Skip to content
Wonderer's History Podcast podcast artwork

Wonderer's History Podcast

by Vlad Zamfira

Welcome to the Wonderer's History Podcast. My name is Vlad Zamfira, history and archaeology graduate (MA) from the University of Aberdeen Scotland with a Certificate of Postgraduate Studies also in Venetian and Mediterranean History in the 16th century. History enthusiast, podcast lover and avid historical culture consumer. Focused on the study of Venetian History with additional interest in overall Italian history, Malta, Cyprus, the Ottoman Empire and Spain during Charles V and Phillip II. This podcast will feature all of this and much more so stay tuned for more content!

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Apr 15, 2026. Source feed.

Subscribe Bookmark

Episodes

  1. Climate Change, Wars & disasters in 17th Century Europe

    In this episode I wanted to reflect a bit on some ideas in the fantastic book Global Crisis, War Climate Change and Catastrophe in 17th century Europe. Thumbnail: vMelchiorre Gherardini, Piazza S. Babila, Milan, during the plague of 1630 (via commons)

  2. The Grand Strategy of Philip II -- An essential Geoffrey Parker history book

    In this episode I summarize and recommend one of Prof. Parker's most detailed books about Philip II of Spain.

  3. Fernand Braudel's The Mediterranean & the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II -A Masterpiece

    In this video I briefly explain why I think Braudel's The Mediterranean & the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II (both volumes but more specifically vol.2) is not only one of my favourite books but In my opinion one of the best early modern history books ever written and an invaluable...

  4. Just catching up

    Wanted to wish everyone a belated happy new year and let you briefly know what I would like to do with this channel in 2024

  5. History of Patrick Simson, A Scottish Merchant in the 17th century Moldavian Potash trade

    In this detail I summarised the story of a very wealthy and influential Scot in 17th Century Eastern Europe (Poland but also Moldavia), based on the account of E. D. Tappe and Paul Ricaut ( available here https://www.jstor.org/stable/4204348?seq=1) Could not find images of Scottish Merchants in…

    more
  6. Oppenheimer - A history biopic done right

    Bit late, just wanted to talk a bit about what I think is one of the best movies of this year and a cinematic masterpiece.

  7. My preview of Oppenheimer

    A belated preview of one of my most anticipated movies of the year.

  8. A perspective on Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon movie project

    In light of the latest release the trailer of Ridley Scott's Napoleon, movie. I propose to look back at one of the most impressive unfinished projects in Cinematic history: Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon Movie. Music from YouTube Audio Library.

  9. Concluding observations of Cyprus at the end of the 16th century- Account of Cotovicus

    Ioannes Cotovicus (Iohann van Kootwyck), a doctor of Civil and Canon Law In the University of Utrecht, Sailed from August 2 1598, touched at Limassol September 12, and sailed from Larnaca September 19 for Sidon, Jaffa & Jerusalem. On March 25 1599 he touched again at Larnaca and visited Nicosia…

    more
  10. A Papal Legate's visit to Ottoman Cyprus- Account of Girolamo Dandini in 1596

    Today we look at a document written by Girolamo Dandini, Professor of Theology at Perugia, sent in 1596 by Pope Clement VIII as a nuncio to the Maronites of Lebanon. From August 8th when he visited Limassol, then Larnaca and Nicosia until the 27th when he left for Tripoli. He would return to...

  11. Can one use Chat GPT for learning history?

    In a final experiment of this miniseries I ask Chat GPT a few more questions with some interesting responses given. Source of the photo: Pexels.com

  12. I asked Chat GPT which century is more important- 16th or 17th

    In this episode I wanted to check with Chat GPT and see what it says about the 16th and 17th centuries and why these centuries were so important.

  13. I asked Chat GPT some questions about Venetian History

    In this episode I wanted to check what Chat GPT thinks about Venetian history in general and who was the most important doge. Some interesting answers came up. SUBSCRIBE to the channel if you haven't done so already to never miss any new materials from the podcast.

