Lateral with Tom Scott
69: A very speedy spider
Feb 2, 2024
In this podcast, they discuss topics like preserving a carved pumpkin in a resin cube, test anxiety relief, flying with Blue Angels, the symbolism behind the Morton Salt logo, debating souvenir t-shirt color for the Evil Dead musical, blood splatter at a haunted house, and the largest satellite orbiting the Earth.
43:11
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Quick takeaways
- In a highly unusual case in 897 AD, Pope Stephen VI ordered his deceased predecessor, Pope Formosas, to be put on trial, serving as both judge and prosecutor, leading to widespread outrage and controversy.
- A small Dutch city increased its speed limit by 10% to honor the Dutch Formula One Grand Prix, choosing the number 33 to correspond with the racing number of popular driver Max Verstappen, creating a festive atmosphere in the city.
Deep dives
The trial of Pope Formosas: Controversial trial of a predecessor
In the year 897, Pope Stephen VI ordered his predecessor, Pope Formosas, to be put on trial in a courtroom face-off. Stephen played the role of judge and prosecutor, charging Formosas with offenses against the church. What made the trial even more controversial was that Formosas was already dead. His body was exhumed, dressed in his papal vestments, and a trial was held, despite the inability of the deceased pope to respond to the charges. The trial ended with Formosas being found guilty, and his fingers, which he used for blessings, were cut off. His body was then thrown into a river, causing widespread outrage and controversy.
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