Stay ConnectedThe show, released in weekly 15/20 minute episodes, covers the history of the Italian peninsula from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, through the unification of Italy in 1861 to the present day.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Copyright: © Copyright Mike Corradi
We follow the life of mystic, prophet and monk, Gerolamo Savonarola, who came to have a great moral influence over Florence, particularly after the expulsion of the Medici. His increasing fiery denunciation of the immorality of the Florentines and then the church and pope Alexander VI made him more and more enemies, ready to pounce on him the moment his popularity waned.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In our constant tour around Italy we go and have a general visit with 14th and 15th century Genoa to catch up on all their wars with Venice and the Aragonese as well as all the internal infighting between the various Doria, Spinola, Fieschi, Grimaldi and Campofregaso for which external rulers are constantly called in, the, Anjou, Milan, France, Monferrato, milan again and so on.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a break from our narrative of the history of Fascism to talk about the definition of Totalitarianism with Jackson Van Uden. Jackson is a Historian, Author and Podcaster. He hosts the History with Jackson YouTube channel and Podcast where he speaks about History from across the ages, and interviews historians about their research. As an author he has written several articles on a variety of different topics and has also recently published a book entitled the ’The Crystallisation of Totalitarianism’.
https://historywithjackson.co.uk
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Filippo Maria Visconti becomes sole ruler of the duchy of Milan after the assassination of his brother, Giovanni Maria. At first he manages to consolidate the crumbling duchy and set thing son the right path, but with the 1420’s, things get hectic and the Duke’s content plotting and intrigue may complicate things for him as the wars of Lombardy kick off, with Milan, Venice and Florence accompanied by a series of guest starts such as Naples, and Savoy, all the way to the end of the Visconti dynasty.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After the untimely death of the first duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the duchy is thrown into turmoil as the widow, Caterina Visconti attempts to hold onto the realm of her sons, Giovanni Maria and Filippo Maria through internal intrigue and external military pressure from Florence, Venice and many others trying to take advantage of Milan’s moment of weakness.
Link to our sponsor:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We follow the life and times of Giovanni di Bicci De Medici, shrewd banker and able politician as he navigates the complicated waters of early 15th century Florentine politics as the republic prepares to kick of an age of unprecedented cultural renewal: the Renaissance
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
To celebrate our 4th anniversary we have a couple of announcements and a special guest episode:
First of all, we are launching a new 21 episode podcast: “The K-Rock Chelsea Hotel” all about one of the most important icons of popular counter culture: the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan, NY, with episodes on Edith Piaf, Janis Joplin, Edie Sedgwick, Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and many many more
Then, we are very pleased to announce (supposedly) reaching 1 million global listens!
Finally, the guest episode Mike did on “The History of England podcast” in which he and David spoke about 14th century Italy around the time of the mercenary adventurer John Hawkwood
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
For those who didn’t manage to update the previous version:
In this episode we follow the last part of the life of St Catherine of Siena as her fame and influence grows to International levels and she deals with princes and popes alike, going through the war of the eight saints, the Ciompi revolt and the Great Western Schism, all the while battling against her own body.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Just to wish you a Merry Christmas, happy Kwanza, Sol Invictus, Saturnalia, to hope you had a good Diwali or Hanukah and in general to wish you a merry whatever this period is for you, even if it’s nothing at all.
We come bearing audio gifts!
AUGURI!
Link to the Rainbow house project:
Link to the Libera antimafia association:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this episode we follow the last part of the life of St Catherine of Siena as her fame and influence grows to International levels and she deals with princes and popes alike, going through the war of the eight saints, the Ciompi revolt and the Great Western Schism, all the while battling against her own body.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We look at the early life of Catherine of Siena (Caterina da Siena) as she has her first visions and sets off at a very young age open her life as a mystic, religious and political activist in mid 14th century
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Florence searches desperately to find support to resit the seemingly unstoppable expansion of the newly formed Duchy of Milan. Will they manage? Or will Gian Galeazzo Visconti complete his vision of including Florence in his dominions.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how the power-sharing solution for the government of Milan comes crashing down with power once again in the hands of a single man: Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who, after inheriting the holdings of his father and uncle, will create a Duchy that will last for centuries.
Meanwhile we also try and keep up with Florence and the other Tuscan cities as well as those of Piedmont Lombardi and Veneto as they do their best to counter the expansion of the new Duchy.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
To celebrate reaching episode 125, we have a special episode with questions from our wonderful listeners.
