After the Soga Clan
In the aftermath of the Isshi Incident, High Prince Naka and his co-conspirators set to work reforming the government to more closely resemble the splendor and grandeur of the courts of Korea and China. Check out the supplemental post for drawings of Queen Kogyoku and King Tenji! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crus...
9 Nov 202027min
The Rise and Fall of the Soga Clan
Though the Soga Clan's origins are shrouded in mystery, by the 500s they had established themselves as one of the most powerful clans in Yamato. By the 600s they were wielding power even over the sovereigns themselves, going so far as to assassinate the kings who displeased them. In this episode, we'll follow their meteoric career, as well as examine the factors that led to their dramatic collapse. For paintings and other artwork of the Soga patriarchs, check out the supplemental post! Highe...
5 Nov 202026min
The Life of Crown Prince Shōtoku
Crown Prince Shōtoku cast a long shadow over Japanese history and influenced its society for centuries to come. In this episode, I attempt to separate the man from the myth as best as I possibly can. For paintings and statues of the Crown Prince, check out the supplemental post! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusad...
2 Nov 202031min
The Fall of Baekje
Baekje was arguably Japan's most treasured foreign relation on the Korean Peninsula, so naturally the Yamato Court answered the call when Baekje needed them most. Whether they were able to reverse the considerably bad fortune which their ally had suffered in recent years, however, was a different matter. To see some images of the incredible treasures which Baekje produced, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Bar...
29 Okt 202015min
The Rise of the Tang Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty came to an end, but unified China did not. The Tang Dynasty solidified the gains made under the Sui and soon turned their eyes toward expansion and conquest. Their actions would eventually change the Korean peninsula forever. For maps and some pretty cool artwork from the Tang Dynasty, 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 p...
26 Okt 202020min
Peninsular Entanglements
We turn our attention to the Korean Peninsula back to the mid-500s, a dramatic time for the kingdoms of Baekje, Silla, and Koguryo. As war engulfed the peninsula, however, a new power was rising to their west which would ultimately upset the balance and change history forever. For some cool maps and pictures of the various treasures of the three kingdoms of Korea, check out the supplemental post! Support the show My latest novel, "Califia's Crusade," is now available at Amazon, Barnes &...
22 Okt 202022min
Buddhism Comes to Japan
A new religion arrives on Japan's fair shores - but will it be welcomed or ostracized? The Soga and Mononobe clans end up on opposite sides of the issue and must fight one another for the future of their nation. For pictures of some of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, check out the supplemental post! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show My late...
19 Okt 202026min
A Brief History of Buddhism
Before we learn how Buddhism changed Japan, I thought it would be useful to learn about its own history. From the tale of Sakyamuni to the halls of power in China and Korea, this religion has been all over the world and continues to inspire even today. For pictures of the earliest stupas still standing, Indo-Greek statues, and beautiful east Asian temples, check out the supplemental post! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the ...
15 Okt 202026min