  14. The aftermath of the Ottoman Conquest of Cyprus- Villamont's account in 1589

    In this episode we look at the account of Seigneur de Villamont in Cyprus in 1589 and how things have change from the years of Venetian rule. Subscribe to the channel if you haven't done so already! Image: Map of Cyprus by Piri Reis (via commons/public domain)

  15. The last moments of Venetian Cyprus at Famagusta- Paulo Paruta

    In this episode I discuss briefly about what happened at the end of the Ottoman Siege of Famagusta which concluded Venice's loss. For more information on this please visit episode 4 of the Podcast which looked at the Demise of Marcantonio Bragadin. Next episodes will look at a few accounts which...

  16. A Christmas message & plans for the podcast in 2023

    A few ideas about the next year and what themes I will want to cover in a new series (Hint: has to do with the Thirty Years' War & more). Wishing my listeners a Happy Christmas & holiday season.

  17. The late Venetian response after Selim II's Divan- (Diedo's account PART 2)

    In this episode we continue the account of Venetian Senator Diedo from the account Excerpta Cypria looking at the late reactions of the Venetians, who found themselves once again in the need of assistance from the Papacy and Spain.

  18. Selim II and the Divan before the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus (Diedo's account part 1- Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean)

    In this episode of the Travelers Diaries of the 16th century Mediterranean, we look at the first part of Venetian Senator Giacomo Diedo's accont (from Excerpta Cypria). Equestrian portrait of Sultan Selim II by Lambert de Vos, 1574 (public domain via wiki commons)

  19. Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean- Giovanni Sozomeno in Nicosia 1570

    A new account from Excerpta Cypria, Materials for a history of Cyprus, written by travellers who were in Venetian Cyprus throughout the 16th century. This one belongs to Giovanni Sozomeno present during the Ottoman Siege of Nicosia in 1570 who was subsequently taken prisoner. Editor mentioned…

    more
  20. Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean- Fabriano Falchetti in Nicosia 1570

    A new account from Excerpta Cypria, Materials for a history of Cyprus, written by travellers who were in Venetian Cyprus throughout the 16th century. This one belongs to Fabriano Falchetti present during the Ottoman Siege of Nicosia in 1570 who was subsequently taken prisoner. Intro & outro...

  21. An update on the podcast & plans for the future

    Bit of an informal episode this one, just wanted to post an update on the podcast, current series, and what I hope to achieve and move on to what I will hope will be a great over-arching series looking at events of the Thirty Years' War (hence using this illustration {public domain via commons}...

  22. Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean- Christopher Furer in Cyprus & Nicosia 1566

    A new account from Excerpta Cypria, Materials for a history of Cyprus, written by travellers who were in Venetian Cyprus throughout the 16th century. This one belongs to Chritophori Fureri who visited Cyprus in the spring of 1566. Intro & outro excerpts from Arabian Nightfall - Doug Maxwell...

  23. Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean- Elias of Pesaro in Cyprus & Famagusta 1563

    A new accounts from Excerpta Cypria, Materials for a history of Cyprus, written by travellers who were in Venetian Cyprus throughout the 16th century. This one belongs to Italian Elias of Pesaro, Italian traveller who was forced to station in Cyprus while on route to the Holy Lands in 1563…

    more
  24. Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean- John Locke in Cyprus 1553

    A new accounts from Excerpta Cypria, Materials for a history of Cyprus, written by travellers who were in Venetian Cyprus throughout the 16th century. This one belongs to John Locke (not the philosopher), English traveller who stopped in Cyprus on route to the Holy Lands in 1553.

  25. Traveller Diaries in the 16th Century Mediterranean- Greffin Affagart in Cyprus 1534

    The next episodes will look at accounts from Excerpta Cypria, Materials for a history of Cyprus, written by travellers who were in Venetian Cyprus. The first episode looks at Greffin Affagart , Seigneur de Courteilles, short account of Cyprus in 1534. Subscribe to the channel!

  26. History of 16th century Venice & Venetian Doges (Full summary)

    A recap episode of all the episodes of the 16th century Venetian Doges mini-series, part of the broader Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe Series. All paintings public domain via Wiki Commons Intro & Outro Free to use via YouTube Audio Library TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 -...