We get to talk about Latin, Lombards, Normans, noble houses, strange surnames, the mafia, fascism and much, much more.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After seeing the gruesome spectacle of the plague in Florence through the eyes of Giovani bocaccio we follow the rising tension in the city and all over Tuscany that would eventually erupt in the rebellion known as the “Revolt of the Ciompi”.
In the meantime, Florence also finds time to participate in the war of the eight Saints. Lots of fun in the 14th century for Tuscany!
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After following Florence and Tuscany through a mini golden age from the 1280’s to the 1330’s we see things really start to go downhill with social tensions between the Arti Maggiori, the greater guilds, and the arti minori, the lesser guilds, exacerbated also by the very brief dominion over Florence by Walter of Brienne.
We then take a brief look at the life of Giovani bocaccio and see the plague through his eyes with his great work the Decameron.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this special Halloween episode we explore the castle of Bardi in the Apennines of Parma. The ghost is supposedly that of Moroello, the captain of the castle garrison who is said to have died along with his beloved Soleste in the late 15th century.
We also take some time to explore the history of the castle and finally propose our own A History of Italy style alternative ending.
Here is the link to some of the photos taken in 1995:
The link to the video:
Link to the Instagram page of Domenico Barletta, author of “Soleste e Moroello”:
https://www.instagram.com/domenico_barletta.nico75/?utm_medium=copy_link
Link to music:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a very quick look back at the region of Tuscany and bring it up to 1302 when we last visited in the time of Dante to see how Florence gradually became the predominant force in the area. We see how things went with the Guelphs and Ghibellines inside and outside the region with all the “international” players while all the while the corporations make their way into the halls of power.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
I’m very sorry but I am updating my tracking system. As an apology: a free episode of one of the features you can find on Patreon, NewsCappuccino, enjoy!
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After following the impressive, almost invincible rise of warlord Braccio da Montone, we see the final chapter of his story: will he rise to even greater glory and perhaps cut out a kingdom in central Italy for himself or will it all come crashing down? Will the newly elected Pope Martin the fifth manage to set up a coalition strong enough to beat this great soldier?
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this second part three professional soldier and adventurer Braccio da Montone we see how he founded his own company which gained great success, earning a reputation for being invincible. We see how he fought in central Italy and got involved with the kingdom of Naples and some schism papal politics all the while keeping his eye on his greatest desire: the city of Perugia.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at the early life of the adventurer and sword for hire Andrea Fortebraccio, known as Braccio da Montone. We see his exile from his native Perugia followed by his service for the Montefeltro of Urbino as they battle the Malatesta of Rimini and then the famous Alderigo da Barbiano of the company of Saint George, all the while taking a tour of the papal states during the Great Wester Schism.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see the rather naughty and turbulent reign of Joanna II of Naples. Did she really deserve the nickname “the insatiable” or even “the mad”? Or was it just bad press?
After that we finally see the church get their act together and heal the Wester schism.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Quick update to try and get back on schedule and make a call for questions for a Q and A episode.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this first of two parts of “The Italian Citizenship” podcast on important milestones we look at some important dates for Italian citizenship during the kingdom of Italy: 1861, 1912, 1922 and give some background to what was going on in those periods.
In the next episode we will be looking at the period of the Republic starting from 1946.
Take a look at the Italian Citizenship podcast site:
The Italian Citizenship Podcast
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how Sicily loses its independence to the Spanish and then cross over to the mainland to see how king Ladislaus of Naples gets some big ideas on expanding his kingdom.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this very special crossover episode, we got the chance to host an episode on the podcast of one of our all-time heroes, David Crowther of “The History of England”.
In this episode we talk about operation “tombola”, the allied and partisan attack on a strategic Nazi position in a small town in Northern Italy.
Here is the link to our generous sponsor:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Repost: We first do a bit of catching up with Sardinia in the 14th century, which was marked by the continued attempt by the Aragonese to take over all of the island with only the Judicate of Arborea, initially an ally of the Spanish, surviving the conquest to become a symbol and rallying point for Sardinjian independence.
The most famous symbol of said independence was Eleonora of Arborea, who ruled from 1383 to 1403 and went down in history not only for her proud resistance to the Spanish, but also for her contribution to the Carta de Logu, the “Bill of rights” of the Sardinian people that was used for four centuries after her death.
