In this episode, Manco Inca flees to the Amazon to avoid capture with Gonzalo Pizarro in hot pursuit. But before that can happen, Hernando Pizarro exacts revenge on Diego de Almagro by executing the man in cold blood. As a result, Hernando returns to Spain to explain his conduct - leaving two Pizarro brothers in Peru. WebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0

Diego de Almagro returns from conquering the wealthy Inca Empire of the south. Just kidding. There is no southern Inca Empire, as Almagro and his royally ticked-off, men now understand. Fuming and frostbitten, Almagro returns to the scene to find Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro holed up in Cusco surrounded by Manco Inca's army. Eager to exploit the situation, he reaches out to both groups to try and ensure that he, Almagro, is the new lord of Cusco moving forward.WebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Manco Inca now has the Spaniards in Peru on the ropes. Hernando and Gonzalo Pizarro are trapped in Cusco. Francisco Pizarro is likewise trapped in what will become Lima. The brothers are desperate to help each other but Manco's armies have the mountain passes sealed shut. This time, Manco comes tantalizingly close to ending the Pizarro family business once and for all. And then it all falls away...WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0

Manco Inca launches his Great Rebellion in Peru. While Francisco Pizarro is pinned down in Lima, Manco seeks to crush the remaining Pizarro brothers in Cuzco. WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Up to this point, Francisco Pizarro has done a fantastic job of following the conquistador playbook. But now the weakness of the Pizarro family business - namely Francisco's brothers - comes into play. Juan and Gonzalo Pizarro torment Manco Inca to the point that he has no choice but to begin the Great Rebellion. WebsiteSupportWestern Civ 2.0

Atahualpa's time finally runs out. Pizarro believes his captive emperor has ordered an Inca army to attack and finally consents to his death. Luckily, shortly thereafter Pizarro finds a new, puppet emperor: Manco Inca.WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0

Atahualpa promises Pizarro rooms full of gold in the hope of getting the conquistador to leave. Little does he realize, in the Sixteenth Century sated the Spanish lust for gold is an impossibility. Website Patreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0

In another of those history-making meetings of two cultures, Pizarro and Atahualpa finally come face to face. Against overwhelming odds, Pizarro succeeds in capturing the Inca Emperor.WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0

Last time I introduced Francisco Pizarro. Today we bring Atahualpa onto our board. He will be the Incan Emperor at the time of Pizarro's conquest. But Atahualpa wasn't sitting around waiting for Pizarro to arrive. He had actually just defeated his half-brother in a short civil war caused by the ravages of European smallpox. In other words, there's a lot of context here...WEBSITESUPPORT THE SHOWWESTERN CIV 2.0 FREE TRIAL

Today we introduce our Conquistador: Francisco Pizarro. Pizarro hears rumors of a great and wealthy Native American empire to the south: Peru. After a reconnaissance voyage, Pizarro discovers that there is some truth to the rumors. WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Today we look more closely at the Inca political and military structure. These two aspects of the Incan Empire will be crucial to understand how Pizzaro, like Cortés, is able to conquer such a vast and powerful empire with so few men. Support the show at Patreon.Check out the Website for more content.Western Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Here is a sneak peek of the kind of things I get to do on Western Civ 2.0. This feed is available in two ways: Patreon and Glow. (Note: With Glow there is a seven-day free trial.)In this episode, I cover the beginnings of Macedonia as we track the rise of Philip of Macedon and his son. You might have heard of him. We call him Alexander the Great.There are over twenty hours of content on this paid feed and I add another two hours each month. If you enjoy the free podcast feed but would like more, well, here it is.GLOW OPTIONPATREON OPTION

Today I sit down with Historian Martyn Rady and discuss his latest book: The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central Europe. This is a sweeping, survey history of Central Europe that is accessible to any reader whatever their knowledge of Central European history. There is a lot in the book and we, in the interview, only get to the Thirty Years' War. Though we do start in the Roman Empire so I guess that's progress! Buy the book HERE.WebsitePatreon Support PageWestern Civ 2.0

Today we pivot again and travel further south to the land of the Inca. Long before Pizzaro arrived, the people of the Andes built a miraculous civilization along the highest mountains in North or South America. In this episode, I cover the broad geography and culture of the Andean people.Patreon Support PageWestern Civ 2.0 Free TrialWebsite

With Tenochtitlan conquered, Cortés tries to figure out how to make New Spain work.WebsiteAd-Free ShowsWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Cortés returns to Tenochtitlan and finally forces the great city into submission, effectively ending Old Mexico.WebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0

Today I sit down with historian Eckart Frahm to discuss his new book: Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World's First Empire. The Assyrians have a fascinating history that ranges from the ancient sands of Mesopotamia to the pages of the Old Testament. Frahm covers it all in this excellent and readable work. Click HERE to purchase the book. WebsiteSupport the ShowWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Cortés recovers from the disaster of La Noche Triste and plans for a triumphant return to Tenochtitlan. At the same time, Smallpox ravages Central America.WebsiteAd-Free ShowsWestern Civ 2.0

