The Napoleonic Quarterly

On a freezing day in December 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte placed the imperial crown of France on his head in Notre-Dame - the first time an Emperor had ruled in Paris for 1,000 years and the time of Charlemagne. What were the ambiguities of the ceremony and what did they mean for the continuing story of French politics? Was this the moment the French Revolution really ended? What effects would this new title have on the new Emperor Napoleon I - and his warring family?

Alex Stevenson is joined by Dr Ambrogio Caiani, Senior Lecturer In History at the University of Kent, to explore the build-up to the coronation, the day itself and its various hidden meanings. With moments of great pomp and circumstance, both profound meaning and perilous farce are never far away.

Thanks to our resident artificial intelligence, NAIpoleon Bot-aparte, here's what you can expect in this episode in a bit more detail:
A deep dive into Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation, exploring its significance as a turning point in the end of the French Revolution and the rise of imperial France.

Candid discussion about the political motivations behind Napoleon’s self-crowning, including the ongoing instability and the reasoning for establishing a hereditary empire.

Insight into the role of Pope Pius VII, the negotiations for his presence in Paris, and the myths versus reality surrounding his involvement in the ceremony.

Anecdotes and drama from the lead-up to the coronation, including Josephine’s last-minute confession and the family tensions within the Bonaparte clan.

Thoughtful analysis of the symbolism, spectacle, and public response to the event—plus reflections on how this moment fundamentally changed Napoleon’s personality and approach to power.

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Clemens Bemmann is joined by Rick Schneid, John Gill and Graeme Callister for the final of our Italian campaign series, this time looking at the Battle of Rivoli - a pivotal moment for Napoleon Bonaparte which provided him with yet another triumph. This episode concludes our pilot series exploring whether we can do more to make battles presentable in audio format.
Here's a good map to visualise the battle... here's an even better one... and here's a summary courtesy of N-AI-poleon Bot-aparte on what to expect in this episode:

A front-row seat at the Battle of Rivoli: Experience the dramatic twists and turns of the battle, including strategic decisions, troop movements, and real-time chaos, bringing the conflict vividly to life.

Insider perspectives: Gain a balanced view of the campaign, with detailed insights from the French and Austrian camps—from Bonaparte’s restless ambition to the Austrian army’s struggles and eventual defeat.

Behind-the-scenes of Napoleonic leadership: Learn how Napoleon and his staff responded to challenges, kept their forces motivated, and managed crises as the momentum shifted back and forth across the battlefield.

Historical anecdotes and colourful commentary: Firsthand accounts, rumors, and memorable moments—such as Napoleon’s legendary “ditch” incident at Lodi, cavalry charges, and officers rallying (or failing to rally) their men.

Consequences beyond Rivoli: Discover the aftermath of the battle and why Rivoli marked a decisive turning point, setting the stage for further French victories and reshaping the fate of the Italian campaign and the War of the First Coalition.

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Chris Sloan is joined by Josh Provan to explore more about the Marathas, untold stories from their second war with the British and the rise of the maverick Maharajah Holkar amidst the end of an Empire and the rise of another. These were turbulent times for India, as we unpick here. This episode covers:

A deep dive into the Second Anglo-Maratha War, including the complex relationships and internal disputes among the Maratha confederacy’s rulers.

Insightful exploration of Yashwantrao Holkar’s role—his background, military strategies, timing, and impact on the course of the conflict.

Detailed discussion of Maratha military traditions, especially their reliance on cavalry, how this shaped their campaigns, and comparisons to other regional forces.

Examination of the broader societal context: the lives of ordinary people under Maratha rule and British expansion, including the economic and social consequences of prolonged warfare.

Critical analysis of historiography and perspectives, challenging the myth of inevitable British victory and illuminating nuances of alliance, resistance, and early hints of Indian nationalism.

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1804. October... November... December... three months in which the ruler of France completes his transition from Buonaparte to the Emperor Napoleon... the British seize three Spanish treasure ships, prompting a declaration of war from Madrid... and in India there's success for the British, continuing the downward slide of the Marathas. This is episode 52 of the Napoleonic Quarterly - covering three months in which the country of Charlemagne once again has an emperor on its throne.
[05:45] - Headline developments
[11:45] - Adam Zamoyski on the coronation of the Emperor Napoleon
[38:00] - David Andress on Britain in 1804, its seizure of Spanish treasure ships and Spain's declaration of war
[1:03:15] - Josh Provan on the Holkar War, the British in India and the end of the Second Anglo-Maratha War
Adam Zamoyski on the Napoleonic soap opera:
https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/ADAM-ZAMOYSKI-on-the-Napoleonic-soap-opera/B0G1HWMBH6
Indian soldiers and the British Empire:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/indian-soldiers-and-the-british-empire-w-ravindra-rathee/id1547058446?i=1000696386813
Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Liam Gauci of the Malta Maritime Museum is joined by Phillip Cuccia and Konstantine Peradze to discuss the complex history of the Barbary States, their war with the United States and their broader impact on the Napoleonic Wars.
In this episode you'll hear:

The 'Pirate' vs 'Privateer' debate: The panel dives into whether the Barbary States’ seafaring activities should be considered piracy or state-sanctioned privateering, highlighting the political and legal complexities of the time.

The US Navy’s First Major Combat Encounter: A detailed look at the fierce 1804 close-combat in Tripoli, including Stephen Decatur’s daring actions and the dramatic destruction of the USS Philadelphia.

Personal Stories from the Mediterranean: Listeners hear about fascinating characters, like a Maltese who switched allegiances multiple times, and the roles played by Georgians and other Mediterranean peoples in these shifting alliances.

How the Barbary Wars Shaped American Naval Policy: The episode explains how attacks by the Barbary corsairs prompted the young United States to invest in building a powerful navy, influencing both US politics and military priorities.

Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy and Local Perspectives: There’s rich discussion around diplomatic efforts, ransom negotiations, and the constant need for resources in the Barbary States, tying in broader Mediterranean and Napoleonic geopolitics.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly