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Pick the Next Extra History Series! "The Great..."
🕑 Added 2022-08-15 17:31:00 +0000 UTCIt's time for our Extra History poll! Where you get to vote on what our next Extra History Series is about!
These four topics were selected from our "The Great" Patreon Suggestions and are listed in no particular order below.
--- Alexander the Great ---
When Julius Caesar was a young Roman officer, one of his soldiers found him weeping while reading a book. Turns out, it was a biography of Alexander, and Caesar felt shame that Alexander had done so much by the time he was Caesar’s age. It’s hard not to see Caesar’s point—coming to the throne of Macedon at the age of 20, Alexander III spent his entire 12-year reign at war, never losing a battle. His pan-Greek alliance would make him the Lord of Asia and Pharaoh of Egypt, and put him on the throne of Persia—and ensure his short reign cast a long shadow as it inaugurated the Hellenic Age.
--- The Black Death ---
It didn’t start with rats, or fleas, but bacteria. Yersinia pestis is a fiendishly clever bacteria that propagates and clogs the stomach of fleas. Starving and unable to feed, the flea bites new host organisms in a frenzied fashion, regurgitating bacteria to try and clear its stomach so it can eat—spreading a disease that killed between 30-60% of Europe’s population in only a few years. The horror of this great mortality, as it was called, would reshape Europe and the Middle East, driving religious and social changes while also, unexpectedly, leaving behind a world that was in some ways better for the survivors. Join us in an exploration of the worst epidemic in human history, and see how the 14th century responded to the apocalypse.
--- Frederick the Great ---
As a young man, Frederick—crown prince of Prussia—always seemed more interested in art, music, and philosophy than war. In fact, he hated his military life and overbearing father so much that at the age of 18, he tried to flee to England with a man believed to be his lover. Caught by his father, Frederick was forced to watch as his boyfriend was beheaded. This is the unlikely background of one of the 18th century’s most famous military minds. As king, Frederick would prove himself a master strategist—leading his country to victory in the Silesian Wars and the first partition of Poland. An enlightened absolutist who patronized arts and learning, he shaped Prussia into a major power that challenged Austria—though his legacy would be tainted when he was adopted as a symbol of the Nazis.
--- Charlemagne ---
The first leader to unite most of western and central Europe since the fall of Rome, Charlemagne (literally, Charles the Great), became the first Holy Roman Emperor by toppling kings, saving popes, hastening the split between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and kicking off the Carolingian Renaissance. However, he did so at the point of a sword, often forcing conversion and obedience through sheer violence. But the truth of Charlemagne’s rule is only one part of the story—because he would become a legend even in his own lifetime as a warrior-king, inspiring knightly stories and even influencing characters in fantasy literature.
Cast your vote(s) below and let us know what series you would like us to air on Extra History!
Current Schedule:
Easter Rising --> A Diplomatic History of Pearl Harbor --> Your Vote!
***Friendly reminder: The poll will end at 5:00 PM PT on Friday, August 19th. You can vote for as many choices as you want! This style of voting helps us see what people are most interested in without having to make tough decisions between a couple of close favorites. ***
Comments
Martin Verran
Looks like Old Fritz is ahead by a couple of chickens...sorry, I mean votes.
Extra History
Whew, this is one hecken close race!
Robert Bevill
I know the least about Frederick, so he gets my vote.
Trevin Beattie
I’m glad this is a multiple-choice poll; lots of good topics here.
Vicki
I'd really love a video about Alfred the Great of England.
Extra History
Too many good choices!!! It's bitter-sweet when someone wins. QQ
Drunk Captain Crunch
My vote is for either the Black Death or Charlemagne. Charlemagne in particular I think would make for an interesting series because it can also cover a bit of schisms within Christianity that I find interesting since watching the EC series on the early christian schisms.
The Rogue Chief
This was a close one… I was about 45% for Charlemagne and 55% for Frederick!
Janvier Palmer
ALL OF THEM!
Duncan
Definitely Frederick, really interested to hear more.
Aaron Neumann
I am still holding out for when we cover Ferdinand von Zeppelin: calvary officer, war hero, inventor, and CEO. Ferdinand is all of this and more. His company still stands today, and his airships inspired millions... He also has the fluffiest, most prudent march ever (yes, the Germans have a march for EVERYTHING!)...
Ramien
Frederick for me. The others I have a bit more knowledge of.
Erika D
I picked The Black Death and Charlemagne. I think you can pick multiple if you try :)
PhlubbaDubba
This poll makes me wish Patreon had an option for approval style voting so I could pick multiple
Kristian Hagberg
Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks!!!!
Martin Verran
Frederick's certainly getting my vote, however I'm desperate for an Alexander series, as well as Charlemagne! Oh, and you forgot to add the Great Sheep Mutiny of 1888.
Blake
I know we have the Broad Street Pump series already, but learning about the Black Death sadly feels increasingly relevant to today. Hopefully it can be considered again in the future.
Pyrian
You don't have to pick just one. You could pick two, three, or even four if you really want to.
Peanut Tree5000
I never expected the Black Death to be in this poll, but makes sense.
Kristian Hagberg
You should check out the Charlemagne-videos by Historymarche. They're really good 😄
themunck
No Margrete I, 0/10.
Falcon02
All are great but I voted for Charlemagne... I feel like at least in my experience (US), Charlemagne is under covered. He exists as a name almost everyone knows from history, but few truely know of outside of some vague mythical Christian King Paragon.
Maximilian Vermilye
Dang these are ALL good! 😮 I want them ALL!! 🤩🤩
Kristian Hagberg
Oh my god! I love all of these! How can I pick only one?! You guys are awful for making all of the topics amazing 😂😂😝(by the way, noticing a "the great" theme haha)
Katie Malone
Definitely either Black Death or Charlemagne.
