The History of Byzantium

Michael II tries to secure his regime now that the civil war is over. However attacks on Sicily and Crete prevent him from returning to "normality."  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo's murder is greeted with disgust in Anatolia where men rally behind Thomas the Slav. But back at the capital men get behind Michael of Amorium as a suitable replacement. This split leads to a three year civil war and a stalemate which suggests that God favours neither man.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanks to all of you for helping us get to episode 100. And of course our eternal gratitude to Mike Duncan and The History of Rome podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo restores Iconoclasm and defeats the Bulgars in battle. After signing the peace treaty he raid the Caliphate and returns to domestic matters. However a palace conspiracy overthrows him in favour of his old ally Michael of Amorium.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo the Armenian becomes Leo V and waits out Krum's slaughter in Thrace. He also makes plans to restore Iconoclasm.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicephorus' successors are his wounded son and his unsuitable son-in-law. Between them they ensure that the dynasty comes to a sad end while Krum improves his position considerably.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why were the Bulgars so successful compared to their larger neighbour? We look at this question and the limitations of the Byzantine army on campaign as Nicephorus leads his men to their doom.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicephorus turns his attention to the Balkans and begins settling colonists in the Peloponnese. His plans for Macedonia though are thwarted by the Bulgars. The Emperor organises a mass migration from Anatolia to Europe and reorganises the Themes and the finances of the state to make the new venture a success.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The General Logothete Nicephorus becomes Emperor and embarks on a wide ranging programme of reform. In this episode we focus on relations with the Caliphate, Charlemagne and the clergy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reminder of where we've come from in the 8th century and where we are going in the 9th.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.