A History of Italy » Podcast

**178 New triumphs for Cesare and Naples under three (again) 1500 – 1501** Oct 18, 2024
We follow Cesare Borgia as he continues his conquest ousting Giovanni Sforza from Pesaro, Pandolfo Malatesta from Rimini and Astorre Manfredi from Faenza.

We are also introduced to one of his most important generals, Vitelozzo Vitelli and his vengeful hatred for the Republic of Florence who executed his brother.

Finally, France and Spain reach a secret pact for the division of the kingdom of Naples.

177 – Italian Wars 8 – Il Moro back in Milan… for a bit (1500 – 1508) Oct 18, 2024

With the French hold on Milan looking weak, Ludovico il Moro sees his chance to take his duchy back, but only manages for a while before he is defeated at the Battle of Novara, made prisoner and taken to France where he will spend the rest of his days in captivity.

176 – Cesare the conqueror (1499 – 1500) Sep 16, 2024

As we set the scene for the start of Cesare Borgia’s military campaign, we start to observe the ominous signs of what is to come in Rome with the arbitrary accusation and confiscations of the Roman nobility.

Then we go exploring to see what we intend with the term “Romagna” and trace it back to Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, the Byzantines and Julius Cesar’s famous “The die is cast” speech, pronounced in Rimini after crossing the Rubicon river which we will also do to visit with the Malatesta of Rimini before Cesare comes to face of with Caterina Sforza to start his conquest.

See link to Romagna explanation:

https://emilia-o-romagna.netlify.app

175 – The Italian Wars 7 – Milan under threat (1499) Sep 16, 2024

King Louis XII prepares to descend upon Milan to stake his claim to the duchy. Before he sees out he needs to make deals with England, The Swiss and the Italian powers, Savoy and Ve3nice.

Meanwhile, duke Ludovico il Moro is also preparing and doing a really bad job of it. The results will show.

174 – The last stand of the tigress – Caterina Sforza part IV Aug 21, 2024

We follow the last stand of Caterina Sforza as the French once again descend upon Italy with king Louis XII and Cesare Borgia, made representative of Romagna by his father Pope Alexander VI, closes in on the lands of Caterina as she prepares for her last great battle.

173 – The roar of tigress – Caterina Sforza part III Aug 21, 2024

After the assassination of her husband Girolamo Riario, Caterina is in full control as regent for her son, Ottaviano Riario.

She has to navigate regional issues in Romagna, another assassination in Faenza and then the tricky balancing act during the descent of Charles VIII of France.

During all of this she managed to start a new passionate relationship with Giacomo Feo, which will also end in murder and in her thirst for vengeance, Caterina will lose sight of her role as a head of state.

172 – The Tigress in her Den – Caterina Sforza part II Aug 21, 2024

After settling in to their new signoria, Caterina Sforza and her husband Girolamo Riario have to deal with continuous plots, the War of Ferrara and the death of uncle pope Sixtus IV. After that Caterina will really show what she’s made of by taking and holding Castel Sant Angelo, her sword at her side, while seven months pregnant.

In the end after her husband’s assassination, she will stand alone to face the conspirators in one of Italian Renaissance history’s most famous legendary scenes.

171 – The Tigress rising: Caterina Sforza part 1 Aug 21, 2024

We look at the early years of the woman who would come to be known as “The Tigress of Forlì”, Caterina Sforza starting with her youth at the court of her father, duke of Milan Galeazzo Maria.

We then move on to the traumatic start to her marriage to Girolamo Riario, nephew of pope Sixtus IV, as he starts his ambitious rise to power, that will eventually lead him to his doom.

170 – The Gonzaga of Mantua Mantua Aug 21, 2024

Having met Francesco II Gonzaga, at the battle of Fornovo, we take some time to go back and have a look at the beautiful city of Mantua from its legendary origins, surrounded by lakes created by the tears of a prophetess, through the period of our heroine, Matilda of Tuscany, countess of Canossa, to see the arrival and rise of the Corradi of Gonzaga. They would take over control of the city of Mantua and set up a county, and then a Marquisate that would put them in third place as the longest lasting dynasty in Italy

On the way, they will have to battle with the greedy Visconti of Milan, and have arguments with famous painter Andrea Mantegna who refused to make the ugly Gonzaga good looking and had issues with apples.

