Abu Tahir Al-Jannabi, The Muslim Who Sacked Mecca Abu Tahir was the leader of a mystical offshoot of mainstream Islam known as 'The Qarmatians'. He created a kind of 'proto-communist' enclave on the Arabian peninsula, and successfully defended it from the Abbasid Caliphate. But soon his hatred of Orthodox Islam…
After a heroic final stand, Fort St Elmo has finally fallen. With the Ottoman navy now streaming into the harbour, the Knights prepare for an assault on three fronts as both sides are pushed past their breaking point. Meanwhile, Valette receives the soul-crushing news that reinforcements from Spain will not…
Khalid was a member of the aristocracy in the Arabian trading city of Mecca. When a local named Muhammad began claiming he was the Prophet of God, Khalid and his family fought tooth and nail to stamp out his movement. Less than two years later Khalid was the highest ranking…
Erik The Red was a Norwegian farmer in the 10th century. After finding himself incompatible with the rules of civilisation he sailed west looking for a new place to call home in the frigid wastes of Greenland. Now, the ruins of a tiny stone church are the only reminder of…
Alfred was the ruler of the Kingdom of Wessex in the 9th century. As the rest of England fell to Viking invaders he won a string of miraculous victories and pushed back the heathens. It seemed God stood with him, but for how long? Listen to all episodes of Anthology…
Tecun Uman was a Kʼicheʼ Mayan Prince in the 15th Century. As Europeans pushed into Guatemala, he and his people refused to submit to Spanish rule and fought to defend their lands until the very end. But his men had never before seen guns, iron armour or even horses! How…
'In this tiny mountain hamlet, history was about to be made.' In 722AD a Muslim army marched into the frosty mountains of Asturias. They were searching for the last holdout of Christian resistance, led by a shadowy figure named Pelayo. Since the fall of his kingdom a decade earlier, Pelayo…
Aurelian had accomplished more in two years than lesser Emperors had in 50. Both The Goths and Germans had been humbled by his ruthless campaigns. His message was clear: The Roman Empire is omnipotent, know your place or face its might. But in Syria lay Zenobia, the self proclaimed ‘Queen…
In the late third century, The Roman empire teetered on the brink of total collapse. Barbarian hordes pour over the deserted border fortresses. Plague ripples through the cities, while hyperinflation pushes the population into poverty. The government is in freefall. Emperors are raised in rapid succession before being murdered and…
In this special episode I sit down with three other history podcasters and discuss the 2012 movie '11 September 1683, Day of the Siege'. This is a historical movie, that tells the story of the Ottoman Siege of Vienna in the 17th century. The movie is unkind to Islam, unkind…
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit down with some podcasting royalty! Daniele Bolelli is university professor, published author, marital arts expert and (of course) an OG History Podcaster. Daniele created the History On Fire podcast in 2015, which focuses on the most dramatic moments in history.…
The Welsh have risen! Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion has swept across the the British Isles. As Welsh apprentices abroad down their tools and return home to heed the call, The Prince Of Wales secures an alliance with one of the most powerful Monarch's in Europe. Meanwhile, a charismatic English Prince takes…
Owain Glyndŵr was a Welsh landowner in the 14th century. After being driven into revolt by a tyrannical English king he would ignite a slumbering sense of nationalism his countrymen shared. Tired of being second-class citizens in their own country, thousands would flock to his banner determined to throw off…
Lapulapu was a Chieftain of the Filipino island of Mactan in the 16th century. When the European explorer Magellan, arrived at his homeland and pushed Christianity on his people he resisted. Even after every other Chieftain had accepted the new faith he stood firm. The European's were eager to make…
Created to celebrate Anthology Of Heroes' one year anniversary! Video created with Google Earth Studios Music created by Fesliyanstudios, licensed by Anthology Of Heroes Podcast