SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 134: The Fall of Corfu

Sure, Robert Guiscard said he was just helping out a sad ex-emperor who wandered into his court with a sob story and a fake crown. But let’s be honest—that was just Norman theater. In this episode, we dig into the real reasons behind Guiscard’s audacious invasion of the Balkans. Prestige, papal politics, Byzantine chaos, and a little something called ambition. The Old Fox wasn’t restoring an emperor—he was testing the locks on the gates of Constantinople. It all begins with one bold move: the capture of Corfu.

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 133: The Winter of Their Discontent

Schemes, preparations, and solidifications…oh my! We’re back in the West, knee-deep in papal maneuverings and vassal gamesmanship. After a brief Eastern detour, this chapter sets the stage for something massive. The gears of European power are grinding into motion, and our favorite schemer, Duke Robert “the Old Fox,” is sharpening his claws for his most daring gamble yet. The stakes? Everything.

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: The Book of Alexios: Chapter 6 (will published at a later date)

EPISODE 132: April 4, 1081

This is the moment everything changes. In this episode, young Alexios Komnenos storms the gates of Constantinople—not as a defender, but as a contender. With allies at his back and betrayal in the air, he makes his play for the purple. The empire is bleeding, the people are restless, and the crown of Eastern Rome is up for grabs. Spoiler: Alexios isn’t asking for it. He’s taking it.

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: The Book of Alexios: Chapter 5 (whole series will be published later)

EPISODE 131: Cheese Week

Before the empire crowned a Komnenos, it celebrated Cheese Week—yes, that Cheese Week. This episode takes a detour into the rich and frankly delicious traditions of pre-Lenten Constantinople, where fasting, feasting, and politics made strange bedfellows. But don’t get too cozy. As the cheese cooled and the candles dimmed, Alexios Komnenos was positioning himself for the ultimate move: taking the crown of Eastern Rome. The prelude is over. Now comes the power grab.

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Ever wonder where we get phrases like “the writing on the wall”? We kick this episode off with a look at the origins of some of our favorite doom-laden idioms—then we drop straight into the chaos of Byzantium. Emperor Nikephoros III is watching his empire disintegrate faster than his advisors can light incense. Two rebellions down, a Norman breakaway state still kicking, and his golden boy general Alexios Komnenos barely keeping the cracks from becoming craters. The emperor sees the end coming—and this episode hits the gas.

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: The Book of Alexios: Chapter 2 (whole series will be published later)

EPISODE: 129: Bryennios's Rebellion

The throne may be gold, but it’s sitting on a powder keg. In this episode, Nikephoros III Botaneiates makes his debut as emperor, dealing with the fallout of the 1078 Bread Riots and facing down his first of many coups. Spoiler alert: it won’t be his last. Enter young Alexios Komnenos—loyal, lethal, and about to find out that putting down rebellion in Byzantium is like playing chess with a lit torch. If Roussel de Bailleul was tough, this next round’s going to leave a mark.

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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

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Pope Gregory VII & Matilda of Canossa

EPISODE 128: Some People Just Don't Know When to Go Away

Some people just don’t know when to quit—kingdoms, popes, emperors… and definitely kings named Henry. In this episode, we spotlight two historical heavyweights who refused to back down, even as the world shifted under their feet. One of them is a defiant Italian countess standing between a king and his pride. As we round out the 1070s, the stage is set for seismic change—and Matilda of Canossa is right at the center of it.

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License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Pope Gregory VII & Matilda of Canossa

EPISODE 127: The Walk to Canossa

To “take a walk to Canossa” means to eat a double helping of humble pie—barefoot, in the snow, while your enemies watch. But where did this brutal phrase come from? This episode tells that story. If there were a Top 5 list of the most iconic, world-shaking moments of the entire Middle Ages, this would be on it—no debate. Pride crashes into penance at the gates of Canossa. You do not want to miss this one.

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

EPISODE 126: Meanwhile...In the Mezzogiorno

While Gregory VII was busy fanning the flames of war up north, the Southern Normans were causing their own brand of chaos in Italy and Sicily. This episode takes a breather from the pope-vs-king drama to check in on the ever-scheming Hautevilles—because you just know they couldn’t sit still while Europe burned. Don’t worry, we’ll be back to the papal throwdown soon enough.

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SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Pope Gregory VII & Matilda of Canossa

EPISODE 125: False Monk

They called him a false monk—and that was putting it mildly. In the wake of Gregory VII’s Dictatus Papae, the gloves come off: excommunications fly, thrones wobble, and tempers turn deadly. King Henry IV’s furious letter labels the pope a fraud, and the showdown between crown and crosier officially kicks off. Assassinations, depositions, holy drama? Oh my.

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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

License code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