The History of Byzantium

Manuel launches a Crusade against the Turks of Iconium.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have teamed up with Nitin Sil of the Flash Point History Youtube Channel. We are turning the podcast into a Youtube series with brilliant maps, images and animations accompanying my words. Check out our first video now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2pQjfOebdI&t=2241s charting the rise of Justinian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While his armies were fighting in the Balkans Manuel's diplomats and fleets were busy elsewhere. Komnenos poured money into Italy to try and gain influence there. He considered alliances with the Germans, the Pope and the Normans but ultimately lost them all. He made war on Venice and tried to capture an Egyptian port.Period: 1161-73 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History of Byzantium Tour - April 23 to May 2, 2022. The tour will visit Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. If you'd like to come or if you'd like to hear about future tours please email thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manuel spends the 1160s at war with Hungary. During these campaigns the Emperor adopts the Hungarian King's brother making him his heir. This enables the Romans to seize Sirmium and parts of Dalmatia. The Hungarian elites won't stand for it and try to throw the Romans out.Period: 1161-72 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look around Constantinople in Manuel's day. We discuss his use of the two urban palaces and the growth of the Italian population along the Golden Horn.Period: 1143-61 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Alexios Komnenos came to power his family decided to marry their way out of the civil wars which threatened the state. By Manuel's day this meant that a new aristocracy had grown up who dominated the organs of the Byzantine state. We discuss this development and how Manuel managed his family. As well as those who resented this innovation.Period: 1143-61 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we talk to historian Katherine Pangonis about her book 'Queens of Jerusalem.' Not only do we talk about the fascinating lives of the women of Outremer but we also pick up Andronikos' story as he manages to scandalise all of Christendom.Find out more about Katherine at her websiteTo listen to the book for free why not use Audible's 30-day trial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We pause the narrative briefly to learn more about Manuel's world. Today we talk about the Emperor's personality and relatives. Including his cousin, friend and rival Andronikos. Period: 1143-61 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Italy and the Balkans at peace Manuel turns his attention to Anatolia. He marches to Antioch to punish those who'd wronged him. He then campaigns against the Turks with surprisingly positive results.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.