  27. History of Venice & Doge Pasquale Cicogna (1585-1595)

    Continuing the mini-series looking at some of the most important doges in 16th century Venetian History (part of the wider Rulers & Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe series) about Doge Nicolò da Ponte (1578-1585). Subscribe to the channel! Painting: Palma il Giovane, "Pasquale...

  28. History of Venice & Doge Nicolò da Ponte (1578-1585)

    Continuing the mini-series looking at some of the most important doges in 16th century Venetian History (part of the wider Rulers & Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe series) about Doge Nicolò da Ponte (1578-1585). Apologies to the very nasal voice, got hit by a heavy cold...

  29. Statement of solidarity with the Ukrainian people

    My thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine defending their homes, families and country. For listeners based in the UK if you can you can donate to the appeal made by the British Red Cross : https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal Image from pexels.com by Kostiantyn Stupak Let...

  30. History of Venice & Doge Sebastiano Venier (1577-1578)

    Continuing the mini-series looking at some of the most important doges in 16th century Venetian History (part of the wider Rulers & Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe series) about Doge Sebastiano Venier (1577-1578) with a bit of background on his involvement & role at Lepanto in...

  31. History of Venice & Doge Alvise I Mocenigo (1570-1577)

    Continuing the mini-series looking at some of the most important doges in 16th century Venetian History (part of the wider Rulers & Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe series) about Doge Alvise I Mocenigo (1570-1577) . Detail of painting by Tintoretto showing Alvise I Mocenigo and...

  32. History of Venice & Doge Pietro Loredan (1567-1570)

    Continuing the mini-series looking at some of the most important doges in 16th century Venetian History (part of the wider Rulers & Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe series) about Doge Pietro Loredan. Paintings- public domain via wiki commons (Palma il Giovane- Doge Pietro...

  33. History of Venice & Doge Girolamo Priuli (1559-1567)

    Third episode of the miniseries looking at the history of some of the most important Doges in the History of the Venetian Republic, part of the wider Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe. Doge Girolamo Priuli, whose rule preceded the events of the 4th Ottoman-Venetian…

    more
  34. Christmas message, retrospective of 2021 and updates for 2022

    Last video of the year from @Wonderer's History Podcast . Few of the plans for next year, make sure to subscribe to never miss a video. Intro & outro excerpts from Christmas Village- by Arran Kenny available as public domain via YouTube Audio library. Happy Christmas/Holidays to everyone!

  35. History of Venice & Doge Andrea Gritti (1523-1538) FULL EPISODE

    Second episode of the miniseries looking at the history of some of the most important Doges in the History of the Venetian Republic, part of the wider Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe. Andrea Gritti, the Fabius Maximus of Venice and crucial military and diplomatic...

  36. History of Venice & Doge Andrea Gritti (1523-1538) PART 2

    Second part of episode 2 of the miniseries looking at the history of some of the most important Doges in the History of the Venetian Republic, part of the wider Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe. Andrea Gritti, the Fabius Maximus of Venice and crucial military and...

  37. History of Venice & Doge Andrea Gritti (1523-1538) PART 1

    Second episode of the miniseries looking at the history of some of the most important Doges in the History of the Venetian Republic, part of the wider Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe. Andrea Gritti, the Fabius Maximus of Venice and crucial military and diplomatic...

  38. Ranking the most important Sieges 16th century Mediterranean

    Ranking the most important Sieges in the 16th century Mediterranean

  39. RANKING some of the most important NAVAL BATTLES of the 16th century Mediterranean

    In this trial video I talk about 6 of the most important naval battles of the Mediterranean. Apologies for any noises in the background ,at times the slow pacing, still trying to get used to making this sort of episode (which was a video tier list episode posted on YouTube a few months ago). Stay...

  40. History of Venice & Doge Leonardo Loredan 1501-1521

    First episode of the miniseries looking at the history of some of the most important Doges in the History of the Venetian Republic, part of the wider Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe. Intro & outro excerpts from Cantus Firmus Monks by Doug Maxwell (free to use via...