We will also answer the question of what happened to King Charles the eighth of Franc’s porn collection.

169 – The Italian Wars 6 – round 1 aftermath, the north Aug 21, 2024

After leaving the Papal States with Cesare Borgia waiting for us, we head into the Republic of Florence to look at the struggle with the other Italian powers over Pisa and also stop to talk a little about the man who named America, the Florentine Amerigo Vespucci.

After that it’s over to the Duchy of Milan where duchess Beatrice d’Este dies in 1497 and the threat of French invasion becomes very real when Luis XII takes the throne.

The last stop takes us to Venice and yet another clash with Ottoman Turks at the battle of Zonchio, a.k.a. the first battle of Lepanto.

Thanks once again to our partner for the episode: Exlore Worldwide

**168 – The Italian war 5 – round 1 aftermath – the south and centre** May 08, 2024
After seeing French King Charles VIII out of the Italian peninsula, we take a quick tour around to see what the situation is at the end of the 15th century and make sure everyone is on the same page. We look at Sardinia, Sicily, the kingdom of Naples and the Papal States under the Borgias, but also take time to talk about Syphilis and some naughty nighttime activities.

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**167 – The Italian Wars 4 – Charles has left the building** Apr 24, 2024
**Charles VIII of France** is on his way out as **king Ferrandino of Naples,** along with Gonzalo de Cordoba, are gradually taking back the kingdom.

Meanwhile Charles is headed off by the **Holy League of Venice** at the town of **Fornovo** in the Apennines of Parma. In the ensuing battle, he manages to get through, but not without losing all the supplies and spoils of his campaign. The league commander **Francisco Gonzaga**, comes out of the affair looking pretty good.

After he finally leaves and **Luis of Orleans** leaves Novara to the besieging **Sforza**, an uneasy peace fans over Italy.

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166 – The Italian Wars 3 – finally Naples… for a bit (1495) Apr 24, 2024

Charles VIII of France finally managed to get to Naples, but doesn’t hang around long, the players on the Italian scene feel he has worn out his welcome and Venice, Milan, the pope, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian and Ferdinand II of Spain band together in the Holy league to threaten France.

Things kick off in the south with the new king of Naples Ferrandino ready to fight back supported by the Spanish and in the north the Milanese and Venetians lay siege to the French in Novara.

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**Special – The Gulf of poets: Byron, Keats and Shelly in Italy** Mar 26, 2024
A chance visit to the beautiful Ligurian town of Porto Venere, staying in a 900 year-old tower, **Torre Capitolar**e (https://www.capitolare.com/) gave us the opportunity to meet not only with medieval history, the Republic of Genoa and Pisa, the Castle of the Doria, but also with the Romantic ports: **Byron, Keats, Percy Shelly** and the great **Mary Shelly**, author of the novel “Frankenstein”.

Thanks to our partner, Explore Worldwide (Exlore Worldwide we have the opportunity to share with you the unforgettable trip and follow in the footsteps of the literary greats, **from their memorable story-telling stormy night on the shores of Lake Geneva, to Tuscany, Liguria, Ravenna, Venice and Rome.**

**Love, death passion, lots of animals and lots of sex**… you’ll find it all in this special episode.

165 – The Borgias are the bosses (1492 – 1497) Mar 19, 2024

After his election as pope Alecander VI Rodrigo Borgia gets straight down to business, sorting out the lawlessness in Rome, tinkering with the delicate national balance with the Duchy of Milan, the Republics of Florence and Venice as well as the kingdom of Naples. He then has to also deal with the descent of French King Charles VIII, but most of all, he wants to sort out his children, Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Goffredo.

When the pope decides to pin all hopes for a future Borgia dynasty on Giovanni, Cesare is not at all pleased and makes some plans of his own, which may have included his brother’s body washing up the banks of the Tiber.

Our partner for this episode is Explore Worldwide, check out their website:

Exlore Worldwide

164 – The rise of the Borgias Mar 19, 2024

After seeing Charles VIII though Rome with an uncertain deal with pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia, we go back to see how the Borgias came to Italy from Spain with Alphonse of Aragon, rose to the papacy with Callixtus III who in turn raised his nephew Rodrigo. He would eventually, thanks to one of his many lovers, have three children before becoming pope, Cesare, Giovanni and Lucrezia, who would all go on to their own adventures.

