The Dark Ages Podcast

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    • 66. When the General’s Away…

      We return to Italy, where Belisarius had the Ostrogoths on the ropes… until he didn’t. Leadership failures on both sides result in a renewal of conflict and the appearance of a new power among the Ostrogoths. →

    • Announcing the Dark Ages Podcast Store

      http://darkagespod-shop.fourthwall.com I’m pleased to announce the launch of the Dark Ages Podcast Store, going live March 3rd, 2026. If you’re looking to support the Dark Ages Podcast and get something more than sound in return, here’s a great way to do it. Hats, T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs are all available, and I’m working on new… →

    • 65. Church and People

      The episode explores the grassroots efforts of Christianization in sixth-century rural society, highlighting bishops’ struggles to convert peasants amidst lingering pagan practices. While initially focused on accessibility and education, the Church faced challenges from both tradition and geography, often employing coercive measures to ensure compliance, reflecting a complex interaction between conversion and cultural adaptation. →

    • 64. Church and State

      The year was 577. The place, the church of Saint Peter the Apostle, in Paris. The interior was dim, the bright sun outside reduced to dust-spangled shafts from the windows along the south wall. It was noisy, a hubbub of chattering voices, both inside and out. A crowd milled about outside, unseen, but their presence… →

    • 63. Slay, Queen

      This episode explores the tumultuous life of Queen Brunhilda of Austrasia, covering her political maneuvers, influences, and eventual downfall. Despite her initial successes alongside her son Childebert, her ruthlessness led to her expulsion and the violent demise of her later relatives. Ultimately, Brunhilda’s ambition culminated in a brutal end. →

    • 62: Widow and Regent

      This second part of Queen Brunhilda’s biography explores her role as regent for her son Childebert II after significant upheavals, including the murder of her husband, Sigibert. Amidst political factionalism and her husband’s imprisonment, she consolidates power in Austrasia, navigates alliances, and engages in cultural patronage, shaping her kingdom’s future. →

    • The Sandby borg Massacre

      Hello and welcome to this bonus episode of the Dark Ages Podcast: Sandby Borg. So I know you were all expecting the second part of Brunhilda’s story, but it’s not ready yet, because I’m terrible at managing my time. I think we all knew this already. So instead, let me offer you this bonus episode.… →

    • 61. Queen Energy

      567 to 577 Part one of life of Brunhilda, the Visigothic princess who was regent for three generations of Merovingian rulers. Today’s episode will be the promised bio of Queen Brunhilda, wife of King Sigibert the first, and mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and regent for three generations of Merovingians to follow. And right from the… →

    • 60. Carry On, My Wayward Sons

       https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/brpycfwhziqgx2gx/Episode0060_Carry_on_sons.mp3 Hello and welcome to the Dark Ages Podcast. This is episode 60: Carry On, My Wayward Sons. “It gives me no pleasure to write of all the different civil wars which afflicted the Frankish people and their rulers; what is even worse, we now seem to see the moment draw near which our Lord… →

    • 59. The Life and Lusts of Chlothar the First

      The content summarizes the complex history of Clovis’ sons, particularly focusing on the political struggles and marriages of Chlothar and his brothers. It outlines significant events leading to Chlothar’s consolidation of power, the downfall of his son Chramn, and his eventual rise as sole ruler of Francia by 561. →