198 - Giovanni dalle Bande Nere part 3: Pietro Aretino and shot down in a blaze of glory

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 regained power in Florencewithout taking formal positions, carefully balancing loyalty and governance.The undoing of Savonarola's reforms and the reinstatement of Machiavelli.Florence’s evolving political culture: from fierce Republican ideals to the tentative acceptance of centralized rule.The clumsy anti-Medici plot by two young Florentines, Bosconi and Caponi, and its swift failure.Pope Leo X’s (formerly Giovanni de' Medici) plunge into the complex international diplomacy of the early 1500s and the continuation of the Italian Wars.The battles of Novara (1513) and Marignano (1515), marking a significant shift in power as France reclaimed Milan under Francis I.Venice’s strategic gains and the Treaty of Noyon, closing one chapter of existential threat for the Republic.The papacy’s pragmatic maneuvering under Pope Leo X despite being on the losing side of the Milan conflict.Leo's "pet project": securing the Duchy of Urbino for his nephew Lorenzo de' Medici, amidst local resistance and messy warfare.The rise of Catherine de' Medici, a future powerhouse figure in European history, born from a strategic marriage alliance.Florence’s further ambitions in Tuscany, including their growing influence over Siena.The birth of young Charles V, and the looming prospect of imperial dominance over Italy once again.Closing reflections: was peace finally within reach for Italy? Or was a bigger storm, like the Protestant Reformation, quietly brewing?

28 Huhti 202520min

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, the Cold War, Freemasons and the Mafia

25 Maalis 202535min

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 significance of Sicily, a land that has shaped centuries of Mediterranean history.The episode takes us on a journey from the ancient Carthaginian and Greek settlements to the present day, with a special focus on Palermo, Catania, and Messina. We hear about the Normans, the Arabs, and the rise of the Roman Empire in Sicily. Along the way, we uncover the island's rich cultural layers, including its enduring connection to mafia resistance, the tragic story of Giuseppe Impastato, and heroes like Falcone and Borsellino who fought to bring justice to Sicily.In the second half of the episode, we explore the stunning beauty of Sicily's landscapes from Mount Etna, its picturesque coastline, and its ancient Greek ruins. Then of course there are the local wines, like this eof the Donna Fugata winery and the 100 passi, which embody Sicily's resilience and spirit.Finally, we hear about Explore Worldwide’s immersive tours of the island, including family-friendly adventures and activities like zip-lining, sea kayaking, and visiting archaeological gems like Giardini Naxos and Siracusa.Key highlights:Sicilian ancestry and the influence of Scottish heritage.The island's multicultural past: from Carthage to Greek colonization.Catania, Messina, and the legendary Mount Etna.Anti-mafia heroes, and community resilience.The importance of local wine and sustainable tourism with Explore Worldwide.If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Sicily, this episode will inspire you to explore its timeless beauty, history, and culture. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating regions — packed with legends, landscapes, and a true sense of adventure!Takeaway: Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a wine lover, Sicily offers something for everyone. Tune in for an unforgettable journey into one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating islands!Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!

18 Maalis 202528min

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 League of Cambrai at Polisella.When all seems once again lost, Pope Julius II changes sides, allying with Venice and seeking to expel the French from Italy, which he manages to do after forming the Holy League of 1512.

12 Maalis 202514min

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 southern Italian Region of Campania. What happened to the tree of the witches?What is the "Naples Splitter"?Where is the most iconic coast of Italy?Can you actually move without tripping over a UNESCO world heritage site?Which city had bad wind?How many people can you fit on a scooter?You'll find the answers to these questions and many more in this Episode.Thanks as always to our partner for this series:Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide. Don’t Just Travel, Explore!

4 Maalis 202528min

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 Turks and starting to make enemies in Europe, powerful enemies that will come together in the league of Cambrai, leading to the dramatic battle of Agnedello in 1509.Oh and we also have the mysterious death of would-be doge Filippo Tron: was he murdered, or just seriously overweight?

25 Helmi 202515min

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, Botticelli and Simonetta Vespucci, his Venus. From the capital of the Renaissance we head to their arch enemy Pisa and their wonky tower and then Lucca, with its Holy Face and medieval walls. After a bit of wine tasting in Val D'Orcia with some Brunello di Montalcino and Montepulciano we head to the seaside in Orbetello, province of Grosseto to visit the archeological site of Cosa and the unusual tarot garden park.

18 Helmi 202527min

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 Papal States, gobbled up by Venice in the north with a whole series of local lords taking back power.In all of this, the pope calls in a special decorator to do some touch up work in the Sistine chapel, a certain Michelangelo Buonarroti.In the sketch we imagine the conversation between the two.

11 Helmi 202520min