Our Fake History

When the capital of the Roman empire was moved from Rome to the city of Constantinople, the city on the Bosporus strait became one of the most important places on planet earth. One top being the heart of Roman religious, political, and cultural life for a millennium, the city had a reputation for being impregnable. From the 6th to the 13th century the city was besieged an amazing 19 times, and not once was it overcome by a foreign army. This resilience added to the city's legendary status. Two of the most significant sieges came at the hands of the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate, in 674 and 717. These battles have been cited as historical turning points, however recent scholarship has cast doubt on the traditional sources. How significant were these sieges? Did they both even occur? Tune-in and find out how sassy Voltaire, sloppy meta-narratives, and the end of the world 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.

In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to Season 2 Episode #34 - Did Archimedes Build a Death Ray? Archimedes was one of the ancient world’s most important mathematicians. His discoveries would form the foundation upon which all future western science was built. However, he’s probably best remembered for his amazing inventions that saved his city from attackers during the siege of Syracuse. The most discussed of all of these amazing devices has to be Archimedes’ “Death Ray”. This mysterious machine was said to be able to set ships on fire from hundreds of meters away. Did this fabled “Death Ray” really exist, or is just another legend in a life filled with mythology. Tune-in and find out how gold scams, Archimedes claw, and a sphere in a cylinder 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.

Edgar Allan Poe has been remembered as one of America's greatest authors and poets. However, many are less familiar with is career as a hoaxer. In the 1830's and 1840's Poe made a name for himself orchestrating elaborate newspaper hoaxes, and debunking hoaxes attempted by others. Poe specialized in deceptions that dealt with the frontiers of science. Some of these scientific hoaxes flopped, while others drummed up real excitement among astonished readers. What was the secret sauce that made a newspaper hoax go large? Tune-in and find out how moon-gnomes, chess playing automatons, and bipedal space beavers 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.

Trying to come an "objective" understanding of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot has proved difficult for historians. From the the outset the facts of the case were distorted to help serve the political interests of powerful English ministers. The details were massaged so that a group of Jesuits could be framed as the masterminds. But, if the authorities were lying about the Jesuits, what else might they have been lying about? Was the Gunpowder Plot actually a false flag operation cooked up by members of King James' inner-circle? Have revelers on bonfire night been celebrating a lie... or is something more complicated going on? Tune-in and find out how Satan's imps, English Mardi Gras, and the Guilford Guys 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.

Delve into the intriguing tale of the Gunpowder Plot and the evolution of Guy Fawkes from a historical figure to a modern symbol of rebellion. Discover how political turmoil and religious tensions shaped Tudor England, particularly for Catholics. Explore the conspiracy's masterminds, Catesby and Fawkes, and their dramatic plans to alter the course of history. Uncover the transformation of Guy Fawkes's legacy—once a villain, now a folk hero and icon for online activism. Politics, culture, and history collide in this captivating narrative.

Explore the fascinating intersection of myth and history as the podcast dives into the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. Uncover the true origins of the labyrinth and its connections to ancient bronze-age civilizations. Delight in tales of bull jumping and volcanic eruptions, and learn how real-life archaeology plays into these narratives. The tragic romance between Theseus and Ariadne adds a layer of depth, revealing themes of love and destiny. This journey not only revisits folklore but also reflects on the profound impact of myths on culture and psychology.

Discover the intriguing life of Sir William Stephenson, the man behind the myths of WWII espionage. Was he a cunning spy or just a master con artist? The podcast dives into his controversial legacy, exploring his connections to the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich and his role in Camp X, a covert training ground for spies. Historians debate the truth behind his embellished biography—was he truly heroic or just a clever fraud who charmed those around him? Unravel the secrets of this fascinating figure and the questionable legacy he left behind.

Delve into the intrigue of King Tutankhamun's short reign and the chaos that followed his death. Was his sudden demise a mere accident, or a cleverly orchestrated coup by his ambitious advisor? Explore the sensational tales of a 'mummy's curse' and the media frenzy it ignited. Unravel the religious shifts from Akhenaten's radical beliefs back to traditional worship and the bold political maneuvers of ancient Egypt. Discover how tangled narratives and historical mysteries shape our understanding of this enigmatic king.

Explore the life of King Tutankhamun and the controversy surrounding his mysterious disappearance from history. Discover the wild tales of Lord Carnarvon, the reckless driver, and the sensational 'Tutmania' that captivated the world after the tomb's discovery. Unravel the legacy of the revolutionary Pharaoh Akhenaten and his impact on Tut's reign. Delve into the intrigue of palace power plays and the role of the vizier during Tut's childhood. With a dash of mummy's curse and pop culture references, the history unfolds in fascinating ways.

In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to the conclusion of the African Samurai series. In the 1580’s Japan was a on the precipice of a massive transformation. For over a century the country had been embroiled in war, but by 1581 the end seemed to be in sight. The powerful Lord Oda Nobunaga was on the path to unifying the fractured nation. It was at this time that a remarkable man from East Africa, known as Yasuke, came into his service. Nobunaga would take a shine to this foreigner and would eventually honour him with a ceremonial sword and a monthly stipend. For many historians this makes Yasuke the first ever foreigner born Samurai. Legend has it that he played a pivotal role in Oda Nobunaga’s final living moments. Should we trust these stories of Samurai derring-do? Tune-in and find out how a loosely tied top knot, a public scrubbing, and the slippery definition of “samurai” 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.