History in 20 Podcast: Recent Episodes
History in 20
Welcome to the History in 20 Podcast!Any historical topic is discussed within 20 minutes (or so) - so you can listen on your way to work, when you're cooking dinner, when you're mowing the lawn or if you just have a spare 20 minutes!About me: my name is Chester and I graduated with a history degree from Northumbria University in 2019. I am from North Yorkshire and live in a seaside town in North Yorkshire. Any requests - send them to historyin20@gmail.com.Thanks, and enjoy!
We heard about the Wars of the Roses from the perspective of Henry VI last time, this time we're going to focus on Edward IV - was he really a 'usurper', or did he have just as much right to the throne as Henry?
We will also discuss the legacy left behind from Edward IV, and how his death and succession plans resulted in one of the most significant twists in English history.
The Wars of the Roses ravaged England for almost three decades in the fifteenth century, causing untold amounts of devastation in one of the bloodiest civil wars in history.
In this first episode, we discuss the legacy and life of King Henry VI, who perhaps felt the effects of the Wars of the Roses more than any other contemporary king.
Looking at the title, you may well have asked yourself this exact question before - just what was the Great Schism of 1054?
Sometimes referred to as the East West Schism, the Great Schism was the formal splitting of the Eastern and Western Roman Churches.
Although it happened in the eleventh century, the repercussions can still be felt today.
Listen on to find out all there is to know about this hugely historically significant event!
Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time I had the pleasure to be joined by Brooke Warrington, all the way from Australia!
Brooke is an expert in Ancient Greek history and mythology, with a particular passion for women in Ancient Greek myth. On the contrary, I had next to no idea about Ancient Greece prior to this episode, so who better to invite on the podcast to discuss all things Ancient Greece?
If you want to find out who cursed Medusa, why you've probably not heard of a goddess who was more important than Zeus, and a woman who only appeared in one Greek myth but caused the biggest mythological war of all time and more, then you've come to the right place!
I'd once again like to place my thanks on record to Brooke for coming on to discuss this topic.
Make sure you follow her on her socials:
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time I am joined by a very special guest: Mok O'Keeffe, who you may know on social media as the Gay Aristo.
We discuss 5 key LGBTQ+ figures in history, from the often 'hapless' King Edward II of England, to Oscar Wilde, who had a darker side than you believe.
Join us as we discuss the impact these figures have had on historians and why they're still relevant in the LGBTQ+ community today.
Enjoy!
Mok's socials:
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Note: The audio when I am speaking is very poor, and unfortunately I cannot change it without re-recording the whole episode.
Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast! This time I am joined by a very special guest: Dr Carlos Conde Solares, the Programme Leader of BA History at Northumbria University.
Carlos specialises in medieval Spain, so who better to discuss one of history's most controversial figures with than an expert in the field?
I hope you enjoy this one!
Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we are looking at the 5 key battles of the Hundred Years' War.
The Hundred Years' War, which raged on for 116 years from 1337-1453 saw hundreds of thousands of people lose their lives. It was largely fought in France, between English and French forces.
Key figures emerged in this conflict, including several English kings who made a name for themselves (whether good or bad, I'll let you decide) including Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI. Similarly on the French side, monarchs including Philip II, John II and Charles VII also took part in the conflict.
Condensing 116 years down to just 5 battles in less than 20 minutes was no easy feat, but I hope you enjoy it even so!
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we're doing something a bit different, and going down the top 5 route, by looking at the Top 5 women from medieval China. 🇨🇳
A country that was shrouded in mystery for centuries still has some of the most important cultural, social and military figures of the Middle Ages - and it's about time the women had the light shone upon them!
From empresses to poets and everything in between, see how these five women impacted Chinese history in the medieval period.
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we are discussing the English Civil Wars, the bloodiest conflict on British soil. The wars saw, proportionately to population numbers at the time, the same loss of life as the First World War did three centuries later.
Over the course of the nine year conflict, Charles I was executed, Oliver Cromwell reigned as Lord Protector of England, Ireland and Scotland, and Charles II was restored to the throne, ushering in the period known as the Restoration of the Monarchy.
For almost a decade, Roundheads fought Cavaliers over who should sit on the English throne, and almost every corner of the British Isles saw some sort of fighting.
But what exactly were they fighting over? Was it a constitutional monarchy vs a republic? Or was it more to do with Catholicism vs Protestantism? Watch the video to find out!
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time I had the absolute privilege of having renowned Gold Rush and California historian and former lecturer of mine, Dr Henry Knight Lozano join me!