Have a look at our sponsor website:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In honour of Italy’s splendid performance in the EURO cup, a taste on what you can hear on Patreon about the content of the Italian national anthem: the battle of Legnano, Scipio Africanus, the Sicilian Vespers and making fun go Austria.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In the second episode of Fascism 100, the series on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Fascist party, we look at the life of Benito Andrea Amilcare Mussolini from his birth on 29th July 1883 to 1921 when the first Fascist delegates were elected to the Italian parliament.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After an attempt at legalising prostitution, the Dolphin doge cannot quite manage to fight off a Hungarian threat, then things with Genoa get so heated over the possession of Eastern Mediterranean islands that Venice stares destruction in the face with enemies at the gates and even in the lagoon.
Take a look at our friendly sponsor:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
A repeat episode on the vote that changed Italian History, abolishing the Monarchy and creating the Italian Republic on 2nd June 1946, with all the complications and tensions leading up to and following the vote.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We catch Venice up to the mid 14th century following storms, floods earthquakes, plagues and all other kinds of lovely things.
Then we see a trattori doge, a big nose and a dolphin ruler. All this while trying keep up the struggle against the Genoese and Turks at sea as well as the Hungarians on land, tough times for Venice indeed.
Click through to our sponsor’s page:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
One of the Mafia’s most dangerous foes was killed on 23rd May 1992. Anti.Mafia investigative magistrate Giovanni Falcone was responsible for putting hundreds of mafiosi behind bars and his investigation into a tender fixing operation expanded into one of the largest mafia trials in Italian history. His later work at the ministry of the interior led to some of the toughest anti-mafia legislation ever passed.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We follow the joint rule of Galeazzo and Bernabò Visconti as they continue to struggle to expand and consolidate the power of Milan and they set the foundation of a dynasty and a Duchy.
We also see how, following the death of Pope Gregory XI, the election of two rival popes, Urban VI and Clement VII gives rise to the Great Western Schism.
Click through to our sponsor’s website:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
in this first episode of the mini series we explore the meaning of fascism, with particular reference to the Italian experience up until the death of Benito Mussolini in 1945.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In May 1921 Benito Mussolini’s paramilitary fascist groups gained the first seats in the Italian parliament, a crowning moment after the foundation of the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919.
later that same year the Italian fascist party would see its official foundation. In October of the following year Mussolini would take power with the March on Rome, marking the start of over 20 years of fascist domination which would take the country to the brink of ruin.
in the 100th year anniversary of those events, we feel that there are still many lessons to be learned from the rise and fall of Italian fascism, especially due to some of the very worrying signs of neofascist activity on the current geopolitical scene.
To join us on our journey follow the “fascism 100” miniseries starting May 2021.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
On the 9th of May 1978 the body of the President of the Christian Democrat party Aldo Moro was found in the boot of a Renault 4 in via Caetani, halfway between the headquarters of his own Christian Democrat party and the Italian Communist party. He had been a prisoner of the far left terrorist organisation, the red brigades, since his kidnapping and the assassination of his police escort 55 days before on the 16th of March.
Moro’s assassination ended his life, but it did not put an end to the attempt to discover the truth about that dark chapter of Italian history and all the attempts to mislead the investigations in an affair that may have potentially involved high-ranking members of the Armed Forces, the Italian Secret Service, the infamous P2 Masonic Lodge and possibly even the United States government and the CIA.
with our guest, Lorenzo Paluan, we try to untangle some of the complicated threads of one of the most memorable events in modern Italian history.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After spending so much time gallivanting around town in the kingdom of Naples and the Papal states, it’s time to head back up north to Milan to see what’s going on. We get there in time to see the passing of Azzone visconti and the new role of Archbishop Giovanni and his brother Luchino, under whom the remains of communal Milan are definitively eliminated and the dynastic Signoria of the Visconti is consolidated, ready to become a great Duchy.
Our sponsor for the episode:
Shout out to the History of England:
Home
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Just a quick update to apologise for the delay in getting the episode out this week, hopefully next week we should be back on track. However I may need in this period to switch to a two episode a month schedule due to a busy work and house period.
