Best Armenian Projects Podcasts (2025)

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NEW EPISODE! 45. (in)Conspicuous Consumption: The Material Culture of Medieval Cyprus 43:06

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3d ago43:06

43:06

Material culture-textiles, ceramics, furniture, even the games people played-offers us a window into the lived experience of a diverse society. From the magnificence of the Lusignan court, with its gold-threaded tapestries and Venetian clocks, to the humble cooking vessels of the lower classes, these artifacts reveal not only economic and social di…

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Primary Source XLV: The Travels of Wilbrand von Oldeburg 2:24

21d ago2:24

2:24

To begin with, I'd like to draw your attention to the music in this primary source. It is called J. II. 9 (Turin Codex) also known as the Cyprus Codex, an anonymous manuscript created at the Nicosia court in the early 15th century during the Frankish rule of Cyprus under the Lusignan Dynasty. It is the only known source of Western music from the re…

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BONUS EPISODE! Armenian-Cypriots with Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra 37:53

29d ago37:53

37:53

The history of Armenians in Cyprus is traced back to centuries, shaped by waves of migration, resilience, and cultural contributions. In this episode, I sit down with Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra to explore the deep-rooted history of Armenian Cypriots, from their earliest presence on the island to their pivotal role in modern Cypriot society. We dis…

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44. Piety and Passion: Women in Medieval Cyprus with Angel Nicolaou-Konnari 1:00:42

1M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

The legal status of women in medieval Cyprus was influenced by a mix of Byzantine, Frankish, and local customs. While legal frameworks varied, women often faced limitations on property ownership and inheritance rights. However, some women managed to attain positions of influence and power, challenging traditional norms. Despite societal constraints…

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Primary Source XLIV: From the Pen of Stefano Lusignan 1:36

2M ago1:36

1:36

Stefano Lusignan (also known as Étienne de Lusignan) was a member of the Lusignan family, which ruled over Cyprus during the medieval period. He is known for his historical works, particularly his chronicles that provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Cyprus during his time. Though writing at the tail end of the Venetian Period, …

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Ancient Scripts, City-States, and Hidden Museum Treasures: A Huge Year Ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast 3:04

2M ago3:04

3:04

Big things are coming! I’m sharing some exciting updates about what’s ahead for The History of Cyprus Podcast — including new episodes on the Cypro-Minoan script, ancient Cypriot city-states, and even a chat with The Met Museum curators on the grand reopening of the Cesnola Collection.By cyprusthepodcast

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43. Erudites in Exile: The Kigalas Family with Ioannis Kyriakantonakis 59:16

2M ago59:16

59:16

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of the Kigalas family, a prominent Cypriot family that played a significant role in the religious and intellectual landscape of the 16th and 17th centuries. My guest, Ioannis Kyriakantonakis, provides an in-depth look at the political and religious dynamics of the Kigalas family. At the heart of o…

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Primary Source XLIII: From the Pen of Charles Patin 1:29

3M ago1:29

1:29

"The Charites of Cyprus infused him with charm, With the tongue of Homer and the mind of Plato. -A distich from Ioannis Kigalas' portrait Ioannis Kigalas (Greek: Ιωάννης Κιγάλας; Italian: Giovanni Cigala, c. 1622 – c. 5 November 1687) was a Cypriot scholar and professor of Philosophy, Language and Logic at the University of Padua. Along with his br…

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42. Castrum Cyprium: Crusader Castles of Cyprus with James Petre 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Cyprus' landscape is dotted with castles -- most famously by those nestled on the Kyrenia mountain range -- many which predate the Lusignan Period. First built by the Byzantines to protect Cyprus' northern coast, these castles would become fortified and expanded by the Franks. But Western sources circa twelfth and thirteenth centuries speak of cast…

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Primary Source XLII: Roger of Howden 1:23

