A history of Romania

Arthur Soporan
  • 4.9 (16)
  • HISTORY
  • BIWEEKLY SERIES

A narrative podcast telling the tale of the peoples of Romania from ancient times to the present. The story is divided into five seasons: Beginnings, covering prehistory to the year 602Foundations, 602 to 1396Burgeonings, 1396 to 1774Unifications, 1774 to 1919Identities, 1919 to 2007 If you'd like to see the maps, the bibliography, or learn more about me as your storyteller, head to the website. If you’d like to support the show and help me continue making it, please consider making a donation. Currently on Season 2, Foundations, covering the period from 602 to 1396. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    2.01 The legacy of Antiquity

    As we begin season two, I share what you can expect from this next chunk of narrative and then take a look at the story so far to refresh our memories and prepare us for what comes next. Check out the map for the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    2.02 The khaganate

    In the year 602, the lands north of the Danube were dominated by the Avars, a little-known people from the steppes. In this episode, we take a look at their origins, values, and the khaganate they established to rival the Roman empire. You can check out the extent of their khaganate in this week's map. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    2.03 A tapestry of subjects

    As we explore the khaganate in more depth, we take a look at the subject peoples who lived under Avar dominion, their ways of life, and the relationships they negotiated with their overlords to advance their own interests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    2.04 Village life

    In this last episode of setup, we explore what daily life looked like for the farmers who made up most of the population of the khaganate, considering everything from their homes to their meals, crafts, and habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    2.05 On the precipice

    We begin this season’s narrative on the Danube where periodic raids by the Romans and Slavs simmer along the frontier—until an unexpected spark triggers a conflagration that engulfs the entire eastern Mediterranean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    2.06 Into the abyss

    With the empire mired in invasions and civil war, the new Avar khagan launches a grand campaign against the Romans to prove himself as a military leader and bolster his legitimacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    2.07 The Queen of Cities

    Having fought the Romans separately for over a decade, the Avars and Persians now join forces to strike Constantinople together and finally destroy their arch enemy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    2.08 No respite

    The siege of Constantinople is over, with the emperor victorious over the khagan and the shah. Yet as all these combatants slink away from each other to lick their wounds, new dangers threaten to bring all three of them down – along with their realms. Check out the map for this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    2.09 Keeping it together

    A generation after the defeat at Constantinople, the Avars readjust their way of life, all while trying to keep their remaining subjects in line. Check out the map for this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    2.10 Melting pot

    Romanic and Slavic communities both north and south of the Danube continue to influence each other, as neighbours become bilingual and introduce subtle shifts in their respective languages. Meanwhile, as these two cultures mingle, a prominent Bulgar chieftain flees the Khazar threat with his followers, seeking a new homeland — which leads them right to the Danube. Here's a map showing the Balkans in 681 CE. And here's the link to the website where you can find all episode transcripts: ahistoryofromania.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
See All Season 2 (10)

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A narrative podcast telling the tale of the peoples of Romania from ancient times to the present. The story is divided into five seasons: Beginnings, covering prehistory to the year 602Foundations, 602 to 1396Burgeonings, 1396 to 1774Unifications, 1774 to 1919Identities, 1919 to 2007 If you'd like to see the maps, the bibliography, or learn more about me as your storyteller, head to the website. If you’d like to support the show and help me continue making it, please consider making a donation. Currently on Season 2, Foundations, covering the period from 602 to 1396. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Arthur Soporan
  • Episodes
    41
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Arthur Soporan
  • Show Website
    A history of Romania

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