A History of Italy

066 – Venice part 03

After addressing some listener questions on Venice, we first see Venice pass through a period of division and crisis before it finds a "saviour" in Pietro II Orsoleo who bring the city triumphantly into he new millenium.

065 – Venice part 02

After the danger of a Franish invasion passes in 810, we then follow the Venetians as they head for the new Millenium with a change of capital and facing new enemies, threats and opportunities.

064 – Venice part 01

We take another break from our chronological progress to take a look at Venice as we reach the fourth Crusade, the event that dramatically changed the maritime republic. IN this episode we go from the foundation to the Frankish attack in 810.

Crossover 2 part 2 – The fall of the Borgias

This is the second and last part of a collaboration with Assassinations Podcast on the notorious Borgia family. First Niall Cooper focuses on Lucrezia Borgia and then I follow the downfall of the short-lived dynasty.

Crossover 02 part 01 – The Rise of the Borgias

a collaboration episode with one of my favourite podcast, Assassinations Podcast. In this episode I talk about the rise of the Borgia family and Neil of Assassinations Podcast focuses on Cesare Borgia.

063 – After Legnano, the cool Crusade and the Italian one

1176 - 1204 We take a look at the aftermath of the battle of Legnano which saw the forces of the Lombard League victorious against Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Then we take a quick look at the third and fourth Crusades.

062 – The battle of Legnano

1176 Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and the Cities of the Lombard League gather their forces and clash at a small town outside of Milan, called Legnano. The battle would echo through the centuries to be remembered in Italian politics to this day.

061 – Prelude to Legnano

1166 - 1174 After the formation of the Lombard League of the communes of northern Italy a clash with Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had become almost inevitable. Both sides now started to prepare for the confrontation that would decide the future of Italy.

Crossover 01 part 02 – With “The History of the Papacy” on the Lombards

In this first ever crossover episode, we talk to Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy podcast about the Lombards. This is part 2 of 2.

Crossover 01 part 01 – With “The History of the Papacy” on the Lombards

In this first ever crossover episode, we talk to Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy podcast about the Lombards. This is part 1 of 2.