The Basilica Cistern today (photo from ramyad.net)
We take a look at what else was going on in the Empire during the 530s including: monophysites, tax and administration, buildings, Africa and possibly a meteor strike.
Period: 532-540
Download: Episode 25 – The “Roaring” Thirties
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The First Gothic War
Belisarius is content to leave John to die in Ariminum but the Chamberlain Narses arrives and begs to differ. Conflicts over how to complete the conquest of Italy lead to disaster at Milan and a long delay in finally reaching Ravenna. Once there Justinian recalls his General. The Persians are on the move again. We debate who was to blame for what happened next and head to Cteisephon to see what Khosrou has been up to in the last decade.
Period: 538-540
Map: The First Gothic War Campaign Map
(Author: Konstantinos Plakidas,, Source Website: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gothic_War_-_First_Phase,_535-540.svg)
Download: Episode 24 – The Western Emperor
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Siege of Rome map from Ancient Warfare Magazine Volume IV, Issue 3 (www.ancient-warfare.com)
When Athalaric, Prince of the Goths dies in 534 his mother has to choose whether to flee East or try to cling to power. Amalasuntha makes the wrong choice and calls in her cousin Theodahad. When he has her killed he hands Justinian the pretext for an invasion of Italy. Mundus leads the Army of Illyricum into Dalmatia and Belisarius sails to Sicily. Theodahad enters negotiations to surrender Italy in exchange for a fat pension. Could Italy be about to fall as quickly as Africa did?
Period: 534-38
Download: Episode 23 – The Siege of Rome
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The Aurelian Walls
Hey everyone,
A few weeks ago I took part in a Podcast Cage Match (roundtable discussion) with fellow podcasters Roifield Brown (How Jamaica Conquered the World), Jamie Redfern (A History of Hanibal) and Jordan Harbour (The Twilight Histories). Our topic was “What is the Most Significant Event Since the end of the Second World War?”
Suggestions included The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Rise of China, the advent of the Internet and the development of a multi-polar world.
You can listen to the here
You can see our new History Podcasters site here
The Hagia Sophia as it might appear without Turkish additions (newbyzantines.net)
We examine the Corpus Juris Civilis and the Hagia Sophia. The two achievements of Justinian’s reign which outlasted both him and the Byzantine Empire. First we look at the law code which Tribonian put together and hear about its surprising second life. Then we marvel at the construction and impact of the new Cathedral Church of Constantinople.
Period: 533-37
Other resources: If you are interested in reading parts of the Corpus Juris Civilis yourself, there is an English translation here.
Download: Episode 22 – Justinian’s Legacy
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The interior of the Hagia Sophia
With the Nika Revolt quelled, Justinian orders Belisarius to retake the province of Africa. In the Summer of 533 an armada sets sail and lands east of Carthage. Belisarius leads his army cautiously up the coast as King Gelimer of the Vandals rallies his army to stop them.
The Vandal War Campaign Map
Period: 533-34
Map: The Vandal War Campaign Map
(Author: Konstantinos Plakidas,, Source Website: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vandalic_War_campaign_map.png)
Download: Episode 21 – The Vandal War
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Augustus wants you on the History of Rome Tour
Hey everyone,
Mike Duncan (of the History of Rome podcast) is still participating in tours around the sites in Rome, Naples, Pompeii and elsewhere.
The next tour leaves on May 25th and you can get a $100 discount by visiting this link http://historyofrometour.com/byzantium.
I haven’t been on the tour myself but I have visited most of the places which it visits. I can not recommend them enough. In 2010 I walked around the Forum, the Colosseum, Hadrian’s Villa, Pompeii, Ostia and more – all with “The History of Rome” podcast in my ears! I absolutely loved it and it was a massive inspiration for starting “The History of Byzantium.”
For more information visit the website: http://historyofrometour.com/byzantium.
Robin
The Imperial District in Constantinople (this map is of the city after 532 but it shows the placement of the major buildings accurately)
In January 532 a seemingly typical riot at the races escalates into a full blown rebellion against Justinian. Trapped up in the Palace while Constantinople burns, the Emperor must decide whether to flee or to fight.
Period: 532
Download: Episode 20 – The Nika Revolt
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Podcast Squared
I was interviewed recently by Andrew Johnstone at PodcastSquared. We talked about why podcasts are a good way to get into History, when Rome ended and Byzantium began and how I try to tell the story. We also talk about eating Charlemagne, Sesame Street and The Walking Dead so you will want to check it out 🙂
You can find the interview here. And more good stuff at podcastsquared.com.
The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (now known as Little Hagia Sophia)
The first five years of Justinian’s reign (527-532) are so incident-filled that it will take us a few episodes to get through them.
In part three we return to Constantinople and see Justinian begin to reform his Empire. We take a look at his building projects, his new legal code and the laws he enacted. Particularly those aimed at pagans and heretics. We get to know his chief advisers John the Cappadocian and Tribonian and hear a little more about Theodora.
Period: 527-532
Download: Episode 19 – 527-532, Part 3: The Kindling
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The History of Byzantium 
