This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
This is History
Delve into the riveting realms of royal intrigue and power struggles with "This is History: A Dynasty to Die For." This podcast unravels the compelling tales of the world's most fascinating dynasties, exploring the secrets behind their rise and fall. Each episode is a meticulous blend of historical accuracy and enthralling storytelling, brought to life by expert historians and vivid narrative. From the ancient pharaohs of Egypt to the resilient Romanovs of Russia, "This is History" offers listeners a unique window into the lives, loves, and legacies of those who shaped our world from their thrones. Whether you're a history buff or a casual listener, this podcast promises a journey through time, where the allure of power and the echo of betrayal are ever-present.
Episodes
Season 5 | 2. Bros with Benefits
In "Bros with Benefits," the episode unfolds the tumultuous dynamics between Edward II and Piers Gaveston, whose friendship and possible romantic connection disrupt royal expectations and stir political unrest. The episode illustrates the strong bond formed during their youth, which later influences Edward's decisions as king. Despite his father, Edward I's vehement disapproval—manifested in a violent confrontation where the king physically attacks his son for gifting royal lands to Gaveston—the relationship persists. The narrative captures Edward II's ascension to the throne following his father's death, immediately recalling Gaveston from exile and bestowing upon him the Earldom of Cornwall. This act solidifies the primary theme: Edward II's governance and emotional decisions are heavily swayed by his relationship with Gaveston, setting the stage for political strife and personal scandal.
Season 5 | Bonus: Beasts at feasts
In "Beasts at Feasts," Dan Jones explores the intricate role of feasts in medieval politics and culture, using the Feast of the Swans as a central theme. The episode unveils the layers of symbolic meaning and political intent behind these grand events, often linked to the consolidation of power and display of wealth. Through a lively discussion with producer Georgia and guest Daisy, they dissect the elements of medieval feasts, highlighting the copious amounts of food and the performative aspect of dining, which included elaborate displays like golden swans and other subtleties. The conversation also covers the Feast of the Swans' role in Edward I’s reign, as a pivot to bolster loyalty and demonstrate royal power through the spectacle of oath-taking on swans, a medieval symbol of grace and nobility. The episode is rich with historical anecdotes, such as King John’s lavish feasts and the symbolism of serving exotic meats to display royal magnificence.
Season 5 | 1. Generation Kill
"Season 5 | 1. Generation Kill" from the podcast "This is History" explores a significant moment in 14th-century England under Edward I's rule, specifically the extravagant and symbolic Feast of the Swans. The episode vividly depicts how Edward I, despite being aged and frail, made a dramatic vow to punish the Scots and journey to the Holy Land before his death, showcasing his relentless warrior spirit. The narrative unfolds around the feast where Edward knighted around 300 young men, including his son Edward of Carnarvon, marking a pivotal attempt to secure his legacy and strengthen England's military prowess. However, the grandeur of the feast belies the underlying tensions and uncertainties, particularly concerning Edward of Carnarvon's suitability to uphold his father's formidable legacy. The episode combines detailed historical insights with dramatic storytelling to capture the high stakes and emotional intensity of this royal spectacle.
The Iron King | 6. The Curse
In this riveting episode of "This is History," we explore the dramatic and dire consequences of betrayal within the Capetian dynasty under King Philip IV. The narrative unfolds with a scandal known as the affair of the Tour de Nelle, involving the wives of Philip's sons and two knights, which ultimately leads to brutal executions and a curse that haunts the Capetian lineage. This historical recount not only highlights the infidelity and political intrigue but also depicts the king's ruthless response, aiming to preserve the dignity of the royal family but inadvertently cursing his own lineage. The episode combines detailed historical accounts with engaging storytelling, illustrating the complexities of royal duties and the heavy costs of personal and political decisions in medieval France.
