Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of the Late Middle Ages

Today, we have our January Anchor Supporting Members BONUS episode! I thought it’d be beneficial to share what led to the founding of Umayyad Cordoba in order to better understand its collapse two-and-a-half centuries later. If you are reading this, that means you are either an Anchor Supporting Listener or you are a Patreon Member…but whichever one you are, I am so very grateful for your generosity. I can’t thank you enough! Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the rise of Poland during the 10th and 11th centuries, as well! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear this fascinating telling of how a small group of Slavs transformed into the formidable Polish people who will one day direct European politics for over a century! Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “donation plan” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. Social Media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast Music: Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https://www.silvermansound.com.

Today, after the capture of Toledo, Alfonso VI turns his crosshairs to a wayward Zaragoza. During this siege, led on the Zaragozan side by the exile Rodrigo Diaz, word comes of dark times ahead for Christian Iberia. These dark times land in the Taifa of Algeciras far to the south and they lead to an inevitable and utterly brutal clash between Christianity and Islam, a full decade before the call for a First Crusade is even made. You won’t want to miss this chapter! Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the rise of Poland during the 10th and 11th centuries! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear this fascinating tale of how a small group of Slavs transformed into the formidable Polish people who will one day direct European politics for over a century! Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “donation plan” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. And a huge shout out to Amanda for becoming Fortune’s Wheel’s first Patreon supporting listener! I am humbled and appreciative beyond measure. Thank you. Social Media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast Music: Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https://www.silvermansound.com.

Today, we take a moment to appreciate what Muslim rule in Cordoba gave the world. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the rise of Poland during the 10th and 11th centuries, as well! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear this fascinating telling of how a small group of Slavs transformed into the formidable Polish people who will one day direct European politics for over a century! Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “donation plan” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. Anchor Supporting Listener BONUS Episodes on Anchor: If you become a Supporting Member on Anchor, you will have access to all Anchor-published episodes, including at least one bonus episode per month! This does not include the Patreon episodes, but the entire catalogue of episodes and a bonus episode per month for just $0.49/month. It’s a steal! Social Media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast Music: Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https://www.silvermansound.com.

Today, we take a look at what the world lost (for a time?) with the collapse of Cordoba in the early 11th century. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the rise of Poland during the 10th and 11th centuries, as well! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear this fascinating telling of how a small group of Slavs transformed into the formidable Polish people who will one day direct European politics for over a century! Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “donation plan” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. Anchor Supporting Listener BONUS Episodes on Anchor: If you become a Supporting Member on Anchor, you will have access to all Anchor-published episodes, including at least one bonus episode per month! This does not include the Patreon episodes, but the entire catalogue of episodes and a bonus episode per month for just $0.49/month. It’s a steal! Social Media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast Music: Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https://www.silvermansound.com.

Today, well...as the title says: Taifas and Berbers. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the rise of Poland during the 10th and 11th centuries! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear this fascinating tale of how a small group of Slavs transformed into the formidable Polish people who will one day direct European politics for over a century! Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “donation plan” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. And a huge shout out to Amanda for becoming Fortune’s Wheel’s first Patreon supporting listener! I am humbled and appreciative beyond measure. Thank you. Social Media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast Music: Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https://www.silvermansound.com.

Today’s Episode: Today, we are beginning some “prep work”...a little bit of “world-building,” if you will…to prepare the scene for BOTH sides of one of the most enduring (for better or for worse) events in the Middle Ages: The First Crusade. There are intense goings-on during the 11th century out west though - waaaay out west - that will have a direct impact on the thinking that kicked off the First Crusade. In my opinion, leaving out the history of medieval Iberia is a gross miscalculation in the modern understanding of the Middle Ages as a whole, therefore, this season of the podcast will focus quite a bit (but not entirely, of course) on Iberia, Western Africa, the Maghreb, Sicily, and pretty much the Mediterranean region and the major moves happening throughout the 11th century leading up to the aforementioned crusades. Man, am I excited about this season, which I have planned to be quite a big one, so buckle up! Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the rise of Poland during the 10th and 11th centuries, as well! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear this fascinating telling of how a small group of Slavs transformed into the formidable Polish people who will one day direct European politics for over a century! Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “donation plan” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. ***** And a huge shout out to Amanda K for becoming Fortune’s Wheel’s first Patreon supporting listener! I am humbled and appreciative beyond measure. Thank you. Social Media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast Music: Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https://www.silvermansound.com.

