A History of Italy
FaktaFritidHistorieJoin history buff, Mike Corradi on a journey through time as he unfolds the rich tapestry of the Italian peninsula's history. This chronological story starts with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and leads you through the most iconic events, influential figures, and cultural milestones that have shaped Italy into what we see today. It’s all serious stuff, but we do take time to stop and laugh at battles over a bucket, rude names, naughty priests and popes, rabbits winning sieges, doves winning battles, bits of dead bodies as tokens of love, and whole series of real historical silly situations that no comedian could think of. Come along every other week for a compelling and insightful glimpse into A History of Italy.
Siste episoder av A History of Italy podcast
- 188 - The Italian Wars 10: Medici at home, Milan back and forth and kings and emperors dying (1513 - 1516) (00:20:02)
In this episode, we pick up the story of the Medici family as they return to Florence, armed with the great news of Giovanni de' Medicibecoming Pope Leo X. We dive into:How the Medici family subtly regained power in Florencewithout taking formal positions, carefully balancing loyalty and governance.The undoing of Savonarola's reforms and the reinstatement of Machiavelli.Florence’s evolving political culture: from fierce Republican ideals to the tentative acceptance of centralized rule.The clumsy anti-Medici plot by two young Florentines, Bosconi and Caponi, and its swift failure.Pope Leo X’s (formerly Giovanni de' Medici) plunge into the complex international diplomacy of the early 1500s and the continuation of the Italian Wars.The battles of Novara (1513) and Marignano (1515), marking a significant shift in power as France reclaimed Milan under Francis I.Venice’s strategic gains and the Treaty of Noyon, closing one chapter of existential threat for the Republic.The papacy’s pragmatic maneuvering under Pope Leo X despite being on the losing side of the Milan conflict.Leo's "pet project": securing the Duchy of Urbino for his nephew Lorenzo de' Medici, amidst local resistance and messy warfare.The rise of Catherine de' Medici, a future powerhouse figure in European history, born from a strategic marriage alliance.Florence’s further ambitions in Tuscany, including their growing influence over Siena.The birth of young Charles V, and the looming prospect of imperial dominance over Italy once again.Closing reflections: was peace finally within reach for Italy? Or was a bigger storm, like the Protestant Reformation, quietly brewing?
- 187 - The balls are back in town - the Medici return (1503 - 1513) (00:19:13)
Among the many casualties of the battle of Garigliano was Piero de Medici, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Piero, previously exiled from Florence for his poor leadership during the invasion of Charles VIII in 1494, drowned while trying to escape the battle. His body was found and buried at Montecassino Abbey, under the protection of his brother, Cardinal Giovanni de Medici.Florence in TransitionAfter the fall of Girolamo Savonarola, Florence entered a period of unstable governance:Two major factions emerged: the Ottimati (traditional elite) and the Popolari (new rich).Despite nominal control by the Popolari, the Ottimati successfully blocked key reforms, such as the introduction of a property tax.Financially weakened by war, Florence made a bold move in 1502 by electing Piero Soderini as Gonfaloniere for life.Soderini, though from an elite family, implemented popular reforms, including capping wedding dowries and improving access to credit.Rise of Cardinal GiovanniThe Medici fortunes began to shift with Cardinal Giovanni de Medici:Tonsured at the age of 8, and made a cardinal at 13 through the diplomatic work of Lorenzo the Magnificent.Giovanni loved classical literature, music, and was known for his love of food.After a brief exile, he returned to Rome, took residence at Palazzo Madama, and regained political influence under Pope Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere).The Return to FlorenceFollowing the War of the League of Cambrai, opportunity struck:In 1512, Giovanni leveraged papal and Spanish military support to pressure Florence.After the brutal Sack of Prato, panic erupted in Florence, and cries of "The Balls!" (a reference to the Medici emblem) filled the air.On September 1st, 1512, after 18 years of exile, the Medici triumphantly returned.Key figures included:Cardinal Giovanni (future Pope Leo X)Giuliano de MediciGiulio de Medici (future Pope Clement VII)Lorenzo de Medici (grandson of Lorenzo the Magnificent)Pope Leo XIn 1513, Cardinal Giovanni became Pope Leo X at the age of 37:Florentines celebrated wildly, with fireworks, bonfires, and public feasting.Lorenzo was positioned to govern Florence under Medici influence, assisted by Cardinal Giulio.Giuliano de Medici...
