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I am Andrew Allen and I talk about history. Here is a link to my Patreon if you want to support me. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=50989530
Episodes
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode twenty-three explains that Frankia broke apart soon after Pippin's death. Supported by Frisia, the Neustrians revolted, but Pippin's illegitimate son Charles drove the Frisians out of Austrasia. The Neustrians then allied with Odo, duke of Aquitaine, but were defeated. Odo won a major victory over Muslim invaders from al-Andalus, but was weakened, so Charles burned his way through Aquitaine until Odo submitted. Worse, when the new governor of al-Andalus attacked Aquitaine, Odo had to ask Charles for help, thus acknowledging the Frankish king as his overlord. Together, they defeated the Muslims at Poitiers.
Cast of Characters:
Charles Martel-duke and prince of the Franks (718-741), mayor of the palace of Austrasia (715-741), and mayor of the palace of Neustria (718-741), illegitimate son of Pippin II
Plectrude-regent of Theodald, mayor of the palace of Austrasia, widow of Pippin II
Theodald-mayor of the palace of Austrasia (714-716), son of Grimoald and Theudesinda (daughter of Radbod)
Ragenfred-mayor of the palace of Neustria (715-718)
Radbod-king of Frisia (680-719)
Clothar IV-king of Austrasia (717-718)
Chilperic II-king of the Franks (715-721), formerly a monk named Daniel, possibly the son of Childeric II
Theuderic IV-king of the Franks (721-737), son of Dagobert III
Liutprand-king of the Lombards (712-744)
Odo-duke of Aquitaine (700-735)
Hunald-duke of Aquitaine (735-745)
Al-Samh ibn Malik al-Khawlani-governor of al-Andalus (719-721)
Abd al-Rahman ibn Abd Allah al-Ghafiqi-governor of al-Andalus (730-732)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Merovingian Kingdoms: 450-751-Ian Wood
The Carolingians: A Family Who Forged Europe-Pierre Riche, Translated by Michael Idomir Allen
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
Keepers of the Keys of Heaven: A History of the Papacy-Roger Collins
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
God's Crucible: Islamd and the Making of Europe, 570-1215-David Levering Lewis
Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus-Hugh Kennedy
The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In-Hugh Kennedy
Kingdoms of Faith: A New History of Islamic Spain-Brian A. Catlos
In God's Path: The Arab Conquests and the Creation of a Islamic Empire-Robert G. Hoyland
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Twenty-two explains that the new Muslim caliphate had conquered North Africa, which had been controlled by the eastern Roman empire. An expedition across the Strait of Gibraltar to the southern part of the Iberian peninsula proved surprisingly successful when the Visigoth king died in battle. The major Visigoth nobles failed to unite behind a successor, so the Muslims were able to conquer most of the peninsula in a few years, replacing the Visigoths as the rulers of Hispania. Meanwhile, Frankia had been reunited by Pippin, the mayor of Austrasia.
Cast of Characters:
Wittiza-king of the Visigoths in Hispania (702-710)
Ruderic-king of the Visigoths in Hispania (710-711)
Musa b. Nusayr-governor of Ifriqiya (province of North Africa in the Muslim caliphate)
Tariq b. Ziyad-governor of Tangier
Theodemir-Visigoth duke of Murcia
Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik-caliph (715-717)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Merovingian Kingdoms: 450-751-Ian Wood
The Carolingians: A Family Who Forged Europe-Pierre Riche, Translated by Michael Idomir Allen
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
Keepers of the Keys of Heaven: A History of the Papacy-Roger Collins
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
God's Crucible: Islamd and the Making of Europe, 570-1215-David Levering Lewis
Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus-Hugh Kennedy
The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In-Hugh Kennedy
Kingdoms of Faith: A New History of Islamic Spain-Brian A. Catlos
In God's Path: The Arab Conquests and the Creation of a Islamic Empire-Robert G. Hoyland
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Twenty-one explains that duke Pippin had become mayor of the palace of Austrasia due to his help overthrowing Brunhild, but his son Grimoald overreached when he put his own son on the throne rather than the legitimate son of the recently deceased king. Grimoald was killed by the king's brother Clovi, who reunited Austrasia and Neustria. Then he died young, and the two kingdoms were divided between his two young sons, enabling the mayors to become the power behind the throne. Grimoald's nephew Pippin II became the mayor of Austrasia, and then won a decisive victory against the Neustrians at Tertry, reuniting Frankia, while a series of weak kings served as figureheads.