Cortés rushes back to Tenochtitlan only to find the city beyond saving. After the death of Montezuma, he has no choice but to cut his losses and run.WebsiteAd-Free ShowsTeaching MaterialsWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial

Cortés gambles again, taking Montezuma captive in the hope that he can turn the entire kingdom over to Charles V. But, the arrival of a relief force from Cuba sent to capture Cortés upsets his plans.WebsiteAd-Free ShowsWestern Civ 2.0

Cortés finally reached the capital of the Mexica Empire and comes face to face with Montezuma.WebsiteAd-Free ShowsWestern Civ 2.0

This is the episode where Cortés really starts to come into focus. Up to this point, he has been just another explorer. But after this episode, his ambitions come into focus: Mexico or bust.WebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0Teaching Materials

Hernan Cortes and his expedition continue to explore the Yucatan as they round toward modern-day Veracruz. He begins to learn what works and what does not as he encounters different tribes of indigenous peoples. Horses, it turns out, are a major advantage. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcast Western Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westerncivTeaching Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/History-Simulations

This week we finally meet Hernan Cortes. Cortes has an interesting history himself, though much of it remains shrouded in myth and shadow. Yet, in 1518 he gets tapped as the man to lead a new expedition west to follow up on Grijalva's latest voyage. Everyone thinks he is going to explore another island chain. What no one realizes is that he is about to run straight into the most powerful Mesoamerican kingdom. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westerncivTeaching Materials: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/History-Simulations

Hernan Cortes was not the first Spaniard to reach Mexico. But, somewhat shockingly, even as late as 1518, the Spanish did not know about Mexico. They knew something of the land to the west of Cuba, but not much. In this episode, I talk about the first interactions between the Mexica and the Spanish. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westerncivTeaching Materials: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/History-Simulations

in this bonus, author interview, I sit down with Professor Gayle Greene and discuss her book: Immeasurable Outcomes: Teaching Shakespeare in the Age of Algorithms. This book is for any educator right now. There is a lot for us all to commiserate with.Note: Full disclosure, we had some tech issues with this one. I could not use my normal recording system and what we did use abruptly cut off about thirty-eight minutes in. So the end is rather sudden. WebsitePatreon SupportWestern Civ 2.0

The recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria destroyed a large portion of Gaziantep Castle in Turkey. This site dated back to the Second and Third Century CE to the never-ending wars between the Romans and Parthians. Seeing the footage of the destruction, I was reminded how fragile history can be. We need to work to preserve sites like this so that they are not lost because once they are lost, we cannot get them back.To donate to UNESCO's efforts to preserve sites like this, click HERE.

In this bonus interview, I sit down with historian Kate Cooper and discuss her most recent book: Queens of a Fallen World. This gripping and innovative history of St. Augustine looks at the four women who influenced his life, theology, and writing. Like any work, Confessions was not written in a bubble. Augustine, one of the most important church fathers, was highly influenced by his mother, fianceé, and lover. And if that weren't enough, Cooper analyzes the role of Empress Justina as she tangles with the powerful Bishop Ambrose - another leading figure in Augustine's life. The book is an excellent read and you can get a copy HERE.Check out our WEBSITE for more content.To support the show and for ad-free versions for only $1 per month, click HERE.Check out a free trial of Western Civ 2.0.

In this episode, we take a look at the Aztecs as they are commonly known or the Mexica as they are correctly known. The Mexica ruled a flourishing, cohesive empire when Hernan Cortes showed up. Today I cover the basics of the Mexica civilization. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westerncivTeaching Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/History-Simulations

Today we cover what we can in terms of Mayan political history. The Maya organized themselves into essentially what we might call city-states. These centered around some locations you might recognize like Chichen Itza and Tikal, and many more you will not recognize. Sadly, much of Mayan history is lost to us as much of the written record did not survive the centuries. But, I'll give you what I can.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.pateon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Today we really switch gears. Before we explore the Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Inca civilizations, we have to set the stage. Long before those conquests, the Maya dominated the jungles and mountains of the Yucatan. Today we introduce them.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Version: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Seven-Day Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In our final episode on Suleiman the Magnificent, he nearly completes his conquest of the Mediterranean and Iran. Meanwhile, succession issues threaten to derail the entire Ottoman Empire. Still, when Suleiman dies in 1566 it is officially high tide for the Ottoman State.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Felicia Kornbluh and discuss her most recent book: A Woman's Life is a Human Life. This objective history of the battle over reproductive rights is a true tour de force. To purchase the book, please click on the link below.Disclaimer: The book covers the fight to end sterilization and legalize abortion. Listeners who are sensitive to this subject would be advised to skip this one. Buy the BookWebsitePatreonWestern Civ 2.0

