Literature and History
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Literature and History

NewEpisode 130: An Introduction to Early Medieval LiteratureOctober 15, 2026 · 2 h 32 min
Episodes
130
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Oct 15, 2026

About the podcast

With millions of downloads, hundreds of hours of soundtracked content, and an overall emphasis on the cultural history behind famous works of literature, Literature and History is one of the most popular independent podcasts on its subject. Starting with Sumerian cuneiform in 3,100 BCE, Literature and History moves forward in chronological order through Assyriology, Egyptology, the Old Testament, Ancient Greece and Rome, the birth of Christianity, and the early Middle Ages. The show's current season is on early Islamic history. A typical episode (they average about two hours) features a general introduction to a work of literature, then a full summary of that work that expects no prior knowledge, and finally, an analysis of the cultural, biographical, and historical forces that gave rise to the work in question. Original symphonic and ambient background music is woven throughout each show, and all episodes offer free full, illustrated, footnoted transcriptions as well as quizzes for purposes of review. The show has no advertisements, and its host takes pride in a professional approach that avoids chitchat and ephemera and gets straight to the educational content. You can listen to the episodes in any order, although most listeners begin at the beginning and proceed from there, as the podcast itself is chronologically organized. Doug Metzger finished his Ph.D. in literature in 2011. His chief scholarly interest, following his dissertation work, continues to be 19th-century realism and postbellum American philosophy.

Episodes 130

  1. Episode 130: An Introduction to Early Medieval Literature

    2 h 32 minSeason 8 · Episode 130

    NEW BONUS CONTENT CHANNEL (100 hours of stuff. Episodes on your favorite app. First week free, $9/month, cancel any time.) Bonus Content (Buy it the normal way): https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content …

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    NEW BONUS CONTENT CHANNEL (100 hours of stuff. Episodes on your favorite app. First week free, $9/month, cancel any time.) Bonus Content (Buy it the normal way): https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Learn about how literature in vernacular languages began, and Latin literature continued, during the early centuries of the Middle Ages. Episode 130 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-130-an-introduction-to-early-medieval-literature Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  2. Episode 129: We Are the Grass

    2 h 8 minSeason 7 · Episode 129

    NEW BONUS CONTENT CHANNEL (100 hours of stuff. Episodes on your favorite app. First week free, $9/month, cancel any time.) Bonus Content (Buy it the normal way): https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content A …

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    NEW BONUS CONTENT CHANNEL (100 hours of stuff. Episodes on your favorite app. First week free, $9/month, cancel any time.) Bonus Content (Buy it the normal way): https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content A retrospective on our podcast's enormous coverage of the Abrahamic religions, an introduction to the new season, and some special announcements. Episode 129 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-129-are-the-grass Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  3. Episode 128: Early Sufism

    1 h 56 minSeason 7 · Episode 128

    Sufism emerged in the 700s and 800s as a powerful part of Islam's development under the caliphates. This episode covers its early history, focusing on a generation of thinkers who lived between about 850 and …

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    Sufism emerged in the 700s and 800s as a powerful part of Islam's development under the caliphates. This episode covers its early history, focusing on a generation of thinkers who lived between about 850 and 920. Episode 128 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-128/ Episode 128 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-128-early-sufism Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  4. Episode 127: Bashshar ibn Burd

    2 h 2 minSeason 7 · Episode 127

    DOUG'S NEW BOOK - The Odyssey: An Illustrated Guide COLORING BOOK VERSION - The Odyssey Coloring Book Bashshar ibn Burd, feisty, restless, brilliant, and wise, was one of the founding figures of Classical …

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  5. Episode 126: Kalilah and Dimnah

    2 h 12 minSeason 7 · Episode 126

    Kalilah and Dimnah, a cornerstone of Classical Arabic literature, is one of the most beloved story collections in history. DOUG'S NEW BOOK - The Odyssey: An Illustrated Guide COLORING BOOK VERSION - The Odyssey …

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  6. Episode 125: The Zoroastrian Bundahisn

    2 h 3 minSeason 7 · Episode 125

    The Bundahisn is the Zoroastrian creation story. At once an epic and encyclopedia, it's also a window into the end of Zoroastrianism's ascendancy in Iran. Episode 125 Quiz …

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  7. Episode 124: The Last Great War of Antiquity

    2 h 14 minSeason 7 · Episode 124

    DOUG'S NEW BOOK - The Odyssey: An Illustrated Guide COLORING BOOK VERSION - The Odyssey Coloring Book Episode 124 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-124/ Episode 124 Transcription …

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  8. Episode 123: An Introduction to the Hadiths

    2 h 1 minSeason 7 · Episode 123

    The hadiths are second only to the Qur'an in Islam. Short narratives about the Prophet Muhammad - the things he said and did - hadiths have been a source of wisdom and inspiration for Muslims for more than a …