4M ago1:23

1:23

Our primary source this month comes from the 12th century English chronicler, Roger of Hoveden (Howden). This excerpt was chosen as it references a number of castles that dotted the Cypriot landscape during Richard the Lionheart's campaign. You'll hear him refer to Buffavent (Buffavento), Kantara, Dieu D'Amour (a possible corruption of the Greek na…

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BONUS EPISODE! Myths & Legends: Cyprus in Mythology with Christian Körner 35:34

4M ago35:34

35:34

In this bonus episode, Dr. Christian Körner takes us into the world of Iron Age Cyprus and its city-kingdoms, exploring the foundation myths that shaped their identities. With legendary figures like Pygmalion, who fashioned a statue that came to life; Myrrha, the tragic mother of Adonis; and Teucer, the exiled half-brother of Ajax who is said to ha…

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41. The Emperor of Flocks & Camels? The Calocaerus Revolt with Maria Castello 46:20

4M ago46:20

46:20

Calocaerus (Greek: Καλόκαιρος; d. 334 AD) was a Roman usurper who led a short-lived revolt against Emperor Constantine I in Cyprus. Appointed in 330 AD as Magister pecoris camelorum ("Master of the Flock and Camels"), a position with uncertain significance, Calocaerus proclaimed himself emperor in 334 AD. His rebellion, however, was swiftly suppres…

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Primary Source XLI: An Excerpt from Aurelius Victor 1:35

5M ago1:35

1:35

The Calocaerus Revolt (334 CE) was an uprising led by a certain Calocaerus, the Magister Pecoris Camelorum (Master of the Flock and Camels) in Cyprus, who declared himself emperor. The revolt was short lived and ruthlessly suppressed in the same year by Flavius Dalmatius, half brother to Emperor Constantine I. We know of the events from historians …

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Episode 4. Mastering the Basics: LAO’s Eastern Armenian Course Launch 2:04

5M ago2:04

2:04

In this episode, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of “Eastern Armenian for Beginners: Mastering the Basics,” our brand-new online course designed to help you start speaking Armenian with confidence — no matter where you are in the world. Join us as we share the story behind this course, who it’s for, and how it can help learners build a strong…

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40. From Exploration to Exploitation: The Early History of Cypriot Archaeology with Luca Bombardieri 43:26

5M ago43:26

43:26

The history of archaeology in Cyprus started with a focus on collecting ancient objects, which influenced how archaeology was done on the island into the 1900s. In the 1800s and 1900s, foreign expeditions came to Cyprus to dig up artifacts, but this also led to illegal digging and private collections, both on the island and in the West. My guest th…

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Primary Source XL: The Travels of Giovanni Mariti 2:03

6M ago2:03

2:03

Giovanni Mariti (1736–1806) was an Italian traveler best known for his detailed accounts of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Cyprus, during the 18th century. Born in Florence, Mariti served as an official in the service of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and his travels provided him with firsthand insights into the social, political, and economi…

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39. Brigands & Bandits: Banditry in 19th Century Cyprus with Mehmet Demiryürek 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

The Bouliler brothers are emblematic figures of banditry amidst a backdrop of economic struggle and social change. Hasan Bulli, a Turkish Cypriot from Paphos, became a legendary folk hero in Cyprus in the late 19th century. Often compared to American outlaws like Jesse James, he gained notoriety for his bold actions and was remembered through songs…

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Primary Source XXXIX: The Ballad of Hasan Bulli 2:09

7M ago2:09

2:09

Hasan Bulli is a significant figure in the history of Cyprus. A notorious bandit who roamed the island’s rural landscape in the late 19th century, he became something of a folk hero--often compared to Jesse James. His daring deeds and the stories surrounding his gang became the stuff of legend in Cypriot folklore. Turkish Cypriot poet Hafız Cemaled…

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BONUS EPISODE! Surfaces, Surveys & Spatiotemporal Dynamics: The Hala Sultan Tekke Hinterland Project with Jan Coenaerts and Polte De Weirdt 48:36

