The History of English Podcast
by Thomas Johnson
Exploring forgotten stories, ancient civilizations, legendary figures, mysterious events, wars, empires, and the untold moments that shaped history. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
Episodes
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Episode 40 Learning Latin and Latin Learning
Long before the Normans arrived in England, the Anglo-Saxons were borrowing Latin words from the monastic culture which was emerging in the 7th and 8th centuries. In this episode, we explore the spread of monastic schools and scholarship in Anglo-Saxon … Continue reading → Become a supporter of...
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Episode 39 Not Lost in Translation
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 38 Nobles, Nuptials and a Cowherd Poet
The kingdom of Northumbria emerged as a center of scholarship and learning during the 7th century. We explore the political and religious events which led to the Northumbrian Renaissance. We also explore the importance of strategic marriages and marital terms … Continue reading → Become a…
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Episode_37_Seafarers_Poets_and_Traveling_Minstrels
Old English poets were ‘word weavers’ who often created new words to comply with the strict requirements of Germanic poetry. In this episode, we explore the role of the traveling minstrel in Anglo-Saxon culture. We also explore the etymology of … Continue reading → Become a supporter of this...
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Episode_36_Finalizing_the_Alphabet
We complete our look at the first Old English alphabet by exploring the remaining letters of the original alphabet. The north-south divide resulted in distinct letters and different spelling conventions. But over time, these differences blended together. Once again, we examine how these initial...
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Episode 35: English Sounds and Roman Letters
As the sounds of English evolved in the 7th century, the first English scribes began to write the language with the Roman alphabet. But the English scribes had to invent ways to represent the unique sounds of Old English. In this episode, we explore the first English alphabet and the lingering...
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Episode_34_Sounds_Like_Old_English
The sound of English began to change as soon as the first Anglo-Saxons arrived in Britain. We explore the specific sound changes which occurred and the impact which those changes had on modern English. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 33 Missionaries and Manuscripts
In this episode, we explore the events which led to the first document written in the English language – the laws of Aethelbert of Kent. We look at the rise of monasteries, the role of St. Patrick in the conversion … Continue reading → Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Bonus Episode Let Me ‘Buoy’ Your Spirits
How do you pronounce ‘buoy’? In this bonus episode, we explore the history of the word and the reasons why the word is pronounced differently in various parts of the English-speaking world. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 32 The Oldest English
We explore the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and their regional Old English dialects. The ‘Saxons’ soon become the ‘English.’ And ‘English’ provides the name of a new nation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 31 Saxons, Franks and Other West Germans
During the period of the Anglo-Saxon migrations, the West Germanic tribes of northern Europe continued to fight for power against the Romans and against each other. This period saw the emergence of the High German dialects, the creation of the … Continue reading → Become a supporter of this...
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Episode 30 The Celtic Legacy
We explore the linguistic legacy of the native Celtic Britons on Modern English. The historical legacy of the legendary Celtic king named Arthur is also examined. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 29 The Anglo-Saxon Invasion
The Anglo-Saxons arrived in the British shores as permanent settlers in the 5th century. They encountered native Britons who spoke Latin and Celtic languages. The two groups soon fought for control of the region we know today as England. We explore this period of ‘lost’ history by examining the…
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Episode 28 Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Frisians
We explore the origins of the Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Frisians in the North Sea region of northern Europe. The early raids on the coasts of Britain and Gaul set the stage for the later mass migrations. The similarities between … Continue reading → Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 27 Broken Empire and Fractured Languages
Parchment books begin to replace papyrus scrolls as the Western Roman Empire crumbles. New Germanic Kingdoms emerge in the west, but Latin remains the dominant language in Western Europe. Latin itself begins to fracture without the Roman educational system to … Continue reading → Become a…
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Episode 26 Imperial Crisis and the Goths
Rome is racked by ‘Imperial Crisis’ while strong Germanic tribes gather along the Rhine and Danube. The Alamanni, Franks, Vandals and Goths rise to power and provide us with many words in modern English. The Goths translate the Bible into … Continue reading → Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 25 Germanic Markings and the Runes
We explore the expansion of Germanic tribes into the Danube region where the Germans encounter the Etruscan alphabet. The Germanic runes develop and provide the first opportunity for the Germanic tribes to write their own language. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 24 Germanic Mythology
The role of Germanic mythology on modern English is explored. Germanic gods and religious traditions are examined with an emphasis on words and phrases which are still found in modern English. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 23 Tacitus and Germanic Society
We explore the Germanic languages during the 1st century AD. The society of the early Germans is examined in the context of ‘Germania’ by the Roman historian Tacitus. Modern English words originating during this period are also discussed. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 22: The Great Fire of London The Disaster That Changed a City
In September 1666, a small fire broke out in London and quickly developed into one of the most devastating disasters in the city's history. Thousands of homes were destroyed, historic buildings were lost, and many people were forced to flee. In this episode of The History of English Podcast,...
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Episode 21: The Lost City of Atlantis The Legend of a Lost Civilization
Was Atlantis a real civilization, or was it simply a story created by an ancient philosopher? In this episode of The History of English Podcast, we explore the legendary lost city of Atlantis, a mysterious island described by the Greek philosopher Plato more than two thousand years ago. Discover...
