Brian's Spain Domain – Podcasts and Writings by Brian Murdock

SPANISH HISTORY 101: the 15th Century

We are closing in on the eve of a major moment in Spain’s history: its unification and the Discovery of the New World. But before that happens, the two biggest kingdoms at the time, Castile and Aragon, experience periods of intense instability. There’s no time for boredom here as they struggle to keeps things together. Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

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Follow-up episode: More on stolen wine and A-bombs!

I recently read some articles about the same subjects I featured in a couple of episodes. One is about a famous wine heist that took place in Caceres in November of 2021; and the other retold the infamous story of a mid-air collision between a B-52 and a refueling plane that resulted in the avcidental dropping of 4 nuclear bombs on the coast of Spain. The consequences could have been apocalyptic but miraculously the damage was moderate at worst. Still, the area has yet to be fully cleared of the radioactive waste left behind. The authorities are inching towards this aim.

King John of Gaunt of Spain?

If I were to tell you that John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, and one of the wealthiest and most dashing individuals in England, not only once claimed the throne of Castile in late 14th century but actually tried to the take kingdom over, would believe me? Well, you should, because it really happened. Both he and his older brother, Edward, the Black Prince, were active in these lands during this volatile period in European history. Listen to this brief podcast and learn more. Enjoy!

LET’S OPEN A BOTTLE 9: D.O. Toro

If you haven’t already tried it, it’s time you gave wines from Toro, especially red wine, a go. These are classics from Spain. Some even assert they were the first to reach the New World. They are bold and full of personality. The name, which actually refers to a town, aptly describes their boldness. In the past 20 years, they have experienced a well-deserved show of resounding approval. Listen and learn more. Enjoy!

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Death of a King, birth of a dynasty and a Spanish expression

In 1369, King Pedro I came face-to-face with his archrival, his stepbrother Enrique, and the two gambled the future of Spain on the outcome of a duel fought with daggers. The image you see apparently depicts the moment of truth. The winner would go on to found one of Spain’s most famous royal dynasties and one of the participants in the clash, Bertrand du Gueslin, would coin a phrase that’s still used in Spanish today. Listen and learn more.

You can subscribe to our podcasts on Spotify, Amazon. Apple and Castos. Or if you wish to support Brian’s Spain Domain, click on our PayPal donate button or check us out at Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/briansspaindomain

SPANISH HISTORY 101, EP 22: The 14th Century

Castile and Aragon are both rising to the top as the most powerful and most successful kingdoms in Spain (before it was called Spain). But it’s a tough century for everyone with the Bubonic Plague and the Hundred Years’ War ravaging Europe. To make matters worse, a civil war and endless fights for succession. Nothing is ever easy here, but it makes for some pretty fascinating history. Listen and enjoy!

Let’s Open a Bottle: D.O.Ca. Rioja (Combining the old and the new)

This is the grandaddy of them all in terms of prestige and status as the premier wine region of Spain, at least in a modern sense. It has been the most visible face in the winemaking sector of this country since the 19th century, which certainly says a lot considering Spain boasts scores of wine regions. There’s so much wine, so many legends, it’s hard too know where to start! This is just a brief overview, but it should help you learn a little more about these amazing things they do in Rioja. Listen and enjoy!

The Cathedral of Burgos

For just over 800 years, this wonder of Gothic architecture has played a central role in Castilian and Spanish life. It’s a unique member of Spain’s more than 90 major churches in that it has elements of both Spanish and northern European features. It’s the only cathedral to be a UNESCO World Heritage site on its own. After a massive 20-year restoration in advance of its 800th anniversary in 2021, it’s looking as fine as ever. We recently returned to this temple for a renewed look at it and were not disappointed. And we don’t think you will either. Listen and enjoy!

THE EDIFICIO COREA: An American colony in Franco’s Madrid

Here’s a different look at Madrid. In the 1950s, when the Torrejon Air Force Base was built and American military forces arrived, both personnel and their families moved into a neighborhood in the north of Madrid. The picture you see with the yellow rings shows you when it was just built and in the middle of nowhere. It would become a community of “Little America” as well as one of the hottest nightlife zones in the city. Listen and learn more!

SPANISH UNIVERSITIES

Some of the oldest and most venerable higher learning institutions in Europe (and the world, for that matter) are located in Spain. Many were founded as this country was initiating a rise to world power. Swords to engage in warfare with their traditional enemies the Moors were now being substituted for pens to take on intellectual endeavors. Listen to this brief rundown on some of Spain’s earliest universities. Enjoy!