In this series introduction, we discuss the collapse of the Theme System and the corrupt, fragile state of the Balkans in the late 12th century. The western-Byzantine rivalry would finally come to a head with the several invasions of the Western Balkans, and ultimately, the seizure of Constantinople in the 4th Crusade, events which will set in motion the stories of this series.

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Sources

Intro: Zachary Wheeler and Nathaniel Scarborough, "Hej, Sokoły" folk tune

Outro: Antonín Dvořák, Serenade for Strings, Op. 22 (London Symphony Orchestra 1960)

Fine, John VA Jr. The Late Medieval Balkans. University of Michigan Press, 1994.