History of Portugal is a narrative history podcast that brings Portugal’s past to life, from its earliest roots to the rise of a global empire. It explores the people, battles, political intrigues, and unexpected events that shaped Portuguese history. The show combines in-depth historical research with cinematic music and occasional sound effects to create an immersive listening experience. Its goal is to make Portugal’s fascinating history accessible to everyone through engaging storytelling.
Episódios
The New Orders
This episode we cover the last actions and years of Geraldo Sem Pavor, as well as the new Almohad offensives. The consequences of which birthed a series of Iberian religious military orders, including the order of Evora. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the free tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@
Sancho I
This episode we’re going to dive deeper into the aftermath of the misfortune of Badajoz, and as we shall see, it wasn’t all gloom and doom. The young prince Sancho is knighted and ascends to the throne as a co-regent with his father.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the free tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyof
Now what?
This episode we will discuss the aftermath of the Afonso Henriques defeat at Badajoz and his two months of captivity by his then son in law, the King of Leon, Fernando II. Because the consequences of that defeat for the royal court and the fledgling kingdom were quite significant. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any
12th Century Context Series – Episode 3: The Crusader World
This is the last of our three episode tour of the twelfth century. This one is the eastern Mediterranean. The world that crusading built, the institutions that sustained it for a century, and the collisions that finally brought it down. And at the end, the image we're building toward all episode: Constantinople in flames, sacked by Christians under a crusading banner, in the year 1204.Join me on P
Fortifying the Realm
This episode we examine the moves of the Templar Master in Portugal, as he directed the construction of an innovative defensive line in the recently conquered territories in Alentejo, thanks to the newly resurgent al-Andalus of the Almohads. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me
Daring and Disaster
Last episode, we examined the political and military maneuvers undertaken by the various sovereigns of the peninsula as they sought to exploit the power vacuum left by the death of the emperor.In this episode, we'll see which of those maneuvers paid off and which did not. Along the way, we'll encounter an intriguing outlaw who served Afonso Henriques, though he was never one to neglect his own int
Games of Sovereignty
This episode, we examine the consequences of the death of the emperor and the typical game of musical chairs that begins whenever a vacuum of power presents itself. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpod
Alcácer do Sal
This episode we examine the little we know about an attempt to launch an official crusade in the Peninsula and why that idea was doomed to fail. As well as the decade long mission by Afonso Henriques to conquer the strategically critical city of Alcácer do Sal.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, yo
The Templars
This episode we are examining the early Templars in Portugal. What part if any, did they play in the frontier defenses? Where were they located and how were they funded? We’ll take a closer look at these questions and more, see how this new partnership began to be expressed. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any quest
12th Century Context Series – Episode 2: The Holy Roman Empire & Italy.
Last time, we surveyed the Atlantic west, covering England, France in the 1100's This episode, we move east and south, into the heart of the continent and down into the Italian peninsula. And what we find there is a story about empire. What it means to claim one, what it costs to try to hold one, and what happens when the people being governed decide they'd rather not be.Join me on Patreon! patreo
Aftermath
This episode we examine what happened after the conquest of Lisboa. How was this new territory organized and incorporated into the Portuguese project? We’ll also try to understand the larger social and political context that created the conditions for this conquest to happen in the first place.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you
12th Century Context Series - Episode:1 England & France in the 12th Century
One of the things that I have wanted to do for a while now was to provide a wider context of the world we have been exploring on this show. So, I teamed up with my friend James Cassese who has researched and written these episodes to help us understand what was happening in the broader European and Mediterranean world while Portugal was emerging as an independent kingdom.So, over the next few epis
De Expugnatione Lyxbonensi (The Conquest of Lisboa)-Part 2
This bonus episode is the continuation of the reading of our main source for the conquest of Lisboa in 1147.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayM
De Expugnatione Lyxbonensi (The Conquest of Lisboa)-Part 1
This bonus episode is the first part of a reading of our main source for the conquest of Lisboa in 1147.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic
Lisboa
This episode we will cover what is arguably on of the most important milestone of Afonso Henriques reign, the conquest of Lisboa. Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Migue
The Royal Family
This episode we explore one of the missing critical pieces of Afonso's puzzle, which was a was a royal marriage. We see how his marriage to Matilda of Savoy and the subsequent birth of his legitimate children reshaped his royal court and his long-standing alliances.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join the conversation!If you have any questions or comment
Miles Sancti Petri
In this episode, we will be doing a deep dive into some we touched only lightly in a previous episode, the rather significant act of Afonso Henriques declaring his vassalage to the Pope. We’ll explore how Afonso navigated the complex interplay of papal authority, Leonese overlordship, and local power. As well as how despite Roman hesitation, Afonso’s de facto authority as king was firmly establish
Divine Mission
