Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

How sexually depraved were the Romans?Whilst they were a civlised, stoic and innovative bunch, they were also a promiscuous bunch with very questionable morals.Joining us today is friend of the show Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women.How did the Romans view incest? What fate awaited the Vestal Virgins? And what went on at the debauched festivals of Bacchus? Let's find out.This podcast was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the Ancient Egyptians differ from us? In many ways they did, but in terms of sexuality, perhaps not so much. As we’ll find out, they were certainly partial to a filthy poem. Taking us on a journey back to this ancient world is Egyptologist Sarah Parcak. Amongst other things, she talks us through the Turin Papyrus - possibly the oldest depiction of human sexuality we have. This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did an 18th century working class farm labourer climb the social ladder to become the most beloved poet Scotland has produced?By the time he died aged just 37, he had taken the country by storm with his romantic verse and was welcomed into the bosom of Edinburgh high society gentlemen clubs.Another side of Robert Burns' work was his bawdy work, which celebrates sexuality and barbed satire, much of which wasn't properly published until the 1960s due to censorship laws.Ahead of Burns Night on 25th January - his birthday, no less - we'll be finding out all about Rabbie and his bawdy verse with Pauline Mackay, author of Burns For Every Day Of The Year, and lecturer of Robert Burns Studies at University of Glasgow.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. It was produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people would assume that the Kamasutra is a book of hundreds of fantastical sex positions.They would partly be right, but mostly wrong!Sex is a small part of this ancient text, which includes fascinating insights into 3rd century Indian culture. It also includes some extremely modern-sounding advice on how to dump a boring husband.What happened in the Victorian era that made us think it was a catalogue of sex positions? What are some of the more feminist-leanings it features? And how has it survived all these years?Taking us through the Kamasutra today is the legendary Wendy Doniger, author of Redeeming the Kamasutra.This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast discusses the real events behind the Outlander series, including the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie dressed as an Irish spinning maid. It explores the use of sexual behavior and satire in a political context, as well as the evolution of cultural attitudes towards sexuality. The chapter also covers the victories achieved by the protagonist and the impact of the Jacobite uprising on Scotland's clans and culture.

Delve into Alexander the Great's personal life and sexual activities, explore his relationships with male and female lovers. Speculate on his sexuality and his encounter with an Amazonian Queen. Explore the romantic relationship between Bagoas and Alexander, and the aftermath of Alexander's death with power struggles among his allies.

Linguist legend Deborah Cameron explores the etymology and societal perceptions of swear words throughout history. From the f-word to nicknames for genitalia, she dives into the origins and offensive connotations of these words. This episode also delves into the usage of explicit language in medieval times and the importance of proper medical terminology.

Discover the ancient origins of sex in this fascinating podcast as Professor John Long discusses his discovery of fossils showing copulation in ancient armoured fishes. Explore the evolution of sexual pleasure, courtship rituals in ancient creatures, the diversity of animal sexuality, and the importance of understanding our place in nature.

From Frida Kahlo's monobrow to Queen Victoria's swollen armpit, this podcast explores the intriguing stories behind iconic body parts throughout history. Topics include Napoleon's allegedly auctioned off penis, Rasputin's penis, the early understanding of germ theory, resistance to handwashing, and the physical manifestations of inbreeding in historical figures.

Marlene Daut, author of Awakening The Ashes: An Intellectual History of the Haitian Revolution, joins the podcast to discuss the largest slave revolt in modern history. Topics include the role of women, vodou ceremonies, and the revolution's legacy.