Welcome back everyone. Yes, the cringy title music is still here, with the good news that you will be treated to a full and detailed explanation of the changing geo-political context of the mid-eleventh century Middle East. The rise of the Seljuk Turks and their elimination of their early Ghaznavid and Buyid opponents is examined, before we take a look at how their expansion affected the two great powers of the eastern Mediterranean: Fatimid Egypt and the Eastern Roman (or Byzantine) Empire. Tracking internal politics and the external concerns and activities of these two states and their numerous smaller tributaries and allies, we will discover why they were so roundly beaten by the Seljuk menace, and how they were able to survive. It should prove a treat!

The next episode will be released in a fortnight's time! (20/8/23)