056: Of Taifas and Berbers

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.

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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.