Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 120: Two Brothers, Two Paths

After the dust settles in Palermo, the Hauteville brothers begin to drift apart—quietly, without ceremony. History is rarely tidy. Just as most of Christendom barely blinked at the East-West Schism of 1054, the Hautevilles likely had no idea they were living through a turning point. No grand declarations, no dramatic exits—just the slow, inevitable pull of different destinies.

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Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 119: Palermo: Take Two

Palermo once again finds itself in Duke Robert Guiscard’s crosshairs, and this time he’s not playing nice. From burning ships to whispered betrayals, Sicily becomes the latest chessboard in Robert’s ruthless Mediterranean campaign. This episode dives into the high-stakes drama of conquest, ambition, and the grim resolve of a duke who refuses to be ignored. Palermo’s fate hangs in the balance—again.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 118: Siege of Bari

The Siege of Bari begins...and ends. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t some tidy wrap-up. It’s got imperial schemes, naval brawls, double-crosses, and enough medieval trash-talk to fill a saga. In the end, Robert Guiscard does what Robert Guiscard does: win, outmaneuver, and finally tame the thorn in his southern Italian side once and for all.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

NOTE: This is a continuation of Episode 116.

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 117: A Ship Becalmed

The Hauteville brothers are back in action—well, sort of. Robert Guiscard wrestles with the Varangian Guard (yeah, those guys), while Roger watches the Muslim emirs of Sicily tear into each other. It’s a four-year sprint of shifting alliances, bloody reckonings, and one massive finale you won’t see coming.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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Music:

Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

NOTE: I’ve reworked and split this into Episodes 116 and 117—re-recorded and much improved. I’m proud of how they turned out (and very glad I never posted the original version!). Hope you enjoy the new edits, and I’d love to hear what you think!

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 116: Siege of Palermo, 1064

The crown jewel of Sicily was calling — and the Hauteville brothers answered. In 1064, Robert Guiscard and Count Roger joined forces once again to take the ultimate prize of the island: Palermo. This wasn’t just a military campaign; it was a statement, a challenge to the heart of Muslim Sicily, and a bold play to cement Norman dominance in the Mediterranean. Today, we tell the story of this audacious assault, of grit, strategy, and the relentless ambition of two brothers chasing legacy.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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Music:

Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

We break from our history narrative for this episode (which I have purposely not numbered so as to keep the flow of the narrative), and I hope you all make it to the end. I use this time to go off-script and share with you all some of my thoughts about the podcast so far -- where it's been, where it currently is, and where it might go in the future. I feel like we have hit a level of listenership that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated...and, honestly, I don't know what to do next. And I'm all ears.

So, if you have a few extra minutes, please listen. And please reach out with your thoughts, as well. I appreciate every single one of you more than you know.

Members-Only Series on Patreon:

For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member!  Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “subscription” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. 

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 115: The Battle of Cerami

Some battles live on not just for their violence, but for what they awaken. The Battle of Cerami was just that — a moment of valor, of brilliant leadership, and of seismic consequence. Roger de Hauteville stood his ground against overwhelming odds in what would become the Thermopylae of Norman Sicily. But battles like this leave more than scars and glory — they change landscapes, cultures, and destinies. Today, we tell the story of a clash that shaped the soul of a conquest.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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Music:

Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 114: Locking Down Troina

1063 was a make-or-break year for Roger de Hauteville. On this episode, we watch him balance on the knife’s edge of survival and triumph. From rescuing his wife during a local revolt to enduring a brutal siege, Roger’s resolve is tested like never before. And yet, somehow, against the odds, he pushes deeper into Sicily than ever before. This is the year that begins to turn ambition into legacy.

No More Paywalls! How?

If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 113: All Over A Girl

An entire civil war…over a girl? What is this, a Mediterranean remake of The Iliad? Nope—just another Tuesday in Norman Italy. In this episode, sibling rivalry hits its peak as the mighty Robert Guiscard and his brother Roger square off over a woman, of all things. Honor, pride, power—sure, those played a role too—but make no mistake, this feud cuts deep. What unfolds isn’t just a spat between brothers; it’s a full-blown civil conflict with long-lasting consequences for their fragile conquest of Sicily.

No More Paywalls! How?

If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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Meta: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 

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Music:

Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 112: Conquering the Val Demone

Conquest is momentum—and the Normans had it in spades. On this episode, we follow Robert Guiscard and his younger brother Roger as they push deeper into the rugged heart of Sicily. Their route takes them through a crucial valley, one that would test their resolve and teach Roger the brutal truths of leadership, logistics, and siegecraft. As always, Robert Guiscard leads the way with his signature mix of ambition, brutality, and uncanny instinct. The road to domination winds through this valley, and the Normans are just getting started.

No More Paywalls! How?

If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

Social Media:

YouTube: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 

X: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast

Buy Me A Coffee!

Music:

Music for this episode is called “Cutting Edge” from the talented artist Hemlock!Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/cutting-edge

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