An update on the schedule of the podcast

Hello everyone, This is a short update about the podcast and the likely schedule for the next few months. The main takeaways are: - The narrative will resume around Spring 2021 - In the meantime I will be producing bonus episodes and videos from Istanbul. As well as doing work for my Dad and taking a little time out for my mental health. - At least two more free episodes about Alexios will be coming soon. Including a Q&A about his reign and the Crusades so do send your questions in. You can comment on the thread below. Thanks for your support and understanding, Robin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 222 - The Good Helmsman

Alexios tries to forge a coalition against Antioch but has to abandon his plans when Anatolia comes calling again. The Emperor leaves this world frustrated by his failure to outmanoeuvre the Normans but his record in office is impressive nonetheless. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 221 - The Triptych

Bohemond heads back to Western Europe to recruit a new army. He leads them back to the Balkans to capture Dyrrhachium but Alexios is waiting for him. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 220 - The Crusade of 1101

More armed pilgrims arrive at Constantinople in the wake of the fall of Jerusalem. Alexios advises them to avoid the Turks of Anatolia but they ignore him. Meanwhile Alexios' attempts to put pressure on Antioch are thwarted by Bohemond's nephew Tancred. Finally we return to Constantinople to check in with the Komnenian regime and watch a man get burnt to death. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 219 - A Spectacular Interruption or Jerusalem is now available

It's the end of the First Crusade and this episode is for sale. Either at the website or at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofbyzantium See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 218 - The Siege of Antioch

The Crusaders set up a siege of Antioch. The vast size of the city makes it impossible to fully encircle. What follows is a battle of attrition as the Crusaders wait for the Turkic garrison to make a mistake and the garrison await reinforcements. Meanwhile Alexios makes his way to the centre of the Anatolian plateau to consolidate the return of Byzantine power. He also awaits news from Antioch. Time Stamps - each section is broken up by our drum sound effect 00.00-03.05 Introduction 03.06-08.47 Why did the Crusaders have to capture Antioch? 08.48-14.22 Baldwin at Edessa 14.23-17.14 The political fragmentation of Syria 17.15-27.35 The geography of Antioch 27.36-33.52 Early stages of the siege 33.53-46.35 Winter stalemate. Suffering and desertions. Bohemond and Robert of Flanders drive off forces from Damascus 46.36-54.42 Victory over the forces of Aleppo 54.43-62.18 More fully surrounding the city 62.19-77.09 Antioch falls 77.10-84.24 The Crusaders besieged. Kerbogah attacks from the Citadel 84.25-87.46 Desperation and talk of surrender 87.47-92.03 Alexios goes home 92.04-100.19 The final battle 100.19-107.00 Conclusion See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 217 - Diverging Paths

The Byzantines recover the West Coast of Anatolia while the Crusaders cross the plateau. As they travel the Westerners begin dropping like flies and come to hate the land they've come to liberate. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 216 - The Battle of Dorylaeum

The Crusaders march out from Nicaea on their way to Antioch. First stop is at Dorylaeum on the Anatolian plateau. But the forces of Kilij Arslan are lying in wait. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Final reminder about the Intelligent Speech Conference

This is your final reminder about the Intelligent Speech Conference taking place this Saturday 27th June. I'll be taking part in two sessions and if you want to be there go to https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/ to get tickets See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 215 - The Siege of Nicaea

Alexios directs the Crusaders to Nicaea where they set up a siege. Behind the scenes though the Emperor was busy negotiating with the city's garrison. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.