Empire Builders Season 1 Episode 3 Byzantium, Crusaders and Venice

Empire Builders is a historical series that explores the rise and fall of some of the world's most powerful empires, and Season 1 Episode 3 is titled "Byzantium, Crusaders, and Venice." The episode delves into the history of three great empires that shaped the world from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

The first kingdom explored in this episode is Byzantium, once known as the Eastern Roman Empire. The episode tells the story of the Byzantine Empire's founding in 330 CE by Roman Emperor Constantine, who envisioned a great Christian state in the East. The Byzantine Empire quickly became known for its magnificent architecture, wealth, and strategic location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia.

However, the Byzantine Empire faced constant threats from invaders, including the rise of Islam in the 7th century. Anchor Lisa Hefter describes how the Byzantine Empire was able to hold out against these threats, thanks in large part to its strong military force and powerful leaders such as Emperor Justinian.

Moving on to the Crusaders, Empire Builders traces the history of the Christian knights who set out to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule during the Middle Ages. The episode highlights the First Crusade, launched in 1096, and its success in capturing Jerusalem in 1099. However, the success of the Crusaders was fleeting, with Muslim forces eventually regaining much of the territory they had lost.

The Crusades had a major impact on world history, creating a deep divide between Christians and Muslims that has persisted to this day. By the time the last Crusaders left the Holy Land in the 13th century, the world had changed forever.

Finally, Empire Builders looks at the powerful city-state of Venice, which became one of the wealthiest and most influential kingdoms in Europe during the Middle Ages. Because of its strategic location at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea, Venice became a major hub of trade with the East and amassed an enormous fortune.

The episode highlights how Venice established a vast maritime empire that included territories as far away as the Black Sea and Egypt. The city was also known for its culture and civic institutions, including its famous Doge – the elected leader of the city's government.

Empire Builders examines how Venice was able to maintain its power despite threats from rival kingdoms like Genoa and the Ottoman Empire. Hefter describes how Venice's military prowess and strategic alliances allowed it to remain a major player in the world's politics for centuries.

Overall, "Byzantium, Crusaders, and Venice" is an episode that explores the legacies of three of the world's most powerful empires. It highlights the struggles and achievements of these kingdoms and shows how they influenced the course of history for generations to come.