I would like to take the opportunity to remind you to get your ticket for the intelligent speech conference which I will be speaking at. The conference will be on the 24th of April starting at 10 am Eastern USA time and 3 pm London time. You can get your tickets at the following link and be sure to use the code “Italy” when checking out.
https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/
Also, remember to vote for a history of Italy at the Premio Italia Medioevale, in the multimedia category.
http://www.italiamedievale.org/portale/premio-italia-medievale/
THANK YOU!
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We follow Queen Joanna of Naples as she goes through three more husbands, ever searching for the right one, but getting ambitious power grabbing insensitive men or total nut jobs until she finally settles on the one who will see her to her end. Meanwhile she will guide the kingdom of Naples through the Sicilian question, rebellions, the plague, warring bandits and the great Western schism.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We went ahead and our narrative quite a bit to have a chat with Mark Vinet of the “History of North America” podcast about the Explorer Christopher Columbus and his relationship and history with his native city of Genoa.
We talked about the location, foundation, history and geography of the city and the traces that we can find of the Explorer to this day as well as talking a bit about Genoa in the 21st-century.
Another great opportunity to have a chat with a fellow podcast about the topics our podcasts have in common.
Here is his YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI-nbsazUhpCqdhH-g9j_vQ
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We had a great chat with Jennifer Anton, author of the novel “Under the Light of the Italian Moon”. Here is what the book is about:
A promise keeps them apart until WW2 threatens to destroy their love forever. Fonzaso Italy, between two wars. Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave. When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother. As Mussolini’s fascists throw the country into chaos and Hitler’s Nazis terrorise their town, each day becomes a struggle to survive greater atrocities. A future with Pietro seems impossible when they lose contact and Nina’s dreams of a life together are threatened by Nazi occupation and an enemy she must face alone… Gripping historical fiction based on a true story and heartbreaking real events. Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII.
For more info, see Jennifer’s website:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
The Intelligent Speech Conference is back!
Little old me will be speaking alongside such podcasting greats as David Crowther, Benjamin Jacobs, Liz Covart, Steve Guerra, Bry and Fry of Pontifacts, Marco Capelli and many more!
head over to:
https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/product/intelligent-speech-spring-2021/
to get your early bird tickets!
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We follow the rise to the throne of Joanna of Naples, from her marriage at a young age to Andrew. son of the Angevine king of Hungary to her coronation as a teenager after the death of her grandfather Robert of Naples. We will see how her joyful, lively character clashed with that of her husband as complications rose in the kingdom around them, reaching dire consequqnces.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After seeing the rise of Nicola di Rienzo Gabrini to become ruler of Rome in the name of the pope, we see how power goes to his head, turning him into a despot who would found a new Roman Empire. He is driven out of the city, but is then sent back 5 years later to attempt to save the city again, this time with rather dire consequences for him.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at what was happening in Rome while the popes were off in Avignon. We quickly see how Clement V dealt with the movement of Fra Dolcino (spoiler: violently) and then how John XXII and his successor, Gregory XII did. We then introduce Clement VI just in time for him to receive a delegation from Rome headed by a charistmatic, handsome young notary called Cola di Rienzo who, with the support of papal authority, got back to Rome and managed to put himself in the driver’s seat quite quickly, even overcoming the resistance of the Roman noble families… for now.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
While waiting to get back on track with the regular podcast (back soon), we take the opportunity to update you on history in the making: the current mid-pandemic government crisis
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Hello dear friends and listeners,
A History of Italy has been nominated in the Multimedia category in the Premio Italia Medioevale, so NOW IS THE TIME TO VOTE!
Please take a moment to go to the following link and vote “3” in the multimedia category. Unfortunately you have to vote for all categories, but you can do that randomly.
http://www.italiamedievale.org/portale/premio-italia-medievale
THANK YOU! GRAZIE!
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how Mastino Della Scala of Verona continues with his father Cangrande’s expansionist policy taking over neighbouring cities in northern Italy. This starts to get on the nerves of some of the bigger players, such as Florence, Venice and Milan who end up forming a coalition against the Della Scala. The coalition wins out and in the aftermath, although the Della Scala are not completely done for, their hopes for expansion are and Milan Florence and Venice can get to consolidating their external and internal situations.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
While everyone (the Pope, the king of France, Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence etc.) is manoeuvring in northern Italy along comes an unexpected king, John of Luxembourg, king of Bohemia. Will he be able to unite the northern cities?
