The Reign of the Regents
The Fujiwara Regents of the late 900s accumulated a vast amount of political power and clout. In this episode, we return to the narrative and follow the misadventures of the Fujiwara leaders as they tightened their grip on power. For images of the Emperors who reigned and the Regents who governed in this episode, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many ot...
7 Okt 202119min
The Age of Uncertainty
We continue our survey episodes this week by taking a closer look at the state of the clergy and the samurai in the later Heian Period. Big changes are coming for both Buddhism and the warrior caste which will eventually change the nation forever. For pictures of Hakata Bay as well as the monument marking the place where Dazaifu Fortress once stood, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, A...
4 Okt 202119min
The Age of Hunger
Life in the later Heian may have been a near-constant party for the aristocratic nobility, but what was it like for those on the bottom rungs of Heian society? In this episode we will explore the lives of the common folk who made the lavish lifestyle of the nobles possible through their backbreaking labor. For pictures of pig iron, the special bellows used to refine iron sand, and two swords that date to the Heian Period, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "C...
30 Sep 202120min
The Age of Entertainment
The first of three survey-style episodes describing life in the later Heian Period. In this episode, we will explore the flowering of Japanese culture that occurred among the nobility of the later Heian Period, as well as their relationships with aesthetics, romance, marriage, and architecture. For pictures of Shinzen-Zukuri architecture and Heian-style kimonos, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & N...
27 Sep 202118min
The Art and Poetry of the Early Heian Period - BONUS
In the final episode of this season, we take a closer look at some of the creative side of the early Heian Period, including poems, visual arts, and the creation of two Japanese alphabets which are still in use today.You can read selections from the Kokin Wakashu courtesy of the University of Virginia here.Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platforms!
2 Sep 202121min
The Pirate King
After the death of Taira Masakado, the court still had to deal with a rebel in the west named Fujiwara Sumitomo. Originally a provincial bureaucrat, Sumitomo abandoned the life of a noble and embraced the life of a pirate king. For a portrait of Sumitomo as well as maps detailing the inland sea, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and many other online platfor...
30 Aug 202114min
Taira Treason
After his warriors looted the Hitachi provincial capital, Taira Masakado marched his army to every other capital in Kantō, placing the east under his control by force. While he attempted to negotiate a peaceful settlement with Heian-kyō, however, his local rivals organized yet another warband to put his rebellion to an end. For detailed maps and a painting of Masakado's daughter Takiyasha-hime, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now av...
26 Aug 202118min
Taira Troubles
Taira Masakado's ongoing family feud expands as he seeks to avenge himself against his cousin and uncles. When the warriors under his command take things too far, however, he will have to make a difficult decision which eventually sealed his fate. For a wickedly awesome picture of Masakado trampling some poor enemy warrior underfoot, as well as a map of the various battles in this episode, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now availab...
23 Aug 202120min