We discussed the Gold Rush - from what it was, where it happened, when it happened, the economic effects, the racial tensions, family life in Gold Rush California and its legacy to this day.
To buy Henry's award-winning books: https://upf.com/book.asp?id=KNIGH002
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we are discussing Salah al-din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, better known as Saladin. He was born in c. 1137 in Damascus, Syria and fought numerous campaigns in Egypt, Syria, the Crusader States and famously survived the Third Crusade, where he came up against Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) and his forces on more than one occasion.
Saladin is undoubtedly one of the most formidable military leaders in history, and I hope this podcast does him some justice.
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we're looking at a hugely influential Chinese character: Zheng He.
Born as a Muslim called Ma He in Yunnan, China in 1371, the future Zheng He grew up and served as Admiral of the Treasure Fleet under the Ming Dynasty in the early fifteenth century.
The Seven Voyages of the Treasure Fleet took Zheng and thousands of Chinese sailors across the Indian Ocean, visiting new locations for the first time, ranging from Thailand to Kenya.
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we are looking at Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most formidable rulers of the sixteenth century. His expansion of the Ottoman Empire saw it at it's largest, stretching from Algeria to Hungary and onto the fringes of Persia.
Suleiman was also a feared ruler by his contemporaries in Europe, particularly Francis I of France, Henry VIII of England, and Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor.
His reign also saw huge cultural developments within the Ottoman Empire, including languages, poetry and the a boom in Ottoman architecture.
Suleiman also won numerous battles throughout is 45 year reign, and his influence stretched across 3 continents, from Istanbul to Indonesia.
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This time we're bringing you some festive cheer, as we discuss a history of Christmas!
How did it start? Did people celebrate in winter before Jesus was born? How is a medieval Christmas different to a modern Christmas, and why does Santa dress in red and white? Find out all of this and more in this video!
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Welcome back to the channel!
Today we're discussing the top 10 medieval battles! So, why are these the top 10? And how are we ranking them? I chose these battles based on a few factors:
- their importance in history
- the after effects
- how they transformed the medieval world
Obviously this is just my opinion - and I am more than happy to know what you, the listener and viewer, thinks! So, please let me know in the comments what you think, and if there are any battles I've missed out, or any that you think shouldn't be on this list.
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
This week we are looking at Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE), King of the Macedons, Persians, Greek Emperor and all-round incredible military general.
Alexander's legacy has left behind numerous cities called Alexandria, and his trusty steed Bucephalus was by his side from the age of 12 until shortly before Alexander's death.
Conquests across the Middle East established Alexander's Empire and the early Hellenistic Period, and battles with formidable forces of the Persian (or Achaemenid) Empire under Darius III established his military prowess.
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Welcome back to the History in 20 Podcast!
Here is Part II of the Top 10 Roman Emperors, which I discussed with my good friend Tom.
Once again, any feedback is valuable, so please leave any comments below.
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It's a first here at the History in 20 Podcast, as my very good friend Tom featured on the podcast!
We put together a list of the Top 10 Roman Emperors (if you disagree with our choices, let us know in the comments!), based on a multitude of factors, ranging from economic, to militaristic, to the absolutely clinically insane.
We hope you enjoy this podcast, and many thanks to Tom for joining me on this one!
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Welcome back to the History in 20 podcast!
This time we're looking at Ivan the Terrible, who ruled as the first Tsar of Russia from 1533-84. As well as transforming Russia from a medieval state to an early modern empire, he also sacked Novgorod, set up a secret police force, and executed subjects at will. He was an exhilarating character for sure!
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This time we're discussing one of the most formidable, influential and brilliant figures of the Middle Ages: Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Born around 1122 in Poitiers, France, she went on to marry two kings (Louis VII of France and Henry II of England) and was the mother of ten children, five of whom themselves went on to become kings and queens themselves (including Richard I and King John).
Major events in Eleanor's life included the Second Crusade, the Court of Love, ruling England as Queen Regent during the Third Crusade, rebellion and imprisonment.
She truly was one of the most iconic women of the Middle Ages, and epitomised high medieval noble society.
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This time we're discussing the US Civil War (1861-65), the bloodiest conflict on US soil to date.
With big names appearing like Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, this is one not to be missed if you want to learn about American history!
Includes: Battle of Antietam, Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, Reconstruction Era.
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It's a first here at History in 20 as we look at some American history!
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 was the catalyst which brought the US into the Second World War. But why did Japan target Pearl Harbor in Hawaii - 4000 miles from their shorelines, and 2000 miles from the US? What drove them to attack Pearl Harbor in the first place? All is discussed in this video!
