Stuff You Missed in History Class

The podcast delves into the legendary wealth and power of Croesus, a cautionary tale about pride and hubris. It explores ancient rituals, military strategies, and alliances, leading to Croesus' downfall at the hands of the Persians. The meeting between Croesus and Solon highlights the transient nature of material success and challenges conventional notions of happiness.

Tracy and Holly discuss frustration over a historical find being called a piggy bank and the Van Gogh Pokémon. They explore quirky historical discoveries like mummies with golden tongues and John Shakespeare sounding fake. The podcast also delves into the future of AI technology and ethical concerns in research within indigenous communities.

Discoveries from ancient DNA to Roman funerary beds and shipwrecks, along with fashion, medicine, and miscellaneous finds, make up the intriguing topics in this episode.

Adam Rohrlach discusses cases of trisomy 21 and 18 in historical individuals from ancient DNA. The podcast explores topics like Amelia Earhart's plane wreckage, repatriation of Native American artifacts, cozy ancient domestic life, intriguing Welsh burial sites, ancient tombs, Roman mummies, Polish water burials, and small business success stories. It also covers Roman wine fermentation techniques and 19th-century chocolate factories.

Explore the intriguing history of croquet, from its murky origins to its evolution into a competitive sport. Learn about the roots of the game in Western France, its migration to England and the US, and its resurgence in popularity. Discover the legacy of key figures like Walter Jones Whitmore and the growth of croquet internationally.

Tracy and Holly talk about their love for eclipses and TV jingles for the game of Life. They share personal experiences witnessing solar eclipses and discuss the challenges of pronouncing ancient Greek and Latin names. The podcast also explores the history and evolution of classic board games, gender aspects, and the dynamics of cooperative versus competitive games.

Milton Bradley, an influential figure in board games, shaped how people play and how kids were educated. The podcast delves into Bradley's journey, from creating 'The Checkered Game of Life' to educational innovations. It explores his struggles, triumphs, and legacy, highlighting the intersection of games, patriotism, and educational tools.

Thales of Miletus, a philosopher and mathematician, predicted a total solar eclipse in 585 BCE, which ended the battle between Media and Lydia. The podcast delves into Thales' enigmatic life, his mathematical contributions, and the historical interpretations of celestial events during the battle. It discusses the mystery of Thales' eclipse prediction and the challenges of aligning historical records with astronomical events.

Famous Sylvia of Hollywood, shaping up starlets in 1920s-30s, discussed. Topics include pioneer in beauty/fitness, expose on weight loss products, controversial writing, divorce/remarriage, and fading from the public eye. Sylvia's journey from Hollywood to New York highlighted.

American sculptor Vinnie Ream's fascinating life is explored, from meeting Franz Liszt to her friendships and living in Rome. The podcast delves into her complex relationships, societal divisions, and entrepreneurial insights, offering a glimpse into her enigmatic legacy.