In this episode, we follow the desperate defense of Constantinople as Emperor Constantine XI struggles to withstand the relentless siege. Ottoman cannons hammer the walls day and night, while engineers carve tunnels beneath the city, seeking to collapse its foundations from below. The defenders cling to the fragile hope of Western aid, even as Sult…

In this episode, we trace the final, desperate days of the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of its last emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, and his formidable rival, Sultan Mehmet II. As the walls of Constantinople trembled under the relentless bombardment of Ottoman cannons, two vastly different leaders prepared for war—Constantine, a resolute r…

The Byzantine Empire was on the verge of collapse. Surrounded by enemies, Emperor Manuel II faced the daunting task of saving Constantinople from the relentless advance of the Ottoman Turks. Sultan Bayezid "The Thunderbolt" had tightened his grip around the ancient city, and its fall seemed inevitable. Yet, when all hope seemed lost, an unexpected …

In this episode, we dive into the turbulent final century of the Byzantine Empire through the eyes of one of its most fascinating figures: John VI Kantakouzenos. A reluctant emperor, John inherited a crumbling empire beset by internal strife and foreign threats. While others dreamed of restoring Rome’s former glory, John envisioned a smaller, refor…

In the final episode of our two-part series on the Irish Potato Famine, we examine the most devastating years of the crisis. As Lord John Russell’s government prioritizes cost-cutting, Charles Trevelyan enforces harsh famine relief policies that intensify the suffering. Amid the chaos, the Quakers revolutionize soup kitchens, while Asenath Nicholso…

In this episode, we explore the early years of the Irish Potato Famine, a devastating event that reshaped Ireland's history. Known as The Great Hunger (an Gorta Mór), this crisis led to the deaths of over a million people and forced millions more to flee their homeland. But this was no mere natural disaster—it was a crisis made worse by the actions…

In this episode of Quickfire, we take a lighthearted look at one of World War II’s most bizarre moments: The Battle of Castle Itter. Picture this—a ragtag group featuring Nazis fighting against their fellow Nazis, American GIs, a French tennis champion, and a tank affectionately dubbed Besotted Jenny, all banding together to defend an ancient Austr…

Join us for a lively journey into the ancient world as co-host Alexander Gates and I delve into the most scandalous and petty letters of antiquity. From expletive-laden tirades to guilt-tripping manipulations, we uncover the outrageous communications of everyday people. Listen in as we explore the fiery exchanges between an Ottoman Sultan and his i…

“The most decisive disaster in Byzantine history” - Steven Runciman In the epic conclusion to our series, we delve into the monumental Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Through the perspectives of Alp Arslan and Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, we explore the motivations and strategies of these two pivotal leaders leading up to this climactic confrontation.…

In this episode we'll explore the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the crises within the Byzantine Empire leading up to the pivotal Battle of Manzikert in 1071. We delve into the transformation of the Seljuk Turks from a steppe horde into a powerful empire under the leadership of Alp Arslan. His strategic brilliance and conquests have cemented his stat…

“Our Empire is withering!” - Empress Eudokia Today, we'll explore the events leading up to the 1071 Battle of Manzikert through the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. During Constantine IX's reign, the Byzantine Empire faces threats from all sides. We meet the Seljuk Turks, whose ambitions and determination set the stage for future conquest…

Bonus episode from the podcast 'History Daily'. November 15, 1864. During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman begins his devastating March to the Sea. History Daily can be found on all podcasting platforms, with more information on their website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

"The Gods had turned their backs on this land" - Tutankhamun's Restoration Edict In part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King. As Akhenaten's religious reforms shake the very foundations of his kingdom, the Pharaoh lashes out at his citizens, closing temples and destroying statues of traditional Gods. Isolate…

"The Pharaoh's sinister smile seemed to whisper love me… but fear me.." Embark on a journey into ancient Egypt's shadows with our latest episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic life of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh whose legacy was damned by his own people. We uncover the intriguing tale of Akhenaten's formative years, shaped under the toweri…

In this episode, Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the ancient and mysterious religion of Zoroastrianism. For over two millennia, it was one of the world's most practiced religions until the arrival of Islam in the seventh century led to its rapid decline. Today, just 120,000 adherents remain worldwide. Come with us as we dive into Zoroastriani…

Bonus episode from the podcast 'Welsh History Podcast' sharing the story of influential Welsh figure: Llywelyn the Great He is young, angry and looking for revenge. Welsh History Podcast is a proud member of the Evergreen Podcast Network. You can support the podcast at patreon.com/WelshHistory Celtic Impulse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed…

"Capitulation is impossible! The 6th Army will do its historic duty." - Adolf Hitler. In the conclusion of our series, we unravel the final months of the Battle of Stalingrad, exploring the consequences of Adolf Hitler's decision to forbid the the Sixth Army to retreat. We witness the long-awaited breakthrough for The Red Army, as Joseph Stalin and…

"In the blazing city, we do not suffer cowards..." - Vasily Chuikov. This episode marks the penultimate episode of our series tracing Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's 1941 invasion of the USSR. Join us as we follow Marshal Friedrich Paulus and the Wehrmacht 6th Army to their fateful end at Stalingrad. Through poignant handwritten letters, we'll delve…

"It is time to finish retreating. Not one step back!" - Joseph Stalin. In part three of our series on Operation Barbarossa: The Wehrmacht, desperately needing fuel after Operation Barbarossa, surprises everyone by heading south to the Caucasus, targeting rich oil fields in modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Stalin's Red Army, still recovering…

"If the Germans want a war of extermination, they will get it!" - Joseph Stalin. In this gripping continuation of our Operation Barbarossa series, The Red Army rallies as the Wehrmacht's relentless march towards Moscow accelerates. With the Wehrmacht closing in on the Soviet capital, the USSR faces its last chance for survival. In the midst of the …

"The world will hold its breath!" - Adolf Hitler. In this episode we delve into Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's audacious invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. The morning of June 22nd, 1941, witnessed four million men surging across the borders between the USSR and the German Reich, beginning the largest land invasion in world history. We explore t…

A quick update on what's coming in season 6, our release schedule, and a few audience Q&A Questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Elliot Gates

"A life of sin, cleansed by his final act" Join us for the conclusion of our two-part series on the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, featuring Nikola Zrinski's renowned last stand. In this episode, we delve into the captivating backstory of Nikola Zrinski, also known as Nikola Šubić Zrinski or Zrínyi Miklós—a celebrated national hero in Croatia and Hungary…

"The Battle That Saved The Civilization" In this series, we explore the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, a crucial castle on the Hapsburg-Ottoman border. When the 71-year-old Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, besieged Szigetvár, he didn't anticipate the fierce resistance. Led by Count Nikola Zrinski (also known as Zrínyi Miklós or Nikola Šubić Zrin…

"Go tell the Spartans passerby, that here, obedient to our laws, we lie...." In this episode Mark and I continue our deep-dive into the epic Battle of Thermopylae (480BC). In the shadow of a dusty gorge in southern Greece, 300 valiant Spartan warriors, led by the indomitable King Leonidas, stood resolute, awaiting the impending battle against Xerxe…