- God's banker - the Roberto Calvi affair - interview with Nicolò Majnoni (00:35:57)
After the release of the series "Secret Kingdom - God's banker" we talk with the podcast creator Nicolò Majnoni about the Roberto Calvi affair and talk about Italy in the early 80's, the Vatican, the Cold War, Freemasons and the Mafia
- Regional Italy episode 06 - Sicily (00:28:20)
In this episode, we dive into a personal story that kicks off with a Christmas party invitation and an unexpected wardrobe choice — a kilt. From this quirky start, we delve into the historical significance of Sicily, a land that has shaped centuries of Mediterranean history.The episode takes us on a journey from the ancient Carthaginian and Greek settlements to the present day, with a special focus on Palermo, Catania, and Messina. We hear about the Normans, the Arabs, and the rise of the Roman Empire in Sicily. Along the way, we uncover the island's rich cultural layers, including its enduring connection to mafia resistance, the tragic story of Giuseppe Impastato, and heroes like Falcone and Borsellino who fought to bring justice to Sicily.In the second half of the episode, we explore the stunning beauty of Sicily's landscapes from Mount Etna, its picturesque coastline, and its ancient Greek ruins. Then of course there are the local wines, like this eof the Donna Fugata winery and the 100 passi, which embody Sicily's resilience and spirit.Finally, we hear about Explore Worldwide’s immersive tours of the island, including family-friendly adventures and activities like zip-lining, sea kayaking, and visiting archaeological gems like Giardini Naxos and Siracusa.Key highlights:Sicilian ancestry and the influence of Scottish heritage.The island's multicultural past: from Carthage to Greek colonization.Catania, Messina, and the legendary Mount Etna.Anti-mafia heroes, and community resilience.The importance of local wine and sustainable tourism with Explore Worldwide.If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Sicily, this episode will inspire you to explore its timeless beauty, history, and culture. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating regions — packed with legends, landscapes, and a true sense of adventure!Takeaway: Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a wine lover, Sicily offers something for everyone. Tune in for an unforgettable journey into one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands!Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!
- 186 - Julius II changes his mind and some spanking (1509 - 1512) (00:14:55)
Venice is reeling from the defeat at Agnadello, but immediately starts the comeback egged on by doge Lorenzo Loredan. After some promising victories they suffer another defeat at the hands of the League of Cambrai at Polisella.When all seems once again lost, Pope Julius II changes sides, allying with Venice and seeking to expel the French from Italy, which he manages to do after forming the Holy League of 1512.
- Regional Italy episode 05 - Campania (00:28:10)
From the Roman fast food joints in the marvel that is Pompei, to the buzzing historical streets of Naples and the witches of Benevento, we're going off, thanks to Explore Worldwide, to explore the southern Italian Region of Campania. What happened to the tree of the witches?What is the "Naples Splitter"?Where is the most iconic coast of Italy?Can you actually move without tripping over a UNESCO world heritage site?Which city had bad wind?How many people can you fit on a scooter?You'll find the answers to these questions and many more in this Episode.Thanks as always to our partner for this series:Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!
- 185 - Clouds over Vernice - Julis II and Cambrai (1500 - 1509) (00:15:24)
After following the adventures of Julius II we go and visit with Venice, who is having ups and downs, losing influence as the attentipn of the world turns to the Atlantic, losing colonies to the Turks and starting to make enemies in Europe, powerful enemies that will come together in the league of Cambrai, leading to the dramatic battle of Agnedello in 1509.Oh and we also have the mysterious death of would-be doge Filippo Tron: was he murdered, or just seriously overweight?
- Regional Italy 04 - Tuscany (00:27:51)
We start from Siena, with the story of how I almost got beaten up and why there is an extra bit of Siena cathedral added on and incomplete. The it's up to Florence to visit with the Medici, Da Vinci, Botticelli and Simonetta Vespucci, his Venus. From the capital of the Renaissance we head to their arch enemy Pisa and their wonky tower and then Lucca, with its Holy Face and medieval walls. After a bit of wine tasting in Val D'Orcia with some Brunello di Montalcino and Montepulciano we head to the seaside in Orbetello, province of Grosseto to visit the archeological site of Cosa and the unusual tarot garden park.
- 184 - Julius II: Warrior pope rising (1503 - 1508) (00:20:10)
Giuliano della Rovere, after trying for more than a decade, finally manages to become pope Julius II in 1503. He gets to work breaking the last resistance of Cesare Borgia, then has to sort out his Papal States, gobbled up by Venice in the north with a whole series of local lords taking back power.In all of this, the pope calls in a special decorator to do some touch up work in the Sistine chapel, a certain Michelangelo Buonarroti.In the sketch we imagine the conversation between the two.