7M ago48:36

48:36

For this bonus episode, I interview Jan Coenaerts and Polte De Weirdt from Vrije University in Belgium as they embark on their next season at The Hala Sultan Tekke Hinterland Survey Project (HST-HASP). They use archaeological survey and landscape analysis to reassess spatial organization at Dromolaxia-Vyzakia (13th–12th century BCE Late Bronze Age …

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38. Bones, Burials & Bioarchaeology: Reconstructing the Past with Sherry Fox 1:13:16

8M ago1:13:16

1:13:16

In this interview, we delve into the past with bioarchaeologist, Sherry Fox (Arizona State University), as we explore how bioarchaeologists utilize technology to reconstruct the lives of ancient inhabitants, identify various ailments they suffered and how studying even their teeth can unveil details about their occupations. We'll explore a variety …

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Primary Source XXXVIII: An Excerpt from Luigi Palma Di Cesnola 1:52

8M ago1:52

1:52

Luigi Palma Di Cesnola is a controversial figure in Cypriot history. Born in Turin in 1832, he served in the First Italian War of Independence and later in the Crimean War. In 1858, he left Italy for the United States where his service in U.S. Civil War earned him distinction. He was later appointed as a consul in Larnaca where he engaged in wide-s…

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A little update...and a small request! 1:43

8M ago1:43

1:43

Hello everyone! Thank you as always for tuning in. I've got a lot of great episodes planned that will take us well into 2026! Have a listen! But I'm also writing to ask for your support. If you enjoy the show or any particular episode, please consider taking some time to leave a review online. Positive reviews help grow the podcast and spread the w…

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37. For King & Country: Cyprus in the Second World War with Marios Siammas 1:32:21

9M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

The impact of the Second World War was far-reaching -- Cyprus included. While initial reactions to the war were muted, the dynamic shifted dramatically when Greece entered the fray, spurring Cypriots to enlist in large numbers to serve King and Country. Much like in World War I, many Cypriots served as muleteers, but this time, direct action was fa…

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Primary Source XXXVII: The Battle of Monte Cassino 1:59

9M ago1:59

1:59

The Battle of Monte Cassino (1944) was a series of Allied assaults on heavily fortified German positions in central Italy, centered around the ancient Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino. Capturing Monte Cassino would weaken Germany's grasp in Italy and open the way to Rome. Cypriot muleteers played a pivotal role in overcoming the rugged terrai…

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36. Deus Vult! The Templars in Cyprus with Peter Edbury 43:26

10M ago43:26

43:26

The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order founded in the early 12th century. Originally established to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades, they quickly grew in wealth and influence. In 1191, Richard the Lionheart sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar for 100,000 Syrian bezants.*** This provided the Templ…

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Primary Source XXXVI: The Templars & The Easter Revolt of 1192 3:35

10M ago3:35

3:35

For this month's primary source, our excerpt follows the infamous Easter Revolt* in 1192. After the Templars purchased Cyprus from King Richard the Lionheart, they initiated the heavy-handed exploitation of Cyprus, culminating in a revolt against the Templars and the subsequent transfer of Cyprus back to Richard. This will springboard us into my ne…

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35. Marks of Devotion or Desecration? Medieval Graffiti with Mia Trentin 1:15:58

10M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Graffiti is most often associated with vandalism today. The idea of entering a church to carve into a fresco or scratch an icon feels unthinkable. Yet, in Medieval Cyprus, graffiti was a common practice—one rooted in reverence and spiritual expression. Far from desecration, these markings, whether scripts, scratches, shapes, or symbols, carried apo…

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Primary Source XXXV: The Travels of Jacques Le Saige 1:48

11M ago1:48

1:48

Jacques Le Saige, a silk merchant from Douai, France, embarked on a journey to Jerusalem on March 19, 1518, visiting Cyprus from July to September of that year. In this episode, we hear of his visit to Saint Sophia in Nicosia, offering some of the earliest evidence of medieval "graffiti" -- in this case, marks left by visiting pilgrims. His own nam…