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We follow the descent into Italy of Holy Roman Emperor Luis IV to visit with the Visconti in Milan, the Dalla Scala in Verona, the Este of Ferrara, the Castracani in Lucca and the Gonzaga in Mantua. At the same time we see the struggle between emperor and pope and get a reminder fo the situation in Naples and Sicily.
Here is the link to the feed spot top 25 list:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at the 1325 battle of Zappolino between Modena and her Ghibelline allies and Bologna and her Guelph ones and how, after one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the Iyaian middle ages, the Modenese cam home with a bucket (and heaps of cash).
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After a quick recap of what was going on around Italy in 1323, we get to the Aragonese invasion of Sardinia that put a definitive end to the presence of the Republic of Pisa on the island leaving the Judicate of Arborea as the last of the old four Judicates surrounded by the new “Kingdom of Sardinia”
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
It’s about time we stop ignoring poor old Genoa up in the top left-hand corner of the country and bring her up-to-date. We take a really quick race from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to Genoa in the 14th century: it’s battles against Saracens, Pisans and Venitians as it fights to assert itself as a powerful maritime republic.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We go back to one of our favorite destinations: Venice, which we last left at the start of the 13th century to bring the maritime republic up to the 14th. We see some crazy laws as the republic move more and more to an oligarchy and has bit of trouble as the 14th starts up, especially with the pope.
The sketches are also back in this episode.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After 100 episodes you might want a general overview of the story so far, from 476 – 1310: The emperors, the naughty popes and who got a sword stuck in which orifice. All of the things you may have forgotten in this over one hour episode that sums up the first 800+ years of “A History of Italy”.
Available ad-free to Patreon supporters and those who make a recommended $5.00 donation on Paypal.
Head over to our Patreon page or get in touch to get a hold of the episode!
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We chat to Italian TV presenter, comedian and podcaster Sim Salis about his experience growing up and working in comedy in the Berlusconi years as well as the value of comedy not only in resistance to oppression, but also as a precious tool for conflict resolution.
Check out his website:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
As we really dig into the 14th century, we look at an overview of the different ways in which the communes turned into the signorie, cities and groups of cities ruled over by a single hereditary ruler.
The website mentioned in the episode RESCI, the catalogue of the signorie in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries can be found here:
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We go back over around 50 years from the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II to beyond 1300 to retrace the steps of the kingdom of Sicily, the war of the Sicilian Vespers, the northern communes and maritime republics as well as looking over at Sardinia and keeping an eye as always on the papacy.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We arrive at the third and last Berlusconi government (so far) from 2008 to 2011 and his downfall under the onslaught of the EU, economic crisis, legal trouble and Bunga Bunga.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this second part of our review of Wondery’s “Bunga Bunga” podcast and our memories of the Berlusconi era, we look at the 2001 – 2006 legislation, lead by Berlusconi and the longest lasting in Italian republican history
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Following the publication of Wondery’s excellent “Bunga Bunga” podcast, with co-host and legal expert Matteo Marconi we review the show and look back on our own experience of the Berlusconi era. In this episode his first government experience in 1994.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
For our 100th episode we have the wishes from fellow podcasters and an interview with Mike Duncan, creator of the History of Rome, Revolutions and the book “The Storm Before the Storm”. We also have an interview with one of the starts of the A History of Italy sketches.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Matte Visconti tries to pass power to his son Galeazzo, who ends up making a mess and losing the city to the Della Torre for almost a decade before would-be Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII come sto Milan and puts the Visconti back in power for the next few centuries, despite their own best efforts to do each other in. We also see some rather annoyed popes and of course a battle with Italians on both sides as usual.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see the rise of the Visconti family in Milan as they battle the power of the Della Torre for control over the city and subsequently much of Northern Italy. First however, I take a personal look at my relationship with Milan and tell the story of how my mother was an unwitting baby sitter to the Mafia.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
The life of Padre Pino Puglisi, who went against the mafia with his faith, his words and culture, to give the citizens of his city schools, homes all the elements that are fundamental rights, stolen by the Mafia and then handed out as favours.
We trace his story from the start of his work to his murder on 15th September 1993 on the day of his birthday.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We have a look at the opus magna of Dante Alighieri, the Divine Comedy, before seeing him off to the end of his days and beyond, with the adventures of his corpse
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
On 3rd September, the anniversary of his death, we look at the struggle against organised crime of Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, general of the Italian Carabinieri police force who dedicated his life to the fight against terrorism and the Sicilian Mafia. From his early days in Corleone to his last experience in Palermo, we follow the steps of an anti-mafia hero.