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    The hadiths are second only to the Qur'an in Islam. Short narratives about the Prophet Muhammad - the things he said and did - hadiths have been a source of wisdom and inspiration for Muslims for more than a thousand years. Episode 123 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-123/ Episode 123 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-123-an-introduction-to-the-hadiths Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  9. Episode 122: The Early Abbasid Caliphate

    2 h 25 minSeason 7 · Episode 122

    From 750-861, a dynasty of ten caliphs seated in modern-day Iraq ruled one of history's largest empires. The territory they lost and won, the wars they fought, and the cultural renaissance that they helped …

    Show notes

    From 750-861, a dynasty of ten caliphs seated in modern-day Iraq ruled one of history's largest empires. The territory they lost and won, the wars they fought, and the cultural renaissance that they helped usher in all had far reaching impacts on world history. Ancient Novels Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zrUMtCpNt4 Oresteia Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK7e8WOOl4g Episode 122 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-122/ Episode 122 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-122-the-early-abbasid-caliphate Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  10. Episode 121: The Umayyad Caliphate

    2 h 15 minSeason 7 · Episode 121

    The Umayyad Caliphate, from 661-750, became the largest empire the world had ever known, even as it suffered through two civil wars and significant internal divisions. This episode covers its overall military …

    Show notes

    The Umayyad Caliphate, from 661-750, became the largest empire the world had ever known, even as it suffered through two civil wars and significant internal divisions. This episode covers its overall military, political, and cultural history. Episode 121 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-121/ Episode 121 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-121-the-umayyad-caliphate Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  11. Episode 120: The Rashidun Caliphate

    2 h 25 minSeason 7 · Episode 120

    The Rashidun caliphate, from 632-661, completely changed the history of the world. Learn the story of the greatest imperial expansion of the first millennium, together with the complex political and theological …

    Show notes

    The Rashidun caliphate, from 632-661, completely changed the history of the world. Learn the story of the greatest imperial expansion of the first millennium, together with the complex political and theological history behind it. Episode 120 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-120/ Episode 120 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-120-the-rashidun-caliphate Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  12. Episode 119: The Qur'an, Part 3: Origins

    2 h 19 minSeason 7 · Episode 119

    The Qur'an has deep roots in the Bible and in the unique religious climate of Late Antique Mecca. Learn about its many references to the Bible and ancient Arabian religion in this episode. Kevin Stroud's The …

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  13. Episode 118: The Qur'an, Part 2: Ordinances

    2 h 17 minSeason 7 · Episode 118

    Learn about the foundations of Islamic Law in the Qur'an - the 350 or so verses that tell believers what they're required to do, and what's prohibited. Episode 118 Quiz …

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  14. Episode 117: The Qur'an, Part 1: Overview

    2 h 7 minSeason 7 · Episode 117

    Learn the basics of the Qur'an - its size, structure, how and when it came together, and the book's most important contents. Episode 117 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-117/ Episode 117 …

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  15. Episode 116: The Life of Muhammad, Part 3: Conquest

    2 h 4 minSeason 7 · Episode 116

    During the final years of the Prophet Muhammad's life and the immediate aftermath of his death, the Muslims conquered Mecca, the first caliph Abu Bakr came to power, and the stage was set for the great Islamic …

    Show notes

    During the final years of the Prophet Muhammad's life and the immediate aftermath of his death, the Muslims conquered Mecca, the first caliph Abu Bakr came to power, and the stage was set for the great Islamic conquests of the seventh century. Episode 116 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-116/ Episode 116 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-116-the-life-of-muhammad-part-3 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  16. Episode 115: The Life of Muhammad, Part 2: Community

    2 h 16 minSeason 7 · Episode 115

    Between 622 and 628, Muhammad and the first Muslims made a home from themselves in Medina, fended off assaults from the Quraysh and others, and changed the course of history forever. New Spotify Bonus Content …

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  17. Episode 114: The Life of Muhammad, Part 1: Cobwebs

    2 h 22 minSeason 7 · Episode 114

    An orphan and caravan trade agent, Muhammad (570-632) lived a fairly ordinary life up until the age of 40. Then, everything changed. New Songs Page: https://literatureandhistory.com/songs/ Episode 114 Quiz …

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  18. Episode 113: Antarah ibn Shaddad

    2 h 4 minSeason 7 · Episode 113

    Antarah ibn Shaddad, a killer, a lover, and an epic hero, was also one of early Arabic literature's most famous poets. Parker's Song: https://youtu.be/bTVWrxfb5wk Episode 113 Quiz …

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  19. Episode 112: Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry

    2 h 20 minSeason 7 · Episode 112

    Prior to the dawn of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula had a great poetic tradition, with many genres, and many poets who are still celebrated and studied today. Episode 112 Quiz …

