Podcasts by Western Civ

A fast-moving history of the western world from the ancient world to the present day. Examine how the emergence of the western world as a global dominant power was not something that should ever have been taken for granted. This podcast traces the development of western civilization starting in the ancient Near East, through Greece and Rome, past the collapse of the Western Roman Empire into the Dark Ages, and then follows European and, ultimately, American history as the western world moved into a dominant world position.

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Further podcasts by Adam Walsh

Podcast on the topic Gesellschaft und Kultur

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The Eunuch from 2023-12-11T19:19:16

Today I am joined by author Charles Fischer to discuss his book: The Eunuch.

Why would a eunuch want to write a secret history of life in the court of ancient Babylon's most famou...

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Episode 277: God's Fire from 2023-12-08T15:00:02

Both Ferdinand and Charles V refuse to reform the obvious abuses inherent to the Inquisition. And so the fires of the Acts of Faith burn. And burn. And burn...

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The Book at War from 2023-12-05T15:00:02

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Andrew Pettegree and discuss his latest work: The Book at War. I talked with Professor Pettegree previously about his other recent work about ...

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Episode 276: The Coming of the Inquisition from 2023-12-01T14:55:01

Today we cover the 1492 expulsion of the Jews and how that event created the need for the Inquisition by dumping rocket fuel on the already smoldering converso problem.

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Episode 275: The Jews of Spain from 2023-11-24T15:00:03

In this episode, we switch gears and begin to unpack the Inquisition. The beginning of the Inquisition revolves around the Jews and the Spanish monarchs. By 1492 Isabella and Ferdinand have become ...

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Warriors, Rebels, and Saints: The Art of Leadership from Machiavelli to Malcolm X from 2023-11-21T21:33:43

In today's bonus author interview, I sit down with Moshik Temkin to discuss his most recent book on leadership: Warriors, Rebels, and Saints: The Art of Leadership from Machiavelli to Malcolm X<...

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The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation from 2023-11-19T10:30:02

Today I sit down with historian Roger Moorhouse and discuss his most recent work: The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation. Between 1940 and 1943, a group...
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Episode 274: Galileo Part Six from 2023-11-17T15:00:03

Galileo publishes The Dialogue, essentially sealing his fate with the Inquisition.

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Episode 273: Galileo Part Five from 2023-11-10T15:00:02

Galileo travels to Rome and puts all his cards on the table. It was time to make the argument Copernicus was right. The Jesuits don't buy and he leaves Rome, formally or perhaps informally, warned ...
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Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry from 2023-11-06T14:22:13

In this bonus, author interview, I sit down with historian Adrian Goldsworthy and discuss his most recent book: Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry.

The Roman empire ...
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Episode 272: Galileo Part Four from 2023-11-03T14:00:02

Today we get to the meat of our series on Galileo, the publication of The Starry Messenger. Galileo turns his much-improved telescope to the heavens and realizes: Jupiter has moons, Venus or...
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Richard Nixon: California's Native Son from 2023-10-31T12:30:03

In this bonus, author interview, I sit down with Historian Paul Carter and discuss the role Richard Nixon played in modern American History. Needless to say, we both agree that Nixon was a lot more...
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Episode 271: Galileo Part Three from 2023-10-27T14:00:02

In this episode, Galileo finally turns his attention firmly to the heavens. Quickly, Galileo recognizes that, with this new technology, the telescope, he can decisively prove that both Ptolemy and ...
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Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint from 2023-10-24T13:40:02

In this author interview, I sit down with Peter Sarris and discuss his latest book: Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint. It is an excellent historical biography that covers the importance of ...
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Bonus Author Interview: Techlash from 2023-10-23T19:11:03

In this historian interview, I sit down with Tom Wheeler, author of Techlash: Who Makes the Rules in the Digital Gilded Age? We talk about economic explosion, social unrest, international co...
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Bonus: Western Civ 2.0 from 2023-10-22T15:00:02

Here is a bonus, sneak peak of Western Civ 2.0. In my Patreon feed, we hit the proverbial reset but...
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Episode 270: Galileo Part Two from 2023-10-20T14:00:02

Today we get more into the meat of Galileo. He is remembered as someone willing to challenge the church on the issue of the geocentric universe. But he actually challenged a lot more than that. Tod...
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Episode 269: Galileo Part One from 2023-10-13T14:00:02

We come now to the most recognizable name from the early Scientific Revolution: Galileo. Galileo studied motion, falling bodies, and, of course, the stars. His infamous Inquisition trial has made h...
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Around the World in 80 Games from 2023-10-12T14:05:01

In this author interview, I sit down with renowned mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy and talk about his newest book: Around the World in 80 Games. I LOVE games, as will be apparent in this inte...
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Episode 268: Tycho Brahe from 2023-10-06T14:00:02

Nicholas Copernicus and Galileo Galilei usually get all the credit for the breakthroughs in astronomy in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries and rightfully so to an extent. However, though his ...
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Episode 267: Copernicus (Part Four) from 2023-09-29T14:00:02

Today we finish Copernicus and inch toward Tycho Brahe. On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres was a truly monumental achievement. Sadly, its release was marred by a poorly added preface...
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Pax: An Interview with Historian Tom Holland from 2023-09-26T12:00:02

There is no discussion of modern Roman Historiography without Tom Holland. He is one of the premier historians covering the medieval, classical, and ancient world. Today I get the pleasure of talki...
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Episode 266: Copernicus (Part Three) from 2023-09-22T13:15:02

You probably know the name, Copernicus. But you likely don't know the name, Rheticus. Well, today I explain why you should. Without Rheticus, On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies might ...
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Episode 265: Copernicus (Part Two) from 2023-09-15T14:00:02

Copernicus completes his studies and begins his major astronomical research. Before long, the Father of Modern Astronomy becomes convinced Ptolemy was wrong. The sun does not revolve around the ear...
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Episode 264: Copernicus (Part One) from 2023-09-08T14:00:02

Today we begin the life of Nicholas Copernicus - the father of modern astronomy. While there is a lot of validity to Copernicus' title, what I cover today are his immediate predecessors: George Peu...
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Bonus Author Interview: Bismarck's War from 2023-09-05T12:40:01

Bismarck. Napoleon III. France. Prussia. Germany. The siege of Paris. The great precursor to World War One. Today I talk about it all when I sit down with Rachel Chrastil and talk about her new boo...
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Episode 263: Facts and Experiments from 2023-09-01T13:45:02

In our last overview episode, before we start Copernicus, I want to cover the concept of the "fact" and the "experiment" as each pertains to the Scientific Revolution. Both were products of the Sci...
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1923: The Crisis of German Democracy in the Year of Hitler's Putsch from 2023-08-29T13:30:02

Today I sit down with Historian Mark William Jones and discuss his newest book: 1923: The Crisis of German Democracy in the Year of Hitler's Putsch.

The story of Hitler's rise to...
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Episode 262: The Science of Math from 2023-08-25T14:00:02

Prior to the Scientific Revolution, math was considered a part of philosophy. But with a new emphasis on measurement and objective facts, it did not take long for mathematics to have a profound imp...
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Episode 261: Defining Earth from 2023-08-18T14:00:02

Today we continue exploring the origins of the Scientific Revolution. If it was possible to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, and if there were large landmasses directly opposite Asia, then how the a...
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Episode 260: The Scientific Revolution Begins from 2023-08-11T14:00:02

It is weird to think about, but when Columbus "discovered" the New World there was no word for "discover" in English. Or French. Or Latin for that matter. Discover, as a word, did not exist because...
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Episode 259: Hernando de Soto (Part Two) from 2023-08-04T14:05:01

***NOTE: I was not able to upload this episode as one file which is not what I originally planned. So I had to break it in half.

In this episode, I begin a deep dive into Hernando de So...
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Episode 259: Hernando de Soto (Part One) from 2023-08-04T14:00:02

***NOTE: I was not able to upload this episode as one file which is not what I originally planned. So I had to break it in half.

In this episode, I begin a deep dive into Hernando de So...
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Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress from 2023-08-02T13:05:01

Today I sit down with author Jason Voiovich and discuss his most recent book: Booze, Babe, and the Little Black Dress. Jason and I talk about all manner of topics related to the Roaring Twenties, e...
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Episode 258: The Inca's Last Stand from 2023-07-28T14:00:02

After so many battles and insurgencies today the Inca Empire finally runs out of gas. The Inca free state is destroyed and the last Inca Emperor is executed. Then I examine some of the common theme...
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Episode 257: The Last of the Pizarros from 2023-07-21T14:00:02

Francisco Pizarro failed to recognize the growing discontent from Almagro's old faction and, today, it costs him his life. Gonzalo, his brother, outlives him by a little over three years and dies c...
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Bonus: Travel Colombia from 2023-07-19T17:04:19

I was fortunate enough to take a short trip to Colombia: Medellin and Cartagena. Colombia is a wonderful country to visit. I decided to do a short show with my recommendations for traveling in Colo...
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Episode 256: To The Amazon from 2023-07-14T14:00:02

In this episode, Manco Inca flees to the Amazon to avoid capture with Gonzalo Pizarro in hot pursuit. But before that can happen, Hernando Pizarro exacts revenge on Diego de Almagro by executing th...
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Episode 255: Almagro Returns from 2023-07-07T14:00:02

Diego de Almagro returns from conquering the wealthy Inca Empire of the south. Just kidding. There is no southern Inca Empire, as Almagro and his royally ticked-off, men now understand. Fuming and ...
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Episode 254: O Brother, Where Art Thou? from 2023-06-30T13:30:02

Manco Inca now has the Spaniards in Peru on the ropes. Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro are trapped in Cusco. Francisco Pizarro is likewise trapped in what will become Lima. The brothers are desperate ...
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Episode 253: The Great Rebellion from 2023-06-23T13:40:01

Manco Inca launches his Great Rebellion in Peru. While Francisco Pizarro is pinned down in Lima, Manco seeks to crush the remaining Pizarro brothers in Cuzco.