- Recap 08 episodes 161 - 183 (00:31:22)
We stop and take a look back at the episodes that cover the late 1400's as Italy completed her transition from the middle ages to the Renaissance and the lead up to the Italian Wars after the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent.We retrace the campaign of king Charles VIII of France, the adventures of Ludovico Sforza, Il Moro, the end of the independence of the kingdom of Naples and, in the background the rise and fall of the Borgias, as well as the last stand of the Tigress of Forlì, Caterina Sforza.
- Regional Italy episode 03 - Lombardy (00:26:55)
We take a little trip around the region of Lombardy, going beyond the financial and fashion capital Milan, to explore the beautiful nature of lake Como and hear all about the lake, monster that resides there. On the way, we will hear about a bridge, built by the devil in Pavia and the ghost that horns, the castle above the city of Como.We will also also make a stop off in the picturesque Bergamo and find out why there is a family emblem with three sets of testicles in front of the chapel in Piazza Duomo, before ending our tour in the unique peninsula, that is the city of Mantua created when the profit Manto cried the lakes into existence.As always, we are lucky to have as our guide, our good friends at Explore Worldwide.Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!
- Regional Italy episode 02 - Veneto (00:23:39)
Which is the Italian region that can drink you under the table?Tradition would say it's Veneto and with wines such as Amarone della Valpolicella and Prosecco, it's not gard to believe.We start our journey trying not to talk too much about Venice and then doing just that, seeing the legend of the heart of brick and why the Gondola got its shape.The theme of love then, of course, takes us to the Verona of Romeo and Juliet, but before we get there we will hear the true story of how the Venetians took a fleet overland and up and down mountains to get it into Lake Garda.Our stay in Verona will allow us to talk about factional fighting and Guelphs and Ghibellines and then it's East to the Vicenza of Andrea .Palladio, before heading north into the mountains of Belluno.We then get some more Venice like experience in Treviso, home of Prosecco and tiramisu where we hear where the habit of counting sheep came from with the powerful Ezzelino da Romano.We of course can't avoid a trip to Padova, to hear about their local boy, St Anthony.Our guide in the tour will be Explore Worldwide:Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!
- 183 - The fall of the Borgias (1503 - 1507) (00:20:43)
Just when the Borgias seem at the top of their game and that nothing could possibly stop them, in August of 1503 pope Alexander VI, after a dinner party at a cardinal's house, becomes seriously ill and died after two weeks. His son Cesare also becomes very ill and cannot sum up the energy to control the fallout of the situation and outmanoeuvre the Borgia's arch enemy, cardinal Giuliano della Rovere.In the end the inevitable happens and he becomes pope Julius II, sealing the impeding doom of Cesare Borgias who, after some time in captivity, seems to take the option of going out in a blaze of glory.
- Regional Italy episode 01 - Emilia Romagna (00:31:12)
In our first episode of the Regional Italy miniseries we explore the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, travelling initially along the ancient Roman road created by Marcus Aemilius Lepidus.We start from the beautiful castles of the province of Piacenza, then cross the river to Parma, the culinary capital of Euope. Then it's a visit with Matilda countess of Canossa in Reggio Emilia before visiting with Ferraris and Pavarotti in Modena. After that, remembering the battle of the bucket takes us from Modena to Bologna. We leave the Via Emilia for a moment to explore the lands of the ancient house of Este in Ferrara and then the ancient imperial capital of Ravenna. Heading south brings us to the lands of Caterina Afroza, the "Tigress of Forlì" before we cross the Rubicon and end our tour in Rimini, visiting the bridge of Tiberius, the arch of Augustus and the Malatesta castle where we find the Federico Fellini museum.Our guide in the tour will be Explore Worldwide:Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!
- Regional Italy launch and Buon Anno! (00:06:34)
While wishing you a "Buon Anno" (Happy New Year" we are also excited to announce the launch of our new miniseries on the Italian regions:Regional Italy!Thanks to the support of our friends at Explore Worldwide, we'll be looking at the culture, landscape, legends and history of some of Italy's 20 beautiful regions.Join us!https://www.exploreworldwide.com/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Spotify&utm_campaign=History+of+Italy+Podcast
- Seasons greetings: A Visit from Alaric (00:02:57)
Just a quick one to wish you a happy whatever you are celebrating, or not celebrating and give you the gift of my rendition of the famous poem "a visit from Alaric" also known as "T'was the night before Saturnalia".
- 182 - Cesare Borgia: Betrayal and vengeance (1502 - 1503) (00:17:28)
People in Italy are getting very nervous about Cesare Borgia's successes, at times reached with treachery, and some of the unhappy party are actually Il Valentino's captains. When rebellion breaks out they see their chance and jump on the bandwagon. However, when things don't turn out as planned, the captains have to hope Cesare's forgiveness is sincere...