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  20. Episode 111: Pre-Islamic Arabia

    2 h 22 minSeason 7 · Episode 111

    Leading up to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in about 570 CE, the Arabian Peninsula was an increasingly populous and globally interconnected region. Episode 111 Quiz …

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  21. Episode 110: Questions

    2 h 21 minSeason 6 · Episode 110

    In Episode 110, Literature and History host Doug Metzger answers dozens of listener questions about making the show, books, and how and why the podcast came to be. Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons …

    Show notes

    In Episode 110, Literature and History host Doug Metzger answers dozens of listener questions about making the show, books, and how and why the podcast came to be. Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.com/upcoming-seasons/ The Actual First Novels Bonus Series: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content#tafn Episode 110 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-110-questions/ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  22. Episode 109: Cornerstones

    2 h 10 minSeason 6 · Episode 109

    Episode 109 brings our long season on Late Antiquity to a close, reviews the past 24 programs on the beginnings of the Middle Ages, and introduces our new season on early Islamic History. The Actual First …

    Show notes

    Episode 109 brings our long season on Late Antiquity to a close, reviews the past 24 programs on the beginnings of the Middle Ages, and introduces our new season on early Islamic History. The Actual First Novels Bonus Series: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content#tafn Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.com/upcoming-seasons/ Episode 109 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-109-cornerstones/ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  23. Episode 108: Isidore of Seville

    2 h 14 minSeason 6 · Episode 108

    One of the great scholars of Late Antiquity, Isidore (c. 560-636) left behind a compendium called the Etymologies, an encyclopedia of his epoch's knowledge, a book second only to the Bible during the Middle …

    Show notes

    One of the great scholars of Late Antiquity, Isidore (c. 560-636) left behind a compendium called the Etymologies, an encyclopedia of his epoch's knowledge, a book second only to the Bible during the Middle Ages. Episode 108 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-108/ Episode 108 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-108-isidore-of-seville/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kT74jAXCA4 Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  24. Episode 107: Venantius Fortunatus

    2 h 12 minSeason 6 · Episode 107

    The Merovingian court poet Venantius Fortunatus (c. 530-600), at work in Francia in the late 500s, shows us the world of the Middle Ages blooming from Roman ruins. Episode 107 Quiz …

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  25. Episode 106: Gregory of Tours, Part 2

    2 h 8 minSeason 6 · Episode 106

    The second half of the History of the Franks (591) is a deep dive into the grime and intrigue of the Merovingian dynasty, written in a style that's as medieval as it is classical. Episode 106 Quiz …

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  26. Episode 105: Gregory of Tours, Part 1

    2 h 27 minSeason 6 · Episode 105

    Gregory of Tours (c. 539-594) completed The History of the Franks in 591. The long book's account of Clovis and the Merovingian Dynasty has been one of our most important sources on early Medieval History, ever …

    Show notes

    Gregory of Tours (c. 539-594) completed The History of the Franks in 591. The long book's account of Clovis and the Merovingian Dynasty has been one of our most important sources on early Medieval History, ever since. Episode 105 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-105/ Episode 105 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-105-gregory-of-tours-part-1/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLz16V1Gr7E Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  27. Episode 104: An Introduction to the Talmud

    2 h 22 minSeason 6 · Episode 104

    Second only to the Tanakh, the 63 Tractates of the Talmud are the main text of Rabbinic Judaism, containing the teachings of thousands of ancient rabbis. Upcoming Seasons …

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  28. Episode 103: Boethius

    2 h 21 minSeason 6 · Episode 103

    In the twilight of the Western Empire, Boethius (c. 476-523) served as consul, but ended his life imprisoned by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric, writing The Consolation of Philosophy. Episode 103 Quiz …

    Show notes

    In the twilight of the Western Empire, Boethius (c. 476-523) served as consul, but ended his life imprisoned by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric, writing The Consolation of Philosophy. Episode 103 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-103/ Episode 103 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-103-boethius Song https://youtu.be/ul1PUVPDAcQ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

  29. Episode 102: An Old Man's Book (Augustine's City of God, Part 2 of 2)

    2 h 28 minSeason 6 · Episode 102

    Augustine's City of God, Part 2 of 2. The second half of the City of God contains some of Late Antiquity's most influential writings – most notably Augustine's take on Original Sin. Episode 102 Quiz …

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  30. Episode 101: Against the Pagans (Augustine's City of God, Part 1 of 2)

    2 h 16 minSeason 6 · Episode 101

    Augustine's City of God, Part 1 of 2. The first half of the City of God is a broadside against paganism – its culture, religion, and history, subjects about which Augustine had much to say. Episode 101 Quiz …

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These are the latest 100 of 130 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.