The Balkans Audiobook By Captivating History cover art

The Balkans

A Captivating Guide to the History of the Balkan Peninsula, Starting from Classical Antiquity through the Middle Ages to the Modern Period

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The Balkans

By: Captivating History
Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
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About this listen

Did you know that the Balkans is home to some of the oldest cities in the world?

Many have heard the term “Balkans” tossed about but likely don’t know a whole lot about the region. The saga of the Balkans is profound yet incredibly complicated. Bordered by both the Balkan Mountains of southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, this region holds a strong place in the history of Western civilization and is also a major crossroads of Eastern civilization as well.

The Balkans have been the stomping grounds of both Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans. And both Christianity and Islam call this place home. Sadly, it was this clash of culture and religion that would lead to much of the struggles in the history of the Balkans.

Similar fault lines of conflict occurred in more recent years, especially when the Balkans erupted in bloodshed in the 1990s. The Balkans had just thrown off the fetters of decades of communism to embrace an uncertain future, only to be haunted by terrible demons from its past.

This audiobook takes a look at both the ancient past of this important part of the world, as well as more recent events.

In this audiobook, you will learn about:

  • The people who first called the Balkans home;
  • The role and impact Alexander the Great had on the region;
  • What life was like for the people of the Balkans during the Roman and Byzantine Empires;
  • What changes did the Ottoman administration bring to the Balkans;
  • The interesting roles the Balkans played during the two world wars;
  • How communism penetrated into the Balkans and its influence today;
  • What the Balkan states have been up to in more recent years;
  • And much more!

Scroll up and buy now to learn more about the Balkans!

©2022 Captivating History (P)2022 Captivating History
Education Europe Eastern Europe Ottoman Empire War Imperialism Byzantine Empire City
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What listeners say about The Balkans

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The Battles in the Balkans

I will be touring the Balkans in August and this was a great overview of the history

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    3 out of 5 stars

Very short and efficient volume of history

Lot of timeline to cover. Leaves a lot of the details out but generally sums it up well for a quick read

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Succinct and Focused

Wonderful packed overview, especially for those traveling in the area. This very complicated history is clearly laid out to be a foundation for more in-depth studies.

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Great

Great summary. Looking forward to the linger version. How many more words, I just wanted to give stars

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Great historical overview

Good narration. Relatively easy to follow timeline. Starts thousands of years ago. Would recommend listening to it.

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Great overview.

While a very cursory glance over several countries and their destinies, this book is an excellent introduction into what made the Balkan states and what makes them important.

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Concise and clear

Concise history of the Balkans from the Etruscans and Greeks up to present day. If you’re trying to understand the complexity of the region, this is a great place to start before delving into any single period, empire or country

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    4 out of 5 stars

This is a very interesting part of the world and I know little about it.

 Since I am not familiar with the names of the cities, I didn’t always know where the conflicts were happening. But I didn’t know there were so many conflicts. I don’t think anyone could keep track of them. These people have suffered greatly, because of the wars tthat happened in their countries. 

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perfect overview

thorough and linear, really enjoyed it, and am inspired to learn more history. thank you.

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Easy to follow a very complicated history

Unlike several other Balkan histories I have worked hard to finish, this one was straight forward and almost always easy to follow. I still can’t repeat all of the names, places and dates, but I have a much better grasp of the “big picture.” Thank you!

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