Cast of Characters:
Pippin-mayor of the palace of Austrasia, formerly a duke in Austrasia
Grimoald-mayor of the palace of Austrasia, son of Pippin
Sigebert III-king of Austrasia (633-656)
Childebert-king of Austrasia (656-657), adoptive son of Sigebert, son of Grimoald
Clovis II-king of Frankia (657), king of Neustria and Burgundy (639-657), younger brother of Sigebert
Bathild-regent of Neustria and Burgundy for her son Clothar III (657-664), former slave
Clothar III-king of Neustria and Burgundy (657-673), eldest son of Clovis II
Childeric II-king of Frankia (673-675), king of Austrasia (662-675), middle son of Clovis II
Theuderic III-king of Frankia (679-691), king of Neustria and Burgundy (675-691, youngest son of Clovis II
Dagobert II-king of Austrasia (676-679), son of Sigebert III, possibly an imposter
Pippin II-mayor of the palace of Austrasia (680-714), mayor of the palace of Neustria and Burgundy (687-695), nephew of Grimoald
Grimoald II-mayor of the palace of Neustria (695-714), son of Pippin II
Clovis IV-king of Frankia (691-695), older son of Theuderic III
Childebert III-king of Frankia (695-711), younger son of Theuderic III
Dagobert III-king of Frankia (711-715), son of Childebert III
Radbod-king of Frisia (680-719)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Merovingian Kingdoms: 450-751-Ian Wood
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World-Shelley Puhak
The Carolingians: A Family Who Forged Europe-Pierre Riche, Translated by Michael Idomir Allen
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Twenty explains that the three kingdoms were ruled by children, and their respective regents kept the peace as the children grew up. In theory, Theudebert and Theuderic could have combined against Clothar, but the brothers were more interested in fighting each other. Eventually, Theuderic allied with Clothar against his older brother and gained control of both Burgundy and Austrasia after killing Theudebert. While Clothar had gained some lands, he knew that Theuderic would soon decide to unite Frankia under a single king, him. However, Theuderic died of something, leaving Bunhild regent for her great-grandson. Unfortunately, several powerful nobles in Austrasia decided that it was time for new leadership, and allied with Clothar. Brunhild was executed, and Clothar became king of Frankia.
Cast of Characters:
Clothar II-king of Greater Frankia (613-629), king of Neustria (584-629), son of Chilperic and Fredegund
Fredegund-queen of Neustria (568-584), wife of Chilperic
Dagobert-king of Neustria and Burgundy (629-639), king of Austrasia (623-634), son of Clothar
Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania
Theudebert II-king of Austrasia (595-612), older son of Childebert II, grandson of Brunhild
Theuderic II-king of Burgundy (595-613), king of Austrasia (612-613), younger son of Childebert II, grandson of Brunhild
Sigebert II-king of Burgundy and Austrasia (613), son of Theuderic II
Waranchar-mayor of the palace of Burgundy
Pippin-mayor of the palace of Austrasia, formerly a duke in Austrasia
Arnulf-bishop of Metz
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Merovingian Kingdoms: 450-751-Ian Wood
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World-Shelley Puhak
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Rome Resurgent: War and Empire in the Age of Justinian-Peter Heather
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Nineteen explains that several Austrasian dukes plotted to assassinate Childebert, and seize power by ruling through his young sons, but Guntram learned of the plot, and warned Childebert. The dukes were executed, and their supporters were exiled from court. Believing that Fredegund as regent of Neustria was a threat, Childebert and Guntram made a formal alliance between their two kingdoms. Aside from a failed invasion of Hispania, Guntram had to deal with a revolt by nuns led by two former princesses, who had lost a power struggle over control of an influential abbey. When Fredegund died, her son Clothar was too young to rule, so Austrasia and Burgundy forced him to sign over most of his lands.
