Noteworthy News #4: 850th Anniversary of Thomas Becket and Henry II's Fued

 

I have always been fascinated with the story of King Henry II and Thomas Becket ever since reading about it a few years ago and it is still relevant even today as to how relationships can go from cordial to nasty in no time with people. It just reminds me how we are in some ways not that different from those from other eras even thought they seem to live in an alien time from us.

I wanted to share this week that my favorite history podcast, Gone Medieval has been featuring a series marking the 850th anniversary of King Henry II's penance for the murder of Thomas Becket. The author and host Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega break down the back story (which I never tire of) and the fallout between the two men. Then they describe the guilt and self punishment that Henry inflicts on himself for his role in the death of his former friend and confidante. It's a fascinating story and they do a fabulous job of narrating it with historical detail and original sources. 

One of the other things I appreciate is that they try to remain neutral and present both sides of the issues so that you can judge whether or not you agree with the men and their two sides of the dispute. It makes for more thoughtful listening and I found myself seeing their points of view more clearly. 

Here are the episodes in case you are interested. I have been listening on my way to school and as each one is only about 45 minutes it is doable even if you are short on time. They always have some new interesting fact I wasn't aware of so it makes it new for me. Hope you have something noteworthy you've come across this week in history or another subject you love!

Episode 330: The Rise of Thomas Becket

Episode 333: Henry II and Thomas Becket: A Doomed Friendship

Episode 334: The Murder of Thomas Becket

Episode 337: The Cult of Becket

Noteworthy News #3: History Hit: Tutankhamen and the Valley of the Kings

 

I didn't have a review this week as I'm currently reading two books, one of which is an 800 page Penman epic and I'm nowhere near finished with my shorter book either. So I wanted to shift gears from reviewing and post some noteworthy news. In thinking about something interesting I've run across lately, I wanted to give a mention to the series on the podcast, History Hit, about the Valley of the Kings and the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb. I have listened to the first episode and it is an award winning series with four episodes total. As work has been crazy in February I have been doing more listening and less reading. But that's okay because this series is so good! 

Dan Snow narrates and visits on the 100th anniversary (I'm a bit behind as this series debuted last year in 2022) and the podcast replayed it this past November. He takes you on a journey down the Nile in Luxor to the burial chambers of the pharaohs and tells the history of the Valley of the Kings. He covers the story of the archaeologists involved and gives the history behind how they made their discoveries.

The next four episodes will delve more into the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, his life, and legacy. I plan to finish these in March and look forward to more from this amazing podcast. It has so much original content you just can't find anywhere else. Perfect for history lovers everywhere!