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Episode 252: Cracks in the Foundation from 2023-06-16T14:00:02

Up to this point, Francisco Pizarro has done a fantastic job of following the conquistador playbook. But now the weakness of the Pizarro family business - namely Francisco's brothers - comes into p...
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Episode 251: The Martyr Emperor and the Puppet Emperor from 2023-06-09T14:00:02

Atahualpa's time finally runs out. Pizarro believes his captive emperor has ordered an Inca army to attack and finally consents to his death. Luckily, shortly thereafter Pizarro finds a new, puppet...
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Episode 250: Rooms Full of Gold from 2023-06-02T14:00:02

Atahualpa promises Pizarro rooms full of gold in the hope of getting the conquistador to leave. Little does he realize, in the Sixteenth Century sated the Spanish lust for gold is an impossibility....
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Episode 249: Atahualpa and Pizarro from 2023-05-26T13:20:01

In another of those history-making meetings of two cultures, Pizarro and Atahualpa finally come face to face. Against overwhelming odds, Pizarro succeeds in capturing the Inca Emperor.

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Episode 248: Atahualpa from 2023-05-19T14:15:01

Last time I introduced Francisco Pizarro. Today we bring Atahualpa onto our board. He will be the Incan Emperor at the time of Pizarro's conquest. But Atahualpa wasn't sitting around waiting for Pi...
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Episode 247: Francisco Pizarro from 2023-05-12T14:00:01

Today we introduce our Conquistador: Francisco Pizarro. Pizarro hears rumors of a great and wealthy Native American empire to the south: Peru. After a reconnaissance voyage, Pizarro discovers that ...
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Episode 246: The Inca from 2023-05-05T14:00:01

Today we look more closely at the Inca political and military structure. These two aspects of the Incan Empire will be crucial to understand how Pizzaro, like Cortés, is able to conquer such a vast...
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Western Civ 2.0: Macedonia from 2023-05-04T19:03:55

Here is a sneak peek of the kind of things I get to do on Western Civ 2.0. This feed is available in two ways: Listen

The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central Europe from 2023-05-02T15:05:01

Today I sit down with Historian Martyn Rady and discuss his latest book: The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central Europe. This is a sweeping, survey history of Central Europe that is ac...
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Episode 245: People of the Andes from 2023-04-28T14:00:01

Today we pivot again and travel further south to the land of the Inca. Long before Pizzaro arrived, the people of the Andes built a miraculous civilization along the highest mountains in North or S...
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Episode 244: Aftermath from 2023-04-21T13:45:01

With Tenochtitlan conquered, Cortés tries to figure out how to make New Spain work.

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Episode 243: The Battle for Tenochtitlan from 2023-04-14T13:40:02

Cortés returns to Tenochtitlan and finally forces the great city into submission, effectively ending Old Mexico.

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The Assyrians from 2023-04-07T17:59:59

Today I sit down with historian Eckart Frahm to discuss his new book: Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World's First Empire. The Assyrians have a fascinating history that ranges from the an...
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Episode 242: Spanish Recovery from 2023-04-07T13:25:01

Cortés recovers from the disaster of La Noche Triste and plans for a triumphant return to Tenochtitlan. At the same time, Smallpox ravages Central America.

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Episode 241: La Noche Triste from 2023-03-31T13:55:01

Cortés rushes back to Tenochtitlan only to find the city beyond saving. After the death of Montezuma, he has no choice but to cut his losses and run.

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Episode 240: Montezuma and Cortés from 2023-03-24T13:55:01

Cortés gambles again, taking Montezuma captive in the hope that he can turn the entire kingdom over to Charles V. But, the arrival of a relief force from Cuba sent to capture Cortés upsets his plan...
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Episode 239: Tenochtitlan from 2023-03-17T13:10:01

Cortés finally reached the capital of the Mexica Empire and comes face to face with Montezuma.

Websi...
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Episode 238: Who Needs "Orders" Anyway? from 2023-03-10T15:05:01

This is the episode where Cortés really starts to come into focus. Up to this point, he has been just another explorer. But after this episode, his ambitions come into focus: Mexico or bust.
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Episode 237: A Gentlemanly Pirate from 2023-03-03T13:50:02

Hernan Cortes and his expedition continue to explore the Yucatan as they round toward modern-day Veracruz. He begins to learn what works and what does not as he encounters different tribes of indig...
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Episode 236: Cortés from 2023-02-24T18:00:01

This week we finally meet Hernan Cortes. Cortes has an interesting history himself, though much of it remains shrouded in myth and shadow. Yet, in 1518 he gets tapped as the man to lead a new exped...
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Episode 235: Temples on the Sea from 2023-02-17T14:35:01

Hernan Cortes was not the first Spaniard to reach Mexico. But, somewhat shockingly, even as late as 1518, the Spanish did not know about Mexico. They knew something of the land to the west of Cuba,...
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History Ramble: All That is Lost from 2023-02-10T20:27:35

The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria destroyed a large portion of Gaziantep Castle in Turkey. This site dated back to the Second and Third Century CE to the never-ending wars between the Roman...
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Queens of a Fallen World from 2023-02-10T17:13:47

In this bonus interview, I sit down with historian Kate Cooper and discuss her most recent book: Queens of a Fallen World. This gripping and innovative history of St. Augustine looks at the ...
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Episode: 234: The Aztecs from 2023-02-10T14:55:01

In this episode, we take a look at the Aztecs as they are commonly known or the Mexica as they are correctly known. The Mexica ruled a flourishing, cohesive empire when Hernan Cortes showed up. Tod...
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Episode 233: Painting with a Broad Brush from 2023-02-03T14:00:02

Today we cover what we can in terms of Mayan political history. The Maya organized themselves into essentially what we might call city-states. These centered around some locations you might recogni...
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Episode 232: The Maya from 2023-01-27T15:00:01

Today we really switch gears. Before we explore the Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, we have to set the stage. Long before those conquests, the Maya dominated the jungles and m...
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Episode 231: Suleiman's Final Years from 2023-01-20T14:30:01

In our final episode on Suleiman the Magnificent, he nearly completes his conquest of the Mediterranean and Iran. Meanwhile, succession issues threaten to derail the entire Ottoman Empire. Still, w...
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A Woman's Life from 2023-01-17T14:40:01

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Felicia Kornbluh and discuss her most recent book: A Woman's Life is a Human Life. This objective history of the battle over reprodu...
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Episode 230: Ottoman High Tide from 2023-01-13T15:00:01

In this episode, we follow Suleiman as he leads the Ottoman Empire to its territorial height. After teaming up with the intrepid Barbarossa, Suleiman leads the Ottoman navy across the Mediterranean...
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No Right To An Honest Living from 2023-01-10T19:00:02

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Jacqueline Jones and talk about her latest book: No Right to an Honest Living. The book details the Black experience in Boston betwe...
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Episode 229: Ottoman Menace from 2023-01-06T15:00:02

Last time Suleiman the Magnificent came to the throne and immediately threw himself at the west. Before two years were out Belgrade and Rhodes were both in Ottoman hands. Suleiman marshaled Ottoman...
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Episode 228: Suleiman the Magnificent from 2022-12-30T15:00:02

Having covered the period between the Fall of Constantinople and 1520, we can now get into the most famous Ottoman Sultan of all: Suleiman the Magnificent. In this first episode, we introduce Sulei...
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Episode 227: Sultan of the Faith from 2022-12-23T15:00:02

Mehmet II's death leads to a brief power struggle between his two sons: Bayezid and Cem. In the end, the Janissaries pick Bayezid and Cem finds himself packed off to Rome. Bayezid enlarges the Otto...
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Episode 226: After Constantinople from 2022-12-16T15:00:02

We last left the Ottomans in May 1453, as Mehmet II triumphantly rode into the gates of a conquered Constantinople. After thousands of years, the Romans were finally vanquished. In this episode, we...
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Episode 225: The End of an Era from 2022-12-09T15:00:02

Marking the end of a turbulent beginning to the Sixteenth Century, the deaths of Henry VIII, Francis I, and Charles V (who technically abdicates before his death) brings one era to a close. Francis...
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Episode 224: Give Peace a Chance from 2022-12-02T15:00:02

Francis and Charles finally resolve their differences and western Europe gets a break from the carnage. But, as usual, the fate of Milan spoils the pot and before long the two are at it again. Mean...
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Episode 223: At It Again from 2022-11-25T15:00:01