To donate to the Anti-mafia “Libera” association go to: Donate to Libera
To have a look at their online store go to: Libera shop
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We are going to take a look at some of the brave men and women who have given their lives to fight organised crime in Italy. known as “Le Mafie”, the mafias, which include Cosa Nostra, the ‘Ndrangheta, the Stidda, the Sacra Corona Unita and the Camorra. On the anniversary of their deaths, we will look at the lives and struggle of people such as General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, Peppino Impastato, Pio La Torre, Giovanni Falcone, Paolo Borsellino and Don Pino Puglisi just to nae a few.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After definitively defeating the Ghibellines, the Florentine Guelphs need new enemies so they split into White and Black Guelphs, catching Dante Alighieri, who had entered politics just a few years before, in a crossfire that will have dire consequences. On a literary level, he starts to get the idea of a sort od mid life crisis travel book…
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
A short presentation of the show
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We start to take a look at the life and times of the great poet Dante Alighieri, taking the opportunity to look more closely at the history of his city, Florence.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how the descent of Emperor Henry VII reignites the conflict between Frederick of Sicily and the new king of Naples, Robert. The animosity will last as long as the two men live.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
The papacy, under Clement V heads off for its long exile to Avignone and then Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII tries to move back the clock on the Italian scene.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Boniface VIII crushes the internal opposition of the Colonna, organises the first Jubilee, dabble in Italian politics including Florence and then clashes once again with Philipp IV of France, which seals his fate.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We go back to the abdication of pope Celestine V in 1295 and see the rise to power of one of the most controverstial popes in history, Boniface VIII in this first of two episodes on the man and his time.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Before finally getting on to the 14th century, we see how the end of the 13th marked the beginning of the end of the Sardinian Judicates, before of course going back to look at what they actually were.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We use the life, and gruesome death, of count Ugolino Della Gherardesca and the politics of late 13th century Pisa as an example of the general situation in the communes as well as touching on Sardinia.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Before saying goodbye to the 13th century, we take a quick tour of the peninsula to tie up some loose ends, such as the maritime republics, Piedmont and the situation with the communes.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Marco Polo finally leaves on his great voyage which will take him to the ends of the known earth to meet a whole series of different cultures to then come back to Venice and live though one of the republic’s most dangerous moments
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In this first episode on the 13th century explorer Marco Polo we look at some background on Venice at his time and his family as well as introducing the figure of the Great Khan Kublai.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
A special episode for the 75th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi and Fascist occupation
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
A special episode for the 75th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi and Fascist occupation
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
The War of the Italian Vespers gets quite confusing, but in the end finally leads to the Peace of Calbelotta in 1302 in which the island of Sicily is separated from the rest of the kingdom.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After the Sicilian rebellion of the Vespers, Charles of Anjou lays siege to the city of Messina to start putting down the rebellion. The Sicilians turn to Pater of Aragon to help them and, thank to his excellent admiral Ruggiero di LAuria, he does just that. Before the war escalates, Charles tries to solve thinks in a gentlemanly way with a duel that end up in rather dd way, not many years before almost all the protagonists of this part of our story kick the bucket tin the same year.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Before going into the war of the Italian Vespers, we get some help from David Cot of “The History of Spain” podcast to bring us u to date on the kingdom of Aragon and Peter III and his sons.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After defeating and beheading Corradino, the last obstacle between him and the throne of the kingdom of Sicily, Charles of Anjou settles down to govern his new kingdom… and make a mess if it, to the point that the island of Sicily rises up in one of the most important popular and successful rebellion in medical history, the Sicilian Vespers.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look back at the negotiation and the dealings that brought Charles of Anjou into Italy. Then Marco Cappelli tells us about the last stand of Conradine of Hohenstauen at the battle that took place near Marco’s home town Tagliacozzo.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at what happened to the sons of Frederick II, Conrad, Henry and Manfredi. In the case of Manfredi we see his rise to influence over almost all of Italy before it all came crashing down with the invasion of Charles of Anjou.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We start taking a look at how things progressed after the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, starting with his son Enzo, who fell prisoner to the Coomune of Bologna, giving rise to a whole series of legends
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at some of the factors that made the 13th century the golden age of the communes such as trade and finance as the consular communes transformed into popular communes with early signs of the coming era of the “signorie” loomed.
