John Tzimiskes (from ‘Rulers of the Byzantine Empire’ published by KIBEA)
Nicephorus Phokas is murdered by his nephew John Tzimiskes. We discuss the plot, the aftermath and the personalities of both men.
Period: 969
Download: Magnificent and Insufferable
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So, you see there’s a new podcast from me. You click on it. And what do you hear? An advert.
And you’re thinking “oh, no.”
Yes, the History of Byzantium has moved to Acast. For those who don’t know Acast is a podcast hosting company who connect shows with advertisers. They host your show for free and share revenue with the podcast producer
As podcasting has become my career, I had to look into the possibility of advertising in order to help provide for the future. I hope you understand.
So, adverts will now play before and after each episode. But they will not interfere with the show itself. The ads will be localised to your market so they should be relevant for you. And they will play on all of the free episodes, including the back catalogue.
This should not affect the members feeds or your subscription to the free feed. However any move like this is bound to affect someone. So if you have any trouble, my apologies. Please delete your existing feed and resubscribe and everything should be fine. Any other issues contact me at thehistoryofbyzantium @ gmail.com.
I hope this is another step in getting us to 1453 and beyond. And I’m hugely grateful for your support.
Bagratuni Armenia circa 1000
We cover Nicephorus’ foreign policy issues during his final two years in office. Armenian, Bulgarian and Italian concerns then go on hold for one last march through Syria.
Period: 968-9
Download: All In A Day’s Work
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The new walls of Nikephoros Phokas from The Making of Byzantium by Mark Whittow
Monastery of Megisti Lavra (Great Lavra) in Athos – the oldest monastery on Mount Athos
Nicephorus stays at home to administer his realm and manages to alienate every strata of society.
Period: 967-8
Download: Abhorring the Palace
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Cavusin Church, Cappadocia. Inside the left apse you can see the Imperial family (global-geography.org)
Here is a close up (cappadociaexclusivetravel.com)
Top – the Crucifixion. Below – Roman soldiers in procession in support of the Phokades. John Tzimiskes on horse (Alamy Stock photos)
Byzantine cavalry charge outside the walls of Tarsus (from the Byzantine military history facebook group)
Roman bridge at Mopsuestia, originally built by Justinian (now Misis in Turkey)
Nicephorus leads the armies in person against Tarsus and Mopsuestia, bringing Cilicia and Cyprus back into the Empire.
Period: 964-6
Download: Cilicia
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Nicephorus Phocas (from ‘Rulers of the Byzantine Empire’ published by KIBEA)
The image of Nicephorus which the modern illustration is based on
Nicephorus II, Virgin Mary on left (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)
We discuss Nicephorus’ life and career and what his rise meant for Romania.
Period: 963-4
Download: The White Death of the Saracens
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960 – Battle of Andrassus, Leo ambushes Sayf (weaponsandwarfare.com)
The Citadel of Aleppo (thewallwillfall.wordpress.com)
The Citadel of Aleppo (wikipedia)
We catch up on what Romanus II and Sayf were up to during the Cretan expedition. Then we move forward with Nicephorus Phokas as he sacks Aleppo.
Period: 959-963
Download: Triumphal Procession
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Romanus II (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)
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With Nicephorus Phokas in charge of the military the Romans win a string of victories against Sayf al-Dawlah. Constantine VII decides to attack Crete again but dies before the expedition sets off.
Period: 954-960
Download: Third Time’s the Charm
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Byzantine Cataphracts (from Byzantine Armies 886-1118 by Osprey)
Square infantry formation (from Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Eric McGeer)
Reinforced infantry anticipating an attack and closing the gaps (from Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Eric McGeer)
Cavalry formation (from Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Eric McGeer)
An interview with Eric McGeer about his book “Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth” which charts the changes in the Roman army as it moved to an offensive deployment in the 10th century.
Period: 10th century
Download: Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth with Eric McGeer
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Another view of the frontier fortresses from CPlakidas
We return to the frontier where the Phokas family inflict a series of sharp defeats on Sayf al-Dawla. Sayf starts again by restoring his border fortresses and driving off Roman attacks.
Period: 948-954
Download: Escalating Violence
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