Western Civ

in this bonus, author interview, I sit down with Professor Gayle Greene and discuss her book: Immeasurable Outcomes: Teaching Shakespeare in the Age of Algorithms. This book is for any educator right now. There is a lot for us all to commiserate with.Note: Full disclosure, we had some tech issues with this one. I could not use my normal recording system and what we did use abruptly cut off about thirty-eight minutes in. So the end is rather sudden. WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0

The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria destroyed a large portion of Gaziantep Castle in Turkey. This site dated back to the Second and Third Century CE to the never-ending wars between the Romans and Parthians. Seeing the footage of the destruction, I was reminded how fragile history can be. We need to work to preserve sites like this so that they are not lost because once they are lost, we cannot get them back.To donate to UNESCO's efforts to preserve sites like this, click HERE.

In this bonus interview, I sit down with historian Kate Cooper and discuss her most recent book: Queens of a Fallen World. This gripping and innovative history of St. Augustine looks at the four women who influenced his life, theology, and writing. Like any work, Confessions was not written in a bubble. Augustine, one of the most important church fathers, was highly influenced by his mother, fianceé, and lover. And if that weren't enough, Cooper analyzes the role of Empress Justina as she tangles with the powerful Bishop Ambrose - another leading figure in Augustine's life. The book is an excellent read and you can get a copy HERE.Check out our WEBSITE for more content.To support the show and for ad-free versions for only $1 per month, click HERE.Check out a free trial of Western Civ 2.0.

In this episode, we take a look at the Aztecs as they are commonly known or the Mexica as they are correctly known. The Mexica ruled a flourishing, cohesive empire when Hernan Cortes showed up. Today I cover the basics of the Mexica civilization. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westerncivTeaching Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/History-Simulations

Today we cover what we can in terms of Mayan political history. The Maya organized themselves into essentially what we might call city-states. These centered around some locations you might recognize like Chichen Itza and Tikal, and many more you will not recognize. Sadly, much of Mayan history is lost to us as much of the written record did not survive the centuries. But, I'll give you what I can.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.pateon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Today we really switch gears. Before we explore the Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, we have to set the stage. Long before those conquests, the Maya dominated the jungles and mountains of the Yucatan. Today we introduce them.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Version: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Seven-Day Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In our final episode on Suleiman the Magnificent, he nearly completes his conquest of the Mediterranean and Iran. Meanwhile, succession issues threaten to derail the entire Ottoman Empire. Still, when Suleiman dies in 1566 it is officially high tide for the Ottoman State.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Felicia Kornbluh and discuss her most recent book: A Woman's Life is a Human Life. This objective history of the battle over reproductive rights is a true tour de force. To purchase the book, please click on the link below.Disclaimer: The book covers the fight to end sterilization and legalize abortion. Listeners who are sensitive to this subject would be advised to skip this one. Buy the BookWebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0

In this episode, we follow Suleiman as he leads the Ottoman Empire to its territorial height. After teaming up with the intrepid Barbarossa, Suleiman leads the Ottoman navy across the Mediterranean until Ottoman hegemony over the eastern Mediterranean is complete and Charles V is forced into a defensive posture. Then, in 1541, Suleiman formally annexes Hungary, which will remain in Ottoman possession until 1699. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Jacqueline Jones and talk about her latest book: No Right to an Honest Living. The book details the Black experience in Boston between roughly 1840 and 1880. It is an excellent book and I hope you enjoy the interview.To purchase the book, click HERE.WebsitePatreon PageWestern Civ 2.0

Last time Suleiman the Magnificent came to the throne and immediately threw himself at the west. Before two years were out Belgrade and Rhodes were both in Ottoman hands. Suleiman marshaled Ottoman artillery superiority to quickly expand his borders on all sides. Charles V and the rest of Europe sat, paralyzed. Charles and Francis were at each other's throats as we already know. Henry was too far away and too preoccupied with his own unraveling heir situation to do anything. The Pope might scream into the wind but no one outside Hungary was going to do anything to shore up Europe’s rapidly collapsing borders. This week Suleiman continues his expansion as Europe searches for answers. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Show: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Having covered the period between the Fall of Constantinople and 1520, we can now get into the most famous Ottoman Sultan of all: Suleiman the Magnificent. In this first episode, we introduce Suleiman and cover the campaigns of his first two years in power. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon (Ad Free Shows): www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Mehmet II's death leads to a brief power struggle between his two sons: Bayezid and Cem. In the end, the Janissaries pick Bayezid and Cem finds himself packed off to Rome. Bayezid enlarges the Ottoman Empire picking up new territory in northern Syria. His death leads to his son, Selim I, taking the throne. Selim I expands the Ottoman Empire even further than his grandfather, ending the Mamluk Empire and extending Ottoman control to the Holy Land.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westernicivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

We last left the Ottomans in May 1453, as Mehmet II triumphantly rode into the gates of a conquered Constantinople. After thousands of years, the Romans were finally vanquished. In this episode, we catch up with the remainder of Mehmet's reign. And yes, there is plenty left to go.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon Feed: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Marking the end of a turbulent beginning to the Sixteenth Century, the deaths of Henry VIII, Francis I, and Charles V (who technically abdicates before his death) brings one era to a close. Francis and Charles are left exhausted after years of pointless war, but both die knowing that their lines will live on. Henry VIII believes to have put in place an iron-clad succession plan, but Thomas Cranmer and Edward Seymour have other ideas. Oh, and Henry marries one last time. Katherine Parr will become his sixth and final wife.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Francis and Charles finally resolve their differences and western Europe gets a break from the carnage. But, as usual, the fate of Milan spoils the pot and before long the two are at it again. Meanwhile, in England Henry deals with the factionalism that is threatening to tear his court apart. Henry marries (twice) and ultimately divorces (twice). But only Katherine Howard loses her head this time. Website:www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon Ad-Free Feed: www.patreon.com/westerncivWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Unable to help himself, Francis I pushes Charles V and much of western Europe into war. Luckily for him, his talented General Montmorency takes the reigns this time and wears Charles out resulting in a pyrrhic French victory. Meanwhile, back in England Henry VIII FINALLY gets the male heir he was so desperately (and that's an understatement) wanted. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

It has been a while but let's catch up with Francis and Charles. Since his release, Francis I has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of complying with the Treaty of Madrid. The French Royal Council is only too happy to rubbers-stamp that decision. Charles V, infuriated, does what he can to take revenge. Meanwhile, in England, the Pilgrimage of Grace nearly topples Henry VIII from power.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAdd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In his upcoming book, The Mongol Storm, historian Nicholas Morton discusses the vast subject that is the Mongol Empire. All of it. Here we talk about a small fraction of his excellent work.Link to the Book: https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/nicholas-morton/the-mongol-storm/9781541616295/Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this episode, Anne Boleyn fails to produce a male heir (definitely NOT her fault) and loses her head while Henry does his best to enforce religious conformity. Spoiler alert: it's not going to work.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAdd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv