While his armies were fighting in the Balkans Manuel's diplomats and fleets were busy elsewhere.

While his armies were fighting in the Balkans Manuel's diplomats and fleets were busy elsewhere. Komnenos poured money into Italy to try and gain influence there. He considered alliances with the Germans, the Pope and the Normans but ultimately lost them all. He made war on Venice and tried to capture an Egyptian port. Period: 1161-73

Episode 242 - Manuel’s Follies

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. &nbsp; 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.

I talk to historical fiction author Gordon Doherty about his Byzantine book series 'Strategos.'

I talk to historical fiction author Gordon Doherty about his Byzantine book series 'Strategos.' We talk about inspiration and research but also what advice he'd give to aspiring writers.We also give you the chance to win a copy of the first book in the Strategos trilogy.Find out more about Gordon and his other book series (including more Roman era stories) at his <a href="https://www.gordondoherty.co.uk/home.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>.

Episode 247 - Writing Byzantine Fiction with Gordon Doherty

While I'm away on the third 'History of Byzantium' tour I thought it was time to talk to the man behind them - Şerif Yenen. 

While I'm away on the third 'History of Byzantium' tour I thought it was time to talk to the man behind them - Şerif Yenen. Şerif has been a tour guide in Istanbul for decades and has published many excellent books on the subject. He has also gone online to share his love for travel through podcasts and Youtube videos. I talk to Serif about his career and ask him listener questions about what to do and see in Turkey.Contact me if you'd like to be on the mailing list for future 'History of Byzantium' tours.Check out Şerif's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9R-f8XQt15bvf5R6y4Nrrg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Youtube channel</a> and his podcast '<a href="https://player.fm/series/3300490" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Turkish Odyssey</a>.' Or visit his <a href="https://serifyenen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> to find out more about his books, lectures and tours around Turkey.&nbsp;

Episode 246 - Travelling to Turkey with Şerif Yenen

April 2022 Update

April 2022 Update

I answer listener questions about Manuel's reign. 

I answer listener questions about Manuel's reign.&nbsp;

Episode 245 - Means and Ends

We look at the last few years of Manuel's life

Manuel deals with the aftermath of the Battle of Myriokephalon. He is left out of an Italian peace conference and must negotiate a peace of his own in Anatolia. He continues his efforts to position Byzantium as a friend of the Latins. And we look at his church and financial policies. Period: 1176-80

Episode 244 - Not Completely Unreasonable

Manuel launches a Crusade against the Turks of Iconium. 

Manuel launches a Crusade against the Turks of Iconium.&nbsp;

Episode 243 - The Battle of Myriokephalon