Anthology Of Heroes History Elliot Gates

In this episode we'll explore the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the crises within the Byzantine Empire leading up to the pivotal Battle of Manzikert in 1071.

We delve into the transformation of the Seljuk Turks from a steppe horde into a powerful empire under the leadership of Alp Arslan. His strategic brilliance and conquests have cemented his status as an Islamic hero today. As the Seljuk Empire expands its influence, their ambitions bring them into direct conflict with the Byzantine Empire, setting the stage for a major clash of civilizations.

We trace the escalating situation within Byzantium, marked by political instability and military challenges. Amidst this turmoil emerges Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, a soldier-emperor whose rise to power is fraught with internal strife and external threats. Romanos IV’s reign is defined by his efforts to restore the empire’s strength and counter the Seljuk advance.

Join us as we explore the rise of the Seljuks under Alp Arslan and the Byzantine struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert, a battle that would alter the course of the Byzantine Empire and the region forever.


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Cost Of Glory Podcast



CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Introduction
00:02:13-Origins of The Seljuks
00:09:58-Tughril I & Chaghri Beg's exodus
00:21:13- Rise of Alp Arslan
00:27:27-Byzantium unravels
00:38:44-Fall of Ani aftermath
00:42:29-Romanos IV takes the throne

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“Our Empire is withering!” - Empress Eudokia

Today, we'll explore the events leading up to the 1071 Battle of Manzikert through the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX.

During Constantine IX's reign, the Byzantine Empire faces threats from all sides. We meet the Seljuk Turks, whose ambitions and determination set the stage for future conquest.
Constantine IX struggles to maintain control amidst internal court intrigue and the frequent raids of the Pechenegs, a powerful nomadic tribe. Adding to his challenges is the Great Schism of 1054, a monumental religious split that weakens the unity of Christendom.

The Normans, having established territories in Southern Italy, also become a threat, further straining Byzantine resources. Through Constantine IX's reign, the empire is stretched to its limits as it navigates alliances and conflicts.
The Battle of Manzikert is a turning point in history. It marks the beginning of the Byzantine Empire's decline and opens the door for Turkish dominance in Anatolia. This battle changes the course of history, reshaping the balance of power in the region.

Join us as we delve into the complexities and enduring legacies of these historical events, painting a vivid picture of the Roman Empire's struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert. This is the story of a battle that changed history forever.


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CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Introduction
00:05:45-Constantine IX’s rise to the throne
00:15:59-The legacy of Basil II
00:19:20-Where did the Normans come from?
00:24:52-Seljuks at the border
00:30:02-Leo Tornikios’ rebellion 
00:40:27-The Great Schism of 1054
00:44:06-Summary of Constantine IX’s rule:
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Join us for a lively journey into the ancient world as co-host Alexander Gates and I delve into the most scandalous and petty letters of antiquity.

From expletive-laden tirades to guilt-tripping manipulations, we uncover the outrageous communications of everyday people.
Listen in as we explore the fiery exchanges between an Ottoman Sultan and his insolent correspondent, a Sogdian wife's scathing rebuke, a Babylonian student's cunning manipulation of maternal guilt, and the rebellious outbursts of a spoiled Greek adolescent.


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CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-What is Quickfire?
00:04:03-Reply of the Zaporizhian Cossacks
00:09:56-Sogdian wife complaining to her husband
00:12:50- Babylonian student moaning to his mother
00:16:09-Greek teenager berating his father

Reply of the Zaporizhian Cossacks Painting: https://tinyurl.com/Zaporozhian
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"The Gods had turned their backs on this land" - Tutankhamun's Restoration Edict

In part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King.

As Akhenaten's religious reforms shake the very foundations of his kingdom, the Pharaoh lashes out at his citizens, closing temples and destroying statues of traditional Gods.
Isolated and alone, Akhenaten's actions become increasingly bizarre as he embarks on an incestuous relationship with two of his daughters and ostracizes his allies.

We explore Akhenaten's downfall, the role Nefertiti played, and the mysteries surrounding Smenkhkare, his successor.
Finally, we follow the footsteps of Tutankhamun as he scrubs his father's reforms from history and erases any record of his rule.

Join us as we unravel the tensions, complexities, and enduring legacy of history's first "individual," whose personality oozes through the dusty passages of time.


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"The Pharaoh's sinister smile seemed to whisper love me… but fear me.."

Embark on a journey into ancient Egypt's shadows with our latest episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic life of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh whose legacy was damned by his own people.

We uncover the intriguing tale of Akhenaten's formative years, shaped under the towering influence of his illustrious father, Amenhotep III.
With the help of The Amarna Letters, we'll untangle the mysteries surrounding Akhenaten's bizarre physical traits and his shocking depiction in royal imagery, foreshadowing the turbulence of his later rule.
As the young Pharaoh's arrogance grows, we witness Akhenaten's defiance against the powerful priesthood of Amun and his audacious vision to revolutionize ancient Egypt.

Finally, we follow The Pharoah in his bold quest to establish a new capital city devoted to the sun god Aten, setting the stage for a monumental upheaval in the ancient world.

Tune in to unravel the dark story of the heretic pharaoh, offering insights into one of history's most fascinating and controversial figures.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00-Introduction to Akhenaten

00:05:17-Finding the Amarna Letters

00:13:50-Background on the 18th Dynasty

00:20:49-Amenhotep III and The Aten

00:26:30-Amenhotep’s new portrayals

00:30:45-Akhenaten becomes Pharaoh

00:36:35-Akhenaten’s obsession with The Aten





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In this episode, Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the ancient and mysterious religion of Zoroastrianism.

For over two millennia, it was one of the world's most practiced religions until the arrival of Islam in the seventh century led to its rapid decline. Today, just 120,000 adherents remain worldwide.

Come with us as we dive into Zoroastrianism:

Exploring Avestan, the 'Language of God' still used in prayers today, despite its meaning being long forgotten.

Discover the ritual complexity of The Yasna and the lighting of 16 Sacred Flames, each kindled from a different source.

We also follow the sad history of modern Zoroastrians, a shrinking minority in their homeland of Iran.



Professor Hintze's dedication to preserving and cataloguing ancient rituals and their meanings is a testament to her commitment to preserving this fascinating piece of human history.
Join us as we discuss the history, rituals and language of one of the worlds oldest religions


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Professor Hintze's brief introduction to Zoroastrianism

A recording of the full, transcribed Yasna ritual


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