The History of Byzantium
thehistoryofbyzantium@gmail.com
SummarySpanning over a decade of dedicated storytelling, The History of Byzantium offers a monumental narrative journey through the life and legacy of the Roman Empire in the East. Starting where the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD and concluding with the dramatic collapse of Constantinople in 1453, host Robin Pierson meticulously reconstructs the political, cultural, and human drama of a civilization that spanned nearly a millennium. This podcast is far more than a dry recitation of dates and battles. It is a deep dive into the evolution of identity, religion, and power, exploring how a Roman-identified population transformed over centuries, how legal and Christian institutions were forged, and how Byzantine history continues to ripple through modern geopolitics and nationalism. Through a blend of immersive long-form narrative, lighthearted Q&A sessions, and insightful interviews with leading scholars like Anthony Kaldellis and Nicholas Morton, the show brings nuance to complex topics like the Crusades, the shift from Roman to Greek identity, and the critical assessment of imperial leadership. Whether you are listening to the history of a specific era, contemplating the "worst" emperors in history, or reflecting on why understanding Byzantium is essential to understanding the modern world, this series serves as a complete, authoritative, and deeply human historical archive. It is an essential companion for anyone seeking to look past traditional Western-centric narratives to discover the complex, surprising, and enduring world of the Byzantines.
Updated Jun 30, 2026
Episodes
Episode 355 - You Can’t Understand the Modern World without Byzantium
From Christianity and law to the modern geopolitical landscape, discover the ten ways Byzantium shaped our world.
Episode 354 - Final Questions
Answering listener questions, revisiting favorite emperors, and reflecting on a decade of Byzantine history.
Episode 353 - How did Romans become Greeks with Anthony Kaldellis
Explore why and how subjects of the Roman Empire gradually shifted their identity to become the modern Greek nation.
Episode 352 - Crusader Storm with Nicholas Morton
Nicholas Morton explores the complex, multicultural reality of life, politics, and integration in the Crusader States.
Episode 351 - The 10 Worst Byzantine Emperors
From Andronicus I to the Angelos dynasty, analyze the catastrophic failures and betrayals of Byzantiums worst rulers.
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