Saving Byzantium

Saving Byzantium

From Gone Medieval by History Hit

April 28, 2026 · 1h 2m · Episode 521

About this episode

The episode explores the complex final years of the Byzantine Empire and the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Did Constantinople’s fall in 1453 end the Byzantine Empire as neatly as we think? Dr. Eleanor Janega and Dr. Laura Bolick unpack the Empire's dramatic final years and reveal a story far more complex than simple decline. Through the lives of Isidore of Kiev and Bessarion, they explore desperate diplomacy, church union, Ottoman expansion, and the political gambles behind the demise of Constantinople. MORE The Rise of Constantinople with Bettany Hughes Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify The Fall of Constantinople Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. 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

Host: Dr. Eleanor Janega

Guest: Dr. Laura Bolick

Topics covered

  • Byzantine Empire
  • Constantinople
  • diplomacy
  • Ottoman expansion
  • political history

Keywords

  • Byzantine Empire
  • Constantinople
  • Dr. Eleanor Janega
  • Dr. Laura Bolick
  • Ottoman expansion
  • diplomacy
  • political history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gone Medieval, History Hit

Places: Constantinople

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