- Autumn 2024 update - episode, sketches, Italian schools and politics (00:07:48)
Just a quick update to apologise for a publishing delay and tell you a little about our sketches, the Italian school system and the current political situation in Italy
- 181 - Cesare Borgia flying high (1501 - 1502) (00:15:28)
After doing his part for the French in the second Italian War Cesare Borgia heads back to Rome to concur with his father pope Alexander VI. They take care of some internal business with the Colonna, Orsini and Savelli and Cesare takes some time to kill some bulls and impregnate a few women.Then Cesare heads back to expand his duchy of Romagna aiming for Camerino and Urbino of the Montefeltro, while his captains, particularly Vitelozzo Vitelli and Giampsolo Baglioni.As Cesare rises higher, those around him, even the allies, start to worry.
- 180 - The Challenge of Barletta (1503) (00:16:41)
We first follow the life of the military captain Ettore Fieramosca (Hector Proudfly) and his troubled love story with Ginvenra da Monreale which ended tragically after the intervention of Cesare Borgia.We then move to the lead up and action to one of the most famous duels in Italian history, the Challenge of Barletta (La Disfida di Barletta) in which 13 Italian knights faced off against 13 French knights lead by Guy De La Motte to defend the honour of Italian arms.The duel would resound throughout Italian history reaching through the Italian Risorgimento to the Fascist era.The Italians:Francesco SalamoneMarco CorollarioRiccio Da Parma Gugliemo albamonte Mariano marcio AbignenteGiovanni Capoccio da Giovanni BrancaleoneLudocivo AbenavoloEttore GiovenaleGiovanni Bartolomeo Fanfulla Romanello da ForlìEttore Gioveneale de pazzisThe French:Charles de torguesMarc De FrigneGirout de ForsesClaude Grajan D'asteMartellin de lambrisPierre de liayeJacques de la fontaineEliot de barautJean De LandesSacet de saceetFrancois de piseJacques de GuignesNaute de la Faise
- 179 - Italian Wars 9: The Fall of Naples and France vs Spain (00:21:07)
Naples once again falls to the French of king Luis XII, but once again they can't hold on to it for long as the delicate agreement with the Spanish of Queen Isabella and king Ferdinand quickly melts away and the legendary general Gonzalo De Cordoba manages to win the kingdom of Naples for his sovereigns with great victories at Cerignola and on the Garigliano river among others.We also see a little involvement of our old pal Cesare Borgia and hear about a tragic love triangle he was involved in with a woman called Ginevra da Monreale and a man who will resound through Italian history and literature called Hector Proudfly, Ettore Fieramosca.
- 178 New triumphs for Cesare and Naples under three (again) 1500 - 1501 (00:16:21)
We follow Cesare Borgia as he continues his conquest ousting Giovanni Sforza from Pesaro, Pandolfo Malatesta from Rimini and Astorre Manfredi from Faenza. We are also introduced to one of his most important generals, Vitelozzo Vitelli and his vengeful hatred for the Republic of Florence who executed his brother.Finally, France and Spain reach a secret pact for the division of the kingdom of Naples.https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Province_1454.jpg
- 177 - Italian Wars 8 - Il Moro back in Milan… for a bit (1500 - 1508) (00:17:55)
With the French hold on Milan looking weak, Ludovico il Moro sees his chance to take his duchy back, but only manages for a while before he is defeated at the Battle of Novara, made prisoner and taken to France where he will spend the rest of his days in captivity.
- 176 - Cesare the conqueror (1499 - 1500) (00:19:22)
As we set the scene for the start of Cesare Borgia's military campaign, we start to observe the ominous signs of what is to come in Rome with the arbitrary accusation and confiscations of the Roman nobility. Then we go exploring to see what we intend with the term "Romagna" and trace it back to Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, the Byzantines and Julius Cesar's famous "The die is cast" speech, pronounced in Rimini after crossing the Rubicon river which we will also do to visit with the Malatesta of Rimini before Cesare comes to face of with Caterina Sforza to start his conquest. See link to Romagna explanation:https://emilia-o-romagna.netlify.app
- 175 - The Italian Wars 7 - Milan under threat (1499) (00:16:21)
King Louis XII prepares to descend upon Milan to stake his claim to the duchy. Before he sees out he needs to make deals with England, The Swiss and the Italian powers, Savoy and Ve3nice.Meanwhile, duke Ludovico il Moro is also preparing and doing a really bad job of it. The results will show.