In this episode’s sketch, we hear about some of the investing forms of insurance we managed to come up with,
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at how our communes are evolving in the 13th century with the whole messy Guelphs and Ghibellines business and have a look at the legend of how the factions were formed in Florence with the tragic tale of Buondelmonte dei Buondelmonti, a real soap opera, Florentine style.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We stop for our usual recap to look back over episodes 051 to 076 going from the Concordat of Worms in 1122 to the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1250, with a look at the rise of the Commune city states and the maritime republics, Venice in particular.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We look at the life and ideas of one of the most famous and influential figures in religious and non religious history, a young man who deemed of being a great soldier, who became one of the greatest champions of peace.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Just a quick note to apologise for the delay with the episode, say a few thank-you’s and…
Launch the quote competition!
Send in your favourite quote, passage or moment from “A History of Italy” that you think would look good along with the logo on a t-shirt, mug, cap and so on.
The best entries will receive the resulting merchandise.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a break to look at the increase in heretical ideas and movements in the 12th and 13th centuries such as the Cathars and Waldensians and how the church decided to deal with the rising tide of critical opposition to it.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II to its end as he faces off with Gregory IX and then Innocent IV, all the while dealing with the ever rebellious communes of northern Italy in their continuous struggle between pro-imperial Ghibellines and pro-papal Guelphs, up to the Battle of Parma in 1247.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a moment to look more into the private life of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and see how his court, as well as seeing a little naughtiness going on, was a cradle of culture and science. We then deal with a rebellion by his first born son Henry before we see a rematch of Empire vs Lombard League.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After his coronation as Holy Roman Emperor in 1220, Frederick II has to first consolidate the south, facing the Muslim rebellion and then deal with the insistence of the popes for a new Crusade, an issue he will find a completely unprecedented solution for.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
This is the special Christmas episode of NewsCappuccino, a feature available to Patreon supporters, offered to all listeners as a Christmas present.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see the early life of Frederick I of Sicily, son of Constance of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI up to the point when he becomes Emperor Frederick II himself with great regret from the popes who had hoped to keep the crown of the empire and that of the kingdom of Sicily separate. Are we in for another great class between Empire and Papacy?
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We sadly saw goodbye to the Norman kings in Sicily and usher in a new era in which the Hohenstaufen, under emperor Henry VI, son of Barbarossa, extend their dominion from the north sea to the centre of the Meditteranean.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
This is the last in our miniseries on Venice, taking us from the mid twelfth century back up to the notorious 4th Crusade, but not before we look at a 1997 attempt at Venetian independence using a WWII machine gun and a home-made tank called “Tanko”
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
This episode takes us through Venice in the 12th century, overcoming issues with Normans, Hungarians and seeing trouble starts with the Eastern Roman Empire as well as more interest towards the rest of Italy. Also there is a doge with an odd name and some confusion with the bodies of dead Saints.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After being guided into the new millenium by Pietro II Orsoleo, we follow the (all too high) rise and downfall of the family as Venice itself rises and falls along its way through the 11th century with its new Norman threat as the first crusade draws closer.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take another break from our chronological progress to take a look at Venice as we have reached 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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
This is 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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
This is 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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
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.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how, after sorting out Milan, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa also goes on to try and deal with pope Alexander III. Meanwhile, the communes start to learn that there can be strength in numbers, with the League of Verona in 1164 and the Lombard and Italic Leagues in 1167.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After the diet of Roncaglia, we follow Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa as he tries to deal with a papal schism between Victor IV and Alexander III and then goes on to deal with the communes, particularly the ever obstinate Milan.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see an attempt by Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel Komnenus to bring at least part of Italy back into the empire, a peace between pope Hadrian IV and the Norman king William I. Then, of course there is the continuing struggle between Frederick Barbarossa and the northern communes headed by Milan.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Hadrian IV, with the help of Frederick Barbarossa, tries to come to terms with the Roman commune and its moral leader, Arnaldo da Brescia, but the results are not quite as they expected
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
The communes start to feel they need some admin changes. We go from pope Eugene III through an Anastasius for a bit to the major hitter Hadrian IV. All the while Frederick Barbarossa starts to come into play
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