Today, out with the old and in with the new, I suppose. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 47: A New Age Year: September - December 1066 Setting(s): England

Today, the death of the Viking Age and the last great moment for Anglo-Saxon rule in England. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 50: The Death of a Legend, the Death of an Age Year: September 1066 Setting(s): England

Today, those distant drums grow steadily closer. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 47: The Last Anglo-Saxon King Years: 1065 - 1066 Setting(s): England, Normandy

Today, as the title says...Northumbria erupts. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 47: Distant Beat of Drums Years: 1055 - 1065 Setting(s): England, Normandy, Norway, Denmark, Ireland

Today, we talk exiles, obstinate earls, and dead kings galore! We start off in Hungary, then return to England, only to twist our gazes northward to Scotland, all the while shooting side glances over at Wales. It’s a crazy one today, folks, so buckle up! Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 47: The Distant Beat of Drums Years: 1054 - 1063 Setting(s): Hungary, England, Scotland, Wales

Surprise episode, everyone! I just couldn't wait, so here it is... Today, an old friend returns to the show. He’s been gone a while, but he’s made the trek from thousands of miles away to jump back into our story way up in the north. Let’s get Varangian on the podcast today and see how a living legend becomes an indispensable figure in history! Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 46: Hardrada Years: 1045 - late-1050’s Setting(s): Norway, Denmark, Sweden

Today, we see what happens when a hammer has hammered its last nail. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 43: The Bastard vs. The Hammer Years: 1050 - 1057 Setting(s): Kingdom of France

Today, bread, phrases, cultural differences, oh my! Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 43: The Great Schism of 1054 Years: ???? - 1054 Setting(s): Rome, Constantinople

QUICK NOTE: Audio quality on this recording is, well...I'm not proud of it. I tried a new audio setup on Garageband and didn't hear anything like what it ended up sounding like, which really stinks because I felt very proud of this episode. I apologize and am actively working on what went wrong. I hope you take the time to enjoy the content, knowing that the audio quality will hopefully improve by next week's episode! Thanks for the support and the grace! ********  Today, Godwine...again. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 43: Godwine, Part II Years: 1051 - 1053 Setting(s): England, Flanders, Dublin

Today, the immovable object gets an unexpected response. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Also, don’t forget to head over to the show’s new website: fortuneswheelpodcast.wixsite.com/fwpod. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 43: An Unstoppable Force Years: 1051 - 1052 Setting(s): England, Flanders, Dublin

Today, Godwine finally comes up against “an immovable object.” Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 41: An Immovable Object Years: 1050 - 1051 Setting(s): England

Today, in stumbles an idiot of epic proportions, a Norwegian hotty takes centerstage, and a reluctant king has had enough of being a pawn in someone else’s game. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. NOTE: Any misconceptions or misrepresentations of the British History Podcast’s opinions are mine and mine alone. Personally, the ideas about the situation quoted in this episode were very intriguing, so I wanted to give credit where credit was due as to where I first heard the idea. (On that note, I once heard that a podcaster shouldn't give "free advertisement" to another podcast, but I don't really play those games...history is meant to be shared, so head over to the BHP as it delves into far more depth than our narration here is able to and the host is pretty fun to listen to, as well.) Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 40: A King Finds His Legs Years: 1047 - 1050 Settings: England, Denmark, Wales, Flanders

Today, Harthacnut’s dead and Edward slides onto the throne. Magnus calls in his winnings upon Harthacnut’s death, and everyone lived happily ever after. Okay! Fine! I lied. So, here’s the real story... Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 39: The First Norman Conquest of England? Years: 1042 - 1044 Settings: Denmark, England, Normandy

Today, from Bavaria to Scotland to England, we follow quite a winding plotline here, but, as we know, 11th century Europe is an incredibly dynamic place. Harthacnut hasn’t exactly set himself up for success in England lately, and we’ll see where his decisions have led him on this episode. Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Season 3: North Sea Collapse Episode 38: The Reluctant King Years: 1040 - 1042 Settings: Bavaria, Scotland, Normandy, England