
Challenging the Pope: The Avignon Papacy
From Gone Medieval by History Hit
April 21, 2026 · 57 min · Episode 519
About this episode
The episode explores the conflict between Pope Boniface VIII and Philip IV of France, highlighting the challenges to papal authority during the Avignon Papacy.
Who would pick a fight with the Pope?? Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega dive into the explosive clash between Pope Boniface VIII and Philip IV of France, a head of state who dared to challenge papal power. From taxes and excommunication to arrest and humiliation, this is a gripping story of ambition, authority, and the Avignon Papacy. MORE Pope Vs. Emperor: An 11th Century Crisis Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Holy Roman Empire Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds. Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Hosts: Matt Lewis, Dr. Eleanor Janega
Topics covered
- Avignon Papacy
- Papal power
- Conflict
- French monarchy
- Excommunication
- Historical authority
Keywords
- Pope Boniface VIII
- Philip IV
- Avignon Papacy
- excommunication
- historical conflict
- papal power
- French monarchy
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: History Hit, Epidemic Sounds
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