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

1166 - 1174 After the formation of the Lombard League of the communes of northern Italy a clash with Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had become almost inevitable. Both sides now started to prepare for the confrontation that would decide the future of Italy.

12 Sep 201925min

In this first ever crossover episode, we talk to Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy podcast about the Lombards. This is part 2 of 2.

3 Sep 201926min

In this first ever crossover episode, we talk to Steve Guerra of the History of the Papacy podcast about the Lombards. This is part 1 of 2.

27 Aug 201926min

1162 - 1167 We see how after sorting out Milan, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa also goes on to try and deal with pope Alexander III. Meanwhile, the communes start to learn that there can be strength in numbers, with the League of Verona in 1164 and the Lombard and Italic Leagues in 1167.

20 Aug 201922min

1158 - 1162 After the diet of Roncaglia, we follow Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa as he tries to deal with a papal schism between Victor IV and Alexander III and then goes on to deal with the communes, particularly the every obstinate Milan.

14 Aug 201921min

1155 - 1158 We see an attempt by Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel Komnenus to bring at least part of Italy back into the empire, a peace between pope Hadrian IV and the Norman king William I. Then, of course there is the continuing struggle between Frederick Barbarossa and the northern communes headed by Milan.

7 Aug 201921min

1154 - 1155 Hadrian IV tries to come to terms with the Roman commune and its moral leader, Arnaldo da Brescia, but the results are not quite as they expected

30 Jul 201919min

The communes start to feel they need some admin changes. We go from pope Eugene III through an Anastasius for a bit to the major hitter Hadrian IV. All the while Frederick Barbarossa starts to come into play

23 Jul 201921min