163 – The rise and Fall of Gerolamo Savonarola Dec 18, 2023

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.

https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/57921319/download.mp3

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/163-the-italianj-wars-3-the-rise-and-fal

162 – The Italian wars 2- opening hostilities and the Medici get kicked out Dec 18, 2023

Charles VIII of France starts to head into Italy, beginning with the lands of Savoy where a 2-year-old duke leaves things to his mum to deal with the expensive guest who also asks her for a loan.

Meanwhile, the Neapolitans try to go on the offensive by attacking locations along the Tuscan and Ligurian coast to no avail.

Charles then meets with Ludovico il Moro, then the real duke of Milan Gian Galeazzo Sforza, who then dies a week after the meeting, saying goodbye to his dogs and horses at his deathbed.

Then it is to Florence, where the son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Piero, after sitting on the fence for a while, rolls over and gives Charles more than necessary and hets kicked out of Florence for it.

Charles, however, fares no better with the new Florentine government and after a confusing argument about horns and bells, he makes his way to Rome with reduced results from the negotiation.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/162-the-italian-wars-2-opening-hostiliti

161 – The Italian wars 1: setting up and setting off Dec 18, 2023

We look at the background to the expedition by King Charles VIII of France into Italy to claim the throne of Naples. This takes us to explore the situation i Milan, with Duke Gian Galeazzo Sforza and his uncle Ludovico il Moro, then to Naples, where king Alphonse II has just succeeded his father Ferrante. We see the diplomatic and military preparation that once again sees the Italian powers, Milan, Venice, Florence, the Papal States and Naples have to decide which side to line up on, with the novelty of the most powerful army in Europe heading into the peninsula.This is the start of the Italian Wars, the conflict that really took Europe into the Modern Age.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/161-the-italian-wars-part-1

Recap 07 – Episodes 139 – 160 Nov 03, 2023

We take our usual tour around Italy, this time focusing on the latter part of the 15th century and the start of the Renaissance with:

Aragonese in Sardinia and Sicily

Alphonse then Ferrante in the kingdom of Naples until his death in 1494

A series of interesting popes including Martin V, Eugene IV, Sixtus IV and Innocent VIII

The Medici in Florence, from Cosimo the Elder to Lorenzo the Magnificent

The Genoa of Christopher Columbus

The Savoy and the possible hoax of the Holy Shroud of Turin

Milan with Francesco Sforza taking over from the Visconti, then the assassination of Gian Galeazzo Sforza and finally the coup of Ludovico il Moro

Venice and their tangle with the Turks

Trentino Alto Adige and the bishop-counts

Federico da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino and prince of the Renaissance

Finally, daily life, death and sex in the Middle Ages

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/57393213

Special: 9th October 1963 – Vajont, a man-made natural disaster Oct 09, 2023

We go back to a quiet mountain valley of north-eastern Italy where the peace was forever broken by one of the country’s most ambitious architerctural and engineering projects that ended in one of the worst disasters in the history of Italy in the 20th century.

This is the story of how progress and profit was put before thousands of human lives, this is the story of Vajont, a story that must be remenered,

160 – Federico Da Montefeltro and bits getting cut off Sep 26, 2023

We linger yet another episode in the Middle Ages to take a look at the Duchy of Urbino and in particular the “condottiero” Federico da Montefeltro, he of th eodd shped nose. There is also a murder mystery surrounding the death of his predessssor and some macbre pasrts with intimate bit being detatched.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/160-fedrico-da-montefeltro

159 – Life, death and sex in the middle ages Sep 26, 2023

We take a look at what life was like in the middle ages for the average Giuseppe and Lucrezia, from birth to death, sickness, medicine, work, free time, travel and sex and all the naughtiness connected to it.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/159-life-death-and-sex-in-the-middle-age

158 – The Este of Ferrara May 28, 2023

We take a look at a brief summary of one of the oldest dynasties in Europe, the House of Este who are the ancestors also of the House of Windsor rulers of the United Kingdom.

