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fWotD Episode 2895: Empress Matilda Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Tuesday, 8 April 2025 is Empress Matilda.Empress Matilda (c. 7 February 1102 – 10 September 1167), also known as Empress Maud, was one of the claimants to the English throne during the civil war known as the Anarchy. The daughter and heir of Henry I, king of England and ruler of Normandy, she went to Germany as a child when she was married to the future Holy Roman Emperor Henry V. She travelled with the emperor to Italy in 1116, was controversially crowned empress in St Peter's Basilica, and acted as the imperial regent in Italy. Matilda and Henry V had no children, and when he died in 1125, the imperial crown was claimed by his rival Lothair of Supplinburg.Matilda's younger and only full brother, William Adelin, died in the White Ship disaster of 1120, leaving Matilda's father and realm facing a potential succession crisis. Upon her widowhood in the Holy Roman Empire, Matilda was recalled to Normandy by her father, who arranged for her to marry Geoffrey of Anjou to form an alliance to protect his southern borders in France. Henry I had no further legitimate children and nominated Matilda as his heir, making his court swear an oath of loyalty to her and her successors, but the decision was not popular in his Anglo-Norman court. Henry died in 1135, but Matilda and Geoffrey faced opposition from the barons. The throne was instead taken by Matilda's male cousin Stephen of Blois, who enjoyed the backing of the English Church. Stephen took steps to solidify his new regime but faced threats both from neighbouring powers and from opponents within his kingdom.In 1139, Matilda crossed to England to take the kingdom by force, supported by her half-brother Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and her uncle David I of Scotland, while her husband, Geoffrey, focused on conquering Normandy. Matilda's forces captured Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln in 1141, but her attempt to be crowned at Westminster Abbey collapsed in the face of bitter opposition from the London crowds. As a result of this retreat, Matilda was never formally declared Queen of England, and was instead titled "Lady of the English" (Latin: domina Anglorum). Earl Robert was captured following the Rout of Winchester in 1141, and Matilda agreed to exchange him for Stephen. Matilda was besieged at Oxford Castle by Stephen's forces that winter, but escaped at night across the frozen River Isis (Thames) to Abingdon, reputedly wearing white as camouflage in the snow. The war degenerated into a stalemate, with Matilda controlling much of the south-west of England, and Stephen the south-east and the Midlands. Large parts of the rest of the country were in the hands of local, independent barons.Matilda returned to Normandy, now in the hands of her husband, in 1148, leaving their eldest son to continue the campaign in England; he was eventually declared Stephen's heir after the signing of the Treaty of Wallingford and succeeded to the throne as Henry II in 1154, forming the Angevin Empire. She settled her court near Rouen and for the rest of her life concerned herself with the administration of Normandy, acting on her son's behalf when necessary. Particularly in the early years of her son's reign, she provided political advice and attempted to mediate during the Becket controversy. She worked extensively with the Church, founding Cistercian monasteries, and was known for her piety. She was buried under the high altar at Bec Abbey after her death in 1167, until much later when her tomb was moved to Rouen Cathedral.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 02:01 UTC on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Empress Matilda on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Niamh.
Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn as Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine
Thomas Becket is probably medieval England's most famous martyr and saint – yet the circumstances of his life are overshadowed by his infamous feud with King Henry II, and his shocking murder in Canterbury Cathedral one winter's evening in 1170. Emily Briffett speaks to historian and author Michael Staunton to chart how Becket rocketed to power from humble origins, before dramatically switching from close royal ally to the thorn in Henry II's side. (Ad) Thomas Becket is the author of Thomas Becket and His World (Reaktion Books, 2025). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thomas-Becket-World-Medieval-Lives/dp/183639070X?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MTvDup6huJD2pesd63URgHlHzJsj9v2mzEUQDBADoJrosLeuGDQ0lnK5a8uakRmrUFhj7Y3yF-qgeE073i2yDP6L9nsaWDygmfrXuvEIWH-WI1hpY2SA31iJw_VSNtMPcfW6FzUJhNHruLcqDe5zZycr4zBJ6PJa_8098f5WqkgFyXzcv8NrODBILSMwzj8N3FxN_DzxW2AXJPq7l7-W_L_WVGlzkdHEPGtUg8-Se9A.PF4sbYGf_bMvm0wEHNE6QZ2ylq3kDsx7lnU_cD__1NI&dib_tag=se&qid=1741605380&refinements=p_27%3AMichael+Staunton&s=books&sr=1-1&tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week we are setting off on our tour of the empire for real. And where better to start than with the most senior, most august of the seven prince Electors, the archbishop of Mainz, archchancellor of the empire, and holder of the decisive vote in imperial elections. We have already encountered a number of archbishops of Mainz in this podcast, from the treacherous Frederick who tried to overthrow Otto the Great (ep.3), to Willigis, the eminence grise of the empire under Otto II, Otto III and Henry II (ep.10-19) , Adalbert, first advisor and then adversary of Henry V (ep. 40), Peter von Aspelt, the man who put the Luxemburgs on the Bohemian throne (ep. 145) and lots more. But this series is not about grand imperial politics, but about the grimy territorial skullduggery inside the empire. And for Mainz this is a story that is deeply entangled with the history of Hessen. Where Mainz is ancient, tracing its' eminence back to a saint who had come across the water, Hessen was a new kid on the block amongst the imperial princes. But a very successful one. And at its beginning stood the 24 year-old daughter of a saint holding up her baby son to be acclaimed lord by the people, or some such thing. Maps of Mainz, the Landgraviate of Thuringia and Hessen: Maps • History of the Germans PodcastThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward Expansion
This month please join us in exploring the love stories of the past.Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing with you our chats to various historians and we'll be covering all the ways that Royals can come together, be it through arranged marriage, secret engagements or chance meetings. On this, the first episode of our Valentines series of 2025, we're focussing on the Iconic Power Couples of the royal circle.Let's take a look at three couples: Eleanor of Aquitaine & Henry II of England, Eleanor of Castile & Edward I and Isabel of Castile & Fernando of Aragon.To help us understand these couples better, we've enlisted Sharon Bennett Connolly and Heather R Darsie.Sharon Bennett Connolly has written many books about medieval women, let's ask her about the two Eleanor couples.Heather R Darsie has just finished her Katharine of Aragon book, which is convenient, because we'll be talking about Kat's parents.Heroines of the Medieval World by Sharon:https://www.amberley-books.com/heroines-of-the-medieval-world-9781445689449.htmlWomen of the Anarchy by Sharon:https://www.amberley-books.com/discover-books/women-of-the-anarchy.htmlSharon's Website:https://historytheinterestingbits.com/silk-and-the-sword-the-women-of-the-norman-conquest/Pre-Order Heather's New Book on Katherine of Aragon:https://www.amberley-books.com/author-community-main-page/d/community-heather-r-darsie/katherine-of-aragon-spanish-princess.htmlHeather's Website:https://maidensandmanuscripts.com/For more history fodder please visit https://www.ifitaintbaroquepodcast.art/ and https://www.reignoflondon.com/To book a walking tour with Natalie https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=supplier:252243 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fighting for her rightful inheritance of the English crown, Empress Matilda (1110–1125) proved to be a grandmaster in the Anarchy's bloody chess game. The war of dynastic succession in 12th century England and Normandy is known as the Anarchy. (1135-1154). Barons and nobles of all ranks joined in the family quarrel over the succession to Henry I. Matilda, Henry's only surviving legitimate child and widow of Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, challenged her cousin and rival Stephen of Blois, who managed to seize the crown. This was a game of chess or chequers, in which seizing castles and fortified towns was what mattered, as well as bringing nobles with their retainers over to one's side. Matilda played astutely but only won when she ceased to pursue the crown for herself and demanded it for her son. She continued as the power behind Henry II's throne from Normandy. This episode's guest, Dr Catherine Hanley, is the author of the latest scholarly biography of Empress Matilda, Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior (Yale University Press, 2019). Holding a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Sheffield, she is the author of several history books.