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Episode 20: Early Indo-European Migrations
The emergence of the first Indo-Europeans and the early migrations of these steppe herders is examined. The specific advantages favoring the expansion of these people is explored in detail. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 19: Who Were the Indo-Europeans?
The evidence is examined to determine when and where the original Indo-Europeans lived. Based upon this evidence, the probable identity of the first Indo-Europeans is revealed. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 18: Indo-European Grammar (Where have all the inflexions gone?)
The grammar of the original Indo-European language is compared to Modern English. We explore the word endings called ‘inflexions’ which were a prominent feature of the original Indo-European language. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 17: More Indo-European Words
We complete our review Indo-European words which have impacted modern English. Social terms are explored to provide an insight into Indo-European society and culture. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 16: Indo-European Words
A look at words used by the original Indo-Europeans and the clues such words provide to the identity of the first Indo-Europeans. The etymology of modern English words is explored in relation to the original Indo-European words. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 15: Centum, Satem and the Letter C
A look at the early division of the Indo-European languages into the Centum and Satem languages. The sound shift which marks the division of the Centum and Satem languages is then explored in the context of the modern English letter ‘C’. The history of the letter C is presented from its Greek...
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Episode 14: A Grimm Brother Resurrects the Dead
The famous fairy-tale collector Jacob Grimm formulated the rules which help modern linguists reconstruct the ancient Indo-European language. In this episode, we look at Grimm’s Law and how the Germanic languages evolved from the original ancestral language. Become a supporter of this podcast:...
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Episode 13: The Indo-European Family Tree
A look at the family tree of Indo-European languages and the relationship of English to those related languages. The closest relatives of English are highlighted, including the Germanic languages, Latin and Greek. We explore the background of English from the first Indo-Europeans to the first...
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Episode 12: The Indo-European Discovery
The story of the discovery of the ancient language which gave rise to most of the languages of Europe, including English. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 11: Introduction
In this introductory episode, we look at the emergence of English as a global language and the evolution of the language from its Germanic origins. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
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Episode 9: The Princes in the Tower
The Princes in the Tower | The History Chronicles PodcastTwo young princes entered the Tower of London in 1483—and were never seen again.In this episode of The History Chronicles Podcast, we explore the mysterious disappearance of Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury. Were they...
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Episode 8: The Lost Library of Alexandria — The Knowledge the World Lost
🎙️ The History Chronicles Podcast | The Lost Library of AlexandriaThe Library of Alexandria was one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of knowledge. Scholars gathered there to study mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, literature, and history.But what happened to this legendary...
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Episode 7: The Dancing Plague of 1518 — The Strange Mystery of Strasbourg
🎙️ The History Chronicles Podcast | The Dancing Plague of 1518In the summer of 1518, something extraordinary happened in the city of Strasbourg. One woman began dancing in the street—and soon, dozens of people were reportedly caught up in the mysterious phenomenon.What caused it? Was it illness,...
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Episode 6: The Lost Colony of Roanoke — The Mystery of the Vanished Settlement
🎙️ The History Chronicles Podcast | The Lost Colony of RoanokeIn 1587, a group of English settlers established a colony on Roanoke Island. But when the colony’s governor returned three years later, everyone had vanished.No settlers. No clear explanation. Only one mysterious word carved into…
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Episode 5: The Great Fire of London — The Fire That Changed a City
🎙️ The History Chronicles Podcast | The Great Fire of LondonIn 1666, a small fire in a London bakery turned into one of the most devastating disasters in the city’s history.In this episode, we explore how the fire spread through London, why the city was so vulnerable, how thousands of people…
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The Mystery of the Mary Celeste
🎙️ The History Chronicles Podcast | The Mystery of the Mary CelesteIn 1872, a ship was discovered drifting across the Atlantic Ocean with its cargo still on board—but every person aboard had mysteriously disappeared.In this episode, we explore the strange story of the Mary Celeste, the missing...
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Titanic — The Night History Changed
🎙️ The History Chronicles Podcast | Titanic: The Night History ChangedStep back into 1912 and discover the story of the RMS Titanic—one of the most famous maritime tragedies in history.In this episode, we explore Titanic’s historic first voyage, the warnings of ice in the Atlantic, the events of...
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The Day Pompeii Disappeared
What if an entire city vanished in a single day?In this episode of The History Chronicles Podcast, we travel back nearly 2,000 years to ancient Pompeii, a thriving Roman city that was suddenly destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.Discover what life was like in…
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The Rise of the Pharaohs: Power, Religion, and Ancient Egypt
The History Chronicles Podcast — Episode 2 Title: The Rise of the Pharaohs: Power, Religion, and Ancient Egypt Welcome to The History Chronicles Podcast. In our first episode, we traveled back to the beginning of Ancient Egypt and discovered how the Nile River helped small farming communities…
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The Birth of Ancient Egypt: How a Civilization Began
In this first episode of The History Chronicles, we travel thousands of years into the past to discover how Ancient Egypt began. Explore the importance of the Nile River, the rise of early farming communities, the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, and the emergence of the pharaohs. Discover…
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About this show
Exploring forgotten stories, ancient civilizations, legendary figures, mysterious events, wars, empires, and the untold moments that shaped history.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-history-of-english-podcast--7438549/support.
Hosted by
Thomas Johnson
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