Interview with Michael Pye on the Golden Age of Antwerp

In the sixteenth-century there was nowhere quite like Antwerp. Tolerant, brisk and vibrant, it sat at the heart of a busy and growing trading network. By mid-century it was rival to Venice, a place that many called the city at the hub of the world. Today’s guest is the historian, columnist and broadcaster Michael Pye. For many years Pye has been investigating Antwerp’s distinctive culture and unique place in European history. In this episode he takes us into the rowdy streets of Europe’s busiest port. Antwerp was, he points out, a haven for Jews and hard-line Protestants, and a playground for just about everyone else. As ever, much, much more about this episode is to be found at our website tttpodcast.com. Click here to order Michael Pye’s book from our friends at John Sandoe’s who, we are delighted to say, are supplying books for the podcast. Show notes Scene One: September, Charles V’s ceremonial entry into Antwerp with his son Philip. Scene Two: The King of Sweden sends Jacob Binck to Antwerp to check on the progress of a tomb he had commissioned. Scene Three: Italian merchant and conman Simone Turchi’s luck begins to run out as his past catches up with him, ending with his public execution. Memento: A baboon People/Social Presenter: Violet Moller Guest: Michael Pye Production: Maria Nolan Podcast partner: Unseen Histories Follow us on Twitter: @tttpodcast_