Iain Dale talks to lawyer and historian Theo Barclay about the highly significant reign of the King who was determined to rid himself of a turbulent priest.
Thomas goes from best friend of Henry II and second most powerful man in the realm to enemy of the king and martyred friend of Christ
Thomas Becket. Lord High Chancellor, Archbishop Of Canterbury and close friend of Henry II. What could possibly go wrong??Well, enough to get him chopped up by four of Henry's knights, that's what! The question Charlie Higson wants to know the answer to though is 'how'? What precipitated his spectacular fall from grace? Why was he killed? And who stuck the 'A' in the middle of his name? Luckily, Nicholas Vincent from the University Of East Anglia is on hand to provide answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of ArtThrob, host Kate Savage engages in a riveting conversation with Ave Lawyer, the visionary co-founder of the site-specific theatre company "On the Verge." Celebrating 16 years of transforming unconventional locations into immersive stages, Ave discusses their upcoming production of the historical drama "The Lion in Winter," set to premiere in late January at the storied Luigart Studios. Kate and Ave explore the unique appeal of site-specific theatre, from performing in eclectic venues like historic homes and vibrant gardens to the tactile challenges of lack of changing rooms and maneuvering audiences through intricate settings.Ave provides a captivating glimpse into the complexity and intimacy of producing such immersive experiences, sharing an amusing anecdote of an audience member's spontaneous involvement in a previous production. They delve into the rich history of Luigart Studios, a venue that transitions seamlessly from its past as a hemp factory and jazz nightclub to its current role as an artistic hub, ready to host the dynamic narrative of "The Lion in Winter."The discussion brings forth the modern relevance of the play, likening its power dynamics and family intrigue to contemporary figures such as Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. Ave also emphasizes the flexibility of the script's anachronisms, allowing for a contemporary interpretation that resonates with today's audiences. Adding layers of depth, the episode touches on the seasoned cast, including Missy Johnston as Eleanor of Aquitaine and Kevin Hardesty as Henry II, who bring a familial atmosphere both on and offstage.Ticket urgency is a recurring theme, with production popularity leading to quick sell-outs, and the consideration of providing refreshments at their current venue adds to the full immersive experience for the audience. Kate and Ave conclude with a broader discussion on the state of local theater in Lexington, mutual gratitude for each other's contributions, and a hint at a future episode dedicated to this topic. For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html
rWotD Episode 2774: Nicholas II of Werle Welcome to Random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia’s vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Saturday, 7 December 2024 is Nicholas II of Werle.Nicholas II, Lord of Werle (before 1275 – 18 February 1316 in Pustow, near Güstrow) was Lord of Werle-Parchim from 1283 until his death, and from 1292 Lord of Werle.His uncle Henry I of Werle was killed in 1291 by his sons Henry II and Nicholas because he had remarried and they felt this threatened their inheritance. After a prolonged war, Nicholas II defeated his cousins, who had formed an alliance with Lord Henry II of Mecklenburg and Elector Albert III of Brandenburg. This allowed him to reunite Werle-Parchim and Werle-Güstrow.In 1311, he travelled to Montpellier in southern France, where he hoped to be cured of leprosy at the famous school of medicine. He was not cured, but the progress of the disease was slowed. He retired from government and lived the rest of his life at Pustow, near Güstrow.Nicholas II died in 1316. After his death, Werle was split again, with Nicholas' son John III taking Werle-Goldberg and Nicholas' younger brother John II taking Werle-Güstrow.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:12 UTC on Saturday, 7 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Nicholas II of Werle on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Raveena.
