The history of the rise of Al-Andalus and the gradual re-conquering of Spain by the Spanish Christian kingdoms is an epic tale beginning in the year 712 and concluding with the fall of the Kingdom of Grenada in 1492. Join the History of the Crusades Podcast as we cover this lengthy piece of narrative history.
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The Reconquista podcast is a fantastic journey through the history of the Iberian Peninsula, filled with well-researched and engaging storytelling. Hosted by the talented Sharyn Eastaugh, this podcast beautifully captures the intricate details and significance of this significant period.
One of the best aspects of The Reconquista podcast is the level of research and presentation that goes into each episode. Sharyn's dedication to providing accurate historical information is evident in her meticulous approach to sourcing and analyzing various accounts. This attention to detail allows listeners to delve deep into the events, people, and politics surrounding the Reconquista. Additionally, Sharyn's storytelling abilities are top-notch, making even complex historical narratives accessible and captivating.
Another highlight of this podcast is Sharyn's unique ability to inject humor into her episodes without detracting from the seriousness of the subject matter. Her wit and comedic timing keep listeners engaged, while adding an enjoyable lightheartedness to an often intense historical topic. The combination of well-researched content and entertaining presentation makes for a compelling listening experience.
It can be argued that one drawback of The Reconquista podcast is initially getting used to Sharyn's speech impediment and odd inflection. Some listeners may find it challenging to adjust at first, but once you stick with it, these factors become less noticeable over time. It takes a few episodes to fully embrace her style, but once you do, you'll appreciate her distinctive voice as an essential part of the podcast's charm.
In conclusion, The Reconquista podcast is a must-listen for history enthusiasts looking for a well-produced and thoroughly researched exploration of one of Europe's most pivotal periods. Sharyn Eastaugh's passion for history shines through in every episode as she breathes life into forgotten stories and presents them in an engaging manner. With its combination of accurate information, humor, and captivating storytelling, The Reconquista podcast stands as a shining example of the best that history podcasts have to offer.
As peace settles over the Iberian peninsula, some of the Christian kings decide to journey to the Holy Land on crusade.
The Kingdom of Grenada launches a large scale uprising against Castilian rule in 1264.
An increasingly frustrated King Alfonso attempts to extend Castilian territory into Navarre, Gascony and northern Africa.
We welcome a new ruler to the kingdoms of Leon and Castile - King Alfonso X. This very ambitious monarch commences his reign by attempting to become the next Holy Roman Emperor.
Following the fall of Seville, many of its Muslim residents relocated to the Kingdom of Grenada. We take a closer look at this Muslim territory.
Two milestone events in the Reconquista occur under the leadership of King Fernando III - the defeat of the cities of Jaen and Seville.
During the busy years of the 1240's King Sancho II of Portugal loses his battle with the church, while ibn al-Ahmar attempts to annex the city of Seville.
During the 1240s, the Kingdom of Aragon and the Kingdoms of Leon and Castile go on the offensive against al-Andalus, in a campaign known as 'the great game'.
In a major milestone for the Reconquista, King James I of Aragon conquers the city of Valencia in 1238.
King James I of Aragon commences his conquest of Valencia and we welcome a new player to the narrative - King Thibaut I of Navarre.
The Christians succeed in taking one of the most important cities in al-Andalus - the city of Cordoba which surrendered in 1236.
As the Muslims of al-Andalus fight each other, King Fernando of Leon and Castile takes advantage of an opportunity to strike Cordoba.
We follow King James I of Aragon and King Alfonso IX of Leon as they go on the offensive.
As Caliphs come and go at a dizzying rate, Almohad rule in al-Andalus crumbles - giving rise to a new ruler, ibn Hud.
King Fernando III of Castile embarks on his first crusade, while one of the contenders for Caliph forms an unlikely alliance with Castile.
As crusading fever sweeps across Europe, a number of crusades are launched against the Almohads - with mixed results.
We welcome a new King to the throne of Castile and join the Portugese in a crusade to seize a Muslim stronghold to the south of Lisbon.
A bunch of consequential deaths in the years following the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, upend the politics of the Iberian peninsula.
We conclude our look at the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, which ends in a decisive victory for the crusaders.