Unable to help himself, Francis I pushes Charles V and much of western Europe into war. Luckily for him, his talented General Montmorency takes the reigns this time and wears Charles out resulting ...
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Episode 222: So, Back on the Continent from 2022-11-18T15:00:01

It has been a while but let's catch up with Francis and Charles. Since his release, Francis I has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of complying with the Treaty of Madrid. The Frenc...
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Bonus: The Mongol Storm from 2022-11-15T13:00:02

In his upcoming book, The Mongol Storm, historian Nicholas Morton discusses the vast subject that is the Mongol Empire. All of it. Here we talk about a small fraction of his excellent work.
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Episode 221: The Not So Merry Wives of Henry VIII from 2022-11-11T15:00:02

In this episode, Anne Boleyn fails to produce a male heir (definitely NOT her fault) and loses her head while Henry does his best to enforce religious conformity. Spoiler alert: it's not going to w...
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Episode 220: Supremacy from 2022-11-04T14:00:01

Last time, King Henry VIII took England right up to the brink of separation from Rome in order to divorce Queen Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. In today's episode, pressed by his advisors, Thomas ...
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Episode 219: The King's Great Matter from 2022-10-28T14:00:02

Sometimes in history, an unexpected event or emergency changes its course. In the late 1520s, Henry VIII, King of England, wanted to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry Anne Boleyn. In...
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Episode 218: The Origins of the English Reformation from 2022-10-21T14:00:02

In this episode, we take a step back and examine the origins of the English Reformation up to, roughly, 1522. Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey work to try and solve some of the problems facing the ch...
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Episode 217: Fallout from 2022-10-14T14:05:01

The Battle of Pavia left Francis I in Imperial custody, Henry VIII utterly jubilant, and Charles V hopeful but wary. While Francis stews in Italy and then Spain, Charles weds Isabella of Portugal t...
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Bonus: On Every Tide from 2022-10-11T12:00:02

In this bonus episode, I sit down with Sean Connolly, author of "On Every Tide" a new history of Irish emigration. It is an amazing book that covers the story of the Irish diaspora from the oft-tol...
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Episode 216: Pavia from 2022-10-07T14:00:01

While last week Charles V and Henry VIII slowly boxed Francis I in, this time the French King risks all on one more throw of the dice. And loses. The Battle of Pavia will see the French King become...
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Episode 215: Francis Surrounded from 2022-09-30T13:30:02

This week we really just focus on Francis I. The rise of Charles V left Francis out in the proverbial cold. Desperate to rekindle some kind of momentum, Francis provokes the Holy Roman Emperor and ...
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Episode 214: Henry and Francis and Charles... Oh, my! from 2022-09-23T13:55:01

In this episode, we begin following King Henry VIII, King Francis I, and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V as the tumultuous 1520s unfold. Francis sees his stock fall after his failed attempt to become ...
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Bonus: The Rise of Sparta from 2022-09-18T12:32:19

Here's a quick bonus look at the kind of thing I am doing at Western Civ 2.0. This episode covers the rise of Corinth and Sparta and sets the stage for Greece leading up to the Persian Wars.
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Episode 213: Blood, Gold, and Glory from 2022-09-16T14:00:02

In this episode, we follow all three of our major protagonists for the first time. Charles I of Spain tries to win the Imperial Election and become the next Holy Roman Emperor after the death of Ma...
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Episode 212: The Prophecy from 2022-09-09T14:00:02

Years before her pregnancy, Louise of Angouleme was given a prophecy. Not only would she have a son, but that son would go on to be the King of France. At the time the idea seemed fanciful. Charles...
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Episode 211: New Men and Counselors from 2022-09-02T14:00:02

Henry VIII begins his reign as king immediately provoking a war with France. Henry's accomplishments in France, however, fighting against Louis XII would prove not worth the cost. Meanwhile, now-Ca...
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Episode 210: A Renaissance Prince from 2022-08-26T14:10:02

In this episode, we explore Henry VIII's court broadly while considering the first few months of his reign. Henry quickly marries Katherine of Aragon in an effort to cement an alliance with King Fe...
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Episode 209: Tudor Spring from 2022-08-19T13:45:02

Henry VII's reign reaches the end of the line. After finally cementing an alliance with the Hapsburgs, Henry finally succumbs to tuberculosis. Richard Fox and Thomas Wolsey then help a young Henry ...
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Episode 208: Continental Ambitions from 2022-08-12T14:20:02

King Henry VII decides he wants to play with the big boys on the continent while a freak storm finally delivers the Earl of Suffolk into his grasp.

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Episode 207: The Winter King from 2022-08-05T14:10:02

The deaths of Prince Arthur and Queen Elizabeth decisively change Henry VII's reign. With only the young Henry VIII between the earl of Suffolk and the throne, Henry VII becomes increasingly parano...
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Episode 206: Henry VII from 2022-07-29T14:00:02

Henry VII comes into his own as the king of England. His efforts to make England a major power player are effective until his eldest son, Arthur, tragically dies.

This show is part of th...
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Episode 205: Tudor Rose from 2022-07-22T14:00:02

Henry Tudor defeats Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field to become Henry VII. But he is immediately beset by various pretenders to the throne leading to the question: were the Wars of the Ro...
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Episode 204: The Catholic Response and Reformation Recap from 2022-07-15T14:20:02

While Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin were leading the charge for reform, the Roman Catholic Church was not sitting idly by. Today we cover the Catholic response: re-entrench and sla...
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Episode 203: Calvin's Shadow from 2022-07-08T14:15:02

John Calvin passes his final years still attempting to stitch together a Protestant alliance with Zurich and Germany. Simultaneously, he executes a Reformed Priest for failing to fall in line with ...
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Episode 202: Healing Christ's Body from 2022-07-01T13:50:02

Now in complete control in Geneva, John Calvin sought to forge a Protestant alliance with first Strasbourg, then Saxony, and finally with Bullinger in Zurich. While dealing with foreign issues, wit...
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Episode 201: Back in Geneva from 2022-06-24T14:40:02

In this episode, John Calvin makes his triumphant return to Geneva where he can all his plans into action. Here he will build his Godly society and found his famous "Consistory": designed to regula...
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Episode 200: The Institutes of the Christian Religion from 2022-06-17T18:30:02

John Calvin is famous for putting together the first concise and complete doctrine for Reformed Christianity. His Institutes of the Christian Religion laid out precisely what it meant to be Calvini...
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History Ramble Three: The Tale of the Gun from 2022-06-14T15:03:43

There are few issues that divide people in the United States like guns and gun ownership. The Second Amendment is normally cited as protecting citizens' right to bear arms of any kind. But is that ...
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Episode 199: John Calvin from 2022-06-10T15:45:01

Today we meet our final early reformer: John Calvin. Calvin was significantly younger than Luther or Zwingli and does not even begin his reformation efforts in Geneva until the latter had died. But...
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Episode 198: Zwingli's Death and Legacy from 2022-06-03T13:55:02

Last time, Zwingli rose to prominence in Zurich, creating his model for the perfect Reformed Christian community. For him, this was nothing less than the revelation of a prophecy foretold millennia...
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The Persians: An Interview with Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones from 2022-06-01T14:05:01

Today I sit down with historian Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones to discuss his most recent work: "The Persians: Age of Kings". We talk about all your usual topics: Cyrus and Darius the Great, the Persian War...
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Episode 197: Reform in Zurich from 2022-05-27T14:45:02

Last time, we introduced Ulrich Zwingli and walked through his initial struggles with the Roman Church and his transition to Zurich. This time, we follow Zwingli as he changes the Zurich Church, cr...
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History Ramble Two: The History of Time from 2022-05-26T13:07:38

Time for another history ramble. (Pun intended.) Have you ever thought about the history of time? How did we, as a species, decide to divide the day? Why did we do that? What does our conception of...
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Episode 189: Pope Julius II and Leo X from 2022-04-01T16:00

In our final episode, before we (finally) get to Martin Luther, we cover the papacies of Julius II, the Warrior Pope, and Leo X, the Medici Pope.

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Episode 187: Borgia High Tide from 2022-03-18T16:00

Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia schemes to make his son Cesare the unrivaled master of Italy. Forming an alliance (and then unforming it before forming it again) with the French King Louis XII...
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Episode 183: Rodrigo Borgia from 2022-02-18T17:00

The Borgias is a name infamous for treachery, naked ambition, and depravity. But how did a relatively unknown Cardinal from Spain manage to will his way to becoming Pope Alexander VI? Today, we ...
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Episode 182: Nicholas V - Innocent VIII from 2022-02-11T17:00

In this episode, we cover the first several Renaissance Popes. The Avignon Papacy did plenty of damage to the reputation of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. But, unfortunately, those Renaissance ...
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Interview with Jason Voiovich Author of "Marketer in Chief" from 2022-02-04T17:00

In this bonus episode, I sit down with Jason Voiovich and talk about his most recent book: "Marketer in Chief". In this unique American history, Jason explains how each United States President s...
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Episode 181.5: The Fall of Christendom from 2022-01-28T17:00

Realizing that I have referenced "Christendom" and "Europe" interchangeably for a bit, I figured I needed to correct any misunderstandings. So in this "half" episode, I walk through what Christe...
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Episode 181: The Avignon Papacy from 2022-01-21T17:00

Beginning in the early Fourteenth Century, the Papacy went through a period of protracted exile from Rome. The Popes changed the seat of the Papal Government to Avignon, on the Rhone River in mo...
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Episode 180: The Medieval Church from 2022-01-14T17:00

Here's a super quick review of about one thousand years of church history. This will take us up to the tragic years of the Avignon Papacy.

