Royals in War part 1

<p>1.Setting the Scene  2. Classical World  3. Dark Ages.  Chapters 4 to 8 in the next episode</p><p>Today’s episode is Bloody and Violent, but before we go any further, please </p><p>SHARE this podcast with a friend – do it now</p><p> <a href="https://www.bloodyviolenthistory.com/episodes">https://www.bloodyviolenthistory.com/episodes</a></p><p>Thank you.  Many of you will recognise the opening quote from the fictional TV series A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin.  It may be fiction but it doesn’t mean the sentiment isn’t true.  What Cersei said.  Before democracy, sovereigns ruled – often with absolute power over their court, their military, their subjects.  To be King, Queen, Pharaoh, Tsar or Emperor a person had to gain power over people, a person had to hold power over people and lastly that person had to pass that power onto their successor of choice.  </p><p>‘War should be the only study of a Prince.  He should consider peace only as breathing time, which gives him leisure to contrive, and furnishes as ability to execute, military plans’.  Yes Machiavelli; despite being tortured by a prince, was still clear headed enough to understand what a prince, a king, had to do to stay on top.  In peacetime a king can maintain his power with spectacles, tournaments and Royal progression across him realm – bread and circuses.  But when a challenge looms, war is not far behind.  The ruler must don his amour and lead his men to victory.  Or death.</p><p>Even as young democracies emerged, kings, with their conviction upheld by Divine Right, would only reluctantly surrender the levers of power when a sharp blade is held to their throat.  How can monarchs gain, hold and pass on absolute power – have a listen to find out.</p><p>so it goes,</p><p>Tom Assheton and James Jackson</p><p> </p><p>See also:</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0CKO7rYspbkCUvdwNV4fEw" target="_blank">YouTube: BloodyViolentHistory</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bloodyviolenthistory/" target="_blank">https://www.insta