Through the second half of the 12th century, the pieces start to fall into place for the conquests of the 13th century.

The Baltic crusades were not the only force driving German colonisation in the Baltic. In this episode we look at the rise of the Hanseatic League, a new commercial network across Northern Europe.

Big claims have been made for the impact of the Baltic Crusades on Russia’s relationship with the West. This episode looks at whether they stand up to scrutiny.

In this special episode I am joined by Jack Wilson, AKA The Jackmeister: Mongol History to talk about who the Mongols were, where they came from, why they set out to conquer the west, and more.

Vsevolod Big Nest continues to try to impose his will on the Rostislavichi and Olgovichi as Rus enters the thirteenth century.

Svyatoslav’s death leaves Ryurik as sole ruler in Kyiv, but he soon finds that Vsevolod Big Nest thinks he’s really the guy in charge.

As the twelfth century draws to a close, Svyatoslav of the Olgovichi makes another play for Kyiv, but finds himself forced to share power with Rurik Rostislavich.

His troops have sacked Kyiv and his brother sits on the throne. What next?