In this episode, we explore how the collapse of Almoravid power plunged the western lands of Al-Andalus into chaos. Rival Muslim leaders like Ibn Qasi and Ibn Wasir fought for control, while Afonso Henriques seized the opportunity to expand his realm. But this wasn’t just a clash of swords, it was a game of diplomacy and deception. We’ll uncover how Portugal’s first king forged truces, traded trib
Fall and Rise
In this episode, we rewind the clock back a little and trace the dramatic unraveling of Almoravid power across al-Andalus and Morocco. From the loss of Zaragoza in 1118 to the revolt of Córdoba, we see how Yusuf ibn Tashfin’s dying warnings were ignored by his son ‘Ali—triggering disaster on both sides of the straitsJoin me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalCheck out the fee tier and join t
Valiant and Tireless
In this episode, we follow Afonso Henriques as he works to secure Portugal’s fragile frontier. We’ll look at how the destruction and rebuilding of Leiria shaped the kingdom’s defenses, the role of new castles and charters in pushing settlement southward, and how the Knights Templar began to take an active hand in the border wars. Along the way, we’ll encounter stories of courage and tragedy, like
Partners of my Labors
In this episode, we’re looking beyond the battlefield to the network of advisors who helped Afonso Henriques turn a fledgling county into a kingdom. We’ll explore the spiritual influence of Saint Teotónio, the political brilliance of Dom João Peculiar, and the often-overlooked world of church diplomacy in 12th-century Portugal. From monastic reform to papal negotiations, from court intrigue to the
Rei de Portugal
This episode, we're diving into the controversial acclamation of Afonso Henriques as king before the Battle of Ourique. Did it really happen, or is it just legend? We'll explore conflicting historical accounts, the symbolism of his shield, and the Church's complicated role in legitimizing his kingship, uncovering how a potential battlefield tradition transformed into a powerful national myth.Join
Going on the Offensive
This episode, we follow the pivotal shift in strategy as Afonso Henriques and the Portuguese forces move from a defensive posture to full-scale offensive operations. From the construction of the Castle of Leiria to deep raids into Muslim-held territory, we’ll explore how Portugal carved out its place on the frontier. We will also unpack the legendary Battle of Ourique, what likely happened, what w
Sitting Sideways
In this episode, we dive deep into the murky political landscape of the 1130s, focusing on Afonso Henriques’s ambiguous status between 1128 and 1137 as he maneuvered between independence and vassalage to Alfonso VII. The episode unpacks Afonso’s calculated incursions into Galician territory, including the provocative construction of the Castle of Celmes, the backlash from Alfonso VII, and the pivo
The Road to Coimbra
This time, we return our focus to Afonso Henriques and the evolving dynamics between Portugal, Galicia, and the Kingdom of León-Castile in the aftermath of his rise to power. As well as the move of the royal court from Guimaraes to Coimbra.Join me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the we
Taking the Cross
This episode we focus on the lager cultural movement that swept Europe, known as the crusades and the effect this movement had in the County of Portugal.Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comJoin me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalVisit the website: www.his
Warfare in Medieval Iberia - Interview with Carlos Filipe Afonso
This special episode, I interview Historian Carlos Filipe Afonso, a professor of medieval military history in the Iberian Peninsula Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Portugalensis Patria
This episode we cover the D. Afonso Henriques battle for independence from D. Teresa and follow his early moves to secure power.Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comJoin me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.com
Afonso Henriques
This episode we cover the early life and influences of D. Afonso Henriques!Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comJoin me on Patreon! patreon.com/historyofportugalVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pixabay
Squabble Up
This episode we cover some of the major events surrounding two of our central characters, Teresa de Portugal and Urraca de Leon. Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pi
Henrique & Raimundo
This episode we cover the events during the time of the Frankish political and ecclesiastical interventions in the Iberian Peninsula. We focus on two central figures, Henrique & Raimundo of Burgundy. Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.h
No Easy Victory
This episode we cover the rule of Alfonso VI during the Almoravid interventions in the Iberian Peninsula Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:Rhythm of War
Bring it Back to the Bottom of the Map
This episode we cover the rise of the Almoravid movement as a religious and political force in Morocco and al-AndalusJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportugalpodcast.comCredits:Flag Image by Miguel Á. Padriñán from PixabayMusic:R
Display of Power
This episode we cover the reign of Fernando the first, as well as the reigns and civil wars that his sons engaged in soon after his death. Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.comVisit the website: www.historyofportuga
Critical Mass
This episode we resume the main narrative, following the death of al-Mansur and delve into the reigns of his sons, as well as the reigns of Alfonso the fifth and Vermudo the second. These reigns will serve as a convenient marker for us. Because as they come to an end, a new stage in Iberian history began.Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: ht
Condes, Portucale & Infanções
This episode we do a quick survey of the political advancements in Northern Iberia during the 9th to 11th century, and introduce the up and coming social class of the infanções. Join me on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gmail.com
The Rumbling
This episode we will pick up the narrative where we left it off, and bring the saga of al-Mansur to its conclusion!Join me on Patreon to support the show and get access to ad-free episodes! https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you
The Unrivaled
This episode, we continue the story of the Christian North where we left off and begin the epic tale of one of the most famous and impactful Muslim figures in Iberian history: the last great conqueror of al-Andalus, al-Mansur.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.f
