65 - The Man Who Lived Too Long
May 31, 2025•48 min
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Summary
This episode details the aftermath of the Battle of Myriokephalon, where Sultan Kılıç Arslan II consolidates his power in Anatolia by securing eastern territories and eventually Malatya. He adeptly manages rising tensions with Saladin through diplomacy, and skillfully exploits the chaos of the Byzantine succession after Manuel Komnenos's death to expand Seljuk influence in Western Anatolia. However, as the aging Sultan faces escalating tribal unrest and an impending succession crisis with his numerous sons, his decision to partition the Sultanate while still alive ignites internal conflict, leaving the realm fractured and vulnerable to a massive Third Crusade led by Frederick Barbarossa.Episode description
After the battle of Myriokephalon, Kılıç Arslan II consolidates Seljuk rule of Anatolia. The Sultan of Rum negotiates with the rising power of Saladin, and conquers further in the West after the death of Manuel Komnenos. But as the elderly Sultan continues to cling to life, and as great invasion is summoned from the West, the future claimants to the throne in Konya start sharpening their knives...
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android