A historic game I like to play Before I get into today’s email, here’s a reminder that you can get signed books in time for the Christmas holidays. Here’s how:
A note on Chateau Gaillard and Richard the Lionheart As I have mentioned once or twice lately, I am writing a book about castles. It’s called The Castle. Soon enough I’ll be able to give you its release date and pre-order details. But for now, here’s a tidbit I came across just five minutes ago.
An essay on medieval history and modern politics One of the buzziest slogans of this year, after the ubiquitous 6-7, is ‘No Kings’.
A non-definitive list Lots of people seem to be enjoying my little Nativity podcast mini-season, This Is History: A Nativity To Die For. (If you haven’t listened yet, give it a go.)
You can now watch every episode of my podcast on YouTube ****French adventure special notice****
I'm finishing my new book, The Castle. Ask me anything you like about it... Sir Edward Coke, that great legal brain and Magna Carta fetishist of the seventeenth century, is the man usually given credit for the coining the idiom ‘An Englishman’s home is his castle.’
Everything you wanted to know about my next book... and were not afraid to ask Thanks to all the subscribers who submitted questions in response to my last post.
Making a Byzantine video game is tough in this current industry.
Empire Earth remains one of my most favorite games for a reason. The game is a sandbox not just a game you play and put away then come back to it.
The Byzantine Empire is featured in Age of Empires IV's Sultans Ascend expansion, with a focus on the Macedonian Dynasty from 867 to 1055 A.D. The game highlights the Norse influence and the role of mercenaries in the weakened Byzantine Army after Basil II. Greater variety in gameplay suggests innovative directions for future installments.
In ancient and medieval societies, horses symbolized state power and required significant infrastructure for maintenance. Prestige was associated with horse warfare, particularly as cavalry became increasingly important from the Roman Empire through the Byzantine period. By addressing various threats, the Byzantine Empire demonstrated adaptability through a shift towards a cavalry-oriented military.
The Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire, demonstrated remarkable endurance despite numerous challenges between 457 AD and 1400 AD. Though it began to decline post-Basil II, it retained influence and longevity, with a unique legacy rooted in Roman tradition. Its economic reliance on outsiders and gradual decline paved the way for Ottoman dominance.
