The Rest Is History 40. History as Entertainment
Apr 5, 2021
Discover how historical events shape the world of gaming, from Viking themes to British history. The podcast dives into the ethics of representing violence in games and the allure of financial victories in society. Explore the shift of Monopoly from a critique of capitalism to a capitalist icon. Reenactments are discussed as both educational tools and nostalgic entertainment, reflecting complex societal values. Finally, delve into the evolution of board games like Risk, illustrating the interplay between gameplay and historical narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Roman Reenactments
- The Romans reenacted historical battles, sometimes with altered outcomes, like in the film Gladiator.
- These reenactments, including gladiatorial combats, served as entertainment and reminders of Roman martial history.
Medieval Reenactments
- Edward I's knights attempted to recreate Camelot, influencing medieval tournaments where participants dressed as Arthurian figures.
- A similar Victorian attempt to revive a medieval tournament, organized by the Duke of Eglinton, was unfortunately rained out.
Medieval Warfare Tournament
- Tom Holland describes a thrilling, educational, and political medieval warfare tournament in Spain.
- This "World Cup" of historical combat involved teams from various countries, including some involved in the Crimean invasion.
