattered defenses. Amid the chaos, Emperor Constantine XI refuses to flee. Across Europe, the fall sends shockwaves—stirring panic, calls for crusade, and a growing awareness that the Eastern Roman Empire, a...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this episode, we follow the desperate defense of Constantinople as Emperor Constantine XI struggles to withstand the relentless siege. Ottoman cannons hammer the walls day and night, while engineers carve tunnels beneath the city, seeking to collapse its foundations from below. The defenders cling to the fragile hope of Western aid, even as Sultan Mehmet II pushes them to their breaking point—hauling ships overland to bypass the harbor defenses and constructing towering siege engines in the d...
Apr 08, 2025•58 min•Season 6Ep. 18
In this episode, we trace the final, desperate days of the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of its last emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, and his formidable rival, Sultan Mehmet II. As the walls of Constantinople trembled under the relentless bombardment of Ottoman cannons, two vastly different leaders prepared for war—Constantine, a resolute ruler defending his crumbling empire, and Mehmet, a young, ambitious conqueror determined to carve his name into history. Both men knew the battle was ...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 6Ep. 17
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 o...
Dec 31, 2024•21 min•Season 6Ep. 16
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...
Dec 17, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 15
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. T...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 6Ep. 14
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, ...
Sep 09, 2024•58 min•Season 6Ep. 13
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 ch...
Aug 19, 2024•17 min•Season 6Ep. 12
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 o...
Jul 02, 2024•22 min•Season 6Ep. 11
“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 confl...
Jun 19, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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, se...
Jun 04, 2024•55 min•Season 6Ep. 9
“Our Empire is withering!” - Empress Eudokia Today, we'll explore the events leading up to the 1071 Battle of Manzikert through the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. During Constantine IX's reign, the Byzantine Empire faces threats from all sides. We meet the Seljuk Turks, whose ambitions and determination set the stage for future conquest. Constantine IX struggles to maintain control amidst internal court intrigue and the frequent raids of the Pechenegs, a powerful nomadic tribe. Addin...
May 21, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Bonus episode from the podcast 'History Daily'. November 15, 1864. During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman begins his devastating March to the Sea. History Daily can be found on all podcasting platforms, with more information on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 7
"The Gods had turned their backs on this land" - Tutankhamun's Restoration Edict In part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King. As Akhenaten's religious reforms shake the very foundations of his kingdom, the Pharaoh lashes out at his citizens, closing temples and destroying statues of traditional Gods. Isolated and alone, Akhenaten's actions become increasingly bizarre as he embarks on an incestuous relationship with two of his daughters and ostracizes his ...
Apr 29, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 6
"The Pharaoh's sinister smile seemed to whisper love me… but fear me.." Embark on a journey into ancient Egypt's shadows with our latest episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic life of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh whose legacy was damned by his own people. We uncover the intriguing tale of Akhenaten's formative years, shaped under the towering influence of his illustrious father, Amenhotep III. With the help of The Amarna Letters, we'll untangle the mysteries surrounding Akhenaten's bizar...
Apr 15, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode, Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the ancient and mysterious religion of Zoroastrianism. For over two millennia, it was one of the world's most practiced religions until the arrival of Islam in the seventh century led to its rapid decline. Today, just 120,000 adherents remain worldwide. Come with us as we dive into Zoroastrianism: Exploring Avestan, the 'Language of God' still used in prayers today, despite its meaning being long forgotten. Discover the ritual complexity of ...
Feb 27, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Bonus episode from the podcast 'Welsh History Podcast' sharing the story of influential Welsh figure: Llywelyn the Great He is young, angry and looking for revenge. Welsh History Podcast is a proud member of the Evergreen Podcast Network. You can support the podcast at patreon.com/WelshHistory Celtic Impulse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
Feb 12, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 6
"Capitulation is impossible! The 6th Army will do its historic duty." - Adolf Hitler. In the conclusion of our series, we unravel the final months of the Battle of Stalingrad, exploring the consequences of Adolf Hitler's decision to forbid the the Sixth Army to retreat. We witness the long-awaited breakthrough for The Red Army, as Joseph Stalin and Georgy Zhukov launch Operation Uranus. We delve into the emotional impact on German soldiers confronting their mortality. Through their personal lett...
Jan 23, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 5
"In the blazing city, we do not suffer cowards..." - Vasily Chuikov. This episode marks the penultimate episode of our series tracing Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's 1941 invasion of the USSR. Join us as we follow Marshal Friedrich Paulus and the Wehrmacht 6th Army to their fateful end at Stalingrad. Through poignant handwritten letters, we'll delve into how frontline soldiers grappled with their mortality and the erosion of their faith in Nazi propaganda. Throughout the episode, we explore the i...
