161 - The Italian wars 1: setting up and setting off

After following Florence and Tuscany through a mini golden age from the 1280's to the 1330's we see things really start to go downhill with social tensions between the Arti Maggiori, the greater guilds, and the arti minori, the lesser guilds, exacerbated also by the very brief dominion over Florence by Walter of Brienne.We then take a brief look at the life of Giovani bocaccio and see the plague through his eyes with his great work the Decameron.

9 Nov 202119min

In this special Halloween episode we explore the castle of Bardi in the Apennines of Parma. The ghost is supposedly that of Moroello, the captain of the castle garrison who is said to have died along with his beloved Soleste in the late 15th century.

31 Okt 202135min

area. We see how things went with the Guelphs and Ghibellines inside and outside the region with all the "international" players while all the while the corporations make their way into the halls of power.

26 Okt 202125min

I'm very sorry but I am updating my tracking system. As an apology: a free episode of one of the features you can find on Patreon, NewsCappuccino, enjoy!

20 Okt 202111min

the final chapter of his story: will he rise to even greater glory and perhaps cut out a kingdom in central Italy for himself or will it all come crashing down? Will the newly elected Pope Martin the fifth manage to set up a coalition strong enough to beat this great soldier?

19 Okt 202120min

Braccio's fame increases as he wins victory after victory, in central Italy, against Naples and in his involvement in the Great Western Schism, all the while with his eye on Perugia.

13 Okt 202120min

Fortebraccio, known as Braccio da Montone

5 Okt 202122min

We see the rather naughty and turbulent reign of Joanna II of Naples. Did she really deserve the nickname "the insatiable" or even "the mad"? Or was it just bad press?

21 Sep 202119min