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Bonus: The Fabric of Civilization from 2022-01-07T17:00

I sit down with Virginia Postrel and talk about her new book: "The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made The World". We discuss how the development of textiles has often been overlooked in h...
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Episode 179: Late Medieval Religion from 2022-01-01T12:00

Today we examine the ways in which Roman Catholicism impacted the lives of everyday European in the Late Middle Ages and early Renaissance period to better understand the impact that the Reforma...
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A New World Begins from 2021-12-25T17:00

In this bonus episode, I sit down with historian Jeremy Popkin and talk about his latest book: "A New World Begins". In this exhaustive and excellent history of the French Revolution, you get a ...
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Preview: It's All Greek To Me from 2021-12-24T17:00

I have a bonus preview of one of my Patron Deep-Dives this week: It's All Greek To Me. This is a several-hour-long look at the Greek civilization and Greek cultural influences on the world at la...
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Bonus: Cleopatra of Egypt and Eleanor of Aquitaine from 2021-12-17T17:00

Here is a sneak peek of some of what goes on in our Patron's feed, available for $2 per month at patreon.com/westerncivdpodcast

This is the first of four episodes detailing the lives of t...
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Hitler's American Gamble from 2021-12-11T17:00

Today I sit down with Brendan Simms and Charlie Laderman and talk about their most recent book: Hitler's American Gamble. It is an hour-by-hour breakdown of one of most the crucial thirty-six-ho...
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The Greeks: An Interview with Roderick Benton from 2021-12-10T17:00

Today I sit down with scholar Roderick Denton to discuss his new book: The Greeks. The book is available now at all the usual places, but if you buy it Listen

Citizen Cash: The Political Life and Times of Johnny Cash from 2021-12-03T17:00

Today I sit down with renowned expert Michael Foley as we talk all things Johnny Cash in his new book: Citizen Cash: The Political Life and Times of Johnny Cash.

This was defini...
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A History of Thanksgiving from 2021-11-24T17:00

Pilgrims, turkey, and United States Presidents. What do these three things have in common? Thanksgiving.

Interested to know more? Listen to find out the real history behind Thanksgiving....
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Age of Discovery Recap from 2021-11-19T17:00

It has been a bit since we've done one of these but I wanted to step back and cover broadly everything we have covered in the last six months or more. We'll go over Henry the Navigator, Columbus...
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James Madison: An Interview with Jay Cost from 2021-11-16T17:00

Today I sit down with historian and author Jay Cost and talk about his new book: James Madison: America's First Politician. Madison to me tends to be the forgotten Founding Father - at least sin...
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Episode 178: Ponce de Leon from 2021-11-12T17:00

Ponce de Leon and the fountain of youth... right? Not so much. Today we discuss the historical reality of Juan Ponce de Leon, which has nothing to do with fountains and much to do with Florida.<...
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The Library: A Fragile History from 2021-11-09T17:00

Tis the season of bonus author interviews on Western Civ! This time, I sit down with Andrew Petegree and Arthur Der Weduwen to talk about a subject near and dear to us all: books. Specifically, ...
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Episode 177: The Ship of the Dead from 2021-11-05T16:00

Without Magellan, the remaining three ships still must find a way to get to the Spice Islands and back to Spain if they are to complete their mission. Under normal circumstances, this would be d...
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The Sword and the Shield from 2021-11-01T16:00

Today I sit down with scholar Peniel Joseph and talk about his latest book, The Sword and the Shield, a new history of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X.

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Episode 176: The Final Battle from 2021-10-29T16:00

Now that Magellan has passed through the Dragon's Tail, he still has to cross the Pacific Ocean, which proves to be much larger than anyone in Europe believed. Arriving in the Philippines, Magel...
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Firepower! from 2021-10-26T16:00

Today I sit down with author Paul Lockhart and discuss his latest book: Firepower: How Weapons Shaped Warfare.

It is a brilliant book that covers the evolution of warfare from pi...
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Episode 175: Passing the Dragon's Tail from 2021-10-22T16:00

Magellan had made it through several mutinies. But he had yet to defeat his most intractable foe: the strait. But where was this mysterious strait around South America? To find it, Magellan woul...
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Interview with Edward Shawcross, Author of "The Last Emperor of Mexico" from 2021-10-19T16:00

I sit down for an interview with historian and author Edward Shawcross to discuss his new book, The Last Emperor of Mexico. Did you know that in the 1860's Emperor Napoleon III of Franc...
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Episode 174: Magellan from 2021-10-15T16:00

While many different explorers discovered new lands, only Magellan tried to circumnavigate the globe. In our first of three Magellan episodes, we discuss not only how the voyage began but the va...
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Supplemental: Life at Sea from 2021-10-08T16:00

A short bonus episode covering the, totally gross, life at sea during the early Age of Discovery. Hygiene? Not much. Stench? You got it!

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Episode 173: John Cabot from 2021-10-01T16:00

*** NOTE: I changed the order of the episodes, so this is the correct episode 173.

While Spain and Portugal were sailing the southern seas, England took a chance on a different explorer p...
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Episode 172: The Setting Sun from 2021-09-24T16:00

Vasco da Gama returns to India one last time. Portugal builds an empire in the Indian Ocean but before long its glory fades like the setting sun.

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Episode 171: Empire of the Ocean Waves from 2021-09-17T16:00

Vasco da Gama's voyages to India revolutionize the Portuguese Overseas Empire. By the end of his second voyage to India, Portugal (and Europe) has effectively replaced the Muslim trading cities ...
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Episode 170: Operation Smithereens from 2021-09-10T16:00

Vasco da Gama returns to India intent upon enforcing Portuguese authority and will. This requires him to deal with the Zamorin and Calicut. And he decides there is only one way to do that... vio...
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Episode 169: Homeward Bound from 2021-09-03T16:00

Vasco da Gama gives up on Calicut and sails for Portugal. News of his successful voyage infuriates the Spanish and Venetians in equal parts. Before long, Vasco da Gama finds himself once more fo...
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Episode 168: India from 2021-08-27T16:00

Vasco da Gama reaches India but quickly finds out that it is not the paradise he expected. Faced with the intractable Zamorin of Calicut, eventually, de Gama realizes he has to resort to force t...
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Episode 167: Up The Coast from 2021-08-20T16:00

Vasco de Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope and moves up the Eastern Coast of Africa - a first for Europeans. The Age of Exploration hits several new firsts as, among other things, Christians and...
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Episode 166: The Unknown Captain from 2021-08-13T16:00

Vasco de Gama eventually became famous as the first European explorer to sail into the Indian Ocean. But, in reality, his selection for the job was a surprise to everyone at the time. In this ep...
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Episode 165: To the Ends of the Earth from 2021-08-06T16:00

Today we begin our Vasco de Gama story arc. Vasco de Gama did what Columbus could not: he found a sea route to India. But, In this episode, we explore how it was SO much more than a commercial e...
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Episode 164: Castaways from 2021-07-30T16:00

Columbus's voyaging comes to end marooned in Jamaica. He makes it back to Spain, but... where did his body end up?

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Episode 163: A Not-So-Happy Homecoming from 2021-07-23T16:00

Columbus returns to Spain in chains only to have his fortunes reverse once more and set sail on his third voyage.

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Episode 162: Roldan's Revolt from 2021-07-16T16:00

Christopher Columbus's shaky hold on Hispaniola finally breaks apart. Now, with India still nowhere to be found and with ever-dwindling supplies of gold, Columbus has to deal with a revolt by th...
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Episode 161: Blood in a Virgin World from 2021-07-09T16:00

Columbus's efforts to capitalize on the New World quickly turns exploitive, disgusting Las Casas. When an Inquisitor from Spain arrives to investigate his conduct, Columbus finds he has no choic...
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Episode 160: There and Back Again from 2021-07-02T16:00

Columbus crosses the Atlantic Ocean a second time, this time intent upon founding a series of colonies to build the wealth of Spain (and himself) in the New World. He quickly determines that is ...
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Episode 159: Lost from 2021-06-25T16:00

After a shipwreck destroys the Santa Maria, Columbus must somehow figure out how to get back to Spain with only two ships remaining.

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Episode 158: Discovery from 2021-06-18T16:00

In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Well, we made it. In this episode the Northern and Southern Americas enter our story as Columbus lands in the Bahamas, changing the world fore...
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Episode 157: Son of Genoa from 2021-06-11T16:00

Christopher Columbus. The name itself conjures up so many different images. But how much of this son of Genoa do you really know? When the Spanish monarchs agreed to send three caravels across t...
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Episode 156: Henry the Navigator from 2021-06-04T16:00

There is perhaps no person who is less known today but more important to the Age of Discovery than Henry the Navigator. In thirty years he took an un-sailable ocean and turned it into a thorough...
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Preview: The Search For Atlantis (Part Two) from 2021-05-28T16:00

A quick preview of my second installment to our Atlantis series: The Search For Atlantis: What We Know. In this episode, we cover Plato's dialogues and the Bronze Age Eastern Mediterranean. For ...
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Bonus: Preview Russian Revolution from 2021-05-21T16:30

A quick preview of my Russian Revolution deep-dive for those who cannot wait for the podcast to get there (in approximately 2045).

