The History of Byzantium

A Rus raid delays John Kourkouas from leading a raid into Syria. When he does though he captures the sacred Mandylion and brings it back to the capital. Soon afterwards though he and Romanus are ousted from power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Kourkouas captures Melitene, providing the Empire with its first eastern conquest in centuries. The Islamic world is alarmed at this news and the Hamdanid family begin to provide resistance. However their preoccupation with Baghdad means they may have already conceded the mountains to the Romans.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

927-8 was a terrible winter. The suffering of the common people led many to sell their farms to their wealthy neighbours. Romanus legislated quickly to put a stop to it. Meanwhile John Kourkouas led the army into Armenia with Melitene in his sights.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in the tent with Symeon and Nicholas we learn that a title was granted that day. Symeon wanted to be hailed as Emperor. Wrangling over this title would lead to another decade of war before the two sides could come together.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Emperor Alexander dies after only a year on the throne. The next six years see an interregnum as the Patriarch, Empress and leading Generals vie to become the guardian to young Constantine VII.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We review the players in the impending struggle over the throne. And answer some more listener questions on the way.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Byzantine Stories Episode Four Announcement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I answer more of your questions including sports, Iconoclasm, prices, symbols, literature and more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aside from the rise of the landed magnates there have been some other important changes in the Roman military in the past century. We cover the Themes, recruitment, payment, skirmishing and all the rest.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fruits of the recovery were unevenly distributed. The wealthy landowners of the plateau were building huge estates and developing family histories to go with them.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.