The Russian Empire History Podcast

1.66 - - The Mongol Western Campaigns Part I - The Fall of Bulgaria Feb 10, 2025

The Mongol Empire continues its campaigns of expansion. Chingis Khan has given his son Jochi the west, but first he must conquer it.

1.65 - Enter the Mongols Jan 27, 2025

Word comes from the Polovtsi that there is a new force on the steppe. The Rus join them to fight them off.

1.64 Mindaugas the One and Only Dec 16, 2024

Under pressure from Teutonic knights, Rus, and Poland, a new kingdom emerges from the Lithuanian tribes.

1.63 - The Baltic Crusades Part II - The Teutonic Order Dec 02, 2024

In this episode, we look at how the Teutonic Knights went from hospitals in the Holy Land to conquering Prussia.

1.62 - The Baltic Crusades Part I Nov 04, 2024

Through the second half of the 12th century, the pieces start to fall into place for the conquests of the 13th century.

1.61 - The Hanseatic League Oct 21, 2024

The Baltic crusades were not the only force driving German colonisation in the Baltic. In this episode we look at the rise of the Hanseatic League, a new commercial network across Northern Europe.

1.60 - Rus and the Baltic Crusades Oct 07, 2024

Big claims have been made for the impact of the Baltic Crusades on Russia’s relationship with the West. This episode looks at whether they stand up to scrutiny.

SE7 - Who Are the Mongols? Sep 23, 2024

In this special episode I am joined by Jack Wilson, AKA The Jackmeister: Mongol History to talk about who the Mongols were, where they came from, why they set out to conquer the west, and more.

1.59 - Big Nest and the Rest Sep 09, 2024

Vsevolod Big Nest continues to try to impose his will on the Rostislavichi and Olgovichi as Rus enters the thirteenth century.

1.58 - The Downward Spiral Aug 26, 2024

Svyatoslav’s death leaves Ryurik as sole ruler in Kyiv, but he soon finds that Vsevolod Big Nest thinks he’s really the guy in charge.

1.57 - Svyatoslav III Aug 12, 2024

As the twelfth century draws to a close, Svyatoslav of the Olgovichi makes another play for Kyiv, but finds himself forced to share power with Rurik Rostislavich.

1.56 - Andrey Bogolyubsky Asserts Himself Jul 29, 2024

His troops have sacked Kyiv and his brother sits on the throne. What next?

1.55 - Volga Bulgaria before the Mongols Jul 15, 2024

By the twelfth century, Bulgaria had become the regional power on the Volga. Conflict with the emerging and ambitious Suzdalia was inevitable, but the Bulgars proved quite capable of holding their own.

1.54 - Life in Medieval Volga Bulgaria Jul 01, 2024

In this episode, we catch up on the Bulgars and see how life on the Volga compares to Rus.

1.53 - The Balts and the Origins of the Baltic Crusades Jun 17, 2024

Northwest of Rus live the Baltic peoples. After centuries of relative isolation, they are attracting unwanted attention from their neighbours.

1.52 - The Qipchaks Jun 03, 2024

We have already met the Qipchaks as the Polovtsi, the steppe enemies of the Rus. But they are more than just that.

1.51 - Life in Rus May 20, 2024

In this episode, we look at what we know about how the ordinary people of Rus lived.

1.50 - Q&A May 07, 2024

A special fiftieth episode answering questions from listeners. What was the Rus army like, what languages were spoken in Rus, marriages and diplomacy, and more.

1.49 - Go and take Kyiv Apr 07, 2024

As the next generation of rulers begins to contest the throne of Kyiv, one of them has a different idea.

1.48 - The Sons of Monomakh Part III Mar 23, 2024

Concluding this series, the youngest of the sons of Vladimir Monomakh, Yuri Dolgoruky of Suzdalia, gets his time in Kyiv.

1.47 - The Sons of Monomakh Part II Mar 10, 2024

Vyacheslav, the man who never wishes to leave Turov, takes the throne in Kyiv. But for how long?

