The Sixth Age: A Medieval History Podcast

From Empire to Fragmentation: Gupta India’s Collapse and the Dawn of the Medieval Era

In the 4th–5th centuries AD the Gupta Empire’s golden age—shaped by rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, thriving trade with Rome, and rich religious and urban life—was shattered by repeated invasions by the Huns. Reliant on Roman gold and international trade, the Guptas could not withstand the sustained pressure. The episode traces the Guptas’ rise, their ties to Roman commerce, the Hunnic invasions and attacks on monasteries, and the empire’s collapse into regional kingdoms—drawing parallels to the fall of Rome and the birth of medieval societies in India and Europe.

The Sons of the Sea-Monster: The Merovingians and the Making of France

This episode explores the legendary and historical origins of the Merovingian dynasty, from the myth of Merovich’s sea-monster conception to Clovis’s military conquests and conversion to Christianity. It examines Frankish identity, Roman influence, the synthesis of Roman and Germanic cultures, and how Clovis’s actions set the foundation for the medieval kingdom of France.

Christian Creeds: Formalizing Ancient and Early Medieval Christianity, from Nicea to Chalcedon

This episode traces early Christianity’s theological diversity and the struggle to define orthodoxy from grassroots movements to imperial councils. It explains how emperors like Constantine and Theodosius used councils (Nicaea, Ephesus, Chalcedon) to settle disputes over Jesus’ nature, label heresies, and enforce creeds—reshaping the Christian world and provoking enduring schisms.

Saint Brigid: Breaking Boundaries in Medieval Ireland

How do you turn a pagan goddess into a Christian saint? That's what we're asking in this week's episode on Saint Brigid, the boundary-breaking Irish woman who was venerated across Medieval Europe. We'll be talking about Brigid's pagan origins, as well as examining her relationship with some modern-day Irish social movements.  Learn more at our website! [https://www.6thagepod.com/]

Theodoric the Great, and the Foundation of Medieval Italy

This week we're diving into the life of Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic King who conquered Italy and ruled Barbarian and Roman alike. We'll be focusing on the way Theodoric blended Roman and Gothic culture to rule effectively, and talk about how his rule paved the way for an Italian Kingdom, independent of Constantinople's oversight.  Comments, questions, or concerns can be left at 6thagepod.com/contact Apologies for the dog eating his lunch in the background. Mic filters are on the way, so there should be less background noise in future episodes.