In particular we look at the Italian branch, from their Carolingian roots to the year 1505 when Ercole D’Este was succeeded by his son Alfonso and daughter in law, Lucrezia Borgia.

In between we’ll see: a marquis acting like a brigand; nasty rebellions that end in cannibalism a non stop array of naughtiness in the bedroom, with one member of the house of Este cooking in at 800 lifetime lovers; a romantic love triangle than ends in a tragic beheading and much more

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/158-the-este-of-ferrara

Interview: Artemisia Gentileschi with Lori from “Her Half of History” May 28, 2023

We were lucky enough for Lori from the Her Half of History podcast to come and talk about the 17th century female Roman artist Artemisia Gentileschi.

She overcame great trauma and injustice at a young age to become one of the most important and successful painters of her time and the centuries that followed.

Check out Lorie’s site:

Home

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/artemisia-gentileschi

157 – Venice out of the middle ages and into uncertainty (1454 – 1492) May 03, 2023

After the peace of Lodi, the relative stability on the peninsula allows Venice to concentrate on the Ottomans again and the inevitable first war breaks out in 1463.

Before that, we see one of the few doge’s to actually be deposed, Francesco Foscari a record breaking doge for various reasons and sexy actor in “The Medici” Tv series.

Then, when Venice reaches a rather humiliating peace with the Turks, it seems like a perfect time to them to start the war of Ferrara from 1480 to the peace of Bagnolo in 1484.

Then it’s time to make their way out of the Middle Ages with dark clouds looming on the horizon.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/157-venice-out-of-the-middle-ages-and-in

156 – Venice tangles with the Turks and messes with Milan (1416 – 1454) Apr 04, 2023

Venice, after trying to avoid it, goes to war with the Turks and at the Battle of Gallipoli a spectacular victory is won… but by who?

Then, we see how Venice used an ex ,mercenary captain of Milan against his old employers, Carmagnola, but then, when the Serenissima started to suspect him, he met an unfortunate end.

Finally we relive one of the most impressive feats of naval engineering of the age, before we get to the start of a relatively peaceful period with the peace of Lodi.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/156-venice-tangles-with-the-turks-and-me

155 – Venice has trouble with the neighbours (1400 – 1416) Mar 14, 2023

We come round to Venice to see how they were doing at the start of the 15th century, dealing with neighbours such as the duchy of Milan under Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Padua under the Da Carrara and the formidable Sigismund king of Hungary and his general Pippo Spano.

Before that we take some time to have a look at the political structure of the ruling oligarchy, from the doge whose wive has an amusing name down, and take a look at the city… and its pigs

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/155-venice-has-trouble-with-the-neighbou

154 Trentino Alto Adige (up to 1509) Mar 03, 2023

Since we have never been there in the podcast, we take some time to go back and give a very general overview of the northern Italian region of Trentino Alto Adige, perched up north between the duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice with reference to the time we are in. We go through Romans, Goths, Byzantines, Lombards, Franks to get to the bishop-counts that characterise this area, such as George of Lichtenstein or Federico Vanga. We then see how Venice started to encroach and hear about a rather spectacular feat of overland fleet travel engineering.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/154-trentino-alto-adige-up-to-1509

153 – The assassination of Galeazzo Maria and the Moore takes control (1468 – 1494) Feb 20, 2023

Duke of Milan Galeazzo Maria Sforza continues with his expensive naughty ways until he is assassinated in 1476. His son Gian Galeazzo becomes duke under the regency of his mother, Bona of Savoy, until his uncle Ludovico, known as “il Moro” the Moore takes over as Italy heads towards the aptly named, “Italian Wars”.

