Switzerland, a Chronicle
This podcast presents a comprehensive history of Switzerland and its people, beginning in Celtic times and continuing through the modern era. It chronicles the key political, social, and cultural events that have shaped the Swiss nation. Each episode provides listeners with a detailed narrative of how Switzerland evolved into its present form. The series is well-suited for those interested in European history and the unique development of Switzerland.
Episodes
News 3
Apologies for the lack of a new episode this weekend. Unfortunately I’ve been rather busy in the last couple of weeks with medical issues, scans and office visits. I will be having surgery in the near future. It has thrown me completely off my regular schedule. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow m
Ep. 29. The Black Death of 1347-8, persecution of the Jews and later plagues
In this episode 13 of series 2 - We'll look at the effects of the Black Death on Swiss lands. At the time the causes were unknown and in some areas, suspicion fell upon the weak and disfranchised such as lepers and the poor, but, by far, the Jews were singled out as the main antagonists of Christianity and, therefore, were somehow responsible for the huge numbers of deaths in some great scheme of
Ep. 28. Cultural and Political developments across Swiss lands (1338-1347)
In this episode 12 of series 2 - We'll look at Cultural and Religious achievements and then cover events in Bern, Locarno, Zürich, Luzern, Appenzell, Grisons and the Valais (phew!)There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like the podcast and want to keep it advertising free please consider supporting me through Patreo
Ep. 27. The Laupen War (1339)
In this episode 11 of series 2 - Bern and its Walstätte allies defeat an imperial army led by nobles from the Burgundian Uechtland at the Battle of Laupen in 1339.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’m doing please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. Yo
Ep. 26. Luzern joins the Waldstätte, Bern flexes its muscles and Revolution in Zürich (1330-1336)
In this episode 10 of series 2 - Luzern allies with the Forest Cantons, Bern flexes its muscles against Fribourg and a Revolution takes place in Zürich. There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’m doing please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find
Ep. 25. Old Claims and New Alliances (1316-1329)
In this episode 9 of series 2 - We'll look at the aftermath of the Battle of Morgarten. The Habsburgs continued to exert their claims to little avail. New alliances emerge in the Swiss lands. There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that
Ep. 24. The Battle of Morgarten (1315)
In this episode 8 of series 2 - We'll visit the site of the Battle of Morgarten and learn about the defeat of Leopold I's army by Swiss Confederates, an event that will echo around Europe. The Pact of Brunnen is sworn just three weeks after the battle to reflect a deeper solidarity for the Eidgenossen.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerl
Ep. 23. Two Kings and the path to conflict. (And Templars?!)
In this episode 7 of series 2 - I'll examine the dual election of Friedrich the Fair of Habsburg and Wittelsbach Ludwig of Bavaria. We'll see how an occupation of the Monastery of Einsiedeln by the men of Schwyz drove the Habsburgs under Leopold, Friedrich's younger brother to contemplate an invasion of Schwyz. I'll also take a look at a current fringe idea that modern Switzerland “descends from”
Ep. 22. The Assassination of King Albrecht I (1308)
In this episode 6 of series 2 - I recount the assassination of King Albrecht I by his nephew when crossing the Reuss near Windisch.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me
Ep. 21. Wilhelm Tell
In this episode 5 of series 2 - I recount the story of Wilhelm Tell and the shooting of an apple from the head of his son and then look at how the Swiss hero has been perceived and emulated during subsequent history. What is his status today?There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consid
Ep. 20. The Oath on the Rütli 1307
In this episode 4 of series 2 - I recount the stories of the Oath on the Rütli or Rütlischwur of 1307. Is the event historical? How does it affect subsequent events since it does form a core part of the liberation tradition in Switzerland?There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. I am creating a podcast website that will larg
Ep. 19. The Sacred and Secular in the 13th/14th centuries
In this episode 3 of series 2 - The Sacred and Secular in the 13th/14th centuries we'll look at several new influences on religion and thought in the Swiss lands and some new secular trends, some that connect to the sacred and some that do not. There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. I am creating a podcast website that wil
Ep. 18. Plus ça change...1291-1306
In this episode 2 of series 2 - Plus ça change, (plus c'est la même chose) we'll look at how things change but largely remain the same in the 1290s and early 1300s. Something is changing in society but it will take a little longer to fully manifest.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. I am also going to create a podcast
Ep. 17. The Bundesbrief of 1291
In this episode starting series 2 - The Bundesbrief of 1291. Why was it written? What does it say? What outcomes stem from its creation?There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. In 2026 I am going to create a podcast website that will largely replace this and include the text of the episodes. If you like what I’ve started ple
News 2
Apologies for the lack of a new episode. Unfortunately I’m just recovering from a horrendous bout of cold or flu. My voice hasn’t been useful for recoding for two weeks and I’ve fallen behind on content creation, my head feeling as if it were made of wood. The first episode of series 2 will appear early in the New Year and cover the events of 1291.There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, map