In this Halloween "spooky season" episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, we delve into the unsettling world of true crime cinema with Chuck Parello, a filmmaker renowned for his work on notorious serial killer films. Parello began as the publicist for John McNaughton's groundbreaking and controversial Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, which faced a grueling battle with the MPAA that refused to grant it an R-rating despite extensive cuts. J.G. and Chuck discuss the haunting power of Henry, the terrifyingly quiet portrayal of the titular character by Michael Rooker, and how the film isn't a straightforward biopic of infamous killers Henry Lee Lucas, who came to be known as "The Confessions Killer" for fabricating many of his claims in exchange for special privileges, or Otis Toole but rather a unique examination of monstrous characters. Chuck then details his own sequel, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part II, where Henry is drawn into the world of arsonists, shedding light on the creative origins of that choice. The conversation continues with Chuck's film Ed Gein, which diverges from fictionalized films inspired by the Butcher of Plainfield—such as Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Silence of the Lambs—and instead stays grounded in the actual life and psyche of Ed Gein. Featuring Steve Railsback, known for his unnerving performance as Charles Manson in the 1970s TV miniseries Helter Skelter, Railsback's portrayal of Gein is both unsettling and oddly tragic, showcasing a different side of the infamous killer. Chuck and J.G. also discuss The Hillside Strangler, a disturbing portrayal of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono's deadly partnership, in which C. Thomas Howell and Nicholas Turturro take on chilling roles as the murderous cousins whose combined force drove them to escalate their crimes in late 1970s Los Angeles. Further, Chuck shares insights on his upcoming project on the Sunset Strip Killers/The Sunset Slayers (Doug Clark and Carol Bundy) and how he was originally was slated to direct the 2002 Ted Bundy biopic before Oingo Boingo's Matthew Bright ended up with the job. They tackle ethical questions surrounding the portrayal of real-life killers, the potential for exploitation, and the cultural obsession with true crime, shedding light on the complex responsibilities of filmmakers in this genre. This episode is a must-listen for fans of horror, crime thrillers, and serial killer cinema, as it examines the artistry and ethics of bringing these haunting real-life tales to the screen.
The Plantagenets pt 1. Today we go back in time, way back. Come listen to Andy tell Zach how cool the middle ages were.. And how uncool they were too. We kick things off with origin story of the first Plantagenet king, Henry II.
Keeper of the Dream was published in April 1992. Keeper of the Dream has this real threat of danger throughout the book. Arianna is the daughter of the Welsh prince and Raine pledges his fealty to Henry II, who is currently invading Wales. In the first scene, Raine kills one of Arianna's brothers in a skirmish and the book doesn't really let up from there. Arianna is a seer and has visions, which include insight into the past and future. Raine is the unloved, illegitimate son of an earl and he is seeking power and status by trying to secure his own lands. Williamson writes an incredibly romantic and funny love story on top of this violent war. That opening scene doesn't sound like it could be the beginning of what I could describe as a cute, miscommunication romance. Or I could describe it as a bodice ripper. Or one of the saddest romances I've ever read. This book is a lot of things as once, but Williamson pulls it off.Support us on our Patreon!Visit our website for transcripts and show notes: reformedrakes.comFollow us on social media:Twitter: @reformedrakesInstagram: @reformedrakesBeth's TikTokChels' TikTokEmma's TikTokChels' SubstackEmma's SubstackThank you for listening!
Despite the inscrutability of his writings and the fact that he was only one of a number of court astrologers advising Catherine de' Medici, "Serpent Queen" of France, Nostradamus's prophecies have found a dedicated audience in the centuries following their publication. How is it that Nostradamus and his writings have such a lasting legacy? This episode brings you the story of Catherine de' Medici, her occult advisors, and the life and lasting influence of Nostradamus.Researched, written, and produced by Corinne Wieben with original music by Purple Planet.Episode sourcesSupport the Show.EnchantedPodcast.netFacebook/enchantedpodcastInstagram/enchantedpodcastTumblr/enchantedpodcast
Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of Good Catholic and The Catholic Company. Today's featured saint is St. Henry II. If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!
Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Henry II, 973-1024; born in Hildesheim, Bavaria; became Duke of Bavaria when his father died in 995, and emperor when his cousin Otto III died in 1002; crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII; also miraculously cured by St. Benedict; wanted to be a Benedictine, and lived as an oblate Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 7/13/24 Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33
It's 1163; Thomas Becket has cast off the shackles of his working class roots to become King Henry II's right-hand man. He is appointed to the highest position in the land next to the Crown; Archbishop of Canterbury. But Church and state are at loggerheads, with Henry and Thomas at the centre of the storm. Across four special episodes, Gone Medieval is charting Becket's meteoric rise, his disastrous fall leading to his murder and the spectacular consequences which spawned a world famous legacy.This is part two; Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. Paul Webster to analyse the personal relationship between a king and an archbishop. Why did Henry and Becket willingly choose to sacrifice their trusted friendship on the altar of medieval power politics? How did Henry and Becket, once the staunchest of allies, become bitter and bickering rivals? Was Becket's murder inevitable?Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Ella Blaxill, the producers are Joseph Knight and Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘MEDIEVAL' https://historyhit.com/subscriptionYou can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK
This week Beau chats to Nick Hughes all about the Academy Award winning 1968 classic film, The Lion in Winter. It chronicles the Angevin Christmas court of 1183, where Henry II intrigues with and against his wife, three troublesome sons and the king of France.
What if a queen could wield power even from behind bars? Eleanor of Aquitaine's life was marked by political savvy and family drama, and in this episode of The Pithy Chronicle, we unravel the Revolt of 1173 that set the stage for a royal clash that would change the course of history. We uncover the tensions in her marriage to King Henry II and the ambitions of their four rebellious sons, with key alliances and betrayals adding fuel to the fire.Eleanor's imprisonment paints a portrait of resilience and strategy, as her 16-year confinement by Henry II did little to diminish her influence or determination. Despite myths and rumors, like those surrounding the death of Rosamund Clifford, we reveal the true complexities of Eleanor's relationships, particularly with her favored son Richard. We take you through the significant events she missed during her captivity and highlight how these years shaped her legacy.Finally, we journey through the intricate web of royal family intrigue and power struggles that defined Eleanor's later years. From Henry II's affair with Alice of France to the tragic fates of her sons Henry the Young King and Geoffrey, Eleanor's story is one of relentless strength amidst scandal and strife. After Henry's death in 1189, Eleanor's regained freedom showcased her enduring resolve and political acumen. Join us for a nuanced exploration of her legacy, comparing her to other powerful women in history and reflecting on her lasting impact.Support the Show.Show Notes: https://www.thepithychronicle.com/resourceshttps://www.tiktok.com/@thepithychroniclershttps://www.instagram.com/the.pithy.chronicle/
He's the husband of Catherine de' Medici, the lover of Diane de Poitiers, the father-in-law of Mary, Queen of Scots. Can Henry II stand out in a period dominated by these legendary women? How will he fare against the might of the Hapsburg Empire? And how will he reconcile his religion with the unlikely allies he has to make?⚜️ Visit our Wordpress for episode images, score summaries, contact details and more! Make sure you leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.You can also support the show on Patreon! Join the official Angry Mob and get access to our bonus content: movie reviews, deep dives, bonus biographies and our exclusive spinoff series rating the Royal Mistresses!Support the Show.⚜️Battle Royale's intro/outro music is "Dansez" by Fasion. Thank you to them for making this track free to use and listen! Go check out more of their stuff here.⚜️CATEGORIESBen and Eliza each give a score out of 10 for the first 4 categories. The 5th is determined by maths! The result is a total score out of 100. Enchanté: The shallow, first-impressions round: How fabulous and iconic an image have they passed down to us? En Garde: (A.K.A. “Selfish Wins”) How well did they gain and increase their personal power, either through scheming, statesmanship or good old fashion battles? Voulez-Vous: (A.K.A. “Selfless Wins”) How much would we want to live under their regime? How well did they better the world around them through law reforms and cultural projects? Ouh-Là-Là: How pearl-clutchingly scandalous were the events of their life, both in their time and down through the ages? How mad, bad and dangerous were they to know? La Vie en Throne: How many years did they reign, and how many of their children survived them? For more details on the scores, how they are calculated and how our kings are ranking, visit our website.
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 30, 2024 is: dynasty DYE-nuh-stee noun Dynasty refers to a group (such as a team, family, etc.) that is very powerful or successful for a long period of time. It is also often used for a family of rulers who rule over a country for a long period of time, as well as the period of time when a particular dynasty is in power. // The team's draft picks reflected the ownership's strategy of building a long-term football dynasty. See the entry > Examples: “The Vanderberg dynasty was in steel, railroads and textiles as well as munitions. Their money was so old that it underlay the United States like geology. Before there had been a United States, in fact, there had been Vanderbergs and they had already been rich.” — Francis Spufford, Cahokia Jazz: A Novel, 2024 Did you know? Dynasty has had quite the run in English. For over 600 years it's been used to refer to a ruling family that maintains power generation after generation. At the time dynasty was first used in English, for example, England was in the midst of rule by the Plantagenet dynasty, whose line of succession provided 14 kings, from Henry II to Richard III. Around the beginning of the 19th century, the word developed the figurative sense “a group or family that dominates a particular field for generations.” Nowadays, this sense of dynasty is often applied to sports franchises that have prolonged runs of successful seasons, divine right not required. Technically, any team is capable of becoming this type of dynasty, including not only Kings and Royals, but also Ducks.
The death of Henry II thrusts his fifteen-year-old son Francis into the throne. From the word go Francis II is uninterested in running his kingdom. Nor will his sickly frame allow him to. Francis' brief reign is dominated by his mother, Catherine d'Medici, and the powerful Guise family. More than anything else, his reign features the beginning of a difficult period for the French Kingdom, which quickly finds itself torn apart by religious strife. WebsiteWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial
Have you ever considered the profound messages faith-based films can convey? This episode, with the illustrious Patrick Coffin and inestimable Fr David Nix in tow, traverses the spiritual landscape of cinema, dissecting the complex interplay between character development and the historical backdrop that gives these stories universal appeal. Whether it's the emotional transformation of Thomas Beckett in "Beckett" or the raw potency of "Monsieur Vincent," our conversation peels back the narrative layers, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring questions of loyalty, friendship, and personal sacrifice.Join us on a cinematic pilgrimage that meanders through the investiture controversy, the misunderstood Inquisition, and the debates over church authority that still resonate today. The episode doesn't shy away from tough topics, touching on modern controversies like church scandals in "Calvary" and the impact of these films on our collective conscience and societal discourse.By the end of our dialogue, we tackle the transformational power of spirituality in film, from the internal struggles of characters like Henry II to the profound messages of forgiveness and humility. Films like "Beckett" are not just stories on a screen; they explore the human condition. So, whether you're a devout cinephile or a curious seeker, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and ignite discussions on the role of faith in society and cinema.Support the Show.********************************************************https://www.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonOdysee: https://odysee.com/@AvoidingBabylon
In this revisit episode we look at the second wife of King John – son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. To guide us on this journey of discovery, Rebecca is joined by historian and author Sharon Bennett Connelly. Sharon's book, Ladies of the Magna Carta: Women of Influence in the Thirteenth Century England highlights the life of today's topic – Isabella of Angouleme. Credits: Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sharon Bennett Connelly Edited by: Rebecca Larson Voice Over: David Black — --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-larson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-larson/support
On November 27th, 1308 the prince electors chose Henry VII, count of Luxemburg to be their new king of the Romans and future emperor. Little did they know that this decision will give rise to a dynasty that will rule the empire for as many decades as the Ottonian, the Salian and the Hohenstaufen had. A dynasty that featured such emblems of chivalric pride as the blind king John of Bohemia, builders of cities and empires like Charles IV and finally, in a faint mirror image of the height of medieval imperial power, an emperor who engineers the deposition of three popes and the appointment of a new one, whilst foreshadowing the wars of religion by murdering the reformer Jan Hus. Today's episode explores the backstory of the house of Luxemburg who have been around since Carolingian times. They were the “Where is Wally“ of the rich tapestry of High Medieval History, always somewhere in the picture, but never really in the foreground. Two women feature highly, the empress Kunigunde, wife of emperor Henry II and Ermesinde, who successful ruled the county for 47 years. But the real step up came when Henry VII, barely 30 years old and running a county much diminished after the disastrous battle of Worringen became the only viable candidate to kingship. How that happened is what we will talk about in this episode..The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HistoryofthegermansTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians: The Hanseatic LeagueThe Teutonic KnightsThe Holy Roman Empire 1250-1356
In this episode my co-host Dr. Jennifer Paxton and I explain the principles and personal grievances that led to the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket and the significance of that event for Church-State relations in medieval England. We also talk about T.S. Eliot's and Jean Anouilh's plays about Thomas' martyrdom, and the movies based on those plays. This is the second of a two part series. If you haven't already done so, you might want to listen to the first episode in which Jenny and I talk about Becket's background, his career leading up to his election as archbishop of Canterbury, and his contribution to Henry II's efforts to restore royal authority in England after a generation of civil war.This episodes contains audio clips from: "Becket" (released by Paramount, directed by Peter Glenville, starring Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole, and adapted by Edward Anhalt from a play by Jean Anouilh)The 12th century song lamenting the exile of Thomas Becket, "In Rama sonat gemitus," performed by Lumina Vocal Ensemble (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30K1rQsaiI)The Trim Jeans Theater's adaptation of T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYvz1-ThCHY)Listen on Podurama https://podurama.com Intro and exit music are by Alexander NakaradaIf you have questions, feel free to contact me at richard.abels54@gmail.com
During the period of history known as the Anarchy, two women named Matilda stood in opposition: Empress Matilda and Queen Matilda (wife of Stephan of Blois). Sharon Bennett Connolly tells their stories.Show Notes:Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydThe Tudors by Numbers, published by Pen and SwordSharon Bennett Connollyhistorytheinterestingbits.comTwitter: @thehistorybitsFactbook: HistorytheinterestingbitsInstagram: @sharonbennettconnollyBooks: Women of the Anarchy, King John's Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye, Ladies of Magna Carta, AND MANY MOREHeroines of the Tudor World coming summer 2024Creative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: History by Andy_Grey via Audio Jungle, Music Broadcast LicenseLet's shake up history together!@shakeuphistory