In this episode, we follow Suleiman as he leads the Ottoman Empire to its territorial height. After teaming up with the intrepid Barbarossa, Suleiman leads the Ottoman navy across the Mediterranean until Ottoman hegemony over the eastern Mediterranean is complete and Charles V is forced into a defensive posture. Then, in 1541, Suleiman formally annexes Hungary, which will remain in Ottoman possession until 1699. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this bonus author interview, I sit down with Historian Jacqueline Jones and talk about her latest book: No Right to an Honest Living. The book details the Black experience in Boston between roughly 1840 and 1880. It is an excellent book and I hope you enjoy the interview.To purchase the book, click HERE.WebsitePatreon PageWestern Civ 2.0

Last time Suleiman the Magnificent came to the throne and immediately threw himself at the west. Before two years were out Belgrade and Rhodes were both in Ottoman hands. Suleiman marshaled Ottoman artillery superiority to quickly expand his borders on all sides. Charles V and the rest of Europe sat, paralyzed. Charles and Francis were at each other's throats as we already know. Henry was too far away and too preoccupied with his own unraveling heir situation to do anything. The Pope might scream into the wind but no one outside Hungary was going to do anything to shore up Europe’s rapidly collapsing borders. This week Suleiman continues his expansion as Europe searches for answers. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Show: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Having covered the period between the Fall of Constantinople and 1520, we can now get into the most famous Ottoman Sultan of all: Suleiman the Magnificent. In this first episode, we introduce Suleiman and cover the campaigns of his first two years in power. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon (Ad Free Shows): www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Mehmet II's death leads to a brief power struggle between his two sons: Bayezid and Cem. In the end, the Janissaries pick Bayezid and Cem finds himself packed off to Rome. Bayezid enlarges the Ottoman Empire picking up new territory in northern Syria. His death leads to his son, Selim I, taking the throne. Selim I expands the Ottoman Empire even further than his grandfather, ending the Mamluk Empire and extending Ottoman control to the Holy Land.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westernicivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

We last left the Ottomans in May 1453, as Mehmet II triumphantly rode into the gates of a conquered Constantinople. After thousands of years, the Romans were finally vanquished. In this episode, we catch up with the remainder of Mehmet's reign. And yes, there is plenty left to go.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon Feed: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Marking the end of a turbulent beginning to the Sixteenth Century, the deaths of Henry VIII, Francis I, and Charles V (who technically abdicates before his death) brings one era to a close. Francis and Charles are left exhausted after years of pointless war, but both die knowing that their lines will live on. Henry VIII believes to have put in place an iron-clad succession plan, but Thomas Cranmer and Edward Seymour have other ideas. Oh, and Henry marries one last time. Katherine Parr will become his sixth and final wife.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Francis and Charles finally resolve their differences and western Europe gets a break from the carnage. But, as usual, the fate of Milan spoils the pot and before long the two are at it again. Meanwhile, in England Henry deals with the factionalism that is threatening to tear his court apart. Henry marries (twice) and ultimately divorces (twice). But only Katherine Howard loses her head this time. Website:www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon Ad-Free Feed: www.patreon.com/westerncivWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Unable to help himself, Francis I pushes Charles V and much of western Europe into war. Luckily for him, his talented General Montmorency takes the reigns this time and wears Charles out resulting in a pyrrhic French victory. Meanwhile, back in England Henry VIII FINALLY gets the male heir he was so desperately (and that's an understatement) wanted. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

It has been a while but let's catch up with Francis and Charles. Since his release, Francis I has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of complying with the Treaty of Madrid. The French Royal Council is only too happy to rubbers-stamp that decision. Charles V, infuriated, does what he can to take revenge. Meanwhile, in England, the Pilgrimage of Grace nearly topples Henry VIII from power.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAdd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In his upcoming book, The Mongol Storm, historian Nicholas Morton discusses the vast subject that is the Mongol Empire. All of it. Here we talk about a small fraction of his excellent work.Link to the Book: https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/nicholas-morton/the-mongol-storm/9781541616295/Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this episode, Anne Boleyn fails to produce a male heir (definitely NOT her fault) and loses her head while Henry does his best to enforce religious conformity. Spoiler alert: it's not going to work.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comAdd-Free Shows: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Last time, King Henry VIII took England right up to the brink of separation from Rome in order to divorce Queen Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. In today's episode, pressed by his advisors, Thomas Cromwell and Thomas Cranmer, Henry formally declares himself the head of the Church of England and marries his mistress. Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon Page: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

Sometimes in history, an unexpected event or emergency changes its course. In the late 1520s, Henry VIII, King of England, wanted to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry Anne Boleyn. In normal times, this would not have been an issue. But it just so happened that at that exact same time the Pope was the prisoner of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who happened to be Catherine's nephew. And he was not about to let that happen. So Henry, with the help of Thomas Cromwell and Thomas Cranmer, pushes England to the brink of reformation. Oh, and Thomas Wolsey, he gets kicked to the curb.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv

In this episode, we take a step back and examine the origins of the English Reformation up to, roughly, 1522. Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey work to try and solve some of the problems facing the church while the intersection between civil and canon law eats away at the delicate balance between church and state.Website: www.westerncivpodcast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/westerncivpodcastWestern Civ 2.0 Free Trial: www.glow.fm/westernciv