The Rise of the Saracens and the Western Empire

The papacy enters the eighth century under pressure.

This episode examines the political and territorial dynamics between the Papacy, Byzantine Italy, and the Lombards during the early medieval period, focusing on governance challenges and strategic locations like the Flaminian Way.

This episode examines the dual development of papal power from the 7th to 11th centuries, analyzing both temporal dominion over territories and spiritual authority across Western Christendom.

This episode examines the three classes of officials working under Counts during Charlemagne's reign, focusing on their roles in administration and justice.

This episode examines the classification of Carolingian capitularies under Charles the Great, dividing them into three groups based on content, origin, and validity, while critiquing modern interpretations of these legal distinctions.

The episode turns on Charles the Great's assemblies.

The discussion turns to the machinery of Charles the Great’s rule.

Section 99 turns to the legislation and administration of Charles the Great.

Paul Vianogradov traces the roots of feudal society through authority, land tenure, and military service.

This episode examines the historical expansion of the Slavs, focusing on Samo's state and its interactions with Frankish territory and the Avars.

This episode examines the formation and social organization of the Slovenes after the destruction of the Avar kingdom by Charles the Great, focusing on regional variations in the zhupan class across areas like Lower Styria and Carniola.

This episode explores the historical expansion of the Slavs, focusing on the formation of Nomado-Slavic states where nomadic hordes dominated Slavic peasant classes, with parallels drawn to regions like Fergana and Kyrgyzstan.

This episode examines the agricultural and dietary differences between ancient Slavs and Germans, focusing on livestock limitations and the Slavs' reliance on swine in medieval Russia.

This episode details the Saracen expansion into southern Italy and the Adriatic region in the 9th century, focusing on political fragmentation in Benevento and military conflicts involving Saracens, Venetians, and Byzantines.