Meanwhile a certain Leonardo da Vinci worked on a portrait of Ludovico Sforza’s ladyfriend Cecilia Gallerani who is turned into “The lady with the ermine“.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/153-the-assassination-of-galeazzo-maria-

152 – Duke Francesco Sforza and his sex-crazed son (1450 – 1568) Feb 20, 2023

Shortly after becoming duke, Francesco Sforza has to deal with a war against Venice, but then the peace of Lodi and the Italic league allow him some time to consolidate his power and start building projects in Milan, as well as chase after women, ending his life with a total of 35 children, only 8 of which were legitimate. His son Galeazzo Maria takes over and the only things he seems good at are spending money and satisfying his desires.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/152-duke-francesco-sforza-and-his-sex-cr

151 – Milan from Visconti to Sforza (1447 – 1450) Feb 20, 2023

After the death of Duke Filippo Maria Visconti of Milan, a succession crisis has everyone in on the game and Venice gobbling up cities. In the end, will Bianca Maria Visconti and her husband, Francesco Sforza, manage to stake her claim?

Also some naughtiness in the bedroom going on here.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/151-milan-from-visconti-to-sforza-1447-1

150 – Decline of the Savoy and the Holy Shroud of Turin (1451 – 1490) Feb 20, 2023

We go back to the north west to visit with Piedmont and the house of Savoy to take them out of the 15th century as they go through a period of decline with the rising power of France threatening their independence. It is in this period, in 1553, that the Savoy acquire the Holy Shroud, which was supposed to have been the burial cloth of Jesus Christ himself… or was it just one of histories most elaborate middle aged hoaxes by the genius Leonardo Da Vinci?

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/150-decline-of-the-savoy-and-the-holy-sh

149 The Genoa of Columbus (1442 – 1492) Feb 20, 2023

We close out the 15th century for Genoa with things not looking too great thanks to the advancing Ottomans in the Eastern Mediterranean and in parallel follow the life of one of Genoa’s most famous sons, Christopher Columbus in his early life and follow the adventures of his body after his death before reflecting on his controversial legacy.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/149-the-geboa-of-columbus-1442-1447

148 – Peak and twilight of the Magnificent (1478 – 1492) Feb 20, 2023

After the failed Pazzi conspiracy and its bloody vengeful aftermath, Lorenzo De Medici has to face war against pope Sixtus IV AND Naples AND Urbino. As if that wasn’t enough also plague and more plots.

Then, would you believe it, another war, the salt war of Ferrara and once all that is over, a good old teenage Cardinal is on the way: Giovanni De Medici

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/148-peak-and-twighlight-of-the-magnifice

147 – The conpiracy of the crazies (1476 – 1478) Feb 20, 2023

Things heat up as the animosity between the Medici and pope Sixtus IV leads to one of the most infamous conspiracies in history: the Pazzi conspiracy, set up to kill Giuliano and Lorenzo De Medici and overthrow the Signoria, the government of Florence.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/147-the-conpiracy-of-the-crazies-1476-14

146 – Lorenzo vs Sixtus and America’s beautiful cousin (1471 – 1476) Feb 20, 2023

The rivalry between Lorenzo de Medici and pope Sixtus IV, Francesco della Rovere starts to heat up as they clash over lands and resources, reaching very dangerous levels. Meanwhile the Medici brothers find time for another great tournament and Giuliano finds love with the most beautiful woman in Florence, the “living Venus” Simonetta Vespucci, whose name leads us into a digression on where America got its name.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/146-lorenzo-vs-sixtus-and-americas-beaut

145 – Fleeting youth, Lorenzo de Medici’s early years (1468 – 1471) Feb 20, 2023

Before the responsibility of government is handed over to him at his father’s death and before getting married the statesman, banker, lover of philosophy and poet Lorenzo De Medici takes a few last opportunities at carefree youth with a tournament and party that would never be forgot.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/145-fleeting-youth-lorenzo-de-medicis-ea

144 – A sickly father, a magnificent mother amd balls (1464 – 1468) Feb 20, 2023

Piero De Medici takes over the shadow government of Florence at the death of his father, Cosimo, and with the help of his wife and son manages to hold the reigns, overcome a plot on his life and a war with a rather interesting character, Bartolomeo Colleoni.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/144-a-sickly-father-a-magnificent-mother

143 Cosimus Medices Pater Patriae (1429 – 1464) Feb 20, 2023

We finally get into the Medici in style with the man who is considered the founder of the family’s great fortune and political dominance. We follow Cosimo de Medici as he slowly asserts his power over the Republic of Florence with careful internal and external political manoeuvring to form what some have called the “crypto-signoria” of the Medici, all the while increasing their vast wealth in the face of many perils.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/143-cosimus-medices-pater-patriae-1429-1_1

