The Pithy Chronicle

Could the Duchess of Cambridge really be hiding out in a secret Arctic sanctuary? Join us as we tackle the most beguiling royal rumors that have taken the media by storm. Amidst the buzz, we dissect why Kate Middleton's absence since the festive season has given rise to a spectrum of theories, from health concerns to whispers of cosmetic ventures. The royal rumor mill grinds incess

Embark on a historical odyssey with us as we uncover the life and times of the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose zest for influence and power in a male-dominated society still resonates today. Picture a queen whose narrative rivals the most captivating of dramas; her marriage to Louis VII, her bold role in the Second Crusade, and her defiance of a court that tried to dim her r

Saddle up for a historical escapade as we, Caroline and Erika, regale you with the lesser-known sagas of the Second Crusade, peppered with our trademark wit and a dollop of cheek. Step into the time machine of your imagination, because we’re whisking you away to the 12th century—a time of knights, conquests, and yes, a dash of family drama akin to the modern soap opera. Our epi

Prepare to be whisked away on a rollicking ride through time as we serve up the scandalous exploits of Eleanor of Aquitaine, with a generous garnish of our signature wit. I'm Caroline, and I'm Erika, we'll introduce you to the medieval Brad Pitt, William IX of Aquitaine, whose romantic forays and military mishaps laid the groundwork for Eleanor's equally sensational saga. Our jaunt

Prepare to be whisked back to an era where sword met shield, and the political arena was as fierce as any battlefield. We're not just recounting history; we're giving you the keys to a kingdom where Adela of Blois, daughter of William the Conqueror, reigned supreme behind the velvet curtains of power. Her tale is stitched together with the threads of strategic alliances, fervent Cr

Ever wondered about the blurred lines between historical truth and fiction? In this intriguing episode, we transport you back to the 11th century, bringing to life the tales of Florine of Burgundy and Ida of Austria. We dive deep into the life of Florine, possibly an illegitimate daughter of a Burgundian Duke, her whirlwind journey from being widowed, betrothed to a Danish prince,

Did you know that nuns played a pivotal role in the First Crusade? Well, you're in for a treat! Our episode today unveils the almost forgotten accounts of these holy women who took part in the religious pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We’re unearthing stories tucked away in Muslim sources, brilliantly ignored by European chronicles, and tossed around by the men of the era. Join us a

Have you ever wondered about the mythical creatures that lurk in our world's legends and folklore? What if you could unravel the mysteries of the ages while sipping your morning coffee? We invite you to join us on a magical journey into the mesmerizing tales of Melusine, a fairy-tale maiden whose enchanting beauty and curious curse have intrigued historians and laymen alike for cen

Prepare to unlock secrets from the past and journey back to the heart of the Byzantium Empire as we unravel the life of its first female historian, Anna Komnene. Your Pithy Chronicle hosts, Caroline and Erica, pull back the layers of Anna's privileged existence, from the gold and pearl-studded bed of the Porphyra chamber where she was born to the political intrigue and power strugg

Hold tight, as we whisk you away on a journey back to 1095 and the monumental Council of Claremont. At the heart of this whirlwind adventure lies Pope Urban II's rallying cry for a crusade, a plea that shook the religious dynamics of the time, forever altering the relationship between Christianity and the Islamic world. We'll dissect the plea from Byzantine Emperor Alexios, despera