While still doing a little dillying and a touch of dallying, we take a moment to look at the recent Women’s Fifa soccer world cup and relive some soccer memories from the great state of Virginia.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
While still doing a little dillying and a touch of dallying, we take a moment to look at the recent Women’s Fifa soccer world cup and relive some soccer memories from the great state of Virginia.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
While waiting to get back on track, we take a virtual trip to Puglia and answer some listener questions and comments
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
While waiting to get back on track, we take a virtual trip to Puglia and answer some listener questions and comments
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
in the first half of the 12th century, with communes popping up like mushrooms, Rome wasn’t just gonna sit back and let them have all the fun. However, if there’s something about Rome, it’s that there is always a pope around.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We accompany Duke Roger of Sicily, Puglia and Calabria in his attempt to set up a kingdom before we take a look around our spanking new communes.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We finally get back to the chronological narration of Italian history, popping in to see a new Holy Roman Emperor, a new pope, or couple of popes and catch up with the ambitious Normans
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Having set up the start of the communes, we take a look at what it would be like to wander around an Italian city in the early 12th century
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look at how a new form of local government, the Communes rose and gained their independence from the feudal powers that be,
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Using th concordat of Worms as a stopping point, we look back over th episodes that cover from the year 1000 to the end of the investiture crisis in 1122.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see the golden age of Muslim Sicily under the Fatimids and Kalbids before everything comes crashing down to to interval division and outside forces.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look back at the Arab invasione of Sicily starting with the early raids in the seventh century, through the invasion of 827 up to the fall of the Aghlabids in the early tenth century.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
In the second part of this miniseries we go from the time of king Rotari of the Lombards at the end of the seventh century to the fall of Bai and the end of the Byzantine presence in Italy.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We take a look back at the Byzantine presence in Italy, from the Gothic War in 535 up to the start of the seventh century.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We continue the story of Matilda of Canossa as war breaks out with Emperor Henry IV. We then see yet another failed attempt at marriage, the end of the fight against Henry IV and how things went with his son and successor, Henry V while alone she tan one of the largest areas in Italy.
Below is a map of the lands over which Matilda ruled
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We look at the life of Matilda of Canossa, starting from the history of her family through her childhood, the humiliation of Canossa and to the start of the war against Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV.
The episode brings together parts from previous episodes, adding some new details and considerations.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV ended up, as well as his long-term nemesis Matilda of Tuscany, countess of Canossa. Meanwhile we change couple of popes and get a new Emperor, yet another Henry as he also struggles with a couple of popes on their way to the concordat of Worms.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
On the “giornata del ricordo”, a commemoration to remember the victims of the Massacre of the Foibe in Istria and Venezia Giulia in 1943 and 1945, we talk to Roberta Alessandra Belulovich, an Istria Italian about her family history and the Istrian question.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We see how Urban II took the investiture controversy to a whole different level and scored major PR points for the papacy with the first crusade.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
To commemorate Holocaust remembrance day, we look at Italy’s role in the tragedy, from the initial indifference to the Jews in Italy, to the racial laws of 1938 and the deportations and killings of the war period.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
To commemorate Holocaust remembrance day, we look at Italy’s role in the tragedy, from the initial indifference to the Jews in Italy, to the racial laws of 1938 and the deportations and killings of the war period.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After the death of runaway pope Victor III, we follow the start of one of the most famous papacies in history, that of Urban II and his fight against Henry IV alongside the countess Matilda of Canossa as things get personal, while the Normans try to sort themselves out after the death of Robert Guiscard.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
After the turmoil of the papacy of Gregory VII, we see a pope that just didn’t want the job and follow the final years of the great Norman Robert Guiscard.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
To celebrate the birthday of “A History of Italy” we are releasing a free versions of NewsCappuccino in which we talk about national stereotypes.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
The investiture controversy heats up with an anti-king elected in Germany and an anti-pope elected by Henry IV who then take the fight against Gregory and Matilde down into Italy with the Normans of Robert Guiscard waiting in the wings.
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
We have a look at important events in Italy on and around Christmas as well as explore the traditions, including that of the Christmas witch.
If you would like to donate to charity as a Christmas present, we suggest “Indomiti” a group of young people who have found their voice and place in society thanks to Facilitated Communication.
You can support them here:
Support the INDOMITI this holiday season
A History of Italy » Podcast is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://ahistoryofitaly.com/
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