1.46 - The Sons of Monomakh Part I Feb 25, 2024

Vladimir Monomakh’s long and eventful life has ended. As he intended, the throne of Kyiv passes to his son Mstislav, but that does not mean that the path of succession is settled.

1.45 - Vladimir II Monomakh Feb 12, 2024

Vsevolod’s son, Vladimir Monomakh, finally accepts the people of Kyiv’s call to take the throne.

1.44 - Svyatopolk II Dec 22, 2023

As the ruling family expands, Rus faces another succession. Will there be war? Or a new agreement?

1.43 - The Yaroslavichi Nov 27, 2023

The sons of Yaroslav divide Rus among themselves. How long will they live in peace?

1.42 - The Testament of Yaroslav Nov 12, 2023

As Yaroslav reaches the end of his life, an attempt is made to set the rules of succession in Rus.

SE6 - Rus in Medieval Europe with Christian Raffensperger Oct 28, 2023

Christian Raffensperger is Professor of History and Chair of the Department, Kenneth E. Wray Chair in the Humanities, and Director, Emarth Institute for the Public Humanities at Wittenberg University covering Medieval Europe, Russia, and Ukraine. His works include ‘Reimagining Europe: Kievan Rus in the Medieval World, 988-1146’, ’Ties of Kinship: Russian Genealogy and Dynastic Marriage’, ‘The Kingdom of Rus’ and more.

Christian joins me to discuss why Medieval Europe is much more than just France and England, Rus royal marriages, and why using the right titles is important.

Christian’s book recommendation for listeners is Russia in the Early Modern World: The Continuity of Change by Donald Ostrowski. Find it on Amazon at https://amzn.to/46FXMMp a purchase through this link helps support this podcast.

1.41 - Yaroslav the Wise Oct 16, 2023

As the last brother standing, Yaroslav has finally become the sole ruler of Rus. What will he do now?

1.40 - The Vladimirovichi Sep 23, 2023

Vladimir’s death plunges Rus into chaos as his sons fight over the succession.

1.39 Vladimir the Great IV - Building Rus Sep 10, 2023

This episode looks at Vladimir’s reign from the baptism of Rus until his death. Did he manage to do anything else noteworthy?

1.38 Vladimir the Great III - The Baptism of Rus Aug 26, 2023

What happened at the baptism of Rus, and inventing St. Vladimir/Volodymyr from the Tale of Bygone Years to Vladimir Putin.

1.37 Vladimir the Great Part II - Sacrifices and Choices Jul 29, 2023

Vladimir continues to expand his territory and to consider the role of religion in his kingdom.

1.36 - Vladimir the Great Part I - the Rise to Power Jul 08, 2023

The death of Svyatoslav found Rus unprepared for the succession. The three sons he left in charge of Kyiv, the Drevlians, and Novgorod, soon turn to fighting among themselves.

1.35 - Imaginary Khazars Part III - New Khazaria Jun 25, 2023

In the late Soviet period and in post-Soviet Russia, Lev Gumilev’s passionary theory of ethnogenesis and pseudo-historical ideas of a Jewish-Khazar chimera gained enormous popularity, leading to elaborate conspiracy theories of shadowy forces behind contemporary events.

Read the blog post at: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/133-135-imaginary-khazars

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1.34 Imaginary Khazars Part II: Gumilev’s Chimera Jun 07, 2023

Vladimir Putin says he believes in the “passionary theory”. What does he mean, and where do the Khazars come in?

1.33 Imaginary Khazars Part I: The Thirteenth Tribe Jun 04, 2023

Part I of a short series looking at the Khazars after the fall of Khazaria. Was there a connection between the Khazars and East European Jews?

1.32 - Svyatoslav “the Brave" Apr 28, 2023

In this episode, we look at the first Rus ruler with a Slavic name, but a not so Slavic personal style. If it wasn’t for those treacherous Byzantines, things could have turned out very differently...