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34. Hail Alexis, the Peasant King: The Cypriot Peasant Revolt with Chrysovalantis Kyriacou 47:06

12M ago47:06

47:06

In 1426, if but for a short while, Cyprus had two kings. King Janus of Cyprus and the ill-fated "Peasant King," Alexis, crowned by the people. The Peasant Revolt is a little known event in Cyprus' history but it is believed to have been triggered by the Mamluk invasion, the capture of King Janus and the sack of Nicosia. After the Muslim withdrawal,…

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#96 Տեր Եսայի քահանա Արթենյան - Եկեղեցու դերը ժամանակակից աշխարհում, աղանդները, սխալներից սովորելը 51:15

12M ago51:15

51:15

In this episode, Father Yesai Priest Artenyan, Director of the Information System of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, joins us to discuss the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church today, its challenges, and its relationship with modern technology. We explore topics such as love, forgiveness, common misconceptions about Christianity, and the Chur…

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Primary Source XXXIV: The Strambali Chronicle 3:20

12M ago3:20

3:20

This month's Primary Source is based on the "Strambal(d)i Chronicle" written at the end of the 16th century by Diomede Strambali -- a native of Cyprus -- who by the end of the Ottoman conquest, had fled to Rome as a refugee and had his work commissioned in Italian. The Chronicle recounts one of the infamous revolts in Cyprus whereby a peasant king,…

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BONUS EPISODE! Amathus with Thierry Petit 30:08

1y ago30:08

30:08

Merry Christmas! Enjoy this bonus episode! Amathus is a peculiar place. It's one of the few archaeological sites that has a relatively recent founding (i.e., the Iron Age). It boasts some peculiar customs and archaeological finds (e.g., Hathor capitals) and it is home to the famous Amathusian Bilingual (an epigraphic find that attests Cyprus' myste…

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#95 Դավիթ Հակոբյան - Հայերի hամաշխարհային դերը, ցանցային ազգի գաղափարը, դիվանագիտության խնդիրները 50:35

1y ago50:35

50:35

Where do we, Armenians, fit in the world, and how do countries become friendly states? How do "human bridges" connect nations and shape the world, with Armenia’s influence at the forefront? Join us for an insightful conversation with international development expert David Akopyan, who brings over 30 years of experience working with the UN, from Afg…

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33. Engineers, Envoys & Explorers: Cyprus & Alexander the Great with Andreas Parpas 53:52

1y ago53:52

53:52

Prior to recording this episode, I had never put any real thought into Cyprus' role in Alexander the Great's campaigns. Afterall, Cyprus is rarely (if ever) mentioned when discussing Alexander's conquests. And yet I was floored to learn not only of its significant naval contributions but just how often Alexander himself recognized the superiority o…

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#94 Ռուբեն Հայրապետյան - Առաջնորդության ապամիֆականացում, Մատենայի տեսլականն ու միջազգային կապերը 50:32

1y ago50:32

50:32

Ռուբեն Հայրապետյանը «Մատենա» առաջնորդության և մասնագիտական զարգացման միջազգային դպրոցի համահիմնադիրն ու գործադիր տնօրենն է։ Այս էպիզոդում զրուցել ենք Ռուբենի՝ երիտասարդ առաջնորդ լինելու, առաջնորդության, վերջինիս համար անհրաժեշտ հմտությունների ու գիտելիքների, «Մատենա» միջազգային դպրոցի կրթական մոդելի, տեսլականի, ուսանողերի, ու միջազգային կապերի մասի…

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Primary Source XXXIII: An Excerpt from the Anabasis of Alexander 3:02

1y ago3:02

3:02

Arrian's "Anabasis of Alexander" provides us one of the most reliable accounts of Alexander the Great's campaigns -- including Alexander's Siege of Tyre. The siege, which took place in 332BC, relied heavily on Cypriot and Phoenician naval support and provided Alexander a foothold into the Persian Empire. In fact, Arrian speaks of relying on Cypriot…

