A History of Italy
Join history buff, Mike Corradi on a journey through time as he unfolds the rich tapestry of the Italian peninsula's history. This chronological story starts with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and leads you through the most iconic events, influential figures, and cultural milestones that have shaped Italy into what we see today. It’s all serious stuff, but we do take time to stop and laugh at battles over a bucket, rude names, naughty priests and popes, rabbits winning sieges, doves winning battles, bits of dead bodies as tokens of love, and whole series of real historical silly situations that no comedian could think of.
Come along every other week for a compelling and insightful glimpse into A History of Italy.
- Update frequency
- every 11 days
- Average duration
- 21 minutes
- Episodes
- 288
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
194 - The Italian Wars 11 - Medici pope to Medici pope - Battle of Pavia and Cognac
After three episodes exploring the life of Leonardo da Vinci, we return to the turbulent stage of the Italian Wars. In this episode, we pick up in the early 1520s, a period shaped by papal politics, …
What has the printing press ever done for us? - Guest episode by the History of the Germans
This is a guest episode by Dirk Hoffmann of the history of the German podcast, in which he tells us all about the impact of one of the most important inventions in human history, Gutenberg printing p…
193 - Leonardo Da Vinci part 3 - twilight and legacy
We explore the fascinating intersection between one of the world’s most famous relics and one of its most brilliant minds: Leonardo Da Vinci and the Shroud of Turin. Was Da Vinci somehow connected to…
Leonardo Da Vinci part 2 - from Florence to Milan
Early Life & Education
- Born illegitimate, Leonardo spent his youth sketching and observing nature.
- After moving to Florence, he entered the prestigious workshop of Andrea Verrocchio, where he learned n…
191 - Leonardo part 1 - birth of genius
Starting from reasons to have a good cry, particularly concerning hair, we then head to Vinci, outside Florence in the mid 1400's to witness the birth and early childhood of Leonardo to see the start…
The Lion's last roar and a new religion blooming (1519 - 1521)
In this episode, we dive into the dramatic papacy of Pope Leo X, exploring his efforts to secure Medici power, his architectural and social reforms in Rome, and his role in the early days of the Prot…
189 - A German priest complains and a new emperor
Of course! Here's the revised version of the summary show notes with key words and phrases bolded for emphasis:
In this episode, we explore the turbulent political and religious landscape of Italy and…
188 - The Italian Wars 10: Medici at home, Milan back and forth and kings and emperors dying (1513 - 1516)
In this episode, we pick up the story of the Medici family as they return to Florence, armed with the great news of Giovanni de' Medicibecoming Pope Leo X. We dive into:
- How the Medici family subtly r…
187 - The balls are back in town - the Medici return (1503 - 1513)
Among the many casualties of the battle of Garigliano was Piero de Medici, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Piero, previously exiled from Florence for his poor leadership during the invasion of Charle…
God's banker - the Roberto Calvi affair - interview with Nicolò Majnoni
After the release of the series "Secret Kingdom - God's banker" we talk with the podcast creator Nicolò Majnoni about the Roberto Calvi affair and talk about Italy in the early 80's, the Vatican, th…
Regional Italy episode 06 - Sicily
In this episode, we dive into a personal story that kicks off with a Christmas party invitation and an unexpected wardrobe choice — a kilt. From this quirky start, we delve into the historical signif…
186 - Julius II changes his mind and some spanking (1509 - 1512)
Venice is reeling from the defeat at Agnadello, but immediately starts the comeback egged on by doge Lorenzo Loredan. After some promising victories they suffer another defeat at the hands of the Lea…
Regional Italy episode 05 - Campania
From the Roman fast food joints in the marvel that is Pompei, to the buzzing historical streets of Naples and the witches of Benevento, we're going off, thanks to Explore Worldwide, to explore the s…
185 - Clouds over Vernice - Julis II and Cambrai (1500 - 1509)
After following the adventures of Julius II we go and visit with Venice, who is having ups and downs, losing influence as the attentipn of the world turns to the Atlantic, losing colonies to the Turk…
Regional Italy 04 - Tuscany
We start from Siena, with the story of how I almost got beaten up and why there is an extra bit of Siena cathedral added on and incomplete. The it's up to Florence to visit with the Medici, Da Vinci,…
184 - Julius II: Warrior pope rising (1503 - 1508)
Giuliano della Rovere, after trying for more than a decade, finally manages to become pope Julius II in 1503. He gets to work breaking the last resistance of Cesare Borgia, then has to sort out his P…
Regional Italy episode 03 - Lombardy
We take a little trip around the region of Lombardy, going beyond the financial and fashion capital Milan, to explore the beautiful nature of lake Como and hear all about the lake, monster that resid…
Recap 08 episodes 161 - 183
We stop and take a look back at the episodes that cover the late 1400's as Italy completed her transition from the middle ages to the Renaissance and the lead up to the Italian Wars after the death o…
Regional Italy episode 02 - Veneto
Which is the Italian region that can drink you under the table?
Tradition would say it's Veneto and with wines such as Amarone della Valpolicella and Prosecco, it's not gard to believe.
We start our jo…