1.31 - Volga Bulgaria - Part II Apr 15, 2023

In this episode, we continue our introduction to Volga Bulgaria with a look at the ruling dynasty, the capital city, and their conversion to Islam.

1.30 - Volga Bulgaria - Part I Apr 03, 2023

In this episode, we begin exploring the formation of Volga Bulgaria, a major medieval European kingdom that will play a significant role in our story.

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SE5 - Byzantium and Rus - with Dr Monica White Mar 18, 2023

In this special episode, I discuss how Byzantium viewed Rus and aspects of their relationship with Dr Monica White of the University of Nottingham.

1.29 - Olga of Kyiv Mar 05, 2023

Olga of Kyiv has been venerated as a saint and gained popularity in modern times as a vengeful warrior queen, but how true are those stories? Listen to this episode to find out the true story of Olga.

https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/129-olga-of-kyiv

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1.28 - Oleg the Seer and Igor Rurikovich Feb 18, 2023

In this episode, we look at what the Tale of Bygone Years tells us about Rurik’s successors, Oleg and Igor, and try to figure out what actually might have happened.

Read the blogpost: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/128-oleg-the-seer-and-igor-rurikovich

1.27 - Rurik, and what was the Tale of Bygone Years, anyway? Feb 04, 2023

In this episode we look at the traditional founder of the ruling dynasty of Rus, discuss what the Rus chronicles were and how they were created, and cover the mistranslation of Rus titles.

Read the blog post: therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/127-rurik-and-what-was-the-tale-of-bygone-years-anyway

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1.26 - Enter the Rus Part III Dec 19, 2022

This episode concludes our introduction to the Rus with a look at their move into the Dnieper valley and the trade routes to Byzantium and Western Europe.

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Support the Plant and Hire Alliance campaign to send 10,000 generators to Ukraine https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ukraine-gensets

1.25 - Enter the Rus Part II Nov 12, 2022

In Part II, we look at Scandinavian and Rus encounters with the Bulgars and Khazars.

1.24 - Enter the Rus Part I Oct 30, 2022

This episode starts a short series considering the early Rus with a look at where Rus began.

1.23 - Before the Rus Part III - Scandinavians in the Northern Forest Oct 13, 2022

The final part of this mini-series looks at the first tentative steps of Scandinavian travelers into the East.

Read the blog post here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/episode-123-before-the-rus-part-iii-scandinavians-in-the-northern-forest

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1.22 - Normanists and Anti-Normanists Oct 03, 2022

An introduction to one of the biggest controversies in Russian and Ukrainian history - who were the Rus?

1.21 - Before the Rus Part II - Bulgars, Chuvash, Pechenegs, Magyars Aug 28, 2022

Continuing our survey before the Rus with a look at the eastern part of the region. The Bulgars reach the central Volga, Magyars move south, Khazar power preventing new incursions from the steppe starts to crumble.

Read the episode blog post: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-121-before-the-rus-part-ii-bulgars-chuvash-pechenegs-magyars

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1.20 - Before the Rus Part I Aug 08, 2022

This episode begins a look across the region as it transitions from antiquity to the early medieval period.

Read the episode blog post: https://therusianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-20-before-the-rus-part-i

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1.19 - From Friends to Enemies Jul 06, 2022

The Khazars began as Byzantium’s closest allies, sealed with the marriage of the khagan’s daughter to the emperor’s son. But one decision by the Khazars turned them into enemies.

Read the episode blog post: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-119-from-friends-to-enemies

Special Episode 4 - The Russian Federation: Could It, Will It, Should It Break Up? - With Alexander Etkind Jun 23, 2022

I’m joined in this episode by Russian historian Alexander Etkind, author of the 2013 book Internal Colonisation to discuss whether the Russian Federation actually could, or, indeed, should break up.

