Episodes
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Join us for a lively journey into the ancient world as co-host Alexander Gates and I delve into the most scandalous and petty letters of antiquity.
From expletive-laden tirades to guilt-tripping manipulations, we uncover the outrageous communications of everyday people.
Listen in as we explore the fiery exchanges between an Ottoman Sultan and his insolent correspondent, a Sogdian wife's scathing rebuke, a Babylonian student's cunning manipulation of maternal guilt, and the rebellious outbursts of a spoiled Greek adolescent.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-What is Quickfire?
00:04:03-Reply of the Zaporizhian Cossacks
00:09:56-Sogdian wife complaining to her husband
00:12:50- Babylonian student moaning to his mother
00:16:09-Greek teenager berating his father
Reply of the Zaporizhian Cossacks Painting: https://tinyurl.com/Zaporozhian
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“The most decisive disaster in Byzantine history” - Steven Runciman
In the epic conclusion to our series, we delve into the monumental Battle of Manzikert in 1071.
Through the perspectives of Alp Arslan and Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, we explore the motivations and strategies of these two pivotal leaders leading up to this climactic confrontation. Drawing from primary and secondary sources, we provide a detailed, blow-by-blow account of the battle, capturing the intensity and drama of the conflict.
Following the battle, we discuss its far-reaching consequences, marking the beginning of the Byzantine Empire's decline and its impact on world history.
What if The Byzantines won at Manzikert?
The Turks may have never settled Anatolia and the Greek Orthodox population may've maintained majority.
Join us as we unravel the events and aftermath of the Battle of Manzikert, a turning point that changed the course of history forever.
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
Cost Of Glory Podcast
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Recap of series
00:02:29-Romanos IV marches east
00:06:22-Alp Arslan caught off-guard
00:14:06-Peace negotiations fail
00:18:35-Battle begins
00:24:09-Romanos IV betrayed
00:29:29-Romanos IV returns to Constantinople
00:33:52-Death of Romanos IV
00:37:00-Aftereffects of the battle
00:40:14-Epilogue (rise of Alexios I)
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode we'll explore the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the crises within the Byzantine Empire leading up to the pivotal Battle of Manzikert in 1071.
We delve into the transformation of the Seljuk Turks from a steppe horde into a powerful empire under the leadership of Alp Arslan. His strategic brilliance and conquests have cemented his status as an Islamic hero today. As the Seljuk Empire expands its influence, their ambitions bring them into direct conflict with the Byzantine Empire, setting the stage for a major clash of civilizations.
We trace the escalating situation within Byzantium, marked by political instability and military challenges. Amidst this turmoil emerges Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, a soldier-emperor whose rise to power is fraught with internal strife and external threats. Romanos IV’s reign is defined by his efforts to restore the empire’s strength and counter the Seljuk advance.
Join us as we explore the rise of the Seljuks under Alp Arslan and the Byzantine struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert, a battle that would alter the course of the Byzantine Empire and the region forever.
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Introduction
00:02:13-Origins of The Seljuks
00:09:58-Tughril I & Chaghri Beg's exodus
00:21:13- Rise of Alp Arslan
00:27:27-Byzantium unravels
00:38:44-Fall of Ani aftermath
00:42:29-Romanos IV takes the throne
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“Our Empire is withering!” - Empress Eudokia
Today, we'll explore the events leading up to the 1071 Battle of Manzikert through the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX.
During Constantine IX's reign, the Byzantine Empire faces threats from all sides. We meet the Seljuk Turks, whose ambitions and determination set the stage for future conquest.
Constantine IX struggles to maintain control amidst internal court intrigue and the frequent raids of the Pechenegs, a powerful nomadic tribe. Adding to his challenges is the Great Schism of 1054, a monumental religious split that weakens the unity of Christendom.
The Normans, having established territories in Southern Italy, also become a threat, further straining Byzantine resources. Through Constantine IX's reign, the empire is stretched to its limits as it navigates alliances and conflicts.
The Battle of Manzikert is a turning point in history. It marks the beginning of the Byzantine Empire's decline and opens the door for Turkish dominance in Anatolia. This battle changes the course of history, reshaping the balance of power in the region.
Join us as we delve into the complexities and enduring legacies of these historical events, painting a vivid picture of the Roman Empire's struggle for survival on the eve of Manzikert. This is the story of a battle that changed history forever.