Check it out at: westerncivpodcast.com or for Patrons a...
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Bonus: The Russian Revolution Interview from 2021-05-21T16:00

Today I sit down with Professor Sean McMeekin and discuss his latest book: The Russian Revolution. In this excellent and fast-paced work, McMeekin studiously details the revolution, exp...
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Episode 155: The Reconquista (Part Four) from 2021-05-14T16:00

In this overview episode, I cover the Reconquista through three broad lenses: military, financial, and liturgical.

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Episode 154: The Reconquista (Part Three) from 2021-05-07T16:00

After the Battle of Las Navas, the Christian Kingdoms of Spain drive out what remains of the caliphate until only the rump state of Grenada survives.

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Episode 153: The Reconquista (Part Two) from 2021-04-30T16:00

Continuing where we left off, in this episode, we cover the transition of the Reconquista from small-scale raids to full-blown crusades. As the Almoravid Caliphate collapses the Kingdoms of Cast...
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Episode 152: The Reconquista (Part One) from 2021-04-23T16:00

This time we begin our series covering the Reconquista. The Reconquista was the long and sometimes confusing process whereby the small Christian Kingdoms of Northern Spain slowly wrested control...
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History of Western Thought Four Preview from 2021-04-16T16:00

A quick bonus preview of our "History of Western Thought" series. In Part Four, we cover early Catholic thought between St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.

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Interview with Meditations Translator Robin Waterfield from 2021-04-13T16:00

An interview with author and translator Robin Waterfield whose new translation of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius became available on April 9. Buy a copy of the book Listen

Bonus Audiobook Preview from 2021-04-09T16:00

A quick bonus look at my recently-recorded Shakespeare murder mystery novel: If It Were Done.

To purchase the full audiobook, check out our website westerncivpodcast.com

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Episode 151: The Wars of the Roses (Part Five) from 2021-04-02T16:00

Richard III murders his nephews and seizes power. Yet, before he gets too comfortable, Henry Tudor crosses the Channel and the final War of the Roses begins.

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Episode 150: The Wars of the Roses (Part Four) from 2021-03-26T16:00

After the Battle of Towton, Edward IV became the first Yorkist King of England. But, the Wars of the Roses know no boundaries and soon Edward found the crown easier to win than hold.

Che...
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Episode 149: The Wars of the Roses (Part Three) from 2021-03-19T16:00

York takes over with Henry VI in tow. But, how long can he keep the masses happy as the power behind the throne?

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Bonus: The History of St. Patrick's Day from 2021-03-17T04:00

St. Patrick's Day today is synonymous with drinking, the color green, and parades. But, it was not always that way. Learn about how the holiday developed and, over time, became a way for the Iri...
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Episode 148: The Wars of the Roses (Part Two) from 2021-03-12T17:00

As the 1440's come to a close, those around Henry VI begin to come to terms with his ineptitude. First, the Duke of Suffolk and then the Duke of Somerset tries to control the government from beh...
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Episode 147: The Wars of the Roses (Part One) from 2021-03-05T17:00

We begin our Wars of the Roses story arc by looking at the death of Henry V and the minority of his son, Henry VI. The Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester vie for power as England desperately tries ...
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Episode 146: Victorious from 2021-02-26T17:00

Today we catch up on early modern France after the Hundred Years' War. Then we do a quick run through the medieval Low Countries, Scandinavia, and Ireland to catch everyone up to 1492.

C...
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Episode 145: To The East from 2021-02-19T17:00

In this episode, we cover the Rus as they do battle with the Mongol's Golden Horde and medieval Russia begins to emerge around Moscow. Then, we turn back to the Holy Roman Empire for the first t...
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Leonardo da Vinci: The Genius of Imagination from 2021-02-10T17:00

Leonardo da Vinci. Everyone knows the name. But how much do you really know about the great man? The Mona Lisa? Sure. The Last Supper? Of course. But, Lady with Ermine...
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The Development of Renaissance Art from 2021-01-31T17:00

In this bonus episode, we do cover the basics of Renaissance painting, sculpture, writing, and architecture. I highly recommend looking at the images on our website, westerncivpodcast.com, while...
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Episode 143: The Italian Renaissance Part Three from 2021-01-29T17:00

In our last look at the Italian Renaissance, we turn to Florence and the Medici, the name that is almost synonymous with the Renaissance.

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Episode 142: The Italian Renaissance Part Two from 2021-01-15T17:00

In this episode, we turn to Milan and its contributions to the Renaissance as well as doing a quick overview of the city's history during this early-modern period. Then, we shift south to Rome a...
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Episode 141: The Italian Renaissance Part One from 2021-01-01T14:00

In our first Renaissance episode, we cover the traditional "Fathers" of the Renaissance: Petrarch and Boccaccio. We discuss Humanism. Then, finally, we end with an examination of early-modern Ve...
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Supplemental: Europe at 1450 from 2020-12-25T17:00

In this very quick supplemental, we take a short tour of Europe around the year 1450 (well, really 1453). There is a map posted on the website, westerncivpodcast.com, for those interested in fol...
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Bonus: The History of Christmas from 2020-12-24T17:00

A bonus episode covering the history of the western world's most popular holiday. From Santa Claus to December 25 and the origins of the Christmas tree, we cover it all.

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Interview with Historian Robin Lane Fox from 2020-12-21T12:00

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Bonus: Alexander Redux from 2020-12-05T21:11:52

The entire "Alexander Redux" series is complete and now available for purchase at the website: westerncivpodcast.com. For only two dollars you get four hours of audio content. Enjoy a free previ...
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Episode 140: Triumph of the Crescent Moon from 2020-12-04T17:00

The battle for Constantinople comes to a head. Mehmet and Constantine fight for the future of Europe outside the great Theodosian Walls. Nearly sixty days of siege come down to five short hours....
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Episode 139: On Knife's Edge from 2020-11-26T15:00

Now months into the siege, Mehmet and Constantine trade blows to determine the fate of Constantinople. Mehmet launches several new attacks, which the Byzantines hold off, but just barely. Then, ...
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Preview: The Search for Atlantis from 2020-11-22T01:26:32

The lost city of Atlantis. Is there any more romantic archeological find remaining? Is it real? Or, does Atlantis continue to reside merely in Plato's imagination? In a three-part series, I take...
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Episode 138: To The Breach from 2020-11-13T17:00

The battle for Constantinople continues as Constantine and Mehmet punch and counter-punch before the Theodosian Walls. This time, the battle extends to the Golden Horn for the first time as both...
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Alexander Redux Part Five: Cutting the Knot from 2020-11-08T19:31:39

Bonus episode! A sneak peek inside my new deep-dive series: Alexander Redux! In this ten-part series, we look at the lives of two of the most important people in western history: Philip of Maced...
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Bonus: A History of Halloween from 2020-10-30T13:00

Today's bonus episode is a very scary (not really) history of the third most popular holiday in America: Halloween. From Jack-o-Lanterns to Trick-or-Treat, our modern holiday of Halloween owes m...
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Episode 137: Cannons from 2020-10-23T16:00

Last time, we reviewed the Theodosian Land Walls and covered the opening moves made by Constantine XI and Mehmet II upon the latter's ascension to power in 1451. Now, we get into the gritty worl...
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Philip and Alexander: An Interview with Historian Adrian Goldsworthy from 2020-10-18T01:19:21

A conversation with Adrian Goldsworthy about his latest book: Philip and Alexander is available Listen

Philip and Alexander: An Interview with Historian Adrian Goldsworthy from 2020-10-18T01:19:21

A conversation with Adrian Goldsworthy about his latest book: Philip and Alexander is available Listen

Episode 136: Opening Moves from 2020-10-09T16:00

Constantine XI and Mehmet II make their opening moves for the battle for Constantinople. Constantine begs for aid, which is slow to come from a medieval Europe inching ever closer to modernity. ...
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A History of Western Thought: Socrates from 2020-10-04T16:54:20

This is a bonus preview of the complete episode I did on the history of western thought covering Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These three Greek thinkers form the cornerstone of western philos...
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Episode 135: The Ottomans from 2020-09-25T16:00

In this episode, we get the other half of the story. This time from the perspective of the Ottomans, occasionally known to history as the Turks. We cover Ottoman history from roughly the time th...
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Preview: A History of Western Thought from 2020-09-13T14:42:23

In a new Patrons-only (also available for purchase at the website) series, I am covering the history of western civilization but from the perspective of thought and philosophy. This first deep d...
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Preview: A History of Western Thought from 2020-09-13T14:42:23

In a new Patrons-only (also available for purchase at the website) series, I am covering the history of western civilization but from the perspective of thought and philosophy. This first deep d...
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Episode 134: The Byzantines from 2020-09-11T16:00

This time, we bring ourselves up to speed on Byzantium before we take that final plunge towards its final demise. This episode covers late medieval Byzantine history from roughly the Fourth Crus...
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Hundred Years War Recap from 2020-09-04T16:00

A quick reap of the Hundred Years War including my analysis of why we should all DEFINITELY study this incredible conflict that straddles the line between medieval and early modern European hist...
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Episode 133: The Last Gasp from 2020-08-28T16:00

After the death of Bedford, things begin to unravel quickly for English interests in France. Gunpowder has now replaced the longbow as the preeminent weapon on the field and Charles VII takes fu...
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Episode 132: The Witch of Orleans from 2020-08-14T16:00

Led by Bedford, the English in France attempt to snuff out the remaining resistance under the Dauphin. Suddenly, an unexpected challenge rides to the future French King's rescue: a young peasant...
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Announcement from 2020-08-12T11:00

A quick announcement regarding some ways to engage with and support the show.