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BONUS EPISODE! Xαίρε καί πίει εύ: The History of Commandaria with Antonis Constantinou 52:06

1y ago52:06

52:06

Be Happy and Drink Well. Commandaria stands proudly as a testament to the viticultural excellence of Cyprus. In fact, Commandaria holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously produced wines in the world. Though produced for centuries, the roots of Commandaria can be traced back to the Crusades in the 12th century. It even won first…

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#93 Արմեն Սարգսյան - Աշխարհը թռչնի բարձրությունից, Արցախի ավիաշոուն, Հայաստանի չտեսնված բնությունը 50:48

1y ago50:48

50:48

Մեր այս էպիզոդում բացահայտել ենք թռիչքների վարպետ, օդաչու, Հայաստանում «Sky Club»-ի հիմնադիր Արմեն Սարգսյանին։ Արմենը մեզ պատմում է իր առաջին թռիչքի, Արցախում և Հայաստանում ավիաշոուների կազմակերպման ու իր անհավանական ճամփորդությունների մասին։ Հետևեք մեզ՝ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkNationPodcast https://www.instagram.com/network_nation_podcast/…

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32. The Eastern Wanderer: Clearchus of Soli with Gertjan Verhasselt 1:00:59

1y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Clearchus of Soli was an ancient philosopher who lived in the 4th century BCE and was primarily known for his contributions to ethics and moral philosophy. Clearchus was a student of Aristotle who is often associated with his Peripatetic school. He wrote extensively on Eastern Cultures and is thought to have traveled eastward-bound, to the Bactrian…

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#92 Անահիտ Փիլիպպոսյան - Հայրենադարձություն, մտածված քաղաքականության մշակում, ապագայի տեսլականը 50:08

1y ago50:08

50:08

Անահիտ Փիլիպպոսյանը Հայաստանի կիրառական քաղաքականության հետազոտական ինստիտուտի «ԱՊՐԻ Արմենիա»-յի ռազմավարության և զարգացման հարցերով փոխնախագահն է։ «ԱՊՐԻ Արմենիա»-ն անկախ վերլուծական կենտրոն է՝ միտված Հարավային Կովկասում տարածաշրջանային կայունությանը, կայուն բարգավաճմանը և քաղաքացիական ներգրավվածությանը։ Այս էպիզոդում նա պատմում է ինչպես մասնագիտակ…

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Primary Source XXXII: The Inscription at Ai Khanoum 1:10

1y ago1:10

1:10

Ai-Khanoum was an ancient Greek city located in the northern part of modern-day Afghanistan, near the border with Tajikistan. This city was notable for its Hellenistic architectural and cultural influence, and it served as a center of Greek culture and administration in the region. So what could this possibly have to do with Cyprus? The Cypriot phi…

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SPECIAL! Fantasy, Folklore & Film: "Motherwitch" with Minos Papas 1:09:22

1y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Itsy bitsy sausages Black hilted knife Eat and depart To the place of no return* If you're like me, you've almost certainly heard the stories. Light your fireplace. Set your colanders out. Placate them with food and desserts until the Epiphany bells ring. Then -- and only then -- will they return to the underworld. Ironically, the Twelve Days of Ch…

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#91 Արմինե Մկրտչյան - Ինչո՞ւ պիտի կարևորել աշխատանքային մշակույթը | ղեկավարի դերը | չափանիշ ստեղծելը 49:35

1y ago49:35

49:35

Կազմակերպական զարգացման փորձառու քոուչ Արմինե Մկրտչյանը կիսվել է ժամանակակից աշխատաշուկայի առանցքային միտումների մասին: Վերլուծել ենք կորպորատիվ մշակույթի դերը, ղեկավարների ազդեցությունը թիմի վրա և երիտասարդ մասնագետների փոփոխվող սպասելիքները աշխատաշուկայում: Էպիզոդում անդրադարձ ենք նաև աշխատավայրում առողջ միջավայրի ձևավորման ու պահպանման գործնական…