Cast of Characters:
Guntram-king of Burgundy (561-592), son of Clothar
Chilperic-king of Neustria (561-584), son of Clothar
Fredegund-queen of Neustria (568-584), wife of Chipleric
Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania
Childebert-son of Sigibert and Brunhild, heir to the throne of Austrasia
Liuvigild-king of Hispania (569-586)
Hermengild-eldest son of Liuvigild
Reccared-younger son of Liuvigild
Basina-nun, daughter of Chilperic and his first wife Audovera
Clotilde-nun, daughter of Charibert
Ursio-duke in Austrasia
Berthefred-duke in Austrasia
Rauching-duke of Soissons, duke in Austrasia, formerly duke in Neustria
Egidius-bishop of Reims, former regent of Austrasia
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World-Shelley Puhak
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Rome Resurgent: War and Empire in the Age of Justinian-Peter Heather
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Eighteen explains that a civil war between the Frankish kingdoms encouraged the empire to send Gundovald to Frankia, hoping that he could claim the throne. However, a bloody battle between Neustria and Burgundy ended in a draw, thus ending the civil war. When Chilperic died suddenly, Guntram promised to protect Fredegund's newly born son. Meanwhile, emperor Tiberius had been succeeded by Maurice, who concluded that it would be simpler to bribe Austrasia to attack the Lombards. Unfortunately, the Austrasian invasion caused the Lombard dukes to unite behind Authari, the son of a former king. Deprived of imperial support, Gundovald gradually lost followers and was finally executed.
Cast of Characters:
Guntram-king of Burgundy (561-592), son of Clothar
Chilperic-king of Neustria (561-584), son of Clothar
Fredegund-queen of Neustria (568-584), wife of Chipleric
Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania
Childebert-son of Sigibert and Brunhild, heir to the throne of Austrasia
Gundovald-illegitimate son of Clothar
Justin II-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (565-578), nephew of Justinian
Sophia-empress of the Eastern Roman Empire
Tiberius II-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (578-582), caesar (574-578), formerly commander of the palace guard
Maurice-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (582-602), formerly a senior general
Liuvigild-king of Hispania (569-586)
Hermengild-eldest son of Liuvigild
Reccared-younger son of Liuvigild
Authari-king of the Lombards (584-590)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World-Shelley Puhak
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Rome Resurgent: War and Empire in the Age of Justinian-Peter Heather
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Seventeen explains that the assassination of Sigibert had saved Chilperic. Brunhild managed to smuggle her young son Childebert to Austrasia, but she was thrown into a convent. However, she received an unexpected marriage proposal from Merovech, the heir of Chilperic, but Merovech's revolt against his father collapsed surprisingly easily. When Guntram's two sons died of dysentery, he made Childebert his heir. Chilperic had an abundance of sons, but all four of his sons soon died either by disease, suicide or murder that was supposed to look like suicide. Fortunately, the new regent of Austrasia had good ties with Chilperic, and proposed an alliance against Guntram.
Cast of Characters:
Guntram-king of Burgundy (561-592), son of Clothar
Chilperic-king of Neustria (561-584), son of Clothar
Fredegund-queen of Neustria (568-584), wife of Chipleric
Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania
Childebert-son of Sigibert and Brunhild, heir to the throne of Austrasia
Gundovald-illegitimate son of Clothar
Merovech-son of Chilperic and Audovera
Clovis-son of Chilperic and Audovera
Radegund-abbess of the Abbey of the Holy Cross, former wife of Clothar, daughter of Bertachar, a Thuringian king
Justin II-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (565-578), nephew of Justinian
Sophia-empress of the Eastern Roman Empire
Tiberius-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (578-584), caesar (574-578), formerly commander of the palace guard
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World-Shelley Puhak
Emperor of the West: Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire-Hywell Williams
Rome Resurgent: War and mpire in the Age of Justinian-Peter Heather
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Sixteen explains that when Charibert died, his three brothers divided his kingdom between them. Chilperic married Brunhild's older sister Galswintha, but the marriage did not go well because Chilperic failed to end his relationship with his concubine Fredegund. When Galswintha found out, she was murdered by someone...in the royal bedchamber. It is doubtful that Sigibert or Guntram were bothered that Chilperic's wife had been murdered but they wanted Galswintha's lands, so they invaded. The war lasted for years, but eventually most of Chiperic's nobles deserted him. Chilperic was on the verge of losing his entire kingdom when Sigibert was assassinated, leaving his kingdom vulnerable.
