The Great Schism

The Great Schism- Episode 4: The Rupture

After a century of scandal, a new Pope takes over in Rome.  Leo IX has sweeping plans for reform, and then gets taken prisoner by Norman warriors.  Meanwhile church controversies brew over everything from beards to communion bread until an explosive collision of personalities leads to drama in the Hagia Sophia itself.  The moment that…

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The Great Schism- Episode 3: Game of Thrones in the Vatican

A teenaged boy inherits the Papacy and the keys to Rome, and begins a career of wild partying.  John XII plays power games with dangerous military leaders, and attempts to backstab the most powerful warrior in Europe.  The House of Theophylact continues to create scandal, selling the Papacy itself to an Italian godfather.  It’s Game…

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The Great Schism- Episode 2: House of Theophylact

Historians have called this period the “pornocracy”.  Find out why in this episode, when the powerful and ambitious women of the House of Theophylact take over Rome and control the Papacy.  Sex, murder, blindings and treachery, it’s a wild ride through the Dark Ages.

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The Great Schism: Episode 1- Emperors and Popes

In 1054 an event occurred that split the Christian world.  It has never recovered.  In this mini series, we dive into the world before the Great Schism, to understand the forces that created the institutions of the Church and then tore them apart.   How did we get Popes anyway?  Emperors, bishops, and warriors… this is…

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