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This time we're discussing The Gunpowder Plot (also known as Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night). I though it was rather topical given that it's the 5th November!
The Gunpowder Plot was an English Catholic plot against the Protestant King James I (r. 1603-25) and his government. The plot ultimately failed, but the legacy it left behind has been an annual celebration in Britain every night on 5th November.
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The real-life Count Dracula!
This time we're discussing the infamous Wallachian vampire-prince, Vlad the Impaler! Ruling and terrorising Eastern Europe in the mid-fifteenth century, this legendary character led a life that few have even come close to. His notoriety as an inherently evil leader has left many in gasping in awe and even more in horror as the gruesome details of his life are revealed in this podcast!
Vlad (c.1428 - c.1477) was Voivode of Wallachia (part of modern-day Romania) and his cruelties and torturous technique of 'impaling' left a legacy behind that inspired Bram Stoker to publish Dracula in 1897.
If you're into anything spooky, mysterious, scary and even evil, then this may just be the episode for you - it's almost Halloween anyway!
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List of characters:
Basarab Laiota: a son of Dan II of Wallachia, and had five stints as Prince of Wallachia (November-December 1473, Spring 1474, September-October 1474, January 1475-November 1476, December 1476-November 1477)
Bogdan II: Prince of Moldavia (r. 1449-51), and uncle of Vlad the Impaler.
Dan III: Sometimes referred to as ‘Dan the Younger’. A pretender to the throne of Wallachia from 1456-60. Brother of Vladislav II.
John Hunyadi: Leading Hungarian military and political figure, descended from a noble Romanian family. Father of Ladislaus Hunyadi and Matthias Corvinus.
Ladislaus V: King of Hungary and Croatia (r. 1440-57), King of Bohemia (r. 1453-57).
Ladislaus Hunyadi: Eldest son of John Hunyadi, and a Hungarian nobleman. Older brother of Matthias Corvinus.
Matthias Corvinus: Also known as Matthias I. King of Hungary and Croatia (r. 1458-90), King of Bohemia (r. 1469-90), Duke of Austria (r. 1487-90). Youngest son of John Hunyadi and younger brother of Ladislaus Hunyadi.
Mehmed II: Also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, he was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1444-46, then again from 1451-81.
Murad II: Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1421-44 and then again from 1446-51. Vlad the Impaler was sent to his court and abused there as an adolescent.
Stephen III of Moldavia: Also known as Stephen the Great and later canonised as a Romanian Saint, he was the Voivode (Prince) of Moldavia from 1457-1504. He was a cousin of Vlad the Impaler. He was the son of Bogdan II.
Vlad II Dracul: Vlad the Impaler’s father. Also known as Vlad the Dragon. He was Voivode of Wallachia from 1436-42, and again from 1443-47.
Vlad the Impaler: Our main man! Also known more officially as Vlad III, or Vlad Dracula, he was the son of Vlad II and Voivode of Wallachia. The inspiration behind Dracula for his abhorrent cruelty to citizens and strangers alike.
Vladislav II: Voivode of Wallachia (r. 1447-48, 1448-56). Rumoured assassin of Vlad II Dracul and placed on the throne by John Hunyadi. Killed by Vlad the Impaler. Brother of Dan III.
This time we're looking at the life and legacy of one of Europe's most formidable characters: Attila the Hun!
With an Empire stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, and from Germany to the Central Asian steppes, Attila spread fear throughout Europe wherever he went with his infamous horsemen. A life fuelled by warfare and conquering, he humiliated the Eastern Roman Empire twice, before being one 'discussion' away from taking Rome.
Some great characters are mentioned this time, including Pope Leo I, Alaric, Theodosius I and Aetius, the Roman Emperor at the time of the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains in 451.
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Today we discuss the Thirty Years War, which ravaged Europe from 1618 to 1648. Major characters emerged (and some died) during the conflict, including: the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II; Frederick V of Bohemia; King Louis XIII of France and his advisor Cardinal Richelieu; Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden; and Christian IV of Denmark.
Initially starting out as a war of religion, the conflict descended into banditry, chaos and turmoil across the continent. Over 20% of the German-speaking population was killed, and estimates of 8 million deaths were recorded.
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Today we're discussing Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor.
Just how did this man from eighth-century France inspire indie band Blossoms to write a song about him in the 21st century? From Aachen to Adrian I, from Lombardy to Leo III, and from Alcuin of York to Irene of Byzantium - this has it all!
Expect to hear about conquests, courtly life, culture, religion, and everything in between!
