Murder in the Cathedral: The Killing of Thomas Becket
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The horrific murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in his own cathedral shocked Europe and immediately created one of the most famous martyrs in English history. The story begins with Thomas Becket in exile in France, fleeing the anger of Henry II of England. Despite being the king's pick for Archbishop of Canterbury, he has refused to cooperate with the king's plans for the church. An international game of diplomacy ensues, with the King of France and the Pope heavily involved in an effort to reconcile the two men. King Henry takes extraordinary measures to avoid church...
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England's Most Vengeful King?
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
King Henry II was a man with a terrible temper. He was determined to have absolute control of his subjects, but one unlikely man stood up to him. In this episode women are seized from convents and forcibly married, messengers suffer grisly punishments, and a good number of body parts are forcibly removed when the king flies into a rage. This is the story of archbishop Thomas Becket who stood up to the vengeful Plantaganet king.
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Eleanor of Aquitaine Ep 4: A Tale of Rival Kings
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
This is the story of how one woman changed the balance of power in Western Europe, by divorcing one man and marrying another. Eleanor of Aquitaine is the Queen of France, but has been alienated from her husband. Her campaign for an end to that marriage led to a shocking remarriage with a much younger man, and the beginning of the Plantaganet dynasty in England. Along the way we discover why our favorite tales of knightly romance, from Lancelot and Guinevere to Tristan and Isolde, are connected to Eleanor and her enormous influence.
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Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Second Crusade Ep 3: A Scandal for the Ages
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The dwindling army of the Second Crusade arrives in Antioch, where a quarrel over military strategy is influenced by rumours of a sex scandal involving the Queen of France. The Crusaders make some very bad decisions, leading to a failed attack and a humiliating retreat. Find out why the Second Crusade was such a dismal failure. Support this podcast on Patreon.com/evaschubert For details of an upcoming history tour with Eva go to:
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Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Second Crusade Ep 2: A Total Debacle
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The Second Crusade leaves Europe under the command of two kings, fielding the largest number of men in a generation. Eleanor of Aquitaine rides with her husband, King Louis VII of France, while Conrad Hohenstaufen leads forces from the Holy Roman Empire. What follows is not glorious victory, but embarrassment and disaster on an epic scale. The fingers of blame point in all directions, as the Crusaders learn that the road to Jerusalem is littered with bad decisions -- and bones.
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The Second Crusade Ep 1: Eleanor of Aquitaine, the medieval queen who went to war
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The Second Crusade would be a disaster, but why did it happen and how did it get started? The call to arms was preached by a closet dwelling ascetic who happened to be the leading churchman of his generation-- none other than Bernard of Clairveaux. In this episode we meet Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen who ruled both France and then England, and went on crusade. A horrifying mass death, a guilty royal conscience, and one of the most notorious womanisers of the Middle Ages are all part of the story in this episode.
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Templars Ep 2: The Fiery End
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The Templars began as warrior monks, but have been linked to everything from demon worship to forbidden sexual practices. What happened? This episode follows the history of the spectacular fall of a knightly order. A power struggle between a king and a pope, infiltration, torture, and the Inquisition -- it is a turbulent tale. Because of the many rumours about the Templars, I will point out that this episode relies entirely on historical sources, primarily the work of Professor Malcolm Barber. You can support this podcast on www.Patreon.com/evaschubert
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Templars Ep 1: The Rise of the Knights Templar
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The Knights Templar are surrounded by legends and conspiracy theories. Who were they actually? This episode tracks the Templars from their inception as an order of warrior monks in the Crusader state of Jerusalem, to their astonishing expansion into an international organisation of enormous wealth and power. Along the way we encounter Crusader kings, Bernard of Clairveaux, the white slave trade, the Knights Hospitaller, and the Assassins. Footnote: In this episode I mention Krak de Chevalier among the Templar castles because it is perhaps the most stunning example of...
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The First Crusade Ep 4: Rise of the Crusader Kings
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The Crusaders have taken Jerusalem but they face one final battle. When the men start to head home, the legend of the First Crusade is born, and a massive new wave of Crusaders heads east. Not everyone wants to go home however; Godfrey of Bouillon becomes ruler of Jerusalem. His brother Baldwin manages to take control of Edessa, and one Crusader aspires to be not just a prince, but to take the imperial throne for himself. Along the way there are devious marriages, murder plots, and total disasters as the Crusaders defend their kingdoms in the east.
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The First Crusade Ep 3: Jerusalem in Flames
Villains and Virgins History Podcast
The Crusaders narrowly escape annihilation when they attempt to fight their way out of Antioch. Some men credit the miracle of the Holy Lance for their amazing escape. Divisions emerge amongst the nobles, while the army starves. Some Crusaders turn to cannibalism, and a fiery trial by ordeal ends the career of a peasant preacher. The Crusadering army finally arrives at the walls of Jerusalem in 1099, and the stories of what they do when they get inside are hair raising. Faith, violence, hate, and ambition are all rolled together in this dramatic episode.
info_outlineRoger II has played a high stakes game to secure his crown. Now a king, he must face the consequences of backing the wrong Pope. Rebellious barons, treacherous in-laws, and the loss of his beloved wife burden him as Roger continues to fight for his kingdom. Two emperors conspire to jointly attack him, and the Sicilian navy stages an audacious raid at the gates of Constantinople. Roger II defines himself as a ruler unlike any other in Western Europe. His borrowing of statecraft, scholars, and silk makers from the East has his enemies whispering that he has gone full sultan.