Cast of Characters:
Clothar-king of the Franks (558-561), king of Soissons (511-558), son of Clovis
Charibert-king of Normandy and Aquitaine (561-567), son of Clothar
Guntram-king of Burgundy (561-592), son of Clothar
Sigibert-king of Austrasia (561-575), son of Clothar
Chilperic- king of Neustria (561-584), son of Clothar
Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania
Galswintha-queen of Neustria (567-568), wife of Chipleric, daughter of Athangild, king of Hispania
Fredegund-queen of Neustria (568-584), wife of Chipleric
Gundovald-illegitimate son of Clothar
Radegund-abbess of the Abbey of the Holy Cross, former wife of Clothar, daughter of Bertachar, a Thuringian king
Justin II-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (565-578), nephew of Justinian
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode fifteen explains that the newly reunited Roman empire suffered a setback when the Lombards conquered much of Italy. Preoccupied with a war against the Persian empire, the empire was unable to retake the lands lost to the Lombards. Meanwhile, Clothar had outlasted his brothers, nephew and even his grand-nephew to reunite greater Frankia into a single kingdom. When he died three years later, the kingdom was divided once again among his four sons. However, unlike their father's generation, the younger generation of Frankish kings would prove to be less united.
Cast of Characters:
Alboin-king of the Lombards (560-572)
Clothar-king of the Franks (558-561), king of Soissons (511-558), son of Clovis
Charibert-king of Normandy and Aquitaine (561-567), son of Clothar
Guntram-king of Burgundy (561-592), son of Clothar
Sigibert-king of Austrasia (561-575), son of Clothar
Chilperic- king of Neustria (561-584), son of Clothar
Brunhild-queen of Austrasia (567-575), wife of Sigibert, daughter of Athanagild, king of Hispania
Justinian-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (527-565), nephew of former emperor Justin
Justin II-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (565-578), nephew of Justinian
Narses-general of the Eastern Roman Empire
Athanagild-king of Hispania (554-567)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
Theodoric the Great: King of Goths, Ruler of Romans-Hans-Ulrich Wiemer, Translated by John Noel Dillon
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Fourteen explains that Justinian had conquered much of the former western Roman empire, but he soon had to deal with a surprise Persian invasion in the east and a widespread epidemic. Since the empire was busy on the eastern front, the surviving Goths attempted to regain control of Italy, but they failed to drive out the imperial army. Determined to gain control of Italy, Justinian funded a huge army that gradually conquered Italy.
Cast of Characters:
Wittigis-king of the Ostrogoths (536-540)
Totila-king of the Ostrogoths (541-552)
Teias-final king of the Ostrogoths (552)
Justinian-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (527-565), nephew of former emperor Justin
Germanus-generalissimo of the Eastern Roman Empire (536-550), cousin in Justinian
Matasuintha-widow of Germanus, widow of Wittigus, and granddaughter of Theodoric the Great
Belisarius-leading general of the Eastern Roman Empire
Narses-general of the Eastern Roman Empire
Theudis-king of the Visigoths (531-548)
Theudigisel-king of the Visigoths (548-549), son of Theodahad
Agila-king of the Visigoths (549-554)
Athangild-king of Visigoths (554-567)
Childebert-king of Orleans (511-558), son of Clovis
Childebert-king of Neustria (511-561), son of Clovis
Theudebert I-king of Austrasia (533-548). grandson of Clovis
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization-Bryan Ward-Perkins
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders-Peter Heather
Theodoric the Great: King of Goths, Ruler of Romans-Hans-Ulrich Wiemer, Translated by John Noel Dillon
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe-Judith Herrin
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625