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

More episodes of Gone Medieval

• Saving Byzantium · April 27, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Offa, King of the Mercians · April 23, 2026 · 1h 4m
• Legends of Richard the Lionheart · April 16, 2026 · 52 min
• How To Do Celtic Magic · April 13, 2026 · 1h 4m
• The Bishop who Took Down Richard II · April 9, 2026 · 50 min
• The Betrayal of Thomas Becket · April 6, 2026 · 47 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Gone Medieval podcast page.