Read the episode blog post here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/special-episode-4-the-russian-federation-could-it-will-it-should-it-break-up-with-alexander-etkind

1.18 - Time to Settle Down, the Domestic Economy of Khazaria Jun 10, 2022

The Khazar Khaganate was the first steppe empire in the west that had an economy capable of self-sufficiency. In this episode, we look at the development of agriculture by Slavs and steppe settlers in the black earth region of the forest-steppe belt, and other regional economies of Khazaria.

Read the episode blog post at https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-118-time-to-settle-down-the-domestic-economy-of-the-khaza

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Patreon Announcement Jun 02, 2022

Get exclusive content and support the podcast by signing up with Patreon or an Anchor subscription.

Find our Patreon here:

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Or subscribe through Anchor here:

https://anchor.fm/russianempirehistory

1.17 - The Rise of the Khazars and the Arab-Khazar Wars May 27, 2022

With the collapse of the Western Turk Empire, a new Khaganate appears. Soon they will face the might of the expanding Caliphate.

Read the episode blog post here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-117-the-rise-of-the-khazars-and-the-arab-khazar-wars

1.16 - The Mysterious Slavs May 05, 2022

In this episode, we look at the origin of the Slavs, something we know remarkably little about. What do linguistic reconstructions, archeology and the written sources tell us?

Read the episode blogpost at https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-116-the-mysterious-slavs

1.15 - The Finno-Ugrians Apr 11, 2022

This episode introduces the Finno-Ugrians, the original inhabitants of the forests of Northeastern Europe, whose descendants continue to maintain a distinct culture in modern Russia.

Read the blog post here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-115-the-finno-ugrians

1.14 - Bulgars of the Western Steppe Mar 28, 2022

In this episode, we look at the origins of the Bulgars, claimed as ancestors by several peoples of the Russian Empire from the Volga Bulgars to the Gagauz in modern day Moldova, and also, through Bulgaria, the source of the Cyrillic alphabet.

Read the episode blog post at: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-114-bulgars-of-the-western-steppe

Special Episode 3 - Putin’s Ukrainian Delusions - with Dr. Oleksa Drachewych Mar 13, 2022

In this special episode, the podcast is joined by Oleksa Drachewych to discuss Putin’s claims regarding Ukrainian statehood and nationhood.

Episode blog post: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/special-episode-3-putins-ukrainian-delusions-with-oleksa-drachewych

Special Episode 2 - From the Steppe to Your Table - with Robert N. Spengler Feb 12, 2022

Dr. Robert N. Spengler is an archeobotanist specialising in the domestication of plants and how they were spread across Eurasia. He joins me today to discuss the role of the steppe in spreading many of the important foods, from grains to fruit and spices, that we all enjoy today.

You can learn much more about this subject in his award winning book Fruit from the Sands: The Silk Road Origins of the Foods We Eat, available in physical, ebook, and audio versions here: https://amzn.to/34FLloZ

See the episode blogpost here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/special-episode-2-from-the-steppe-to-your-table-with-robert-n-spengler

1.13 - Children of the Wolf Feb 05, 2022

Iranic dominance of the steppe is ending, a new force has arrived. In this episode we take a brief look at the origins of the Turkic peoples and the first Türk Qaganate ahead of a series of episodes on the Turkic migrations into the Western steppe that would lead to the Khazars and Volga Bulgaria.

Read the show blog post here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast/blog/episode-113-children-of-the-wolf

1.12 - The Scythian Legacy Dec 19, 2021

In this episode, we look at the impact of the Scythians in their time and in later Russian history.

Read the show blog post here: https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/the-scythian-legacy

1.10 - The First Steppe Empire Dec 13, 2021

In this episode we return to the narrative with a look at the Scythian migration from Central Asia into the southern Russian and Ukrainian steppe, and the first empire created by a steppe people.

Episode blog post https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-110-the-first-steppe-empire

1.11 - Sarmatians and Saka Nov 30, 2021

This episode rounds out our look at the Scythians with the Sarmatians, who displaced the Royal Scythians as the rulers of the Western steppe, and the Saka, the Scythians who stayed in the East.