Jan 09, 2024•55 min•Season 6Ep. 4
"It is time to finish retreating. Not one step back!" - Joseph Stalin. In part three of our series on Operation Barbarossa: The Wehrmacht, desperately needing fuel after Operation Barbarossa, surprises everyone by heading south to the Caucasus, targeting rich oil fields in modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Stalin's Red Army, still recovering from 1941, scrambles as move to bolster the southern front. As Hitler tightens his grip on power, dismissing commanders and taking direct control, a ...
Dec 26, 2023•55 min•Season 6Ep. 3
"If the Germans want a war of extermination, they will get it!" - Joseph Stalin. In this gripping continuation of our Operation Barbarossa series, The Red Army rallies as the Wehrmacht's relentless march towards Moscow accelerates. With the Wehrmacht closing in on the Soviet capital, the USSR faces its last chance for survival. In the midst of the chaos, Stalin emerges from his depression, adorning his walls with portraits of renowned Russian generals for inspiration. The tide begins to turn as ...
Dec 11, 2023•40 min•Season 6Ep. 2
"The world will hold its breath!" - Adolf Hitler. In this episode we delve into Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's audacious invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. The morning of June 22nd, 1941, witnessed four million men surging across the borders between the USSR and the German Reich, beginning the largest land invasion in world history. We explore the backstory of this invasion and uncover why it took Joseph Stalin by surprise. Through the diaries of frontline soldiers, we gain insights into the ...
Nov 27, 2023•48 min•Season 6Ep. 1
A quick update on what's coming in season 6, our release schedule, and a few audience Q&A Questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 09, 2023•6 min•Season 5Ep. 20
"A life of sin, cleansed by his final act" Join us for the conclusion of our two-part series on the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, featuring Nikola Zrinski's renowned last stand. In this episode, we delve into the captivating backstory of Nikola Zrinski, also known as Nikola Šubić Zrinski or Zrínyi Miklós—a celebrated national hero in Croatia and Hungary. Explore his life's journey and the events leading to the siege's dramatic climax. Amid the unfolding siege, we unpack the simmering feud between Rox...
Sep 18, 2023•39 min•Season 5Ep. 19
"The Battle That Saved The Civilization" In this series, we explore the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, a crucial castle on the Hapsburg-Ottoman border. When the 71-year-old Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, besieged Szigetvár, he didn't anticipate the fierce resistance. Led by Count Nikola Zrinski (also known as Zrínyi Miklós or Nikola Šubić Zrinski), the garrison was determined to defend their fortress to the last man. As the aged Sultan Suleiman marched toward the fortress we explore his per...
Sep 04, 2023•39 min•Season 5Ep. 18
"Go tell the Spartans passerby, that here, obedient to our laws, we lie...." In this episode Mark and I continue our deep-dive into the epic Battle of Thermopylae (480BC). In the shadow of a dusty gorge in southern Greece, 300 valiant Spartan warriors, led by the indomitable King Leonidas, stood resolute, awaiting the impending battle against Xerxes and his gigantic army. Guided by Herodotus and other ancient sources we transport you to the heart of the battlefield, painting a vivid picture of t...
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 5Ep. 17
"Eat well Spartans for tonight we dine with Hades!" - King Leonidas I In this series I'm joined by Mark Pimenta, host of the Warlords Of History Podcast. Mark and I discuss the lead up to one of the most famous events in world history: The Battle of Thermopylae. In 480BC the outnumbered forces of Greece made their stand against the enormous army of Shah Xerses I and his Achaemenid Persian Empire. The Persians had numbers on their side, but the Greeks 300 of the best trained soldiers in the world...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Bonus episode from the podcast 'Cauldron - A Military History Podcast'. At the outset of the battle, several mailed horsemen rode up to the Viking lines. Tostig Godwinson moved up to hear what the Anglo Saxon riders had tot say. The leader of the men was his brother, King Harold, and he offered Tostig peace and his life. When Tostig asked what the King offered to his ally, Harald Hardcounsel, the King, responded, "Six feet of English ground, and then some more as he is taller than most men." Wit...
Aug 07, 2023•48 min•Season 5Ep. 15
"Woe! Woe to us Hungarians! What an evil age we have entered..." On August 29, 1526, the forces of Christendom clashed with the mighty Ottoman Empire, transcending the borders of Hungary and leaving an indelible mark on world history. Join us in this episode as we delve into the cataclysmic Battle of Mohács and explore its profound significance. This gripping episode unravels the causes of the battle, examining the geopolitical landscape and the escalating tensions between East and West. As Hung...
Jul 24, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 14
"More was lost at Mohacs" - Hungarian proverb In this series we journey into the events leading up to the disastrous Battle of Mohacs in 1526. This pivotal battle forever altered the course of Hungarian and European history. It marked the collapse of Hungary and paved the way for the relentless advance of the Ottoman Empire into Central Europe. In this episode, we delve into the remarkable reigns of two Hungarian heroes, John Hunyadi and his son Matthias Corvinus (aka Hunyadi Mátyás) . These vis...
Jul 10, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 13
