Mallorca

Mallorca

Author: Frank Docherty August 18, 2023 Duration: 14:16

Medieval Mallorca1346Jaume Ferrer, Mallorcan navigator set sail on 10th August to sail along the coast of Africa to Senegal and, perhaps, even to Niger. His journey is depicted in the Catalan Atlas.
1348 Palma was devastated by one of the most virulent of all strains of the Black Death that erupted during the Middle Ages and there were more than 5,000 deaths in the town.1375The Catalan Atlas, one of the masterpieces of the Mallorcan School of Cartography1391The widening gap between the rich and the poor and the introduction of higher taxes brought dissatisfaction and the Jews who controlled a large share of the financial dealings in the town were blamed. On 2nd August, the Call - a road between Santa Eulària, the Temple and the Santa Clara Convent was attacked and set on fire. More than 300 Jews died.1403The Riera, the torrent that ran through the centre of Palma, along the site of the present day La Rambla and the Born was a constant threat to the city and periodic floods caused serious damage. In this, the worst flood on record, more than 5,000 people died and 1500 houses were destroyed after two days of torrential rain.1429 Clement VIII the last antipope, appointed Bishop of Mallorca. Persecution of the Jews.1450A revolt spread throughout the Island, the poor beyond the city blaming the rich townsfolk for their woes. There was an armed revolt and the city was surrounded; food and water supplies were cut. It was on the point of surrendering when Alfons V of Aragon despatched troops to deal with the rebellion. Reprisals were harsh and reverberated throughout the Island.1493There was a further outbreak of plague, which was known as Borg's plague or Pesta d'en Boga, as it was attributed to a sailor named Boga.


Frank Docherty hosts The Wanderer, a podcast that moves through the deep forests and mead halls of early medieval England. This isn't a dry recitation of dates, but an exploration of how people thought, believed, and told stories. You’ll hear discussions on the foundational myths and local spirits that populated the Anglo-Saxon world, understanding how folklore was woven into daily life. The conversation naturally extends to the complex religious landscape, from the old gods to the coming of Christianity, and how these forces collided and merged. History provides the anchor, examining the society and events that formed the backdrop for everything else. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering layers of a rich tapestry, where a heroic poem, a pagan ritual, and a historical king might all be connected. Each episode aims to make the distant past feel tangible and relevant, exploring the wisdom and the weirdness of a foundational era. The goal is to provide a thoughtful, nuanced perspective that goes beyond the stereotypes, all while appreciating the haunting beauty of the language and ideas left behind. It’s for anyone curious about the roots of stories and the echoes of a world that still subtly shapes our own.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion
Podcast Episodes
The Anglo Saxon Peasant Soldier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:32
The Peasant Soldier: More Than Just a FarmerThe average Anglo-Saxon peasant soldier was not a full time warrior but a member of the Fyrd—a militia of free men called upon in times of war. This system allowed the king or…
Anglo Saxon resistance against Norman rule [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:40
Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Anglo-Saxon populace mounted several resistance efforts against William the Conqueror's rule. These uprisings were driven by widespread resentment towards the oppress…
Murder in Anglo Saxon England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:02
In Anglo-Saxon England, murder was regarded as a serious crime, and there were various legal practices and customs in place for dealing with it. These practices evolved over the course of the Anglo-Saxon period (roughly…
Yule and Christmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:10
Yule is a pagan celebration rooted in Northern European traditions, marking the winter solstice (around December 21–22). It celebrates the return of the sun and the renewal of life. Common customs include burning a Yule…
Anglo Saxon Leatherwork [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:32
Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Leather working Leather working was an essential craft in Anglo-Saxon England (circa 5th to 11th centuries) and played a crucial role in everyday life. The Anglo-Saxons were skilled artisans w…
The Spear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:18
The spear has been a crucial weapon in English warfare, both for its versatility and its effectiveness in various military contexts. Its use spans from the early medieval period through the Renaissance, reflecting the ev…
The English Billhook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:22
The billhook, often referred to simply as a "bill," is a traditional weapon that originated in medieval Europe, primarily used by infantry soldiers. It evolved from an agricultural tool used for pruning and cutting branc…
Anglo Saxon Broken Back Seax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:07
The "Broken Back Seax" is a type of knife or dagger that was characteristic of the Anglo-Saxons, the Germanic inhabitants of England from the 5th century AD until the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name "seax" itself refer…