It's crusade time! A major crusading expedition leaves Toledo in June 1212 under the command of King Alfonso VIII of Castile. It heads directly southwards, intending to confront the Caliph's forces.
After a decade-long period of peace, the Christians and Muslims of the Iberian peninsula clash once again, with the Caliph targetting the Christian stronghold of Salvatierra.
A decade long period of peace between the Almohads and the Christians commences, leaving the Christian kings free to do what they do best - fight each other.
Following its loss at the Battle of Alarcos, the Kingdom of Castile faces an existential threat in 1196 as it is attacked simultaneously by Leon, Navarre and the Almohads.
The truces between the Christian rulers and the Caliph expire and both sides clash at the Battle of Alarcos in 1195.
During the years 1190 and 1191, the Caliph launches a number of military campaigns against the Kingdom of Portugal, intent on reclaiming the town of Silves.
Following the bunch of deaths which occurred in the last episode, we have a bunch of new Christian kings - most of whom are named Alfonso. As the Third Crusade is launched, we see the new king of Portugal, King Sancho I, join with a fleet of crusaders to attack the Muslim town of Silves.
We cover the Caliph's campaign against the Christians in 1184 and wave goodbye to three major players from our narrative.
We track the progress of the two new kids on the block in Christian Spain - King Alfonso VIII of Castile and King Alfonso II of Aragon.
We continue to follow the Caliph on his less than optimal military campaign against the Christians in 1172.
In 1172 the Caliph embarks on an ambitious campaign to conquer Christian Spain.
The Almohads finally achieve their goal, becoming the uncontested rulers of al-Andalus. Their next move will be to focus on defeating the Christians.
When the new Caliph turns his attention to al-Andalus, he concentrates on two threats - the Portugese freelancer Geraldo the Fearless and the Almohad's traditional foe the Wolf King.
Ambitious plans by the Almohads to dominate al-Andalus are interrupted by the death of the Caliph.
Some unexpected deaths among the leaders of Christian Spain, result in two kingdoms being ruled by children named Alfonso. Meanwhile, over in the Almohad camp, things aren't going much better with the Caliph and his armies preoccupied in northern Africa.
Following the fateful decision by the late King Alfonso VII to split his kingdom in two, we meet his sons - King Sancho III of Castile and King Fernando II of Leon.
King Alfonso VII of Leon and Castile becomes seriously ill just as the Almohads begin to go on the offensive.
King Alfonso VII's attempts to conquer al-Andalus falter, causing him to search far and wide for extra troops.
At the same time as the King of Portugal is besieging Lisbon, King Alfonso VII and the Count of Barcelona are embarking on conquests of their own.
We bring the siege of Lisbon to its conclusion.
The siege of Lisbon commences, with the crusaders attacking the suburbs outside the city walls. Construction then begins on some impressive siege equipment.
The fleet of crusaders makes its way southwards to discuss its participation in the siege of Lisbon with King Alfonso I of Portugal.
King Alfonso I of Portugal decides to take advantage of the crusading movement for his campaign to attack Lisbon.
As Almoravid rule collapses, the Almohads arrive on the Iberian peninsula.
We switch our focus to the southern portion of the Iberian peninsula, where Almoravid influence is waning.
The succession drama following the death of Alfonso of Aragon finally comes to an end with the Christian parts of the Iberian peninsula forming themselves into four separate kingdoms - the Kingdom of Leon & Castile, the Kingdom of Aragon/Catalonia, the Kingdom of Navarre and the Kingdom of Portugal.
As the succession drama following the death of Alfonso of Aragon continues, the Kingdom of Aragon struggles to survive.
Fall out from the death of Alfonso of Aragon leaves leaders from across the region scrambling to take advantage of the situation.
After an action-packed life, Alfonso of Aragon dies in 1134. However, the terms of his will leave the Kingdom of Aragon facing an uncertain future.
In an unexpected turn of events, King Alfonso of Aragon finds himself bogged down by events in France.
Following the death of Queen Urraca in 1127, a scramble for power takes place in the north - resulting in the coronation of King Alfonso VII.
Fresh from his conquest of Zaragoza, Alfonso of Aragon embarks on an ambitious campaign pushing deep into Almoravid territory in 1125.
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