SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 107: Manzikert!

A single word that would echo through the centuries as the Eastern Roman Empire’s turning point. On this episode, we recount one of the most infamous battles in medieval history—where arrogance, betrayal, and a well-placed arrow conspired to unravel centuries of imperial dominance. Romanus IV staked it all on a decisive strike against the Seljuks…and the Seljuks struck back harder. The road to Byzantine collapse didn’t begin here—but after Manzikert, there was no turning back.

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 106: Eudokia's Vow

Today, we explore the high-stakes political gamble of Empress Eudokia Makrembolitissa—widow, mother, regent, and now…Empress once again. With her young son Michael Doukas technically next in line, Eudokia makes a controversial vow—to step aside—but then promptly steps right back in, marrying the battle-hardened Romanos Diogenes. Was it love? Power? Desperation? All of the above? What’s certain is this: Michael's smooth ride to the throne just hit a Byzantine-sized speed bump.

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 105: Machiavellian Moves

Today, we witness something downright rare for the Middle Ages: a peaceful transition of imperial power. Isaac Komnenos, battered by illness and the burdens of rule, hands the crown to a man of the Church—Michael Psellos’s chosen candidate. But don’t let the word peaceful fool you. Behind the incense and ceremony lies a cauldron of political maneuvering, ego, and the faint whisper of future turmoil. In Byzantium, even peace comes with sharp edges.

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 104: Isaac I Komnenos

With a soldier’s grit and a reformer’s vision, Isaac Komnenos seizes the throne during a time of chaos and crumbling confidence in Eastern Rome. But his reign, though short, is anything but quiet. Between bureaucratic shakeups, military reforms, and the rising shadow of his own health, Isaac’s time at the helm proves to be the spark that lights a much larger Komnene firestorm to come.

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 103: The Reluctant Emperor

Today, we reach the boiling point in our Byzantine narrative. Constantinople stands on a knife’s edge—haunted by fading glory, battered by political whiplash, and yearning for a leader who can stop the rot. As the old guard clings to power and the empire’s enemies sharpen their blades, the question looms large: is this the end of Eastern Rome’s greatness… or the beginning of a long-overdue resurgence?

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 102: The Reluctant Rebel

Today, we continue our turbulent tour through 11th-century Constantinople, where emperors and empresses come and go with dizzying speed. From the formidable Theodora to the uncertain reign of Michael IV, the Byzantine Empire finds itself in a constant state of political whiplash. Can Michael VI finally bring some stability to the Eastern Roman court? Or will the imperial diadem shift yet again to another ambitious contender?

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 101: The Rudderless Empire

Today, we explore the stretch of time between the death of Basil II—one of Eastern Rome's greatest emperors—and the rise of the Komnenian dynasty—one of Eastern Rome's greatest dynasties. This was a period of slow unraveling: emperors came and went, each chipping away at the ironclad legacy Basil had left behind. We'll trace the imperial throne through missteps, marriages, military failures, and the creeping rot of court intrigue. This is the story of how an empire rich in legacy slowly lost its grip—one underwhelming ruler at a time.

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

SEASON 6: The Other Norman Conquest

Miniseries: Rise of the Komnenoi

EPISODE 100: Popes, Kings, Sailors & One Really Important Road

Today, we set the stage for empire and commerce by diving into the heartbeat of Byzantium—Constantinople—and the ancient road that connected it to the world: the Via Ignatia. We trace its winding route through the mountains of northern Greece, where traders and merchants carried precious goods and ideas across continents. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding how commerce and culture paved the way for empires.

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-edgeLicense code: Y0ZLEPLIZYV2RTMJ

SEASON 6 (OPENER): Still At It

EPISODE 99: Still At It

Today, we head south once again—back to the chaotic crossroads of southern Italy. The Normans aren't done yet. In fact, they're just getting started. This is the beginning of a new arc in our medieval epic: The Other Norman Conquest, where shifting alliances, ambition, and Mediterranean power plays take center stage.

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

SEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of England

EPISODE 98: The Longest Shadow

We bid farewell to the titan who changed the face of England forever. William the Conqueror—bastard, duke, king, and relentless force of will—meets his end. But even in death, his legacy casts a long and unyielding shadow over Europe. This is the final chapter in a life that reshaped the medieval world.

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 “Psycho” by Alex Besss (not a typo on the last name). Check him out at https://uppbeat.io/t/alex-besss/psycho [License code: Z56NEGWX66PXWD2G]