Home Podcasts The Sixth Age: A Medieval History Podcast
The Sixth Age: A Medieval History Podcast

The Sixth Age: A Medieval History Podcast

Mason Hughes 12 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

The Sixth Age: A Medieval History Podcast is a deep dive into medieval history that strips away modern myths to reveal the world as it was actually lived. It explores why people in the Middle Ages saw the world the way they did, from the fall of Rome to the dawn of the Renaissance. The podcast reconstructs the medieval worldview, challenging common misconceptions about the so-called 'Dark Ages.'

Episodes

Peter the Hermit, Anthony, and Pachomius: The Origins of Christian Monasticism
Peter the Hermit, Anthony, and Pachomius: The Origins of Christian Monasticism Aug 18, 2026 1807 In this episode, I cover three of the earliest recorded Christian monks and the origins of Christian monasticism.  Leave comments or questions at https://www.6thagepod.com/contact Follow the podcast on Tiktok at @6thagepod
VANDALism - Part 2/2
VANDALism - Part 2/2 Aug 7, 2026 1856 In this episode, I cover the waning years of Geiseric's reign, and the reigns of his successors, setting the stage for the ultimate confrontation between the Eastern Romans and the Vandals.  As always, you can review my sources, or leave comments or questions, at https://www.6thagepod.com/
VANDALism - Part 1/2
VANDALism - Part 1/2 Jul 24, 2026 4437 Ever wondered where the term "vandalism" came from? Listen to this podcast to find out. I cover the Vandal tribes, from their first appearance in written records through the Vandal Sack of Rome in 455 AD.  If you like this episode, make sure you subscribe so you don't miss part two. As always, you can leave feedback or review the show's bibliography at https://www.6thagepod.com/.    
The Medieval Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Medieval Marvel Cinematic Universe Jul 14, 2026 7279 In this episode, we do a deep dive on early Medieval heroic traditions - including Germanic and Celtic legends. Also, there's a brief summary of Beowulf and a little bit of historical and literary analysis you can dive into. Enjoy! As always, you can review my sources or leave questions and comments at the podcast website, www.6thagepod.com
Angles, Saxons, and Jutes - oh my!
Angles, Saxons, and Jutes - oh my! Jul 10, 2026 2236 This episode traces the end of Roman rule in Britain, the withdrawal of imperial protection around 410 AD, and the rise of Germanic settlers (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) who mixed warfare, settlement, and legend with the Romano‑British population. Learn more at www.6thagepod.com
The Origins of Medieval Serfdom
The Origins of Medieval Serfdom Jun 19, 2026 4160 This week we're covering the origins of Medieval European Serfdom, through the eyes of an Italian couple. As always, you can leave comments, view bibliographies, and support the show on the podcast website.
Goodbye Jin Dynasty, We Hardly Knew You
Goodbye Jin Dynasty, We Hardly Knew You Jun 10, 2026 1855 In this episode we trace the Jin Empire’s collapse in the 4th–5th centuries: pressure from nomadic invasions and disastrous internal politics and taxation under the Sima family.    Read the podcast substack at https://6thagepod.substack.com/
From Empire to Fragmentation: Gupta India’s Collapse and the Dawn of the Medieval Era
From Empire to Fragmentation: Gupta India’s Collapse and the Dawn of the Medieval Era May 29, 2026 1722 In the 4th–5th centuries AD the Gupta Empire’s golden age—shaped by rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, thriving trade with Rome, and rich religious and urban life—was shattered by repeated invasions by the Huns. Reliant on Roman gold and international trade, the Guptas could not withstand the sustained pressure. The episode traces the Guptas’ rise, their ties to Roman commerce, the Hunn
The Sons of the Sea-Monster: The Merovingians and the Making of France
The Sons of the Sea-Monster: The Merovingians and the Making of France May 22, 2026 1780 This episode explores the legendary and historical origins of the Merovingian dynasty, from the myth of Merovich’s sea-monster conception to Clovis’s military conquests and conversion to Christianity. It examines Frankish identity, Roman influence, the synthesis of Roman and Germanic cultures, and how Clovis’s actions set the foundation for the medieval kingdom of France.
Christian Creeds: Formalizing Ancient and Early Medieval Christianity, from Nicea to Chalcedon
Christian Creeds: Formalizing Ancient and Early Medieval Christianity, from Nicea to Chalcedon May 15, 2026 5806 This episode traces early Christianity’s theological diversity and the struggle to define orthodoxy from grassroots movements to imperial councils. It explains how emperors like Constantine and Theodosius used councils (Nicaea, Ephesus, Chalcedon) to settle disputes over Jesus’ nature, label heresies, and enforce creeds—reshaping the Christian world and provoking enduring schisms.
Saint Brigid: Breaking Boundaries in Medieval Ireland
Saint Brigid: Breaking Boundaries in Medieval Ireland May 8, 2026 1676 How do you turn a pagan goddess into a Christian saint? That's what we're asking in this week's episode on Saint Brigid, the boundary-breaking Irish woman who was venerated across Medieval Europe. We'll be talking about Brigid's pagan origins, as well as examining her relationship with some modern-day Irish social movements.  Learn more at our website!
Theodoric the Great, and the Foundation of Medieval Italy
Theodoric the Great, and the Foundation of Medieval Italy May 3, 2026 2161 This week we're diving into the life of Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic King who conquered Italy and ruled Barbarian and Roman alike. We'll be focusing on the way Theodoric blended Roman and Gothic culture to rule effectively, and talk about how his rule paved the way for an Italian Kingdom, independent of Constantinople's oversight.  Comments, questions, or concerns can be left at 6thagepod.

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