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Introduction
00:05:45-Constantine IX’s rise to the throne
00:15:59-The legacy of Basil II
00:19:20-Where did the Normans come from?
00:24:52-Seljuks at the border
00:30:02-Leo Tornikios’ rebellion
00:40:27-The Great Schism of 1054
00:44:06-Summary of Constantine IX’s rule:
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Bonus episode from the podcast 'History Daily'.
November 15, 1864. During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman begins his devastating March to the Sea.
History Daily can be found on all podcasting platforms, with more information on their website.
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"The Gods had turned their backs on this land" - Tutankhamun's Restoration Edict
In part two of our series, we delve into the downfall of Akhenaten, The Heretic King.
As Akhenaten's religious reforms shake the very foundations of his kingdom, the Pharaoh lashes out at his citizens, closing temples and destroying statues of traditional Gods.
Isolated and alone, Akhenaten's actions become increasingly bizarre as he embarks on an incestuous relationship with two of his daughters and ostracizes his allies.
We explore Akhenaten's downfall, the role Nefertiti played, and the mysteries surrounding Smenkhkare, his successor.
Finally, we follow the footsteps of Tutankhamun as he scrubs his father's reforms from history and erases any record of his rule.
Join us as we unravel the tensions, complexities, and enduring legacy of history's first "individual," whose personality oozes through the dusty passages of time.
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
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"The Pharaoh's sinister smile seemed to whisper love me… but fear me.."
Embark on a journey into ancient Egypt's shadows with our latest episode, as we delve deep into the enigmatic life of Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh whose legacy was damned by his own people.
We uncover the intriguing tale of Akhenaten's formative years, shaped under the towering influence of his illustrious father, Amenhotep III.
With the help of The Amarna Letters, we'll untangle the mysteries surrounding Akhenaten's bizarre physical traits and his shocking depiction in royal imagery, foreshadowing the turbulence of his later rule.
As the young Pharaoh's arrogance grows, we witness Akhenaten's defiance against the powerful priesthood of Amun and his audacious vision to revolutionize ancient Egypt.
Finally, we follow The Pharoah in his bold quest to establish a new capital city devoted to the sun god Aten, setting the stage for a monumental upheaval in the ancient world.
Tune in to unravel the dark story of the heretic pharaoh, offering insights into one of history's most fascinating and controversial figures.
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00-Introduction to Akhenaten
00:05:17-Finding the Amarna Letters
00:13:50-Background on the 18th Dynasty
00:20:49-Amenhotep III and The Aten
00:26:30-Amenhotep’s new portrayals
00:30:45-Akhenaten becomes Pharaoh
00:36:35-Akhenaten’s obsession with The Aten
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
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In this episode, Professor Almut Hintze sheds light on the ancient and mysterious religion of Zoroastrianism.
For over two millennia, it was one of the world's most practiced religions until the arrival of Islam in the seventh century led to its rapid decline. Today, just 120,000 adherents remain worldwide.
Come with us as we dive into Zoroastrianism:
Exploring Avestan, the 'Language of God' still used in prayers today, despite its meaning being long forgotten.
Discover the ritual complexity of The Yasna and the lighting of 16 Sacred Flames, each kindled from a different source.
We also follow the sad history of modern Zoroastrians, a shrinking minority in their homeland of Iran.
Professor Hintze's dedication to preserving and cataloguing ancient rituals and their meanings is a testament to her commitment to preserving this fascinating piece of human history.
Join us as we discuss the history, rituals and language of one of the worlds oldest religions
Help support the show on Patreon!
Sources and Attributions on our website.
Professor Hintze's brief introduction to Zoroastrianism
A recording of the full, transcribed Yasna ritual
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Bonus episode from the podcast 'Welsh History Podcast' sharing the story of influential Welsh figure: Llywelyn the Great
He is young, angry and looking for revenge.
Welsh History Podcast is a proud member of the Evergreen Podcast Network.
You can support the podcast at patreon.com/WelshHistory
Celtic Impulse Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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"Capitulation is impossible! The 6th Army will do its historic duty." - Adolf Hitler.
In the conclusion of our series, we unravel the final months of the Battle of Stalingrad, exploring the consequences of Adolf Hitler's decision to forbid the the Sixth Army to retreat.
We witness the long-awaited breakthrough for The Red Army, as Joseph Stalin and Georgy Zhukov launch Operation Uranus.
