From Bishop of Rome to the Papal Monarchy: Pope Gregory VII and the Investiture Controversy

Ever wonder how much of what we think we know about the medieval world is actually true? 'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages digs into the stories we tell ourselves, separating Hollywood legend from historical record. Hosted by historian Richard Abels, each episode takes a familiar idea-from the brutal reputation of Vikings to the romanticized codes of chivalry-and examines its roots in reality. You’ll find discussions that go beyond the battlefield, exploring the everyday life, culture, and complex societies that defined a millennium. The podcast frequently uses popular films and shows set in the period as a starting point, asking what they get right and where they take creative liberties. It’s a conversation designed for anyone curious about the distance between our modern myths and the lived experiences of the past. By engaging with these topics, the series offers a deeper, more nuanced understanding of an era that continues to captivate our imagination. Listen for thoughtful analysis that’s both accessible and rigorously informed, reminding us that history is often more surprising than any fiction.