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248. The Renaissance Rebuked: Myths, Misconceptions, and Machiavelli with Ada Palmer

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Content provided by Paul Bavill. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Paul Bavill or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill engages with historian and author Ada Palmer, whose book Inventing the Renaissance challenges the romanticised narratives surrounding this revered period in Western history. Together, they dissect the myths of golden and dark ages, revealing the complexities and realities that often go unnoticed.


The Myth of the Renaissance:

  • Golden Ages and Dark Ages: Ada argues against the simplistic notions of history being divided into periods of prosperity and decline, exposing the propagandistic origins of these concepts.
  • Historical Narratives: Discover how Renaissance thinkers like Petrarch and Machiavelli grappled with their tumultuous reality, questioning the very nature of progress and the cyclical view of history.

Art and Power:

  • Dependency on Wealth: Explore how the creation of iconic art and literature was intrinsically linked to the power dynamics of the time, with artists often reliant on the very tyrants they critiqued.
  • The Dark Side of Patronage: Ada reveals the often-ignored darker aspects of artistic patronage, including the violent political upheavals that shaped the environment in which these masterpieces were created.

Inquisition and Control:

  • Plurality of Inquisitions: The discussion delves into the various local inquisitions that operated independently, often co-opted by local powers for their own ends, challenging the singular narrative of the Inquisition.
  • Corruption and Morality: Ada highlights the complex relationship between the Church and the populace, illustrating how corruption was often accepted as part of the societal fabric.

Guest Information:

If you’re inspired by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.


Follow the Rage:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage


Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  continue reading

265 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 514647725 series 2976277
Content provided by Paul Bavill. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Paul Bavill or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill engages with historian and author Ada Palmer, whose book Inventing the Renaissance challenges the romanticised narratives surrounding this revered period in Western history. Together, they dissect the myths of golden and dark ages, revealing the complexities and realities that often go unnoticed.


The Myth of the Renaissance:

  • Golden Ages and Dark Ages: Ada argues against the simplistic notions of history being divided into periods of prosperity and decline, exposing the propagandistic origins of these concepts.
  • Historical Narratives: Discover how Renaissance thinkers like Petrarch and Machiavelli grappled with their tumultuous reality, questioning the very nature of progress and the cyclical view of history.

Art and Power:

  • Dependency on Wealth: Explore how the creation of iconic art and literature was intrinsically linked to the power dynamics of the time, with artists often reliant on the very tyrants they critiqued.
  • The Dark Side of Patronage: Ada reveals the often-ignored darker aspects of artistic patronage, including the violent political upheavals that shaped the environment in which these masterpieces were created.

Inquisition and Control:

  • Plurality of Inquisitions: The discussion delves into the various local inquisitions that operated independently, often co-opted by local powers for their own ends, challenging the singular narrative of the Inquisition.
  • Corruption and Morality: Ada highlights the complex relationship between the Church and the populace, illustrating how corruption was often accepted as part of the societal fabric.

Guest Information:

If you’re inspired by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.


Follow the Rage:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage


Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  continue reading

265 episodes

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