Episode #216 - Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part I)

This episode explores the historical and religious significance of cities as potential triggers for apocalyptic events. The podcast begins by discussing various cultural interpretations of the end of the world, including Norse Ragnarok and Hindu cyclical time, highlighting the role of Jerusalem in Jewish and Christian end-times prophecies. More significantly, the narrative then shifts to Constantinople/Istanbul, examining its strategic importance and legendary resilience against numerous sieges, which led to its association with end-times prophecies in both Christian and Muslim traditions. For instance, the podcast delves into the historical accuracy of the early Arab sieges of Constantinople and the role of Greek fire, questioning the reliability of historical sources and the influence of metanarratives on shaping historical understanding. Against this backdrop, the host critiques the biased historical interpretations of the Byzantine Empire, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of its millennium-long history. Ultimately, the episode concludes by questioning whether Jerusalem and Constantinople are unique in their apocalyptic significance, prompting further investigation into the concept of "apocalypse cities."