Check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram! @westerncivpodcast

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Episode 131: King of England, King of France from 2020-07-31T16:00

Henry V returns to England after his victory at Agincourt to a jubilant population. Parliament quickly votes the king the money to continue the war and now Henry joins forces with the Duke of Bu...
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Episode 130: We Few, We Happy Few from 2020-07-17T16:00

The Hundred Years War continues in this episode as Charles VI descends into madness, France into a quasi-civil war, and Henry IV deals with issues at home, granting France a brief reprieve. That...
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Episode 129: The End of the Plantagents from 2020-07-03T16:00

All good things must come to an end. In this episode, we are back in late Medieval England as the two-hundred-year reign of the Plantagenets finally comes crashing down. Henry Bolingbroke sizes ...
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Episode 128: Black 1376 from 2020-06-19T16:00

After Poitiers, Edward III, and his son, the Black Prince were flying high. They had the French King, John II, in captivity, and France was in turmoil. But, the fortunes of the Hundred Years War...
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Free Audiobook!!! from 2020-06-07T15:14:55

I have fifty copies of my novel, If It Were Done, free to give away on Audible. Please send me an email at westerncivpodcast@gmail.com for the p...
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Episode 127: The Black Prince from 2020-06-05T16:00

In this episode, we pick up the Hundred Years War where we left off after the English victory at Crecy. Now, Edward III and his son, Edward the Black Prince, press the English forces once more i...
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Supplemental: The Black Death and the Rise of Modern Medicine from 2020-05-22T16:00

In this bonus episode, we take a quick look at how the Black Death altered medieval European medical practices, including changes in medical education, practice, hospitals, and the development o...
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Black Death Recap from 2020-05-15T16:00

In this episode, I provide a complete recap of the Black Plague story arc from beginning to end in a highly condensed format. This episode covers the scientific nature of Yersinia Pestis, the sp...
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Episode 126: The Long Shadow from 2020-05-08T16:00

In this episode we examine in more detail the short and long-term consequences of the plague. The Black Death has been credited with bringing about the end of the Middle Ages, which, as we will ...
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Supplemental: Medieval Leisure and Sport from 2020-05-01T10:42:33

In this bonus episode we look at games, sports and tournaments in the Middle Ages.

Check my newest historical fiction novel on Alexander the Great: Listen

Episode 125: The Flagellants from 2020-04-24T16:00

In this episode we finish our historical story arc for the Black Death. Last time, we watched as the first cycle of plague died out on the Russian Steppe. But, this time we cover the Flagellants...
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The Great (Medieval) English Bake Off from 2020-04-15T16:00

Today we take a look at food, cooking, and baking in the Middle Ages. We are going to focus on England and France because the types of food available would have varied so much by region that it ...
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Episode 124: The End of the Line from 2020-04-10T16:00

In this episode, we continue to follow the Black Death as it ravages medieval Europe. In 1348 the Black Plague hits London and devastates its population. From their the plague moves to Scotland...
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Supplemental: Let's Get Gothic! from 2020-04-04T13:58:56

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Supplemental: Let's Build a Cathedral! from 2020-03-29T17:47:58

While we all shelter in place, I thought I would put out a few fun supplemental episodes on cultural topics that I have not been able to fit into the narrative. This first episode in the series ...
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Episode 123: The Summer of Death from 2020-03-27T11:00

We return to the plague narrative proper in this episode. Edward III sits victorious upon the medieval English throne fresh from victories in France. However, the Black Death cares not for kings...
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Episode 122: The Hundred Years War from 2020-03-13T13:00

We back the narrative up a little bit this time to catch up with England and France before continuing with the Black Death. In this episode, Edward III becomes King of England in his own right a...
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Episode 121: The Perils of the Papacy from 2020-02-28T17:00

We continue tracking the Black Death as it moves from Italy to France in this episode. First we follow the plague to Marseilles and see our first anti-semitic response to the mounting death toll...
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Episode 120: The Final Word from 2020-02-14T17:00

In this episode, we continue our Black Death narrative. Last time we considered the impact of the plague on medieval Genoa and Venice. This time we turn to Florence, Siena, and Rome. From Flore...
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Episode 119: Dealing In Death from 2020-01-31T17:00

In this episode, we follow the Black Death as it moves from Sicily to Italy - striking the Italian cities of Genoa and Venice.
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Episode 118: First Blood from 2020-01-17T17:00

We resume our narrative proper and take up the story of the Black Death in this episode. Now, the Black Death finally arrives in Europe in 1347 via, according to some truth and a lot of legend, ...
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Episode 117: The Conditions of a Pandemic from 2020-01-03T17:00

In this final introductory episode to the Black Death, we consider the ecological factors that made Europe especially susceptible to plague in the Fourteenth Century.
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Episode 116: The Science of Death from 2019-12-20T17:00

In this episode, we begin our Black Death narrative arc with a look at the plague itself. We will cover what causes the plague and what made the Black Death so destructive in Medieval Europe.
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Supplemental: Europe on the Eve of the Black Death from 2019-12-06T17:00

In this supplemental episode, we take a whirlwind tour of Europe at roughly the year 1350, when the plague will begin to hit Europe. We cover quickly which kingdoms were where and who was rising...
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Episode 115: The Favorite from 2019-11-22T17:00

In this episode we follow the hapless reign of King Edward II of England. King Edward would find himself dominated by one court favorite after another starting with the infamous Piers Gaveston u...
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Episode 114: Edward Longshanks and Philip the Fair from 2019-11-08T17:00

In this episode we continue our look at the High Medieval period in France and England. When we last left off, the deaths of two Kings, Henry II in England and Louis IX in France, left new kings...
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Episode 113: Henry III from 2019-10-25T16:00

As the title suggests, we are heading back to western Europe for this episode. When we last left England, King John had died in the midst of a civil war. Now, the young Henry III was King of Eng...
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Episode 112: All That Remains from 2019-10-11T16:00

In this episode we head back to 1204 and pick up the narrative of the Byzantine Empire after the sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade. The sack of Constantinople leads to a crusader/Vene...
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Episode 111: The Last Crusade from 2019-09-27T16:00

In this episode we see the Mamluks bring the crusader states to their final end and the end of the crusading epoch in Europe. Then, I do my level best to break down the importance of the crusade...
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Episode 110: Pax Mongolica from 2019-09-13T16:00

In this episode we conclude our brief Mongol storyline. We cover how the Mongol Empire transitions from one global empire to several, massive nation-states. We will also see how the Mongols succ...
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Episode 109: Mongol World War from 2019-08-30T16:00

In this episode, the newly titled, Genghis Khan, sees the Mongol horde explode out of the steppe against China. Then, a chance event leads the Mongols to seek out new plunder from the Middle Eas...
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Episode 108: The Great Khan from 2019-08-17T22:06:54

For the first time on this podcast, we really leave Europe and the Near East. Genghis Khan has had a greater impact on the world than perhaps any other person in world history. His impact and th...
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Episode 107: The Hostage King from 2019-07-26T16:00

This episode covers the crusade of King Louis IX of France which started out with a lot of promise and ends... well, I guess the title kind of gives this one away. This is our last episode befor...
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Episode 106: Stupor Mundi (Part Two) from 2019-07-12T16:00

This episode covers the second half of Frederick II's reign as Holy Roman Emperor, King of Southern Italy, and King of Sicily. I try to answer the question: why is Frederick II considered to be ...
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Episode 105: Stupor Mundi (Part One) from 2019-06-28T16:00

This episode covers roughly the first half of Frederick II's reign from his regency through his crusade to recover Jerusalem. We will also discuss Cardinal Pelagius and his pathetic efforts to i...
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Episode 104: A Brothers Tale from 2019-06-14T16:00

In this episode we cover the Norman conquests of Southern Italy and Sicily between roughly 1025 and 1100. A series of brothers from the house Hauteville in Normandy personally begin the expansio...
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Episode 103: The Lionheart and the Devil from 2019-05-31T16:00

In this episode we follow the reigns of King Richard I and King John as they battle to maintain their Plantagenent Empire against King Philip of France. We will see King Richard die after foolis...
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Episode 102: The Fourth Crusade - A Whole New Low from 2019-05-17T16:00