This is the first of two episodes on the career, historical context, and "afterlife" of England's most famous--and controversial--saint and martyr, St. Thomas Becket. My co-host for both is a veteran of this podcast, Dr. Jennifer Paxton of the Catholic University of America. In this episode we set the historical scene for Becket's martyrdom. Among the topics that Jenny and I discuss are Becket's childhood and family, his service as a cleric in the household of Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, and the legal and administrative reforms undertaken by Henry II to restore--and enhance--royal authority and social order after fifteen years of civil war in England. The last leads to a discussion of English "Common Law" and the rise of administrative kingship in England. The episode also deals with the rival claims of sovereignty over the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church by a rising papal monarchy that conceived of the Church as a supranational state and by kings, who, citing custom and tradition, viewed the bishops and clergy within their kingdoms as their 'men,' subject to their will. We touch on the central issue of the Becket Controversy: Becket's claim that clergy are subject only to canon law and exempt from punishment by the state, a topic will be explored in greater detail in the next episode. That episode will deal with Thomas Becket's martyrdom; his emergence as England's most famous martyr and his tomb as the destination for numerous pilgrimages, most famously that of Chaucer's pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales; and the continued fascination that his story holds for writers and movie makers. I hope that you will join us for both.This episode includes:Neville Coghill reading from the Prologue to Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (which can be found online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN3JA1IfbVMShort audio clips from the 1964 movie "Becket," starring Richard Burton as Thomas Becket and Peter O'Toole as King Henry II(If you are enjoying this podcast, please let your friends know about it, and, if you have the time and inclination, rate it and review it wherever you get your podcasts. I'm told that is the best way to spread the good word.)Listen on Podurama https://podurama.com Intro and exit music are by Alexander NakaradaIf you have questions, feel free to contact me at richard.abels54@gmail.com
Through the historic lens of the tumultuous relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, we explore how words, when spoken by those in positions of authority, carry an immense weight that can shape the course of history. This episode is a trek through the psychological, ethical, and cultural dimensions of leadership and communication, revealing how lessons from the past remain vitally relevant in our modern, rapidly-changing world. Now we unravel the complexities of authority, the subtleties of language, and the enduring power of narratives in shaping our understanding of both history and the present.
In this week's episode, I discuss why I decided to return to the character of Caina after twenty-nine novels. This week's coupon is for the audiobook of GHOST IN THE INFERNO as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. You can get the audiobook of GHOST IN THE INFERNO for 75% off at my Payhip store with this coupon code: WINTERINFERNO The coupon code is valid through March 14th, 2024. TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 189 of the Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is February the 23rd, 2024 and today we are talking about the return of Caina Kardamnos. Before we get to our main topics, we will have Coupon of the Week and then an update on my current writing projects. First up, let's do Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon is for the audiobook of Ghost in the Inferno, as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. You can get the audiobook of Ghost in the Inferno for 75% off at my Payhip store with this coupon code: WINTERINFERNO and that is WINTERINFERNO. The coupon code is valid through March the 14th, 2024. So if you find yourself needing an audiobook to break up the winter doldrums and weather, we've got one ready for you. So now for a progress update on my current writing projects. I'm pleased to report that Sevenfold Sword Online: Leveling is out at Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, since I have found that LitRPG books tend to do the best while they're in Kindle Unlimited. It is going a little better than expected, which is nice, and if you want to check out the book, you can read it at Amazon. My main writing project now is Ghost in the Veils, hence The Return of Caina Kardamnos title for this episode and I am 25,000 words into it, which puts me on Chapter 6 of 21. I am also 31,000 words into Wizard Thief, the second book in the Half-Elven Thief series and that should come out after Ghost in the Veils. I'm also 3,000 words into Cloak of Titans, the next Nadia book. So the order these will all come out in is Ghost in the Veils needs to come out first because it has recording slot scheduled for the middle of April. So it needs to be done and out by then. I will finish Wizard Thief after that and then Cloak of Titans. In an audiobook news, the recording and proofing for Shield of Storms' audiobook is done, and it's currently working its way through quality assurance on the various platforms, so hopefully it should be available on your audio platform of choice before much longer. 00:02:07 Reader Comments and Questions Now, before we get to our main topic, let's have a few questions and comments from listeners and readers. Reader NK asks: Hi, I would like to know what LitRPG is. Haven't come across it before and also do we need to complete reading the Sevenfold Sword series before Sevenfold Sword Online to better enjoy this story? In answer your question NK, LitRPG is generally defined as a story that uses the conventions and structures of online role-playing games like MMORPGs. They can be either fantasy or science fiction or blend a bit of both. Typically in these stories, either the protagonist is magically zapped into a game world or is playing the game while trying to balance some sort of crisis in both the game and real life, which is the approach I took for Sevenfold Sword Online. In answer to the second half of your question, Sevenfold Sword Online isn't actually connected to Sevenfold Sword. The premise is that it's 700 years in the future and that an evil corporation has built a hit virtual reality MMORPG using the books of a long dead author (i.e. me) as source material for the setting. In hindsight, I wish I had made the setting completely unconnected to anything else I had written, because it seems to confuse some readers, but too late now I suppose so, hopefully that will answer your question. Now we have a question from reader Justin. For context for that question, I recently had to get a new desktop computer after my old one died and this is in fact the first podcast episode I am recording using the new computer. So if it sounds really weird, I blame the computer, or more accurately, I probably should blame Windows 11. But anyway, with that in mind, here is our question from Justin: Good luck to you with your new computer. I switched to laptops for my computing needs. The lower power draw and portability are handy when you're going off grid. I'm used to you working on three series at once. You put that up a notch. Is this to reduce burnout and possibly writer's block? In answer to that question, the reason I got a desktop was because I do a lot of cover design and graphic design, which is not always the greatest on laptops because that needs a lot of processing power, a lot of RAM, and perhaps most importantly, a lot of storage. In answer to the writing question, the only thing that's changed is I'm not doing a Ridmark and Andomhaim book every other month. I am going to keep writing Ridmark and books set in Andomhaim but I've been writing a Ridmark/Andomhaim book every other month pretty much since summer 2013, so I'd like to change it up a little bit and do more of other things. So while I am going to continue the Shield Wars series and I am going to write Shield of Darkness soon, I'm not going to start writing it until after Cloak of Titans is done, if you remember my order of projects from earlier in the show. I don't feel at risk of burnout or getting exasperated with writing. I just have been writing Ridmark and Andomhaim setting for so long that while I would like to continue writing that I would like to write more of other things as I go along. 