The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is exploding in popularity these days, but the modern travellers are part of a tradition that is over 1000 years old. How did the Camino begin? Why did medieval people go on pilgrimages anyway? From drinking wine used to wash skulls, to pilgrims in chains, this episode explores the world of medieval Christianity, and the surprising traditions around pilgrimage, including why the Camino is booming today. Support this podcast on Patreon at: patreon.com/evaschubert

The grandsons of Charlemagne slide into civil war, with thousands of Franks killing each other over the division of the empire. Though the Treaty of Verdun ends the bloodletting, Frankish troubles are far from over. Vikings sail up the Seine and sack Paris, finally leaving after being bought off by King Charles of West Francia. However Louis the German, King of East Francia, makes Viking raiders return what they stole from his territory, and collects tribute money from them. He may have been particularly disgruntled since his wife took a vow of chastity. This is the story of a king dubbed "Louis of the Iron Hands" for his extraordinary strength, and the distinctive culture he created in the lands that would become Germany.

Both the Germans and the French trace their origins to Charlemagne and the Franks. But who were the Franks, and how did they have such a powerful effect on the shape of Western Europe? This episode is a family drama gone wild, as the warriors of Charlemagne's family compete for land and status. Blindings, treachery and imprisonment follow. Our story will focus on one warrior in particular, known as Louis the German.