The History of Byzantium Intelligent Speech conference this Saturday
Feb 25, 2026
A conference reminder with details on participation and panels. Short teasers of counterfactual scenarios about Justinian, Belisarius, Alexius, and Bohemond. A discussion of Anatolia and the role of landscape in history. Announcements about other speakers, a keynote, and a board game prize draw.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Attend Robin's What If Panels This Saturday
- Attend the Intelligent Speech Conference this Saturday to hear panels on alternate Roman histories and geography.
- Robin will appear on the What If? panel discussing Justinian, Belisarius, Alexius Comninos, and Bohemond, plus a geography panel on the Anatolian Plateau.
Companions Versus Rivals Can Redirect History
- Recasting historical figures as companions or rivals reveals how personal relationships could redirect major events.
- Robin teases scenarios where Belisarius or Alexius's relationships change outcomes for Justinian-era and Komnenian politics.
Landscape Shapes Imperial Outcomes
- Geography can act as a strategic actor shaping imperial fortunes rather than just a backdrop.
- Robin will discuss the Anatolian Plateau's role as a rival or companion to Roman power on the conference geography panel.