My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 512 - Best of the Year (Part I)
Dec 25, 2025
Dive into the chilling tales of Locusta, Rome's infamous poisoner, and her rise amid palace intrigue, including her ties to an emperor's deadly plot. Witness the legendary life of Amelia Earhart, from her adventurous childhood to groundbreaking flights that captured the world's attention. Discover the mystery of her final flight, including bizarre theories surrounding her disappearance and the lasting impact of her achievements. These stories weave together a historical quilt of fascination and intrigue.
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Poison As A Palace Profession
- Rome's elite used specialized poisoners instead of DIY methods, creating a shadow industry of assassination.
- Locusta's expertise in plants and novel poison combinations made her indispensable to power struggles.
Claudius, Agrippina And Nero's Scheme
- Georgia tells how Agrippina hired Locusta to poison Emperor Claudius to secure Nero's succession.
- Nero later pardoned and rewarded Locusta, granting land, immunity, and a school to teach poison-making.
Locusta's Public Execution
- After Nero's suicide, Galba revoked Locusta's immunity and accused her of killing over 400 people.
- Locusta was publicly led through Rome in chains and executed by strangling or burning per different accounts.