Podcast

Michael III “the Drunkard” and Basil “the Macedonian” (scanned from Treadgold, originally from the Modena copy of John Zonaras’ history)

Basil I on right, enthroned Jesus on left (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)

We chart the rise of Basil the Macedonian and his murder of both Bardas and Michael. We also look at how Basil’s descendants would re-brand Michael as “the Drunkard” before saying goodbye to the Amorion Dynasty.

Period: 866-867

Download: Keeping up with the Macedonians

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Michael III (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)

Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople (iconograms.org)

Theodora and Theoctistus rule for young Michael until he comes of age. Then Uncle Bardas takes over the government. Meanwhile the Romans begin to gain the upper hand in Anatolia while a schism with the Papacy looms.

Period: 842-867

Download: Mother and Uncle

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Military division of the Empire in 842 (from Byzantium in the Iconoclast Era)

The bride show where Theophilos chooses Theodora (Val Cameron Prinsep (1838-1904) – New York Public Library Digital Gallery)

Theophilus reorganises the army and leaves the throne to his wife and two year-old son. Theodora decides to restore the Icons and we discuss the end to the Iconoclast era of Byzantine history.

Period: 838-842

Download: The Triumph of Orthodoxy

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Arab-Byzantine border in Anatolia (author: CPlakidas at Wikipedia)

We focus on Theophilus’ record on the eastern front. The last gasp of true Caliphal power sees the Emperor harshly punished for his support of the Khurramite rebellion.

Period: 829-838

Download: God-Fearing

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The Golden Automata of the throne room (from camerainthesun.com)

Theophilus’ inscription on the Sea Walls (historum.com)

Byzantine Beacon System

Young Theophilus becomes Emperor at a rare moment of internal peace. We look at his domestic policies across his 13 year reign and touch on his non-Anatolian foreign policy.

Period: 829-842

Download: God-Loving

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View of modern Heraklion (in Crete) founded by the Arab invaders in 828

View of Enna (modern Castrogiovanni) in Sicily where Euphemius was stabbed to death

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.”

Period: 824-829

Download: The Islands

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Thomas the Slav negotiates with the Arabs (from The Chronicle of John Scylitzes)

Thomas the Slav’s troops in action (from The Chronicle of John Scylitzes)

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.

Period: 820-824

Download: Thomas the Slav

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Mike Duncan

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.

Download: An Interview with Mike Duncan

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The History of Rome Podcast

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Michael II (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)

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.

Period: 815-820

Download: Michael of Amorium

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Leo V (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)

Leo the Armenian becomes Leo V and waits out Krum’s slaughter in Thrace. He also makes plans to restore Iconoclasm.

Period: 813-815

Download: Leo the Armenian

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