Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities Catching On
Mar 27, 2025
The discussion kicks off with a look at evolving fears around extraterrestrials, blending history with quirky ideas like alien abduction insurance. Next, it dives into the strange world of insurance claims tied to extraordinary events, spotlighting the tragic Heaven's Gate cult. Then, the life of Emperor Justinian I is explored, detailing his tenacity amidst challenges such as ambitious taxes and military struggles. Finally, the impact of Justinian's Plague on the Byzantine Empire's trade and population underscores the critical need to remember history's lessons.
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Alien Abduction Insurance
- Some insurance companies capitalized on alien abduction fears by offering policies.
- These policies offered payouts for abductions and even alien impregnation, selling thousands but rarely paying out.
Justinian's Plague
- Emperor Justinian I, focused on restoring Rome's glory, ignored early plague warnings.
- His actions inadvertently spread the plague across three continents, devastating the empire and hastening its decline.