142 – Pope-ing out of the Middle ages (1447 – 1492) Feb 20, 2023

We accompany the last set of popes of the middle ages, from Nicholas V to Innocent VIII as they take us along with the usual intrigue in the Italian peninsula with Naples,Florence, Milan and Venice as well as many others while the city of Rome takes the shape we would start to recognise today heading towards the renaissance.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/142-pope-ing-out-of-the-middle-ages-1447_1

141 – The popes are back in business (1417 – 1447) Feb 20, 2023

After the healing of the western schism in 1417, new pope Martin V must get his papal states under control which means dealing with a whole load of issue such as brigands, mercenary captains, pushy neighbours, unruly lords and a lack of cash. We then see how his successor, Eugene IV was able to muck everything up before managing to sort tit all out again, more or less.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/141-the-popes-are-back-in-business-1417-_1

140 – King Ferdinand’s woes (1458 – 1492) Feb 20, 2023

After the death of Alphonse the Magnanimous, his illigitimate son, Ferdinand, has quite a time managing to hold on to the kingdom of Naples what with revolting Barons, meddling popes and even an Ottoman invasion! Will the poor man ever get any peace and quiet?

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/140-king-ferdinands-woes-1458-1492

139 – King Alphonse of Naples (1436 – 1458) Feb 20, 2023

We go back a little to see how Alphonse V of Aragon actually got onto the throne of Naples and what he had to put up with once he got there dealing with Milan, Venice, Genoa and Florence, before a rather unprecedented alliance in 1454 under the “Italic League” when everyone became friends after the peace of Lodi, at least for a while… and not really everyone.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/139-king-alphones-of-naples-1436-1458

138 – Aragonese Sardinia and Sicily (1410 – 1500) Feb 19, 2023

We take a quick look at some of the situations and key events in Sardinia and Sicily in the 15th century as the Aragonese consolidate their hold over their new possessions

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/138-a-aragonese-sardinia-and-sicily-1410

137 – The Republic of San Marino Feb 19, 2023

We go outside (or inside) Italy to look at a foreign country within our borders up to the 15th century and find out why we have yet another independent country on the peninsula.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/137-the-republic-of-san-marino

136 – Savoy from count to duke to pope (1391 – 1451) Feb 19, 2023

We follow little count Amedeo VIII as he comes to power and manages to not only expand, consolidate and organise first his county and then duchy, but even has a go at being pope for a while!

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/136-savoy-from-count-to-duke-to-pope

135 – Savoy – different coloured counts and a murder mystery (1255 – 1391) Feb 19, 2023

We continue catching up with the house of Savoy picking up in 1255 and, after some zig-zagging succession, see the “colourful” green count Amedeo VI and then try to discover what really happened to his son, Amedeo VII the Red count, as the counts slowly continue to expand their lands and influence in France and north-west Italy.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/135-savoy-different-coloured-counts-and-

134 – Piedmont and the rise of the house of Savoy Feb 19, 2023

We catch the region of Piedmont up to the 13th century and then start to take a look at the rise of the house of Savoy, beginning with its founder Umberto Biancamano, he of the white hand (for some reason).

https://www.spreaker.com/user/15744781/134-piedmont-and-the-rise-of-the-house-o

The podcast has moved! Sep 02, 2022

You can find the podcast at the following link:

https://www.spreaker.com/show/a-history-of-italy-podcast_2

133 – catching up with Genoa… again (1310 – 1442) Feb 22, 2022

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.

**F100: The crystallisation of totalitarianism** Feb 08, 2022
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

132 – The end of the Visconti: how to lose a duchy (1410 – 1447) Feb 01, 2022

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.

131 – Milan, chaos in the duchy (1402 – 1412) Jan 25, 2022

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.

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130 – The father of the father of the nation: the rise of the Medici (1402 – 1428) Jan 13, 2022

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

4th anniversary episode Jan 04, 2022

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

https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-k-rock-chelsea-hotel

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

Re-release: 129 – Catherine of Siena – Medieval UN ambassador Dec 29, 2021

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.