This episode covers the disaster that was the Fourth Crusade. Pope Innocent III will try and reinvigorate crusading and wind up sacking one of the most Christian cities in the world. Then we wil...
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Episode 101: Byzantine Update from 2019-05-03T16:00

In this episode we take a look at the Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries from the Byzantine perspective. We will go from the death of Basil II through the beginning of the Fourth Crusade. These cent...
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Episode 100: Endgame from 2019-04-20T14:03:23

In this episode we wrap-up the Third Crusade. Richard the Lionheart will battle Saladin to very end for Jerusalem. We will see how Richard's misunderstandings about how a crusade could be run ul...
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Episode 99: Battlefield Acre from 2019-04-05T16:00

Richard the Lionheart, King of England and the Angevin Empire, arrived in the Holy Land in June, 1191. When he arrived he found the crusaders already battering the walls of Acre surrounded on th...
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Episode 98: The Surging Wave from 2019-03-22T16:00

In this episode we set the stage for the Third Crusade. Frederick Barbarossa will make an overland march to Asia Minor while Richard I and Philip Augustus use naval transportation for the first ...
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Episode 97 from 2019-03-10T21:42:29

In this episode we follow the career and reign of the ruler widely considered to be Germany's greatest medieval Monarch: Frederick Barbarossa. In total Frederick will conduct six Italian campaig...
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Episode 96: Saladin and the Leper King from 2019-02-15T17:00

In this episode Saladin cements his hold over the Near East by subduing Damascus, Aleppo, and Mosul. Then he turns his attention to the Crusader State: the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the d...
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Episode 95: The Goodness of the Faith from 2019-02-01T17:00

In this episode we turn back to the Near East as the fortunes of the Crusader States continue to fall. Nur al-Din presses his empire further and further into the declining Latin Kingdoms while b...
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Episode 94: The Perils of Prosperity from 2019-01-18T17:00

When we last left off, Henry of Normandy and Aquitaine had just become King Henry II of England. Now, in this episode, we will follow the reign of one of England's strongest kings as he navigate...
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Episode 93: A Royal Mess from 2019-01-04T17:00

In this episode we return to our narrative though not to the Crusades. We will head back to the year 1095 when the First Crusade was launched and set about catching the rest of Europe back up to...
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Supplemental: Early Medieval Music from 2018-12-21T17:00

In this supplemental episode we examine music in the Early Middle Ages. Essentially, this comes down to Gregorian Chanting (Religious) and secular music.
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Architecture from 2018-12-07T17:00

Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, S...
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92 from 2018-11-23T22:44:54

Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, S...
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Episode 91 from 2018-11-13T02:29:12

In this episode we take a look at the Counties of Edessa and Tripoli and give a quick overview of life in the Near East during the Crusades. Finally, the Crusader States are dealt a series of cr...
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Episode 90: The Crusader States Part One from 2018-10-29T14:42:05

In this episode we follow the development of the four key Crusader States after the unexpected success of the First Crusade. King Baldwin I leads the Kingdom of Jerusalem to new heights while Ta...
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Episode 89: The Holy City from 2018-10-16T01:10:34

In this episode the First Crusade finally reaches Jerusalem. Once again, it turns into a make-or-break for the European invaders.
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Episode 88: Fortress Antioch from 2018-09-28T16:00

In this episode, we follow the First Crusader as the crusader army swings south into Asia Minor and approaches the formidable city of Antioch. At Antioch, the First Crusade will nearly meet its ...
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Episode 87: Into Asia from 2018-09-14T16:00

In 1095 Pope Urban declared a "pilgrimage" to the Holy Land. In this episode we start with his declaration and then follow the First Crusade as it moves through Byzantine territory and faces its...
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Episode 86: The Gathering Storm from 2018-08-31T19:46:11

In this episode we begin the Crusades. Specifically, we need to catch up on Byzantium a little bit since we left off with Michael IV in the middle of the Eleventh Century. After we get back up t...
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Supplemental: Medieval Art Part Two from 2018-08-03T16:00

In this episode we wrap-up our survey of Early Medieval Art by looking at the changes brought about by the transition to the Middle Ages particularly the advent of Christianity. Like in the last...
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Supplemental: Early Medieval Art Part One from 2018-07-20T16:00

In this episode we are going to begin our look at Early Medieval Art by considered Late Classical and specifically Roman influences on artistic expression that outlived the empire itself. For th...
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85 from 2018-07-11T19:26:26

Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, S...
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Episode 84: Social and Political Transformation in Medieval Italy from 2018-06-22T16:00

In this episode we take a break from the political narrative to focus on some of the key social and economic changes that are taking shape in Northern Italy between 875 and 1000 AD. During this ...
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Episode 83: Holier Than Thou from 2018-06-08T16:00

In this episode we continue our examination of the Holy Roman Empire between 973 and 1106. We pick up the story with Otto II and then follow Otto III and Henry II as they try desperately to both...
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Episode 82: The Holy Roman Empire from 2018-05-24T17:58:15

In this episode we start our in-depth look at the Holy Roman Empire. This episode covers the time period from the collapse of the unified Carolingian Empire to the death of Otto I in 973. In thi...
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Episode 81: The Governors of the World from 2018-04-15T21:28:13

In this episode we conclude our close look at the Papacy by picking up the story at the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 and following the Vicars of Christ through to Gregory VII and his death in...
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80 from 2018-04-01T17:19:30

Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, S...
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Episode 79: Al-Andalus from 2018-03-16T16:00

In this episode, we swing south to the Iberian Peninsula to catch up on Islamic Spain and the small, Christian Kingdoms that surround it. We begin with the quick and total collapse of Visigoth S...
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Episode 78: Low Tide from 2018-03-02T17:00

In this episode we return to what we will loosely be calling "France". The Carolingian Empire is forever gone. In its place are a patchwork of small kingdoms ruled over, nominally, by the new Ki...
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Episode 77: The Norman Conquest Part Four from 2018-02-16T17:00

In this episode William the Conqueror cleans up the last few rebellions in England, only to turn around see his possessions back on the continent under siege. While William fights his son and th...
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Episode 76: The Norman Invasion Part Three from 2018-02-02T17:00

Between 1066 and 1074 William the Conqueror fights off a series of rebellions in England to solidify his rule.
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Episode 75: The Norman Invasion Part Two from 2018-01-19T17:00

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-tit...
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Episode 74: The Norman Conquest Part One from 2018-01-01T17:00

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...
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Episode 73: Why 1000? from 2017-12-15T17:00

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).
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Episode 71: What Exactly is the "Dark Ages"? from 2017-12-01T17:00

In this episode we consider the question: what are the Dark Ages? And specifically, when should the Early Middle Ages be said to begin?
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Episode 70: The Magyars from 2017-11-17T17:00

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Episode 69: The End of the Carolingian Empire from 2017-11-03T16:00

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Voices: Norse Mythology from 2017-10-27T16:00

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Episode 68: The Fury of the Northmen (Part Three) from 2017-10-20T16:00

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Episode 67: Byzantine Apoge from 2017-10-06T16:00

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Episode 66: Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf from 2017-09-22T16:00

In this episode we swing back to Ireland and explore the fascinating story of the battle that took place on Good Friday, 1014 AD.
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Episode 65: Alfred the Great from 2017-09-08T16:00

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 lef...
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Episode 64: The Fury of the Northmen (Part Two) from 2017-08-25T16:00

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Episode 63: Iconoclasm from 2017-08-11T16:00

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.
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Episode 62: The Fury of the Northmen (Part One) from 2017-07-28T16:00

In this episode we trace the Viking Invasions of the Ninth and Tenth Centuries as they ravage Francia.
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Episode 61: The Northmen from 2017-07-14T16:00

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.

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Episode 60: Anglo-Saxon England (650-825) from 2017-06-30T22:51:40

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 exami...
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Episode 59: The Birth of Modern Europe from 2017-06-09T03:02:03

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 o...
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Episode 58: Carolingian Empire (Medieval France Under Charlemagne) from 2017-05-20T21:53:57

Charlemange makes a claim to be the new Emperor of Rome. The new HOLY Roman Emperor in fact...

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Supplemental: Monasticism in Medieval Europe from 2017-05-05T16:30

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Supplemental: Gregory The Great from 2017-05-05T16:00

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Episode 57: The Dawn of Feudalism (Early Medieval France 583 - 751) from 2017-04-23T02:18:41

Feudalism dawns in Carolingian France. Serfs, lords, fiefs, and so, so much more!

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Episode 56: Back To Italy (Medieval Italy and Spain 568-720) from 2017-04-07T16:00

In today's episode, we cover a wide range of events during the Early Middle Ages in Italy and Spain.

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Episode 55: The House of War (632-717) from 2017-03-27T23:18:18

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 o...
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Episode 54: Life After Justinian (Byzantium 565-638) from 2017-02-17T17:00

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 ...
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Episode 53: The British Isles in the Early Dark Ages (406-650 AD) from 2017-02-03T17:00

Today we cover English History after the fall of the Roman Empire and until the Anglo-Saxon invasions.

