Western Civ

Episode 76: The Norman Invasion Part Three

Between 1066 and 1074 William the Conqueror fights off a series of rebellions in England to solidify his rule.

Episode 75: The Norman Invasion Part Two

In this episode we follow Harold Hardrada and William of Normandy across the seas to England to battle Harold Godwinson for the throne. When the dust settled, William the Bastard would be re-titled, William the Conqueror.

Episode 74: The Norman Conquest Part One

We resume our narrative in this episode circa 1000 AD in the Kingdoms of England and Normandy. Things are not going well in England. A series of inept English rulers allow different Scandinavian Kings to seize control over the English throne. Finally, when Edward the Confessor established himself as the English King things appear to be headed in the right direction. But, left without an heir, the question looms large in the distance: who will rule when he is gone? Then, a fishing trip gone reall...

Episode 73: Why 1000?

In this episode, we step back again from the narrative to consider the major demographic changes which swept Europe during the High Middle Ages (1000 - 1300 AD).

Episode 71: What Exactly is the "Dark Ages"?

In this episode we consider the question: what are the Dark Ages? And specifically, when should the Early Middle Ages be said to begin?

Episode 70: The Magyars

Medieval Hungary (865 - 1035)

Episode 69: The End of the Carolingian Empire

The empire of Charlemagne finally collapses for good.

Voices: Norse Mythology

The Binding of Fenrir Wolf

Episode 68: The Fury of the Northmen (Part Three)

The Age of Viking Exploration

Episode 67: Byzantine Apoge

The Eastern Empire: 855 - 1043 AD

Episode 66: Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf

In this episode we swing back to Ireland and explore the fascinating story of the battle that took place on Good Friday, 1014 AD.

Episode 65: Alfred the Great

In this episode, we examine England in the Viking Age. In the late Ninth Century England was nearly overrun by the Northmen. Only the tiny Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Wessex held out. Enter stage left: Alfred the Great. (England 793 - 920 AD)

Episode 64: The Fury of the Northmen (Part Two)

The Rus and Byzantium (900 -1030 AD)

Episode 63: Iconoclasm

This episode traces Byzantine History from the middle of the Seventh Century through the reign of Leo V in the middle of the Eighth Century.

Episode 62: The Fury of the Northmen (Part One)

In this episode we trace the Viking Invasions of the Ninth and Tenth Centuries as they ravage Francia.

Episode 61: The Northmen

A background of early Scandinavian history. In this episode, we back up and provide the background of the Viking invasions of the Ninth and Tenth Centuries. Check out our website for more! westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today for bonus content! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast.com

Episode 60: Anglo-Saxon England (650-825)

In this episode, we delve into the murky past that is Anglo-Saxon England and consider the major impact that the influence of Christianity had on Anglo-Saxon culture and politics. Then, we examine the reigns of two critical Anglo-Saxon Kings: Aethelbald and Offa. Check out our website for more! westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 59: The Birth of Modern Europe

Believe it or not, modern Europe actually finds its origins as early as the Ninth Century. Today, we look at how the division of the Carolingian Empire actually corresponds nicely with the map of modern Europe. Medieval France (802-843) Check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 58: Carolingian Empire (Medieval France Under Charlemagne)

Charlemange makes a claim to be the new Emperor of Rome. The new HOLY Roman Emperor in fact... Check out our website for more at westerncivpodcast.com and become a Patron today for bonus content and to support the show at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Supplemental: Monasticism in Medieval Europe

Supplemental: Gregory The Great

Episode 57: The Dawn of Feudalism (Early Medieval France 583 - 751)

Feudalism dawns in Carolingian France. Serfs, lords, fiefs, and so, so much more! Check out our website for more! westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 56: Back To Italy (Medieval Italy and Spain 568-720)

In today's episode, we cover a wide range of events during the Early Middle Ages in Italy and Spain. Check out our website for more content at westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today and support the show for as little as one dollar! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 55: The House of War (632-717)

Today we step away from our narrative and shift our focus to the Arabian Penninsula. We will detail the creation and rapid expansion of the first Islamic Caliphate in the years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Things will never be the same. Check out our website for more content! westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today and enjoy bonus content for as little as $2.00 per month! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 54: Life After Justinian (Byzantium 565-638)

After the death of Justinian, Justin II takes the reigns and tries to reverse the course of the declining Empire. His death is followed by the brief reigns of Tiberios and Phokas as well as the long and relatively successful reign of Maurice. This episode finishes with the Great Persian War under the Emperor Herakleios during which the Empire nearly falls.

Episode 53: The British Isles in the Early Dark Ages (406-650 AD)

Today we cover English History after the fall of the Roman Empire and until the Anglo-Saxon invasions. Check out our website for more content at westerncivpodcast.com. Become a Patron today for extra content! Check it out at patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 52: Belisarius (533-565)

Justinian takes his forces West to re-conquer the Roman Empire under a brilliant young general: Belisarius.

Episode 51: The Shattered West (Western Europe 476-533)

A look at western Europe between immediately after the fall of the Roman Empire. (476 - 533 CE) Check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 50: A Brave New World

In this episode, we cover the reigns of various Eastern Emperors leading up to Justinian's attempted reconquest of the West. Check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com Become a Patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast

Episode 49: Recap and Setting the Stage

In this episode, we recap the last 4,500 years of Western History and set the stage for the turbulent Dark Ages to come. Check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com Become a patron today! patreon.com/westerncivpodcast