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Today we're looking at the life and reign of Genghis Khan (c.1162-1227) in less than 20 minutes!
Coming from a small clan in mountainous northern Mongolia, to creating the world's largest-ever land empire was all in a lifetime's work for this mighty military leader.
Revered by some, feared by most, and respected by all: this is the story of Genghis Khan.
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In this special request, I discuss the Black Death (1346-53), Europe's worst natural disaster in recorded human history.
Topics discussed include the Plague of Justinian (541-42), the social, economic and religious responses to the Black Death, and contemporaries' views at the time. Enjoy!
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Episode 1 of the History in 20 Podcast!
This episode is Part I of the Plantagenets Mini-Series, and covers the reigns of Henry II (1154-89) and Richard I (1189-99). It's just a brief overview of their reigns, and will hopefully be a good introduction to anyone interested in the topic!
Henry II (r. 1154-89) was the first of the Plantagenets, and is typically viewed as one of England's most successful monarchs. He expanded England's empire, and with continuous wars with France, gained lots of territory in his first years as king. However, Henry II's reign is often tainted with his involvement in the Thomas Becket scandal of 1170.
In 1199, Henry II's son, Richard I (r. 1189-99) ascended the throne. Most often known as Richard the Lionheart for his involvement in the Third Crusade, Richard was much more of a crusader king than an English monarch: of his ten year reign, he only spent six months of it in England. A reign involving imprisonment, disease and conquering Europe en route to the Holy Land, it is not hard to see why Richard I is so often romanticised in literature and film.
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In the second part of the Plantagenets Mini-Series, we will be looking at King John (r. 1199-1216) and Henry III (r. 1216-72).
Often seen as a tyrant, King John (r. 1199-1216) is one of the most infamous names in English history. Most prominently known for aggravating his barons and eventually being forced to sign Magna Carta, his reign differed greatly from his predecessor's and his successor's.
John's son, Henry III (r. 1216-72), took to the throne in 1216, and stayed there for another 56 years. His reign was the longest of the Plantagenets, but surprisingly little is known about him. There are some stand-out events, such as his disagreements with Simon de Montfort, the construction of Westminster Abbey, and the construction of London's first zoo, and as a general rule, it seems that Henry was simply a case of the right man at the right time.
A reminder of who's who (so far!) in the Plantagenet family tree:
Henry II (1154-89)
Richard I (1189-99)
John (1199-1216)
Henry III (1216-72)
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The final instalment in the Plantagenets Mini-Series!
Edward III (r. 1327-77), often regarded as one of England's best kings, followed in the footsteps of his grandfather (Edward I) rather than his father (Edward II) during his kingship. Edward saw five decades in his reign, and everything from war with France, war with Scotland and even the infamous Black Death. To come through all of this unscathed demonstrates why he is, without a doubt, one of England's finest monarchs.
On the other hand, his grandson and successor Richard II (r. 1377-99) had a less successful reign. Although from the outset his reign initially seemed positive, his response to the Peasants' Revolt tainted his reign for the remainder of his time on the throne. A selfish, manipulative, greedy king, Richard II unfortunately saw out the end of the Plantagenet Dynasty after almost 150 years of rule by starving to death as a prisoner at the hands of his own cousin.
Some quick reminders of who is who in the Plantagenet Dynasty!
Henry II (1154-89)
Richard I (1189-99)
John (1199-1216)
Henry III (1216-72)
Edward I (1272-1307)
Edward II (1307-27)
Edward III (1327-77)
Richard II (1377-99)
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The third part of the Plantagenets Mini-Series! Apologies for the length of this video, I tried to cut down a few times but this was about as short as I could get it. Back to 20 minutes next time (hopefully!).
This time we look at the beginning of the Edwardian period of the Middle Ages, starting with Edward I (r. 1272-1307) and Edward II (r. 1307-27). Although they were father and son, they were very different people and very different rulers. Edward I, better known as 'Longshanks' was a fierce warrior king, known also as 'Hammer of the Scots', while Edward II was rumoured to be homosexual, and labelled as weak and ineffective.
Key events that we will look at in this episode include: the Welsh rebellions of 1277 and 1282; the Battle of Falkirk (1298); the rise of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce; the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), and the rule of England under Isabella and Roger Mortimer.
Feel free to let me know in the comments section what you think. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button!
A reminder of who's who (so far!) in the Plantagenet family tree!
Henry II (1154-89)
Richard I (1189-99)
John (1199-1216)
Henry III (1216-72)
Edward I (1272-1307)
Edward II (1307-27)
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