00:05:08 Main Topic: The Return of Caina Kardamnos Now to our main topic: the return of Caina Kardamnos. As I mentioned earlier on the show, I'm now 25,000 words into Ghost in the Veils, which puts me also at chapter six in the second book of the Ghost Armor Series, the immediate sequel to Ghost in the Serpent from late 2023. I have to admit that when I finished Ghost in the Sun in the Ghost Night series in 2021 (I believe that was), I thought I was done with Caina. The reason for that was I just didn't have any idea of what to where to go or what to do with the character after Ghost Night. Part of that, I admit, was that Caina had become powerful and influential and I am cynically suspicious of people like that and wasn't sure I could write someone like that as a protagonist. Though that was less a concern as I went on since writing Ridmark and Tyrcamber, and Dragontiarna and then Dragonskull and the Shield War gave me a good bit of practice. So I finally had a good enough idea to return to Caina as a protagonist, and I think it was a confluence of four different ideas. The first idea was perhaps the most obvious one: what if Caina found out she had stepchildren? There are lots of potential story dynamics with stepchildren, but I thought the most interesting setup would be if Kylon had children he didn't know about and the mother Kalliope Agramemnos had kept them secret from him, except Kylon loves Caina and Kalliope is in awe of Caina. So Caina, out of necessity, becomes the linchpin holding this family together, since neither Kylon nor Kalliope can stand each other. There are a lot of potential character arcs and conflicts that can be generated in the inherent tension of that situation. The second core idea came from medieval nobles. If you've read any histories of medieval Europe, one of the main themes of the Middle Ages is that men primarily wielded the political and military power. But some women, by sheer force of will, charisma, tenacity, and cunning came to wield great power themselves. There are in fact quite a few examples. Probably the most famous one nowadays would be Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was married to two different kings and the mother to two more or three (depending on how you count and if you include Henry II's eldest son, Young Henry, as the actual king or not). She kept her son Richard on the throne of England during his captivity after the Third Crusade and she was one of the chief architects of his release. Had Eleanor lived longer, and her son John listened to more of her advice, probably King John's reign would have been more successful and he would not be remembered primarily in the United States as the cowardly Prince John from that one animated Disney movie with the anthropomorphic animals. Perhaps the most successful example is Margaret Beaufort, who basically engineered her son Henry VII's ascension to the English throne at the end of the Wars of the Roses, and then served as one of his primary advisors for the entirety of his reign. In fact, she even outlived Henry VII by a year and then lived long enough to advise her grandson Henry VIII for the first year after he became king. A less successful example and contemporary with Margaret Beaufort, would be Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI and mother of his heir. Margaret of Anjou was one of the driving forces behind the Wars of the Roses but lost everything when her husband and son were killed and she died in poverty in France while her enemy Edward IV ruled in England. Blanche of Castile was her son Louis IX's regent when he went on crusade. Countess Matilda of Tuscany helped force the settlement in the Investiture Controversy and the Holy Roman Emperor, the southern dukes of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Pope all wanted Matilda as their ally. Perhaps the most striking example would be Sichelgaita of Lombardy, wife of the rapacious Norman adventurer Robert Guiscard. Guiscard started out as a penniless, landless knight and ended up conquering Sicily and a lot of Italy. He was known as greedy, cunning, and ruthless. His eventual tomb had the epitaph “Here lies Guiscard, the terror of the world.” It seems that Sichelgaita was in every way suited to be the wife of a freebooting warlord like her husband. Guiscard fought a lot of wars and Sichelgaita usually donned armor to battle alongside him. At the Battle of Durham in 1081 Guiscard's troops started to break and run while fighting the soldiers of the Byzantine Empire. Sichelgaita rode after the fleeing troops, berating them for their cowardice, and evidently the prospect of her displeasure was so fearsome that Guiscard's troops turned around and won the battle. It should also be known at this point in her life, Sichelgaita was in her forties and had borne Giscard eight children, so clearly a very resilient lady. So now that Caina is powerful and influential maybe historical events like these can provide inspirations for plot lines. Caina would still occasionally put on a shadow cloak and go out and break into places because this is, after all, a fantasy novel. The third idea was that someone must be in charge. I mentioned earlier that I had misgivings about writing protagonists with power and influence, but I've come to realize that is an incomplete view. The thing about power and influence is that someone is going to be in charge. It's just human nature. No matter how something is organized, someone must be in charge and bear the burden of leadership, and hopefully it will be someone with an eye on the greater good. I've thought about this concept a lot in 2023. I know several people in 2023 who, after much agonizing, left some of the traditional helping professions like medicine and education not because of dislike of the admittedly stressful work, but because the leadership was so stupid and so malicious as to create an unsustainable work environment. Like a leader can be stupid and well-intentioned, and a leader can be malicious and clever and an organization can still function, but stupidity and malice together are unsustainable. Alas, the contemporary United States and United Kingdom have no shortage of malicious and stupid leadership, but that's beyond the scope of the podcast about writing. So in the end, someone is going to be in charge, someone is going to have to wield power and influence. Hopefully it is someone who will act in the name of the greater good (I already did some of that with Caina in Ghost in the Council towards the second half of the Ghost Night series). That can make, in my opinion, for in a compelling protagonist. Fourth and finally, fantasy creatures. Way back in the 2000s when I was originally trying to sell the first Caina novels, all the agents and publishers fulminated on how they didn't want to see any novels with traditional fantasy creatures like elves and orcs and dwarves and serpent men and so forth. So when I wrote the kind of books I wrote them without any of that, which continued when I moved into self-publishing, though I was always a little sore about that, even years later. Now I think I have a firm enough grasp on the setting that I can introduce some traditional fantasy creatures into the Caina books, hopefully in a way that makes sense within the context of Caina 's very well-established world. So those four ideas came together for Ghost in the Serpent, and we shall hopefully see more of them in Ghost in the Veils. So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. Our reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com and many of them now have transcripts (note: Episodes 144-189 currently have transcripts). If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.
