The Rest Is History 66. Ghosts
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Jun 24, 2021 Roger Clarke, author of 'A Natural History of Ghosts', joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to unveil the evolution of ghost stories. They explore how these eerie narratives reflect societal changes, from ancient Athens' haunted tales to modern interpretations shaped by technology. Delving into folklore, poltergeists, and famous hauntings, they discuss the psychological allure of the supernatural. The conversation is filled with light-hearted banter, captivating anecdotes, and a humorous take on humanity's ongoing fascination with ghosts.
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Athenodorus and the Ghost
- Athenodorus rented a cheap Athenian house and was haunted by a ghost.
- After bones were unearthed and buried, the haunting ceased.
Francis Bacon's Chicken
- Francis Bacon froze a chicken and died, then a similar chicken haunted Pond Square.
- Firefighters saw this shivering, featherless bird during World War II.
Context Matters
- Rob Long asks how context affects ghost sightings and if British ghosts differ from French ghosts.
- Roger Clarke argues ghost stories reflect the beliefs and anxieties of their time.
