Our Fake History

Liv Albert, podcaster and author of Let's Talk About Myths, Baby, shares her deep passion for Greek and Roman mythology. She and the host explore mythical figures like Medea, Oedipus, and Medusa, discussing their enduring relevance and evolving interpretations. The conversation highlights the complexities of narratives, including innovative takes on the Trojan War and the fascinating tale of Atlantis. Liv emphasizes how ancient myths continue to reflect cultural truths and challenge contemporary understandings.

Explore the intriguing lives of the helots in ancient Sparta, revealing their harsh realities and the complexities of slavery. Delve into the empowered roles of Spartan women, from education to property rights, showcasing their unique societal position. Enjoy a discussion on historical fiction's ability to bring the past to life, and the importance of distinguishing between fact and entertainment. The lively conversation also honors educators and invites audience engagement, making history more relatable and fun.

Dive into the legendary Battle of Thermopylae and discover the truth behind the myth of the 300 Spartans. Explore the lesser-known yet fascinating Battle of Champions and see how it challenges traditional Spartan valor. Unpack the realities of Spartan society, revealing discrepancies between myth and fact. Learn about the pivotal Greco-Persian Wars and the motivations of both Greeks and Persians, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of various city-states. This thought-provoking discussion invites a reevaluation of heroism in ancient history.

Explore the intriguing myths surrounding ancient Sparta, from the authenticity of its famous poet to the realities behind its so-called equal land distribution. Delve into the complexities of Sparta's government, examining the true power dynamics between its leaders. Discover the truth about the agoge, the notorious training system, which included a mix of athleticism, harsh discipline, and controversial mentorship practices. Uncover how these factors contributed to the Spartan image we know today.

Explore the captivating myth of the Spartans, once seen as unbeatable super-soldiers. Delve into the 'Spartan Mirage,' uncovering how history, art, and politics shaped their legacy. Learn about the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus and question the truth behind Plutarch's accounts. The podcast also investigates the helot system and the infanticide myth, revealing how many traditions may be based on misconceptions. History is not always what it seems!

In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to the start of Season 4 to explore the historical reputation of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian has been celebrated as one of Rome’s “five good emperors”, but is that reputation actually deserved? Hadrian’s reputation is complicated by the mysterious death of his teenage lover, Antinous. What should we believe about this strange chapter in the life of one of Rome’s most celebrated emperors? Tune-in and find out how radical beards, fantastical walls, and ancient man-love all play a role in the story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who brought down Al Capone? Was it Eliot Ness and his storied “Untouchables” or is their story the result of distorted memoire written by washed-up glory-hound? If Eliot Ness didn’t secure a conviction against Al Capone then who did? The pinnacle of Capone’s career in Chicago came after years of bloody gang wars, but his most devastating move against his enemies may have brought on more heat than he could handle. Should Capone be blamed for his own undoing? Tune-in and find out how fake history induced heart attacks, sly judges, and evil banjo players all play a role in the story.Thank you for supporting our sponsors!Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FAKEHISTORY at the link below and get 60% offan annual plan: http://incogni.com/fakehistory See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you get your history from watching gangster movies, then you might be under the impression that Al Capone singlehandedly started Chicago's Beer Wars. That is certainly what is suggested by the 1932 gangster classic Scarface. The truth is considerably more complicated. Chicago's gang wars were messy multi-factional conflicts that can remind you of Japan's Warring States period. Al Capone was right in the middle of this wave of violence, but should he be blamed for it? Tune-in and find out how murderous florists, a guy named "Ragtime Joe", and Al Capone's fake furniture shop all play a role in the story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The life of the gangster Al Capone could be understood as a violent expression of the American Dream. A poor kid from Brooklyn, born to immigrant parents, used his wits, fists, and a certain ruthless determination to build an empire. The underworld figure has been the fodder for countless, books and biopics, not to mention inspiring a rogues gallery of fictional crime bosses. As you might expect his life is filled with elaborate legends and colorful myths. Capone was also a savvy manipulator of the news media, who did his best to put his own public relations spin on his life outside the law. How much should we believe about America's best known criminal? Tune-in and find out how Geraldo Rivera's boat, a knocked-out school teacher, and a guy named "snorky" all play a role in the story. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/Fakehistory See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this throwback episode Sebastian take you back to Season One and Episode #24. Ty Cobb has been remembered as one of baseball’s greatest villains. Despite being universally recognized as one of the game’s most talented players, Ty Cobb is mostly remembered as a violent racist who was hated by all who knew him. However, a new biography is claiming that Ty Cobb’s reputation was unfairly tarnished by an unscrupulous biographer looking to make a name for himself by exposing the “real Ty Cobb”. Was Ty Cobb really the monster that so many believe him to be? Tune in and find out how forged letters, pistol whippings, and Tommy Lee Jones all play a role in the story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.