Ep. 16. Alpine Lands / Berner Oberland from circa 1200 CE
Nearly two-thirds of Switzerland's territory belongs to the Alpine region, and the Alps have profoundly shaped the entire history of Switzerland. In this episode we’ll look at the Alpine Lands particularly the Berner Oberland from circa 1200 CE onwards. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd li
Ep. 15. Rudolf I, King of the Romans (1273-1291)
In this episode we’ll examine the reign of German King, Rudolf I, King of the Romans. We'll look at the events of his reign with a focus on those in Swiss territory and we'll also look as his character and how he is now viewed in Swiss history. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and se
Ep. 14. The Great Interregnum (1250-1273)
In this episode we’ll examine the Great Interregnum when German lands of the Roman Empire had no Emperor. Kings were elected but had little power. It was a time of lawlessness but also alliances between those trying to maintain peace and trade. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and se
Ep. 13. The Waldstätte or Urschweiz and what was life like in 1250 CE
In this episode we’ll take a closer look at the territory of the Waldstätte or Urschweiz as a precursor to the events of the second half of the thirteenth century and look at daily like in 1250 CE. How has it changed since our last look in 1000 CE in episode 5? There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if
Ep. 12. Reichsfreiheit for Schwyz, Friedrich II’s death and the start of the Interregnum
In this episode we'll look at events between 1232 and 1250 CE, The people of Schwyz gain Reichsfreiheit, Emperor Friedrich II dies and the Interregnum when the Empire has no leader starts. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreo
Ep. 11. Cities, trade, opening of the Gotthard Pass and Reichsfreiheit for Uri
In this episode we'll look at events between 1219 and 1231 CE, Cities are gaining more self-determination and trade is increasing causing an uptick in the need for money and hence mints. The St. Gotthard Pass is opened for north-south traffic and as a result Uri quickly obtains imperial immediacy or Reichsfreiheit. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the na
Ep. 10. The Walsers, Schwyz gains and the end of the House of Zähringen
In this episode we'll look at events at the outset of the thirteenth century. The Walsers commence their migrations, Schwyz gains territory in their long term struggle with Einsiedeln and the House of Zähringen comes to an end with the death of Berthold V without heirs. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please foll
Ep. 9. The founding of Bern and the end of the 12th century
In this episode we'll look at events in the last quarter of the twelfth century. Friedrich Barbarossa dies, Bern is founded, the border between Uri and Glarus is in dispute, there are some important church rebuilding projects and there is the tale of Idda of Toggenburg. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please foll
Ep. 8. Zähringer and Staufer tensions. Alpine farming and Monastery income.
In this episode we'll look at events in the third quarter of the twelfth century. There are tensions between the House of Zähringen and the House of Hohenstaufen. We have some insights from original sources about Alpine Farming and the income of a large Monastery. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow if
Ep. 7. Swiss lands in the first half of the 12th century
In this episode we'll look at events in the first half of the twelfth century. Noble house are on the rise as the Empire is relatively weak. We'll also look at tensions in the heart of Swiss territory. There's also a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Find me or support on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/m
Ep. 6. Burgundy, Swabia and the Empire in the 11th century
Having taken a break in the last episode, we return to the timeline narrative in this episode and pick up in the early 11th century. We'll look at events and changes in Burgundy and Swabia as part of the Empire in the 11th century. The Investiture Crisis between Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII has its effects. There's also a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narra
News
I have an update about the podcast Switzerland, a Chronicle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 5. What was life like in the year 1000 CE?
In this episode we’ll take a break from the timeline narrative and examine what life was like for various people in Swiss territory at different levels of society in the year 1000 CE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 4. Burgundy, Swabia and the Regnum Teutonicum to the Millennium
The story continues after the fall of the Carolingian Empire with Kings in Burgundy and Dukes of Swabia under the Kings of East Francia. New noble families that will be determining history in the coming centuries appear: Houses of Zähringen, Habsburg, Kyburg and others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 3. To the Treaty of Verdun and the End of the Frankish Empire
Continuing the timeline for our Chronicle of Switzerland and the Swiss peoples, I look at the Carolingian dynasty, the in-fighting that led to the Treaty of Verdun and the End of the Frankish Empire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 2. Merovingians and Carolingians
Continuing the timeline for our Chronicle of Switzerland and the Swiss peoples, I look at the Frankish Empire and it's Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 1. Switzerland: Celts, Romans and the Migration Period
A history of Switzerland and the Swiss might properly open with the thirteenth century but it will be useful to provide some earlier contextual timeline. So where do we start? Where can we first detect the foundations of what we now call Switzerland with it’s peoples, culture and manner of political determination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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