Happy Whatever episode Dec 25, 2021

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:

https://arcigayreggioemilia.it/casa-arcobaleno/

Link to the Libera antimafia association:

https://www.libera.it

129 – Catherine of Siena – Medieval UN ambassador Dec 21, 2021

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.

128 – Caterina of Siena: God’s teenage rebel Dec 14, 2021

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

**127 – Milan vs Florence: fight to the death (1395 – 1402)** Dec 07, 2021
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.

126 – Visconti family feud and a new duchy is born (1378 – 1395) Nov 30, 2021

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.

The Great Q & A session Nov 23, 2021

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.

125 – War and rebellion in Tuscany (1348 to 1382) Nov 16, 2021

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!

124 – Troubled Tuscan times and Boccaccio’s Decameron Nov 09, 2021

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.

**Halloween Special: The Ghost of Bardi Castle** Oct 31, 2021
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:

https://www.rosamanontroppo.it/la-fortezza-di-bardi-e-la-foto-del-fantasma/

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:

https://marcvdmeulen.com

123 – The Tuscan scene and Florence rising (1302 – 1327) Oct 26, 2021

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.

Tech update test and free “NewsCappuccino” episode Oct 20, 2021

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!

122 – Braccio da Montone’s last stand (1417 – 1424) Oct 19, 2021

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?

121 Braccio da Montone, Lord of Perugia (1407 – 1417) Oct 13, 2021

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.

120 – Braccio da Montone, early life of a condottiero (1368 – 1406) Oct 05, 2021

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.

119 – Joanna II of Naples and some schism fixing Sep 21, 2021

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.

Update and announcement Sep 14, 2021

Quick update to try and get back on schedule and make a call for questions for a Q and A episode.

Italian citizenship milestones – Crossover with “The Italian Citizenship Podcast” Sep 01, 2021

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

118 Sicily goes Spanish and Naples gets big ideas (1372 – 1414) Aug 17, 2021

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.

The bagpipes of resistance – Crossover ep. with “The History of England” Aug 03, 2021

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:

https://bit.ly/37cP8YP

117 – Eleonora of Arborea and the fall of Sardinia (1326 – 1410) Jul 20, 2021

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:

https://bit.ly/3xe5g7S

NewsCappuccino: Roman helmets and insulting Austria – The Italian national anthem Jun 17, 2021

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.

F100: 02 Benito Andrea Amilcare Mussolini, early years Jun 15, 2021

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.

116 – Venice in mortal peril (1356 – 1400) Jun 08, 2021

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:

https://bit.ly/3xe5g7S

Special: Republic Day 2021 Jun 02, 2021

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.

115 – Hard times for Venice, a very naughty doge and some funny names (1339 – 1356) Jun 01, 2021

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:

https://bit.ly/3xe5g7S

Anti-mafia martyrs: Giovanni Falcone May 23, 2021

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.

114 – More Milan and popey come home (1345 – 1385) May 18, 2021

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:

https://bit.ly/3xe5g7S

F100: 01 What is Fascism? May 15, 2021

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.

Coming soon: Fascism 100 May 11, 2021

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.

Special: The Aldo Moro assassination with Lorenzo Paluan May 09, 2021

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.

113 – The definitive death of communal Milan (1339 – 1354) May 04, 2021

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:

https://bit.ly/3xe5g7S

Shout out to the History of England:

Home

Update, conference and vote! Apr 08, 2021

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!

112 – Queen Joanna of Naples (1345 – 1382) Mar 30, 2021

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.

Crossover: Colombus and Genoa with the History of North America Mar 23, 2021

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

**Interview: Jennifer Anton, author of “Under the Light of the Italian Moon”** Mar 08, 2021
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:

https://boldwomanwriting.com/

Intelligent Speech Conference 2021 – 24th April Mar 07, 2021

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!

111 – Joanna of Naples, teenage queen with a boring husband (1326 – 1345) Mar 02, 2021

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.

110 – Cola fizzes and goes flat (1347 – 1354) Feb 17, 2021

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.

109 – Popeless Rome and the rise of Cola (not the drink) Feb 09, 2021

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.

Fill-in episode – 2021 Italian government crisis Feb 07, 2021

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

Vote for A History of Italy for the Premio Italia Medioevale Feb 02, 2021

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!