Interview With Historian Roger Collins
This episode, i had the opportunity to interview early Iberian medievalist Roger Collins. We get into whether or not the word Reconquista is a useful term, the legacy of the Visigoths and some Patreon member questions! Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook
He Who Seeks Victory
This episode, we take a stroll through the reign of al-Hakam II. The stage will be set for the dramatic events that would lead to the collapse of the Umayyad caliphate.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: https://twitt
The Christians of al-Andalus
This episode, we examine a few aspects of Christian life under Muslim rule in al-Andalus. Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you ca
Commander of the Faithful
This episode, we do a deep dive into the long and illustrious reign of Abd al-Rahman the third. And follow his tenacious plan to drag al-Andalus from its lowest depths, to its highest reaches to date.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/history
Bring the Ruckus
This episode we continue the saga of the northern Iberian royal struggles of succession.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalTwitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at
When The Music Stops
This episode, we return to northern Iberia where we deal with the various children of Alfonso the third, and their game of musical chairs involving the three main kingdoms in the north. Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportuga
Crumbling Kingdom
This episode, we continue our exploration of the events surrounding the Emirate of Cordoba, during the reign of Abd Allah in the ninth and tenth century! Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugal If you have any questions or c
Emirate in Crisis
This episode, we dive into the chaos that pervaded al- Andalus in the 9th century, that verged the Emirate to the edge of collapse. Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugal If you have any questions or comments, yo
Alfonso III
This episode we explore the reign of Alfonso the third, also known as Alfonso the great. We take look at some of the pivotal events and conquests that have defined his legacy for centuries!Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugal&
Ordonho I
This episode, we will take a look at the life and career Ordonho the first and discuss his impact on the trajectory of the Asturian kingdom, and by extent the Iberian Peninsula. Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugal I
Kingdom by Tyranny
This episode, we will be taking a quick tour of the Iberian Peninsula from about the late seven hundreds until around 858 AD. We will touch upon points that may have been passed over in previous episodes. It will also serve to bring everything up to speed to where we left it on Episode 8 with the death of Alfonso II.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podc
Bonus Ep 1 - Paul Alvarus, Eulogius and the Martyrs of Cordoba
On this bonus episode of History of Portugal, I do a reading of one of our direct sources from the ninth century, Paul Alvarus.Paul was a friend and admirer of Eulogius, and a such he wrote a panegyric account of his martyrdom.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.
Disposable Heroes
On this episode of History of Portugal, we begin the reign of Abd al-Rahman II and cover some of the challenges he faced. We also take a look at the Viking attack on Seville and the event know as the "Martyrs of Cordoba".Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebo
Al-Hakam I
On this episode of History of Portugal, we backtrack a few years in the timeline to catch up with events in Al-Andalus and cover some of the major events of the reign of Al-Hakam I.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram
Alfonso II
On this episode we cover the reign of Alfonso IIJoin me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofportugalpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugal If you have any questions or
Action, Reaction
On this episode we cover the fall of the Umayyad dynasty in Syria, along with the secession of Al-Andalus from the rest of the caliphate.We also catch up on the events and expansion of the Kingdom of the Asturias.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!:https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
When We Ride on Our Enemies
On this episode we cover the conflict between the Umayyads and the Aquitanians in southern France!Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!:https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofportugalpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hist
Ambitions as a Raider
On this episode we cover the efforts of consolidation by the Muslim governors of Al-Andalus, along with the birth of the birth of the Asturian kingdom.Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!:https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/h
Shut’em Down, Open up Shop
On this episode we cover the initial conquest of Iberia, by the North African Berber army led by Tariq ibn Ziyad!Join me on Patreon to support the show and get your questions answered on the podcast!:https://www.patreon.com/historyofportugalJoin us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofportugalpod/Twitter: https://t
Movable Objects and an Unstoppable Force
This episode we take a step back in time, and hop over to the Arabian Peninsula, where we take a very wide lensed view at how a previously unassuming group of people forged their own sprawling dominion. Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofportugalpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you
Visigothic Dreams
On this episode of History of Portugal, we go through the events that give rise to the Iberian Visigothic Kingdom. We also take a general look at different facets of society under the Visigoths, right up to the beginning of their terminal decline.Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofportugalpod/Twitter: htt
Roots to Romans
In this episode, we travel from 800 B.C to 392 A.D, and cover some of the major events that gripped and shaped the Iberian Peninsula!Join us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/historyofportugalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofportugalpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/historyportugalIf you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at historyofportugalpod@gm