  41. Introduction- Doges of the 16th Century Venetian Republic (A short history)

    A brief introduction to what will be a mini-series (still part of the Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean and Europe Miniseries) which will look at the rules of some of the most important Doges of Venice. Images- All public domain via commons (Map of Venice by Piri Reis) Intro &...

  42. Philip II of Spain and the 16th Century Mediterranean

    In this episode I briefly explore Philip II of Spain's influence over the Mediterranean in the second half of the 16th century, as he was arguably one of the most important monarchs of the 16th century. For more episodes of the podcast and of the series rulers and monarchs of the 16th century...

  43. Philip II of Spain and the 16th century Mediterranean (Introduction)

    This is a brief introduction to what will be a much longer episode about Philip II, his actions and policies in the Mediterranean, his fight against the Ottomans and the tensed relations with the Venetians and the Ottomans. Images part of public domain via commons Song- excerpt from Etherial…

    more
  44. A short history of Francis I, King of France (1515-1547)

    In this episode I talk about a few of the main landmarks of Francis I, king of France (1515-1547), his rivalry with Charles V and alliance with the Suleiman the Magnificent and the Ottomans. Part of the Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean & Europe series Music- excerpt from A...

  45. A short history of Holy Roman Emperors Ferdinand I & Maximilian II

    A short history Holy Roman Emperors Ferdinand I & Maximilian II, their rules during and after Charles V. Apologies in advance for the nasally voice, I've just recovered from having a very strong cold. All images public domain via commons.

  46. Short History of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor & King of Spain (FULL EPISODE) 1500-1558

    The full episode from beginning to end of the short history of Charles V, part of the rulers and monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean series. All images are public domain via wiki commons. Intro and outro excerpters of Doug Maxwell's- Lost in Prayer (public domain via YouTube Audio-Library)

  47. Final Years of Charles V (1555-1558), his abdication, letter to Philip II, death and legacy

    The last episode of the Short History of Charles V mini series, part of the Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean series. Talking about the events after the abdication of Charles V, the letter to his son and next king of Spain, Philip II. Subscribe to the channel to never miss any...

  48. Introduction to the Historian's Proust Questionnaire- My Answers!

    The beginning of a series of interviews I've been planning for a while, part of which will be my adaptation and version to Proust's Questionnaire for historians, academics, independent researchers and history podcasters.

  49. Charles V- A Short History Part IV 1541-1555

    The 4th part of the Brief History of Charles V, part of the Rulers and Monarchs of the 16th century Mediterranean Series. All images are public domain via wiki commons. Intro and outro excerpters of Doug Maxwell's- Lost in Prayer (public domain via YouTube Audio-Library)

  50. Charles V- A Short History Part III 1530-1540

    Third part of the the Short History of the rule of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. Looking at events such as the 1530 Diet of Augsburg, 1535 Conquest of Tunis, Spanish involvement in the 1538 Holy League against the Ottomans and more. Intro and outro excerpters of Doug Maxwell's-...

About this show

Welcome to the Wonderer's History Podcast. My name is Vlad Zamfira, history and archaeology graduate (MA) from the University of Aberdeen Scotland with a Certificate of Postgraduate Studies also in Venetian and Mediterranean History in the 16th century. History enthusiast, podcast lover and avid historical culture consumer. Focused on the study of Venetian History with additional interest in overall Italian history, Malta, Cyprus, the Ottoman Empire and Spain during Charles V and Phillip II. This podcast will feature all of this and much more so stay tuned for more content!

Hosted by

Vlad Zamfira

Categories

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Wonderer's History Podcast have?

Wonderer's History Podcast has 91 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on May 12, 2024.

What is Wonderer's History Podcast about?

Welcome to the Wonderer's History Podcast. My name is Vlad Zamfira, history and archaeology graduate (MA) from the University of Aberdeen Scotland with a Certificate of Postgraduate Studies also in Venetian and Mediterranean History in the 16th century. History enthusiast, podcast lover and avid...

How often does Wonderer's History Podcast release new episodes?

Wonderer's History Podcast publishes every two weeks, based on its 91 episodes since March 2020.

Who hosts Wonderer's History Podcast?

Wonderer's History Podcast is created and hosted by Vlad Zamfira.
Link copied