In this episode of the podcast, Rebecca sits down with historian Matt Lewis to dive into the intriguing and sometimes misunderstood world of one medieval power couple who defied expectations and shaped history...King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. -- Credits: Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis Links: Gone Medieval History Hits Documentaries Find all of Matt's books on Amazon! #medieval #medievalhistory #queens #kings #royalhistory #england #royals #podcast #historypodcast #henryii #eleanorofaquitaine #history #historyfacts #medieval --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-larson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-larson/support
We arrive at the first dozen years of the reign of ‘Bad King John'; and enter a decade where the principal focus of the Kingdom was the disintegration of the great Empire of Henry II. But who was John? What drove this King? And how did events in these years dictate the events to come?
Eleanor's life was no less interesting following the death of Henry II. Rather than fade into the background, her son, King Richard I, instead made her his most powerful deputy in England while he went to the Holy Land on Crusade. In fact, Richard I was an extremely disinterested monarch and spent very little of his decade-long reign in the country. His brother, the future King John, at one point tried to raise and army and take the crown by force, but his mother put an end to that. Then there was the ransom of Richard the Lionheart, by Austrian Duke Leopold V. Eleanor personally traveled to negotiate with, and pay ransom to, Holy Roman emperor Henry VI. Eleanor's final years were spent in the reign of her youngest son, King John, during which she traveled among her children in Europe, arranging marriages for her granddaughters. By the time she died in 1204, at the age perhaps of 82, she had seeded her offspring among the royal houses of the continent, where they and their offspring would be players for generations to come. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The end of the reign of Henry II is one filled with high level visits from dignitaries to London, the implosion of the Royal Family, a new status quo in Europe, and headline grabbing events in the Middle East dominating even domestic politics… welcome to start of the tale of the elevation of the first mayor of London.
After Eleanor finally succeeded in ending her marriage to Louis VII of France, she had a brief turn of wedded bliss to the future Henry II of England. It's not that the marriage was short, just her happiness. Henry II, it turns out, was a king of questionable judgment, as Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket would find out. He was also loathe to cede power to their children, and little was helped when Henry's head was turned by a young noblewoman named Rosamund Clifford - an affair that contributed to Eleanor urging her sons to rise up against their father in England. For her treachery, Eleanor would spend more than a decade and a half confined; their sons were welcomed back into the fold in a "boys will be boys" way. But this was not the end for Eleanor. Upon the death of Henry II in 1189, she was the extremely involved Dowager Queen of England while her sons, Richard the Lionheart and King John, would take their turns on the throne. But those are stories for next week, in Part Three. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
History is not without examples of powerful women, to be sure, but even in that pantheon, Eleanor of Aquitaine is a special case. In this first part of her story, Alicia takes us through her early life in the French province of Aquitaine, where her father was the ruling Duke, and her first, disastrous marriage to the future (it turns out by a matter of days) Louis VII of France. A marriage that would, after many unhappy years, be annulled, allowing Eleanor to create one of history's most audacious political romances: she married the future Henry II of England, son of Empress Matilda, paving the way for Eleanor to have been both Queen of France and Queen of England through separate marriages! Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Story continues by looking away from London for a few years; as we examine how and why Henry II invaded Ireland and the roots of the Irish diaspora of London, with a special chapter dedicated to examining some overlooked aspects of the event… why did Henry find himself, in the midst of the biggest political crisis of his reign, running off to intervene in a foreign country?
The Story of London reaches the opening years of the reign of Henry II; foreign merchants start growing in power in the city; the Knight's Templars make a spectacular land grab, and while the oligarchs who run the city continue to run things for their own benefit, a powerful new group emerge from within the streets of London itself…
Rebecca Spence (left) and Netta Walker play Eleanor of Aquitaine and Alice Capet, the estranged wife and mistress, respectively, of Henry II, in the Court Theatre production of James Goldman's The Lion in Winter, directed by Ron OJ Parson. Spence and Walker discuss what it's like to be playing the smartest characters in the play; the joy of facing off in their second onstage collaboration; the highly flattering comparison they make to Robert Preston; the privilege of working with such a sensitive ensemble of actors (and a director who trusts them); and how they navigate their power as women in a play with such, as they say in the 12th century, Big Dagger Energy. (Length 20:23) (Photo by Michael Brosilow.)
Catherine de Medici, born in 1519, was a member of the renowned Italian Medici family. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Henry II of France and became Queen of France in the mid-16th century. Despite her humble beginnings as an Italian noblewoman, Catherine quickly rose to prominence and played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of a nation. We unravel her early years in Italy, where she was exposed to the Renaissance's intellectual and artistic fervor. We then follow her to the French court, where she faced the challenges of a foreign Queen navigating the treacherous waters of the Valois dynasty. Catherine's reign as Queen of France was marked by complex political maneuvering and the enduring influence of the Catholic Church. We discuss her role in the Wars of Religion, a tumultuous period marked by sectarian strife between Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants). Her actions as a devout Catholic regent, at times ruthless and at times compassionate, left an indelible mark on the religious landscape of France. Her indomitable spirit, shrewd political acumen, and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity paint a vivid portrait of a woman who shaped the course of history. Her legacy as a formidable queen, mother, and political strategist continues to captivate scholars and history enthusiasts alike. Get your Homance apparel: nicolebonneville.etsy.com Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
From 1169 to 1178 Flemish cities in what is today Belgium were in a dispute with the city of Cologne about trade and the use of the Rhine River. At first, Cologne seems to lose this economic dispute but then they get help from the English king Henry II.
