003 – Theodoric and the rise and fall of...

Episode SummaryThe 16th century didn’t start kindly for the Republic of Venice—but if history has taught us anything, it’s that Venice had a knack for bouncing back.In this episode, we follow Venice from near-collapse during the War of the League of Cambrai through its remarkable ... Show More

Here are your show notes, in the same structured style and tone as before:Show NotesLink to Trentino tour: https://voicemap.me/tour/trento/italy-s-gateway-to-europe-from-medieval-to-modern-trentoEpisode OverviewIn 1525, revolutionary ideas inspired by the Protestant Reformation s ... Show More

Episode OverviewContinuing our tour of the Italian peninsula in the early 1500s, we move north from the Kingdom of Naples, through the Papal States and Tuscany, across the Apennines, past Genoa, and into what is today the region of Piedmont.In this episode we explore the key poli ... Show More

Theodoros Doukas the leader of the Roman state of Epirus leads his people to ever greater heights in the 1220s. He captures Thessalonica and drives towards Constantinople itself. Doukas declares himself Emperor but does he have the resources necessary to reach the Hagia Sophia?Pe ... Show More

In this episode, we discuss the final two years of the Peloponnesian War (405 and 404 BC), including the comedic play "The Frogs" by Aristophanes; Lysandros' elevation to Persian satrap, his rebuilding of the Peloponnesian fleet, his tactical moves in the Hellespont, and his crus ... Show More

After the death of Tiberius's son Drusus, Praetorian Prefect Lucius Sejanus's influence grew exponentially. Sejanus was the defacto ruler of Rome from 26 AD until his fall from power 5 years later. 

Following a setback at Dyrrachium, Caesar decisively won the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. After defeating Pompey, Caesar sailed for Alexandria, where settled a civil war by placing Cleopatra on the throne. 

From 57-52 BC Caesar slowly conquered Gaul. Along the way he crossed into Germania twice and led the first Roman expedition to Britain. Finally, the last Gallic army was forced to surrender at Alesia. 

Despite Belisarius' victory at Dara in 530, dissatisfaction was growing with Justinian which would soon lead to rebellion.For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest book, The End of Antiquity, on Amazon. For German listeners, find the ... Show More

Tiberius's final years were consumed with treason trials and private licentiousness. After he died in 37 AD, the infamous Caligula ascended to the throne. 

The Greek cities of southern Italy called on King Pyrrhus of Epirus to protect them from Roman encroachment. Though Pyrrhus was undefeated in battle, his victories were so costly that he was forced to withdraw from Italy in 275 BC, leaving Rome in control of Magna Graecia. 

In 540, the Persians sacked Antioch. It was one of the greatest disasters in Roman history. But in 541, Belisarius was back from Italy. Could he now reverse the situation on the eastern front?For a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholmesauthor.comFind my latest ... Show More

Placed by her mother into a brothel when she was just a child, Theodora was born into the most brutal of worlds. It was a Constantinople riven with division, whether due to theology or circus factions it was always ready to boil over. As befitting a Christian saint, Theodora mana ... Show More