The Rest Is History 12 Days: The Murder of Thomas Becket and the Wounded Knee Massacre
11 snips
Dec 29, 2021 Dive into the shocking 1170 murder of Thomas Becket, a pivotal moment that shaped literature and religion. The hosts dissect his tumultuous relationship with King Henry II and the haunting legacy of his martyrdom. Transitioning from Becket, they also examine the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, revealing the painful history of the Lakota Sioux amid settler expansion. The discussion highlights the broader themes of tragedy and martyrdom, emphasizing how these events resonate through time, affecting modern perspectives on suffering.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sandbrook's Becket
- Dominic Sandbrook played Thomas Becket in a student production of Jean Anouilh's Becket.
- The Scotsman reviewed it, criticizing the "teenage bishops and trainers."
Becket's Transformation
- Thomas Becket, a Londoner, was initially Henry II's friend and chancellor.
- Henry appointed Becket as Archbishop expecting compliance, but Becket became devout, opposing Henry and leading to exile.
Henry II's Snobbishness
- Henry II's fury stemmed from Becket's low birth and audacity to challenge him.
- This highlights Henry II's snobbishness as a key driver of the conflict.