We delve into the emotional impact on German soldiers confronting their mortality. Through their personal letters, we glimpse into their thoughts and feelings about Nazi leadership and Adolf Hitler.
After the dust settles, we examine the aftermath of the Battle of Stalingrad and its enduring legacy in Russian history.
Tune in for an exploration of this pivotal moment, where the human toll and historical significance intertwine in a tale of sacrifice, resilience, and grit.
NOTE: When discussing The Nuremberg trials, I make an error when I refer to Joseph Goebbels who was no longer alive. This should instead be Hermann Göring. Thanks to Albert, Antonik and others for pointing this out.
⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡
CHAPTERS:
00:00-Introduction and Recap
01:58-Episode start
07:27-Fortress Stalingrad begins
16:49-Christmas in Stalingrad
21:05-Last chance at surrender with Winrich Behr
31:36-Paulus loses hope
40:56-Fate of the main characters
45:57-Red Army finds last letters from Stalingrad
📓SOURCES:
Barbarossa Through Soviet Eyes: The First Twenty-Four Hours by Artem Drabkin, Alexei Isaev, Christopher Summerville
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
Russia at War, 1941–1945: A History by Alexander Werth
Blood red snow by by Günter K. Koschorrek
Through the Maelstrom: A Red Army Soldier's War on the Eastern Front by Boris Gorbachevsky
The forgotten soldiers by Guy Sajer
Until the Eyes Shut: Memories of a machine gunner on the Eastern Front by Andreas Hartinger
Stalin: Triumph and Tragedy by Dmitri Volkogonov
Marshall of Victory: Memoirs of Giorgy Zhukov
Blitzed: Drugs In The Third Reich by Norman Ohler
The Diary of Wehrmacht Soldier William Hoffman
Various accounts: IREMEMBER.RU
German Propaganda Archive: Joseph Goebbels: 1933-1945 (calvin.edu)
Barbarossa : the Russian-German conflict, 1941-45 by Alan Clarke
Kiev 1941: Hitler's Battle for Supremacy in the East by David Stahel
Reminiscences and Reflections. Volume 1 by Georgii Konstantinovich Zhukov
The Third Reich at War by Richard J. Evans
Moscow Strikes Back - 1942 USSR Propaganda Film
Molotovs Radio Broadcast:
Transcript: https://www.marxists.org/history/ussr/great-patriotic-war/pdf/22-06-1941-molotov-radiospeech.pdf
Audio: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1000646
🎉PATRONS
Tom G 👑
Angus S👑
Seth M👑
Claudia K👑
Phil B
Lisa K
Malcolm G
Alex G
Caleb I
Alan R
Jim G
Luke G
Tom
✍🏻ATTRIBUTIONS
All images are public domain unless stated otherwise.
Paid Artlist.io license for 'Anthology Of Heroes Podcast' utilised for numerous sounds/music
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"In the blazing city, we do not suffer cowards..." - Vasily Chuikov.
This episode marks the penultimate episode of our series tracing Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's 1941 invasion of the USSR.
Join us as we follow Marshal Friedrich Paulus and the Wehrmacht 6th Army to their fateful end at Stalingrad. Through poignant handwritten letters, we'll delve into how frontline soldiers grappled with their mortality and the erosion of their faith in Nazi propaganda.
Throughout the episode, we explore the ingenious and brutal strategies employed by Marshall Vasily Chuikov to maintain order amidst the chaos.
In the desperate streets of Stalingrad, Rattenkrieg, or 'war of the rats,' emerged as a brutal form of close-quarters urban combat, marked by intense, chaotic skirmishes within the sprawling ruins of the city.
As the tide turns against the Wehrmacht, we witness the Nazi High Command's struggle against Adolf Hitler's insistence on a symbolic last stand.
The Battle of Stalingrad, often deemed the deadliest in history, holds a profound place in Russian pride today. Tune in to learn why.
⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡
CHAPTERS:
00:00-Introduction
03:37-Main Characters Recap
06:30-Episode Start
12:18-Chuikov's Innovations
21:09-Wermacht on brink of victory
29:48-Luftwaffe Bombing Run
35:24-Red Army heroism
40:30-Wermacht dug in for winter
49:38-Operation Uranus begins
📓SOURCES:
Barbarossa Through Soviet Eyes: The First Twenty-Four Hours by Artem Drabkin, Alexei Isaev, Christopher Summerville
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor
Russia at War, 1941–1945: A History by Alexander Werth
Blood red snow by by Günter K. Koschorrek
Through the Maelstrom: A Red Army Soldier's War on the Eastern Front by Boris Gorbachevsky
The forgotten soldiers by Guy Sajer
Until the Eyes Shut: Memories of a machine gunner on the Eastern Front by Andreas Hartinger
Stalin: Triumph and Tragedy by Dmitri Volkogonov
Marshall of Victory: Memoirs of Giorgy Zhukov
Blitzed: Drugs In The Third Reich by Norman Ohler
The Diary of Wehrmacht Soldier William Hoffman
Various accounts: IREMEMBER.RU
German Propaganda Archive: Joseph Goebbels: 1933-1945 (calvin.edu)
Barbarossa : the Russian-German conflict, 1941-45 by Alan Clarke
Kiev 1941: Hitler's Battle for Supremacy in the East by David Stahel
Reminiscences and Reflections. Volume 1 by Georgii Konstantinovich Zhukov
The Third Reich at War by Richard J. Evans
Moscow Strikes Back - 1942 USSR Propaganda Film
Molotovs Radio Broadcast:
Transcript: https://www.marxists.org/history/ussr/great-patriotic-war/pdf/22-06-1941-molotov-radiospeech.pdf
Audio: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1000646
🎉PATRONS
Tom G 👑
Angus S👑
Seth M👑
Claudia K👑
Phil B
Lisa K
Malcolm G
Alex G
Caleb I
Alan R
Jim G
Luke G
Tom
✍🏻ATTRIBUTIONS
All images are public domain unless stated otherwise.
Paid Artlist.io license for 'Anthology Of Heroes Podcast' utilised for numerous sounds/music
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
"It is time to finish retreating. Not one step back!" - Joseph Stalin.
In part three of our series on Operation Barbarossa:
The Wehrmacht, desperately needing fuel after Operation Barbarossa, surprises everyone by heading south to the Caucasus, targeting rich oil fields in modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Stalin's Red Army, still recovering from 1941, scrambles as move to bolster the southern front.
As Hitler tightens his grip on power, dismissing commanders and taking direct control, a staff officer named Friedrich Paulus is thrust into the spotlight. While on the Russian side, General Vasily Chuikov is tasked with holding the line.
This episode unveils Operation Case Blue, Operation Brunswick, Stalin's Order 227, and the rising complexities on the battlefield.
As America enters the war, Hitler's desperation grows, and victory slips through his fingers. The Fuhrer sits in his stagnant bunker, shifting red flags around a map moving toward Stalingrad...
CORRECTION: Rommel was known as "The desert fox" not "The Desert Rat".
⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, see our sources used for this episode on our website and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡
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"If the Germans want a war of extermination, they will get it!" - Joseph Stalin.
In this gripping continuation of our Operation Barbarossa series, The Red Army rallies as the Wehrmacht's relentless march towards Moscow accelerates.
With the Wehrmacht closing in on the Soviet capital, the USSR faces its last chance for survival. In the midst of the chaos, Stalin emerges from his depression, adorning his walls with portraits of renowned Russian generals for inspiration. The tide begins to turn as he starts heeding the counsel of Georgy Zhukov.
As Hitler faces setbacks and starts to lose his grip, he withdraws into himself, sidelining veteran generals and taking personal control of the army.
Ignoring desperate pleas for essentials like fuel, ammunition, and winter clothing, The Fuhrer fires many of his most experienced military minds.
The loyalty of the Wehrmacht, however, pushes on through one of the coldest blizzards in the last century. But as tank engines freeze and machine guns jam, we witness the stark reality that belief alone can only take a man so far.
Circling Moscow, Germans encounter unexpected challenges as far-eastern divisions arrive en-masse. The Motherland calls, and the people of the USSR answer!
Subscribe for the next instalment as history turns on the frozen wastes of Russia...
⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, see our sources used for this episode on our website and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡
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"The world will hold its breath!" - Adolf Hitler.
In this episode we delve into Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's audacious invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. The morning of June 22nd, 1941, witnessed four million men surging across the borders between the USSR and the German Reich, beginning the largest land invasion in world history.
We explore the backstory of this invasion and uncover why it took Joseph Stalin by surprise. Through the diaries of frontline soldiers, we gain insights into the first few hours of the invasion and the unpreparedness of the Red Army. We also delve into Hitler's twisted worldview, drawing from extracts of his memoir, 'Mein Kampf,' to understand his vision of Lebensraum and his chilling extermination plan for the Slavic people.