The Iron King | 5. The Last Templar
"The Last Templar" delves into the orchestrated arrest and persecution of the Templars, beginning on the infamous Friday, October 13, 1307. The episode vividly narrates the siege on the Templars' Paris temple, where they were caught unarmed during morning prayers. King Philip IV's agenda to seize the Templars' wealth under false charges of heresy and other sins unfolds with a chilling precision, highlighting the blend of greed and treachery that marked this dark chapter in medieval history. Through dramatic reconstructions and expert commentary, the episode paints a gruesome picture of betrayal, where revered knights are reduced to prisoners, subjected to torture and forced confessions. The narrative culminates in the mass burning of Templars in 1310, an act that shocked and repulsed all of Europe, showcasing the ruthless extent of Philip's ambition.
The Iron King | 4. The Battle of the Golden Spurs
In July 1302, in the shadow of Kojrig, Flemish rebels, primarily weavers, prepared to defend against the French cavalry led by Robert of Artois. The French, underestimating the rebels, were ensnared by strategically placed ditches and a stream, leading to a chaotic and disastrous charge. The Flemish, well-positioned and determined, inflicted heavy losses on the French knights, claiming hundreds of golden spurs as trophies. The episode vividly captures the tension and brutality of the battle, highlighting the tactical ingenuity of the Flemish and the consequences of underestimating one's enemy.
The Iron King | 3. The Pope Slap
"The Iron King | 3. The Pope Slap" portrays a gripping narrative of conflict between authority and power during the medieval era. Pope Boniface VIII, determined to uphold the supremacy of the Church, clashes with King Philip IV of France, known as Philip the Fair, whose ambition and legal maneuvering challenge the pope's authority. This episode highlights the infamous incident where Philip's agents, led by Guillaume de Nogaret and Sciarra Colonna, physically assault the pope—an event that shakes the foundations of the papacy and alters its trajectory for decades. This act of defiance, known as the Anagni slap, marks a significant shift in the power dynamics between the Church and secular rulers, portraying Philip's calculated steps to curtail papal influence while consolidating his own power within France and beyond.
The Iron King | 2. The Double Cross
In the gripping second episode of "The Iron King," host Danielle Cebulski narrates the intense naval skirmish between French and English sailors off the coast of Normandy in 1293. The episode vividly portrays the chaotic battle, where iron-tipped spears and soap-laden cauldrons create a deadly and slippery melee on the decks. Beyond the immediate fray, the episode explores the deeper political machinations between the two nations, led by Philip the Fair of France and Edward I of England, whose familial and political alliances begin to crumble under the weight of ambition and betrayal. As the battle concludes, it's clear that this conflict is but an opening act to a prolonged war that reshapes the power dynamics of medieval Europe.
The Iron King | 1. The Vespers
"The Iron King | 1. The Vespers" delves into the tumultuous events of the Sicilian Vespers rebellion in 1282 and its profound impact on France's Capetian dynasty. Narrated by historian Danielle Cebalski, this gripping episode paints a vivid picture of the brutal struggles, political intrigue, and the harsh realities of medieval kingship as experienced by Philip the Bold and his son, Philip the Fair. Amid the narrative of warfare and betrayal, we follow the personal and political consequences that arise from the rebellion, shaping the destiny of the young Philip who is thrust into leadership. The episode captures the violent uprising in Sicily, the subsequent military campaigns, and the internal conflicts within the French royalty, setting the stage for Philip the Fair's reign.
Season 4 | 10. Dead Queens
In this episode, titled "Dead Queens," host Dan Jones delves into the tumultuous events following the death of Margaret of Norway in 1290, a pivotal figure in medieval Scottish history. Margaret, the sole heir to the Scottish throne after a series of tragic deaths in the royal family, dies unexpectedly on her journey from Norway to Scotland, setting off a chain of political upheaval. Her death not only leaves Scotland without a monarch but also derails plans for a dynastic marriage that might have united Scotland and England. Edward I's aspirations to create a dual kingdom are shattered, leading to the prolonged Scottish Wars of Independence. The episode examines Edward's role and strategies, the immediate impacts of Margaret's death, and the broader historical consequences, including the deep-rooted animosity between Scotland and England that persisted through the ages.