167 - The Italian Wars 4 - Charles has left the building (1495 - 1498)

Shortly after becoming duke, Francesco Sforza has to deal with a war against Venice, but then the peace of Lodi and the Italic league allow him some time to consolidate his power and start building projects in Milan, as well as chase after women, ending his life with a total of 35 children, only 8 of which were legitimate. His son Galeazzo Maria takes over and the only things he seems good at are spending money and satisfying his desires.

31 Jan 202319min

After the death of Duke Filippo Maria Visconti of Milan, a succession crisis has everyone in on the game and Venice gobbling up cities. In the end, will Bianca Maria Visconti and her husband, Francesco Sforza, manage to stake her claim?Also some naughtiness in the bedroom going on here.

17 Jan 202321min

On 3rd January we celebrated the 5th anniversary of the "A History of Italy" podcast.In this special episode we will talk about:How the podcast is doing and where it's goingThe Italian 2022 elections and Meloni governmentCorrespondence from listenersA short version of my life storyAnd we end with the acclaimed sketch of San Marino

10 Jan 202326min

We go back to the north west to visit with Piedmont and the house of Savoy to take them out of the 15th century as they go through a period of decline with the rising power of France threatening their independence. It is in this period, in 1553, that the Savoy acquire the Holy Shroud, which was supposed to have been the burial cloth of Jesus Christ himself... or was it just one of histories most elaborate middle aged hoaxes?

20 Dec 202220min

We close out the 15th century for Genoa with things not looking too great thanks to the advancing Ottomans in the Eastern Mediterranean and in parallel follow the life of one of Genoa's most famous sons, Christopher Columbus in his early life and follow the adventures of his body after his death before reflecting on his legacy.

13 Dec 202218min

After the failed Pazzi conspiracy and its bloody vengeful aftermath, Lorenzo has to face war against pope Sixtus IV AND Naples AND Urbino. As if that wasn't enough also plague and more plots.Then, would you believe it, another war, the salt war of Ferrara and once all that is over, a good old teenage Cardinal is on the way

6 Dec 202218min

Things heat up as the animosity between the Medici and pope Sixtus IV leads to one of the most infamous conspiracies in history: the Pazzi conspiracy, set up to kill Giuliano and Lorenzo De Medici and overthrow the Signoria, the government of Florence

15 Nov 202220min

We got the chance to talk to bestselling author, Philippa Gregory, about one of the characters of her new book, Dawnlands,Maria Beatrice D'Este, a real historical figure as well as a character, daughter of Duke Alfonso IV of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Queen of England, married to King James II.Philippa has written many historical novels whch include "The other Boleyn girl" and "The White Queen"

8 Nov 202219min