108 – Italians against stairs Jan 19, 2021

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.

107 – An unexpected king Jan 12, 2021

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?

106 – An imperial tour of Italy (1327-1329) Jan 05, 2021

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:

https://blog.feedspot.com/italy_history_podcasts/

105 – The battle of the Bucket (1325) Dec 22, 2020

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).

104 – The last Sardinian Judicate (1323-1326) Dec 15, 2020

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”

103 – Catching up with Genoa (up to 1310’s) Dec 08, 2020

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.

102 – Venice kicks off its 14th century (up to 1310’s) Dec 01, 2020

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.

The first great MEGA-RECAP launch Nov 28, 2020

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!

Interview – Sim Salis on comedy in the Berlusconi era, laughter as resistance Nov 24, 2020

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:

https://sim.show

101 – The many paths to communal demise (up to early 1300’s) Nov 17, 2020

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:

RESCI Catalogu e

Recap 05 – From episode 077 to 100 Nov 10, 2020

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.

Berlusconi and Bunga Bunga part 3 Nov 03, 2020

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.

Berlusconi and Bunga Bunga part 2 Oct 27, 2020

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

Berlusconi and Bunga Bunga part 1 Oct 20, 2020

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.

100 – An interview the godfather of history podcasting and more Oct 13, 2020

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.

099 – The Visconti lose Milan and take it back again Oct 06, 2020

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.

098 – The Visconti take Milan, Act 1 Sep 28, 2020

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.

Anti-mafia martyrs: Father Pino Puglisi Sep 15, 2020

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.

097 – Dante Alighieri and the Divine Comedy Sep 08, 2020

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

Anti-mafia martyrs: Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa Sep 03, 2020

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

Anti-mafia martyrs series launch Sep 01, 2020

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.

096 – Florence goes black and white and Dante gets involved Aug 26, 2020

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…

Trailer Aug 20, 2020

A short presentation of the show

095 – Young Dante Alighieri and Florence Aug 19, 2020

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.

094 – Naples vs Sicily Aug 02, 2020

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.

093 – A change of scenery for the papacy and an anachronistic emperor Jul 18, 2020

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.

092 – Boniface VIII peaks and crashes Jun 26, 2020

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.

091 – Boniface VIII on the scene Jun 21, 2020

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.

090 – Twilight of the Sardinian Judicates Jun 11, 2020

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.

089 – The “cannibal” count – an example of late 13th century Italian politics Jun 04, 2020

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.

088 – Twilight of the communes May 16, 2020

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.

087 – Marco Polo part 2 May 08, 2020

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

086 – Marco Polo part 1 Apr 30, 2020

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.

**Special episode – 25th April Liberation** Apr 25, 2020
A special episode for the 75th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi and Fascist occupation

**Special: 25th April Liberation** Apr 25, 2020
A special episode for the 75th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi and Fascist occupation

**085 – The war of the Sicilian Vespers gets confusing** Apr 17, 2020
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.

084 – The war of the Sicilian Vespers Apr 10, 2020

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.

083 – Who are these Aragonese anyway? With David Cot of “The History of Spain” Apr 02, 2020

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.

082 – Charles in charge and the Sicilian Vespers Mar 27, 2020

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.

081 – The last stand of the house of Staufen with guest host Marco Cappelli Mar 19, 2020

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.

080 – Frederick II’s boys and here come the French Mar 12, 2020

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.

079 – The Prisoner King and the rest of Frederick II’s boys Mar 04, 2020

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

078 – The Golden age of communes Feb 27, 2020

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,

077 – The situation in the 13th century and revenge in Florence Feb 20, 2020

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.

Recap 04: Episodes 051 – 076 from the Concordat of Worms to the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II Feb 11, 2020

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.

076 – St. Francis of Assisi Feb 05, 2020

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.

Competition launch! Jan 31, 2020

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.

075 – Heresies and the Inquisition Jan 21, 2020

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.

074 – Goodbye Freddie II Jan 14, 2020

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.

073 – Frederick II stupor mundi (and a bit naughty) Jan 07, 2020

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.

072 – Frederick II takes the reigns and trouble starts Dec 29, 2019

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.