America's entry into World War II is often see as a turning point, but Operation Barbarossa, often overshadowed, was equally pivotal.
This episode is the first of a four-part series, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss part two.
⚡Help support the show on Patreon check out our supporting reels on Instagram, see our sources used for this episode on our website and receive email updates whenever a new episode drops by joining our mailing list.⚡
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A quick update on what's coming in season 6, our release schedule, and a few audience Q&A Questions.
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"A life of sin, cleansed by his final act"
Join us for the conclusion of our two-part series on the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, featuring Nikola Zrinski's renowned last stand.
In this episode, we delve into the captivating backstory of Nikola Zrinski, also known as Nikola Šubić Zrinski or Zrínyi Miklós—a celebrated national hero in Croatia and Hungary. Explore his life's journey and the events leading to the siege's dramatic climax.
Amid the unfolding siege, we unpack the simmering feud between Roxelana and Ibrahim Pasha, two profoundly influential figures in the life of Suleiman The Magnificent.
Tune it to learn about the enduring legacy of these towering figures in history.
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"The Battle That Saved The Civilization"
In this series, we explore the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, a crucial castle on the Hapsburg-Ottoman border.
When the 71-year-old Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, besieged Szigetvár, he didn't anticipate the fierce resistance. Led by Count Nikola Zrinski (also known as Zrínyi Miklós or Nikola Šubić Zrinski), the garrison was determined to defend their fortress to the last man.
As the aged Sultan Suleiman marched toward the fortress we explore his personal life. From his controversial relationship with his Grand Vizier to his taboo romance with his favorite concubine.
Join us to uncover the story of Suleiman the Magnificent and the Siege of Szigetvár, a clash of compelling characters battling for legacy.
Help support the show on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/anthologyofheroes)
Submit a question on Instagram(https://www.instagram.com/anthologyofheroes)
Submit a question on our website(https://anthologyofheroespodcast.com/szigetvar1)
Submit a question through email (mailto:[email protected])
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"Go tell the Spartans passerby, that here, obedient to our laws, we lie...."
In this episode Mark and I continue our deep-dive into the epic Battle of Thermopylae (480BC).
In the shadow of a dusty gorge in southern Greece, 300 valiant Spartan warriors, led by the indomitable King Leonidas, stood resolute, awaiting the impending battle against Xerxes and his gigantic army.
Guided by Herodotus and other ancient sources we transport you to the heart of the battlefield, painting a vivid picture of the terrain, strategies, and emotions that swirled around this monumental conflict.
As the dust settles on the battlefield, learn about Sparta's diminishing influence and the tragic fates of Aristodemus and Eurytus, the two survivors of Thermopylae who died in shame...
Tune in to learn the true story behind history's favorite battle!
Listen to Warlords Of History Podcast
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Sources and Attributions on our website.
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"Eat well Spartans for tonight we dine with Hades!" - King Leonidas I
In this series I'm joined by Mark Pimenta, host of the Warlords Of History Podcast.
Mark and I discuss the lead up to one of the most famous events in world history: The Battle of Thermopylae.
In 480BC the outnumbered forces of Greece made their stand against the enormous army of Shah Xerses I and his Achaemenid Persian Empire.
The Persians had numbers on their side, but the Greeks 300 of the best trained soldiers in the world led by the steely King of Sparta, Leonidas I.
In this episode we discuss the lead up to the battle, and delve deep into the strange society in which The Spartans lived.
Join us for fascinating insights about one of the strangest and most brutal cultures in world history.
Listen to Warlords Of History Podcast
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Sources and Attributions on our website.
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Bonus episode from the podcast 'Cauldron - A Military History Podcast'.
At the outset of the battle, several mailed horsemen rode up to the Viking lines.
Tostig Godwinson moved up to hear what the Anglo Saxon riders had tot say. The leader of the men was his brother, King Harold, and he offered Tostig peace and his life. When Tostig asked what the King offered to his ally, Harald Hardcounsel, the King, responded, "Six feet of English ground, and then some more as he is taller than most men." With this little quip, the second most important battle in English history began. At Stamford Bridge, the fate of the Viking World hinged, and the future of the rest of the world was changed.
Cauldron - A Military History Podcast can be found on all podcasting platforms.
Cauldron Website
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