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31. Cyprus in the Great War: The Cypriot Mule Corps with Andrekos Varnava 58:30

1y ago58:30

58:30

As World War I engulfed Europe, Britain and its colonies were not spared. Despite Cyprus avoiding conscription like Canada, the British coaxed Cypriots to enlist in auxiliary roles, notably the mule corps, to aid the Allies on the Salonica front. Promised non-combat duties, Cypriots soon found themselves thrust into conflict. How were they persuade…

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#90 Կորյուն Խաչատուրյան - Ֆրանսիայում ծնվելը, Հայաստանում իմաստ գտնելը, այն ներսից ճանաչելը՝ գործով 49:45

1y ago49:45

49:45

Լինելով ֆրանսահայ ու ապրելով ու շրջագայելով տարբեր երկրներում՝ Կորյուն Խաչատուրյանը քաջածանոթ է թե՛ սփյուռքին, թե՛ Հայաստանին։ Նա Հայաստան է տեղափոխվել 2016 թվականից ու ղեկավարել ԹՈՒՄՈ Ստեփանակերտը, «Հայաստանի մանուկներ» բարեգործական հիմնադրամը (ՔՈԱՖ), իսկ այժմ Հ. Հովնանյան ընտանեկան հիմնադրամը՝ որպես գործադիր տնօրեն։ Հետևեք մեզ՝ https://www.facebo…

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Primary Source XXXI: "I want YOU for the Cypriot Mule Corps!" 1:11

1y ago1:11

1:11

For this month's primary source, I've taken some liberty with its recording, turning this very real enlistment ad into a radio spot. However, historically speaking, there was no radio service at the time -- and so this certainly would not have been broadcast in Cyprus. Given the widespread illiteracy at the time, enlistment campaigns such as the on…

1
#89 Վահագն Ղազարյան - Վաճառքի հմտություններ, դիմացինին հասկանալու դերը, WCIT 2024 The Jazz Tribute միջոցառում 51:12

1+ y ago51:12

51:12

Վահագն Ղազարյանը «Ստամինա» վաճառքի աութսորսինգային ընկերության հիմնադիրն է։ Զրուցել ենք «Ստամինա»-յի վրացական շուկա մուտք գործելու, արդյունավետ վաճառքի, վերջինիս հոգեբանական գործոնների, կապեր ստեղծելու կարևորության, կրթության, ինչպես նաև WCIT 2024 The Jazz Tribute միջոցառման մասին։ Հետևեք մեզ՝ https://www.facebook.com/NetworkNationPodcast https://w…

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BONUS EPISODE! Follow Where Reason Leads: Zeno of Citium & Stoicism with Andrew Erskine 37:32

1+ y ago37:32

37:32

In this episode, Professor Andrew Erskine (University of Edinburgh) delves into the life and legacy of Zeno of Citium, the ancient philosopher whose teachings laid the foundation for the Stoic school of thought. Born in Citium (Kition) Cyprus, Zeno's journey from humble beginnings to philosophical prominence is a testament to the power of resilienc…

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30. Living on the Edge: Earthquakes and The Kourion Urban Space Project with Laura Swantek 1:37:24

1+ y ago1:37:24

1:37:24

In the 4th century, a series of powerful earthquakes shook the island of Cyprus, leaving a profound impact on its inhabitants and Kourion in particular. These seismic events not only disrupted daily life but also reshaped the landscape, causing widespread destruction and challenging the resilience of Cypriots. The earthquakes of the 4th century sta…

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Primary Source XXX: The Sibylline Oracle 1:17

1+ y ago1:17

1:17

The Sibyls of ancient Greece and Rome were oracles that divined the future by channeling the god, Apollo. Sibyls were considered to be intermediaries between the mortal world and the divine realm, and their pronouncements were highly regarded by the Greeks. Sibyls were often consulted by individuals, city-states, and rulers seeking guidance on impo…