In this episode, we journey into the medieval Banate of Bosnia, a pivotal era when Bosnia was ruled by local lords bearing the title of Ban. Bosnia transformed from a nominal vassal state into a de facto independent realm under its own bans. This period laid the foundations of Bosnian statehood, characterized by political resilience, unique religious developments, and a blossoming of culture and trade.

Podcast website: historyofbosnia.com

Instagram page: @historyofbih

Today’s episode picks up the story in Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. We’ll cover the tumultuous period after Roman rule – a time when new peoples swept into the Balkans, and the foundations for medieval Bosnia were laid.. We’ll learn who the early Slavs were – where they came from, what their society and beliefs were like – and how they migrated to the Balkans. We’ll see how these Slavic tribes eventually formed early states, and how Bosnia emerged as a distinct entity amid the power struggles of empires and neighboring kingdoms. And finally, we’ll discuss the Christianization of the Slavs, including why Bosnia was one of the last areas to embrace the new religion and how many pagan traditions survived in folk culture.

Podcast website: historyofbosnia.com

Instagram page: @historyofbih

This episode of The History of Bosnia and Herzegovina is all about the clash between the Illyrians and Rome. I discuss how the Illyrians came to be a regional power, their leaders, and their ultimate downfall at the hands of Rome.

Podcast website: historyofbosnia.com

Instagram page: @historyofbih