Monthly Archives: March 2020

Episode 204 – Komnenian Reforms

A Nomisma Hyperpyron of Alexios I (Ancient.Eu)

A Nomisma Hyperpyron of Alexios I (Ancient.Eu)

Aspron Trachy of Alexios. Dumbarton Oaks Collection (I assume John II on left with Christ. Alexios and Irene on right)

An Aspron Trachy of Alexios. Dumbarton Oaks Collection (John II on left with Christ [I assume]. Alexios and Irene on right)

A Billon Trachy of Alexios I (baldwin.co.uk)

A Billon Trachy of Alexios I (baldwin.co.uk)

A Tetarteron of Alexios (hourmo.eu)

A Tetarteron of Alexios (hourmo.eu)

We look at events in Constantinople during Alexios’ first fifteen years in power. Including reforms to the court, the coinage and social care. We conclude by talking about Alexios’ personality.

Period: 1081-95

Download: Komnenian Reforms

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Categories: Podcast | 9 Comments

Corona Virus update

Hello everyone,

Two things have happened in the last 48 hours. I have been told to self isolate for 14 days and the British Library has closed its doors.

I am fine right now it’s just a precaution. I am not taking any time off. I am working on the podcast as usual. I am very lucky that about 80% of the material I need is now available online. So I can continue to research and prepare episodes throughout this difficult time.

Unfortunately some articles and books are only available at the British Library and if I judge that I need to see them before completing an episode then the podcast schedule will suffer.

So the good news is that the work is being done and episodes are being pummelled into shape. But the bad news is I may not be able to release them all until the world outside regains some normality. I know this is not what you wanted to hear when many of us are starved of new content.

I recently asked listeners on social media about their ‘History of Byzantium’ likes and dislikes. The depth of research was mentioned many times as a plus and the schedule of release as a negative. It’s a constant dilemma when putting the show together. The more I read the better the show gets but the longer it takes to produce. Now with Coronavirus this conflict may become even more acute.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding,

Robin

 

Categories: News | 15 Comments

Episode 203 – The Pecheneg Wars, again

Varangian Guardsmen tangle with Pecheneg tribesmen

Varangian Guardsmen tangle with Pecheneg tribesmen

Alexios campaigns in Europe for a decade dealing with Pechenegs, Cumans and Serbs. But his supporters begin to question his priorities as Anatolia sinks into the mire.

Period: 1085-95

Download: The Pecheneg Wars, again

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If you want to send in feedback to the podcast:

– Either comment on this post.

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Categories: Podcast | 2 Comments

Episode 202 – A Wild West Vibe

Monument to Malik-Shah I and Alp Arslan in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Monument to Malik-Shah I and Alp Arslan in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

With Alexios constantly at war in Europe during the 1080s he could only deal with Anatolia through diplomacy. He searched in vain for allies who could stabilise the situation but by 1095 realised he would have to turn West for the manpower needed to campaign in person. For the Romans who actually lived in Anatolia the situation had a Wild West vibe.

Period: 1081-95

Download: A Wild West Vibe

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If you want to send in feedback to the podcast:

– Either comment on this post.

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Categories: Podcast | 4 Comments

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