Hugh Turley - Thomas Merton, his mission and his murderHugh Turley joined Ed Opperman to discuss Thomas Merton, one of the greatest scribes and men of peace of the 20th Century, largely unsung, whose writings from a Monastry during the sixties were more than incidental to the events of those times. Turley speaks of Merton, the man, his work and ultimately his murder in 1968.Merton was also responsible as inspiration at least for the seminal work on the book 'JFK and The Unspeakable. Why he died and why it matters'. Merton was instrumental in the cooling of high temperatures during the Cuban missile crisis, averting both the end of the world and a massive coup for the Military Industrial Complex.Not only did this mark out JFK for execution, but it also put a timer on his own life.In 1968, someone spoke regarding Thomas Merton as Henry II spoke regarding Thomas à Becket on Christmas Day, AD 1170, "Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?" And, as in 1170 so in 1968, someone did rid the speaker "of this meddlesome priest." The difference in the two cases is that in 1170, Pope Alexander immediately started an investigation, determined who the murderers were—four knights, a bishop and Henry II— and excommunicated them. In 1968, however, the powers that be in the Church, the state and media fabricated a story on how Merton died, adopted it, and extensively and exclusively publicized it.In 1968, Thomas Merton was the last in the triad of murder of men of global eminence who were commanding and compelling voices on behalf of the wretched of the earth in the U.S. and beyond. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy were the other two. And as religious and secular realpolitik would have it, the murderers of all three were protected by government, corporate, and religious systematic deceit operations nearly as impenetrable to this day as they were in 1968.-Emmanuel Charles McCarthyWebsite : Thomas Merton FBI Coverup Website : Hugh Turley MagicianYoutube : Thomas MertonFrom October 2018.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/1198501/advertisement
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of the most famous women in European history for good reason. After annulling her marriage from the King of France, she would marry the man who would become Henry II, King of England. But that marriage would sour, and in the end, Eleanor would turn against him.Sign up for Dana's horror writing course!Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon— Merch!— Order Dana's book 'Anatomy: A Love Story and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before Henry VIII changed history for lack of a son, Henry II had too many. His eldest, Richard, a fierce soldier who controls the wealthy Aquitaine, is the favorite of his mother, Eleanor. The youngest, John, is immature and dull, but his father's favorite. And the middle son, scheming Geoffrey, is, quite dangerously, no one's favorite. In the end, there are no winners; competing affections and power schemes serve only to cancel each other out. Is it true then, as this story suggests, that being a favorite amounts to nothing more than a target on one's back, as its benefits are counteracted by the destructive envy of the disfavored? What drives our own propensities for favoritism? And does occupying any position in the pecking order entail, in Eleanor's words, learning to live with disappointment? Wes & Erin discuss the 1968 film "The Lion in Winter," starring Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn. Thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Factor and The Inner Loop Radio. Head to factormeals.com/subtext50 and use code subtext50 to get 50 percent off. Subscribe to Inner Loop at https://www.theinnerlooplit.org/radio
Before Henry VIII changed history for lack of a son, Henry II had too many. His eldest, Richard, a fierce soldier who controls the wealthy Aquitaine, is the favorite of his mother, Eleanor. The youngest, John, is immature and dull, but his father's favorite. And the middle son, scheming Geoffrey, is, quite dangerously, no one's favorite. In the end, there are no winners; competing affections and power schemes serve only to cancel each other out. Is it true then, as this story suggests, that being a favorite amounts to nothing more than a target on one's back, as its benefits are counteracted by the destructive envy of the disfavored? What drives our own propensities for favoritism? And does occupying any position in the pecking order entail, in Eleanor's words, learning to live with disappointment? Wes & Erin discuss the 1968 film "The Lion in Winter," starring Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn.
This week Beau and Carl chat about the life and times of Henry II's Lord Chancellor and then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. Later, Saint Thomas of Canterbury. From humble beginnings, to the second most powerful man in England, his meteoric rise and precipitous downfall, ending with his murder, is a rollercoaster ride.
Get back in the time machine with us and go to August 2020, while we were all hyper fixating on our new COVID hobbies. And for us, that was astrology of famous historical couples. We analyze the rollercoaster relationship of historical figures Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon despite being opposing Cancer and Sagittarius signs. We chat about the practical relationship of Diane de Poitiers and Henry II of France despite being from opposing elements. Moving on, we highlight the low compatibility rating for Capricorns and analyze Queen Alexandra and Nicholas, a Gemini-Taurus pairing. Finally ending on a discussion about the successful partnership of Taurus and Pisces signs Isabella and Ferdinand. The conversation wraps up with a lighthearted Zodiac Roundup. 5:00 Henry and Catherine of Aragon 13:35 Diane De Poitiers and Henri II 21:15 Alexandra and tsar Nicholas 31:00 Isabella and Ferdinand Thanks HelloFresh! Go to HelloFresh.com/baddest16 and use code baddest16for 16 free meals plus free shipping! Queens podcast is part of Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Want more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram! Our awesome new intro music is thanks to @1touchproduction ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week Beau and Carl chat about the life and times of one of England's most extraordinary Queens, Eleanor of Aquitaine. From her less than humble beginnings in the south of France, to her first marriage to the King of France, her adventures on The Second Crusade, her subsequent divorce and remarriage to Henry II of England, their tumultuous relationship, and her later years dealing with the wars and rebellions of her larger than life sons.
Before being scattered across different kingdoms, Catherine de' Medici, Elisabeth de Valois and Mary, Queen of Scots spent many years of their formative years at the French court. Speaking to Lauren Good, Leah Redmond Chang explores the bonds between these extraordinary women and considers how French king Henry II's death changed the course of their futures in unexpected ways. (Ad) Leah Redmond Chang is the author of Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power (Bloomsbury, 2023). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Young-Queens-Three-Renaissance-Women-ebook/dp/B0B4DP7TMZ/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices