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The History of Byzantium

Baby and New Schedule

I have big news. A History of Byzantium baby is on the way. The purple room in the Palace is being prepared for the Autumn and I can assure you that the names Justinian and Theodora will not be under consideration.


Of course I’m very excited. But it means I think we need to change the way the podcast is scheduled. I plan on being as involved as possible during the first few months of my baby’s life. And so it won’t be possible to keep a normal podcast routine.


So what we’re going to do is switch to a sort of TV schedule. Where there is silence for a few months and then I will release a complete series of episodes. So that when the podcast is on air, so to speak, you know that it will be out every week without fail and that whatever period of narrative we’re in will reach a natural conclusion. This will include bonus episodes for those who subscribe over at Patreon.


I feel more comfortable switching to this new schedule thanks to Patreon. It means that those of you who kindly support the show can manage your subscriptions however you see fit. And if you’re still in any doubt about how Patreon works - you can pick up a subscription or cancel one any time you like. There is no contract or commitment. And when you resubscribe you get your benefits back instantly.


We’re going to switch to this new schedule immediately. So there will now be a period of silence before a run of episodes that will take us from the death of Manuel through to the sack of Constantinople in 1204.  


I won’t be announcing any dates for this new schedule. The periods of silence will take as long as they take and then there will be loads of episodes in a row to enjoy. It will be an adjustment for all of us but I think it’s for the best.


I have pushed myself hard in the past to try and produce the podcast weekly and to leave as few gaps as possible and it can cause a lot of stress. History podcasting just does take a long time. Some topics take weeks to research. And the more I read the better the show gets.


I’m hoping this new schedule will make life easier for you and for me. Thank you for your patience and for your support.

More episodes

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  • Episode 347 - Trebizond! Part One

    41:00|
    We explore the history of Trebizond under the Grand Komnenoi. Today I cover the period from 1204-1297.The music for these episodes comes from the brilliant Youtube channel of Farya Faraji. Farya is a musicologist who collaborates with traditional musicians around the world to present music from different cultures on his channel, with an emphasis on authenticity and accurate cultural representation. This track is called Trapezuntine - Epic Byzantine Music. You can buy his music here.
  • Episode 346 - What If?

    39:05|
    I tackle your counter factual questions. 
  • Episode 345 - The Immortal Emperor

    27:18|
    Did you hear that Constantine XI didn't die? That he was taken below ground by an angel and will one day return. We explore all the myths which attached themselves to the final Roman Emperor.
  • Episode 344 - Cold Case: Constantine XI

    01:06:30|
    I investigate the death of the Emperor Constantine XI. What happened to him on the last day of his life? 
  • Episode 343 - The End of Crusading and the Third Rome

    22:48|
    We look at the reaction to the fall of Constantinople in Venice, Rome and Russia. And briefly discuss those who claimed descent from Constantine XI. 
  • Intelligent Speech conference this Saturday

    01:49|
    What if Belisarius had accepted the Goths offer and become the Western Roman Emperor in 540AD? This is one scenario I will be discussing on Saturday at the Intelligent Speech Conference. Use the code Byzantium to get 10% off your ticket https://intelligentspeechonline.com/
  • Episode 342 - The Roman Diaspora

    28:40|
    We look at the fate of the Roman people after 1453. Many were enslaved while others searched desperately for loved ones. Those who adapted quickly to Ottoman rule could gain great wealth. While some fled to the West.
  • Episode 341 - Mehmed and Constantinople

    26:33|
    Mehmed did not make Constantinople his capital straight away. There were political, practical and psychological arguments against it. We talk about these and how the Sultan overcame them. 
  • Episode 340 - Questions XVII

    25:15|
    We look at all your questions about the siege of 1453. As well as the Palaiologan era in general.If you want to hear more about Trebizond then check out Byzansimp's Youtube series