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Episode 52: Belisarius (533-565) from 2017-01-20T17:00

Justinian takes his forces West to re-conquer the Roman Empire under a brilliant young general: Belisarius.
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Episode 51: The Shattered West (Western Europe 476-533) from 2017-01-07T03:05

A look at western Europe between immediately after the fall of the Roman Empire. (476 - 533 CE)

Check out our website: westerncivpodcast.com

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Episode 50: A Brave New World from 2016-12-02T17:00

In this episode, we cover the reigns of various Eastern Emperors leading up to Justinian's attempted reconquest of the West.

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Episode 49: Recap and Setting the Stage from 2016-11-18T17:00

In this episode, we recap the last 4,500 years of Western History and set the stage for the turbulent Dark Ages to come.

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Supplemental: Top Ten Best And Worst Roman Emperors from 2016-11-04T16:00

Take it for what it is worth. Here is my list of the top ten BEST and WORST Roman Emperors.

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Episode 48: The Fall Of The Roman Empire from 2016-10-21T16:00

By 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire had fallen. In this episode, we trace the final twenty years of Roman History in the West. We continue with the collapse of the Hunnic Empire after the death ...
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Episode 47: Attila The Hun from 2016-10-07T16:00

In the late 430's power in Hunnic Society finally centralized around one, powerful leader: Attila. He would use this power to assault both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. These episodes f...
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Episode 46: The Last Great Romans from 2016-09-23T16:00

In 410 AD the Roman Empire hit one of its lowest points. But, within a decade it had rebounded. The reason Flavius Constantius. Constantius would rebuild the West only to die and early and unexp...
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Episode 45: The Sack of Rome from 2016-08-26T16:00

Our story continues with Theodosius briefly reuniting the Empire in 394. Then, all hell breaks loose again as the Huns force different Germanic Tribes from the Hungarian Plain in the first decad...
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Episode 44: A World Changed from 2016-08-12T16:00

In this Episode, we take a step back and chronicle the changing social and political landscape beyond Rome's borders to the North. There, the arrival of the Huns from the Eurasian Steppe has a d...
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Episode 43: Two Steps Forward.... And Three Back from 2016-07-29T16:00

Jovian Tries to Turn Back the Clock. Valentinian Tries to Keep the Peace. And Valens Fights with Everyone...

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westerncivpodcast.com
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Episode 42: New Rome from 2016-07-15T16:00

Constantine wins the civil war, ushering in a new age for the Romans. For the first time, the empire will be Christian.

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Episode 41: The Rule of Four from 2016-07-01T16:00

Between 284 CE and 305 CE, Emperor Diocletian rebuilds the Roman Empire. His model for what will become known as "The Dominant" would become the model for European kingship for centuries.
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Episode 40: Things Fall Apart from 2016-06-16T00:27:15

The Third Century was not a kind century to the Roman Empire. A rising Persia coupled with nearly non-stop civil unrest nearly ended the empire long before the final fall of Rome. In this episod...
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Episode 39: The End of the Beginning from 2016-04-17T20:17:12

After the death of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Empire begins a slow and steady decline. And, it all begins with Commodus...
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Episode 38: Glory Days from 2016-02-21T17:17:30

Rome reaches its height under the Antontines. Trajan leads the Empire to its greatest territorial heights.
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Episode 37: The Year of the Four Emperors and the Flavian Dynasty from 2016-01-15T17:00

Nero's suicide leads to a year of unprecedented chaos in Rome. Four men stake their claim to the throne and ultimately only one can triumph and lead the Empire into a new golden age.
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Episode 36: The Julio-Claudians (Part Two) from 2016-01-05T21:05:47

Rome gets a short reprieve under the reign of the unexpectedly good Emperor Claudius. Then, after his murder, Nero brings the short-lived age of the Julio-Claudians to an end.
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Episode 35: The Julio-Claudians (Part One) from 2015-12-10T18:33:22

In this episode, we cover the turbulent reigns of Tiberius and Caligula. If you like random persecutions and insanity, this episode is for you as the vision of Augustus Caesar gets off to a rock...
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Supplemental: A Roman Tour from 2015-11-25T17:00

An Exploration of Roman Urbanization Efforts and Tour of the Empire.
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Supplemental: A Day In The Life Of A Roman from 2015-11-18T17:00

This supplement takes a closer look at everyday life in Rome under Emperor Augustus. We will explore commerce, how people lived, where they lived, what they ate, who they congregated with, and w...
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Supplemental: The Eternal City from 2015-11-11T17:00

In this supplemental, we look more closely at the citizens of Rome under Augustus. Who lived there? What did they do? What were the laws that governed them?
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Supplemental: Ancient and Classical Recap from 2015-11-05T00:31:12

An overview of where the podcast has gone. We have traveled over 4,000 years and there have been some major changes. Populations have shifted. Empires have risen and fallen. And now Rome has com...
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Episode 33: Augustus from 2015-09-25T16:00

Our First Look At Rome's First Emperor (29-17 BC).
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Episode 32: World War from 2015-09-10T18:11:49

Mark Antony And Octavian Caesar Fight To Rule Rome.
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Episode 31: A Way Out from 2015-08-14T16:00

A New Triumvirate Is Formed And We Meet Octavian Caesar. (44 - 42 BC)
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Episode 30: The Ides Of March from 2015-07-31T16:00

Julius Caesar becomes Dictator for life. It just turns out that was a lot shorter time period than everyone was expecting.... (47 - 44 BC)
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Episode 29: Rubicon from 2015-07-16T21:59:23

Julius Caesar Crosses The Rubicon And Civil War Grips The Roman World.

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westerncivpodcast.com

Become a patron today for more bonus con...
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Episode 28: The Whole of Gaul Is Divided Into Three Parts... from 2015-07-03T18:24:11

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Episode 27: Publius Clodius To Center Stage from 2015-06-19T20:58:55

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Episode 26: Cato, Catiline, and the Courts from 2015-06-04T23:47:22

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Episode 25: I Am Spartacus from 2015-05-23T16:21:33

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Episode 24: Dictator from 2015-05-10T15:23:19

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Episode 23: Growing Pains from 2015-04-26T16:15:41

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Episode 22: Delenda Est Carthago from 2015-04-12T14:41:34

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Episode 21: Scipio Africanus and the End of the Second Punic War from 2015-03-29T16:48:57

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Episode 20: The War Across the Sea from 2015-03-15T14:32:20

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Episode 19: A Seemingly Endless String of Disasters from 2015-03-08T17:00:04

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Episode 18: Crossing The Alps from 2015-02-28T01:33:15

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Supplemental: Life In Classical Athens from 2015-02-20T13:59:44

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Episode 17: The First Punic War from 2015-02-15T16:51:56

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Episode 16: Casus Belli from 2015-02-01T16:53:20

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Episode 15: Enter Stage Left The Romans from 2015-01-25T16:59:57

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Episode 14: To The Strongest from 2015-01-09T22:18:25

Alexander Fights His Final Campaigns Listen

Episode 13: Alexander The Great from 2014-12-20T17:03:32

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Supplemental: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World from 2014-12-14T19:03:22

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Episode 12: The Peloponnesian Wars and Macedon from 2014-12-05T15:32:14

Athens and Sparta Fight to the Death Listen

Episode 11: Traitors, Martyrs, and Victory from 2014-11-30T01:05

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Episode 10: The Classical Greek Phalanx from 2014-10-24T00:20:47

A Closer Look at the Greek Fighting Machine Listen

Episode 9: A New World Order from 2014-10-12T16:42:11

Cyrus, Darius, and the Persian Empire
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Episode 8: Babylon Makes a Comeback! from 2014-10-07T22:15:27

Nebuchadnezzar II Leads Babylon to its Greatest, and Final, AgeListen

Episode 7: Sparta and Athens from 2014-10-06T02:38:16

Social Experimentation in Classical GreeceListen

Episode 6: The Assyrian Rollercoaster from 2014-09-28T17:14:04

Assyria Rises Again And Then Falls… Listen

Episode 5: It’s All Greek To Me from 2014-09-19T13:58:52

Meanwhile, In Archaic Greece… Listen

Episode 4: God’s Chosen People from 2014-09-13T22:12:59

Israel Becomes a Nation While Assyria Makes a Comeback Listen

Episode 3: Invasion and Expansion from 2014-08-11T20:08:44

The Near East Deals With Changes And Some Familiar Faces
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Episode 2: Meanwhile, in Egypt… from 2014-08-11T20:06:20

In this episode, we shift our scene to the land of the Pharaohs. While in the Near East different cities vied for dominance, in ancient Egypt the lands along the Nile are quickly united, allowin...
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Episode 2: Meanwhile, in Egypt… from 2014-08-11T20:06:20

In this episode, we shift our scene to the land of the Pharaohs. While in the Near East different cities vied for dominance, in ancient Egypt the lands along the Nile are quickly united, allowin...
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Episode 1: The Near East from 2014-08-11T17:53

Civilization takes hold in the ancient Near East Listen

Episode 1: The Near East from 2014-08-11T17:53

Civilization takes hold in the ancient Near East Listen

Introduction from 2014-08-11T17:47:04

Welcome to Western Civ! In this podcast, we cover Western History from its origins in the sands of Mesopotamia and Egypt, through the Roman Empire, Medieval European Kingdoms, the horrors of the...
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