Check out the episode blogpost at https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-111-sarmatians-and-saka

1.09 - Steppe Warriors Part II - Wolf Packs and War Bands Oct 30, 2021

In this episode we look at how a Bronze Age initiation ritual evolved into a cornerstone of steppe culture that drove the expansion and migration of nomadic peoples for centuries.

Special Episode 1 - The Peaceful East 200 - The Bellingshausen Expedition, the Discovery of Antarctica and the First Russians in New Zealand - with Sergey Permitin Oct 24, 2021

This year is the 200th anniversary of the return to Russia of the Bellinghausen Expedition, which discovered the Antarctic continent and was the first Russian visit to New Zealand. In this episode, we discuss the expedition and its significance with special guest Sergey Permitin.

Pictures by expedition artist Pavel Mikhailov in the collection of the Russian Museum: https://rusmuseumvrm.ru/reference/classifier/author/mihaylov_pavel_nikolaevich/index.php?show=asc&p=0&page=1&ps=20&lang=en#slide-1

NZ Geographic articles on the first Russian visit to NZ:

https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/from-russia-with-respect/?source=readmore-ribbon-related

https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-day-the-russians-came/

Peaceful East 200: https://www.russia-maritime.ru/mve200

1.08 - Steppe Warriors Part I - Horse Archers Oct 09, 2021

Horsebreeding, lifestyle, and innovations in weaponry came together to make steppe warriors an almost unstoppable force. In this episode, we look at weapons and equipment of the mounted archers of the steppe and what made them different from their sedentary neighbours.

Intro from The History of Saqartvelo Georgia podcast - find them on all good podcast platforms.

You can support this podcast by donations via PayPal to hello@therussianempirehistorypodcast.com

1.07 Herodotus on the Scythians Sep 26, 2021

Ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote about the Scythians at length, but his writings have always been controversial. What did the Father of History have to say about the steppe warriors, and how reliable is it?

You can support this show by donating via PayPal to hello@therussianempirehistorypodcast.com.

1.06 Into the Kurgans Part 3 - Rediscovering the Scythians Sep 11, 2021

In this last part of our look at archeological discoveries in steppe kurgans, we look at how finds from Ukraine to Mongolia were put together to rediscover the Scythians.

You can support this show by donating via PayPal to hello@therussianempirehistorypodcast.com.

1.05 The Bosporan Kingdom Aug 28, 2021

This episode looks at the Greek colonies of the northern Black Sea coast, the Bosporan Kingdom, breadbasket of the Ancient Greek world and an important interface between the steppe and sedentary civilisations.

1.04 Into the Kurgans Part 2 - Sintashta Aug 14, 2021

4000 years ago, another kurgan building culture developed - the ancestors of all the Iranic peoples appeared in the Southern Urals with a trade network from the Black Sea to the Pacific and innovations that would have an impact from China to Egypt.

1.03 Into the Kurgans - Yamnaya Jul 31, 2021

5000 years ago, nomadic steppe lifestyles began with the Yamnaya people, likely speakers of Proto-Indo-European, who left kurgan graves across the steppe, and whose descendants spread across half the world.

Check out the REHP blog for a map of the Yamnaya homeland https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/episode-103-early-kurgans-and-the-yamnaya-culture

1.02 The Urheimat Jul 17, 2021

Beginning a look at the Bronze Age steppe and the origins of steppe cultures. What was Proto-Indo-European and why is it associated with the steppe?

1.01 The Plain and the Steppe Jul 11, 2021

This episode introduces the geographical setting of Season 1, the East European Plain and the Great Steppe, its geography, climate, resources, and where some of the peoples that will play a key role in our story emerge.

Check out the episode blog post for maps https://therussianempirehistorypodcast.com/blog/the-plain-and-the-steppe

Introduction Jul 10, 2021

This episode is a brief introduction to this podcast, its themes and plans.

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