History Loves Company: Recent Episodes
Chester Sakamoto
Take a trip back in time and experience history in a unique and immersive way--because history is shaped by all of us! Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
There's arguably not a more romantic mode of transportation than the train. Since their inception in the early 19th Century, various writers, singers, and artists have depicted and idealized this most unique and exciting form of transit. But it was born of a very practical, even ancient, practice: to simply move things from point A to point B in a timely and easy manner. Present your tickets to the conductor because we're about to go on a sentimental journey, all about the train!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
It marked a turning point World War Two. Had history played out differently, the outcome may very well have been different. Tens of thousands died and those who survived pushed on until all of Europe was wrenched from Nazi control. Tune in for this special short segment to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Tom Cruise in the classic film 'Top Gun' may have had "the need for speed," but so have generations of motorists, particularly the ones known as bikers. Indeed, the motorcycle has evolved into the vicious, powerful, and awesome two-wheeled vehicle we all know and love today, but where exactly did it originate? What fuel sources did it rely upon prior to gasoline? And what exactly defines a motorbike? Find out in this week's truly sick episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The James Bond film series has inspired several knockoffs and parodies since its inception in 1962, but prior to that, the suave Agent 007 began life on the page in a series of novels by British writer, Ian Fleming. But did you know that this seemingly ordinary man drew upon his own experiences for Bond's action-packed exploits? Find out in this week's episode how Fleming's work during World War Two led him to become the man behind Bond.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Vietnam is a country with a rich (albeit complicated) history. Before communism, it was torn apart by civil strife, pegging northern forces against southern. Prior to that, it was under the colonial yoke, when France claimed it as part of its overseas empire. But before all this, a power known as the Champa Kingdom ruled over the country's southern half, leaving behind the hallmarks of its civilization in the form of temple complexes and palaces. Join me this week for an extensive look at this oft-overlooked Southeast Asian power!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
If you've ever seen the Disney film 'Encanto,' then you're familiar with the backstory as to how the Madrigal family came to be at their magical mountain refuge. It involves a conflict, a very real conflict, in fact, that shook the country of Colombia to its core in the final year of the 19th and the first years of the 20th Centuries respectively. Be sure to catch this week's episode all about the conflict known as the Thousand Days' War.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
When it comes to Africa's vast history, people tend to focus on Egypt, the Kerma and Kush kingdoms of Sudan, or else the Mali Empire of Mansa Musa. But what of Sub-Saharan Africa? Surely, there must have been great cities and civilizations there too, right? Well, I'm happy to say that there were, perhaps none more impressive than that now known as Great Zimbabwe. Tune in this week to learn all about it!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The 1930s were marked by economic toil both abroad and in the United States, as the Great Depression took a toll on the world economy. To add insult to injury, an environmental calamity of both natural and man-made factors, rocked the American Heartland and had devastating effects that would take years to rectify. Tune in this week for a bleak, albeit ultimately uplifting, tale of one of the most harrowing events in American history: the Dust Bowl. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Religion is one of humanity's oldest practices and likely stems from our need to explain the natural phenomena that surrounds us as well as our place among it. But while the religions to which we now adhere are attested to via sacred texts penned by their earliest worshippers or else by their founders themselves, nothing survives of the earliest religious practices in human history. Join me for a look Göbekli Tepe, the formidable yet mysterious site in Southern Turkey, that's the oldest known spiritual center in the world, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
"Pay your surgeon very well to break the spell of aging." So goes a lyric in the Red Hot Chili Peppers' hit song, "Californication." But what if you didn't have to go under the knife to get your youth back? Such has been the quest for many people throughout history, searching for a way to turn back the clock on the forward advancement of time. Does such a place exist? And if it does, why aren't we all flocking to it to regain our youth? Find out in this week's episode, all about the legendary Fountain of Youth!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
If you've ever been down to Louisiana, chances are you've noticed a great many French place names. Indeed, for a time in the 17th and 18th Centuries, this part of America was under French jurisdiction. But the people of French ancestry there who call themselves Cajuns are a decidedly newer arrival, though their reasons for being there are marred by a history of trauma, violence and exile. Tune in to this week's sobering episode to find out how their ancestors faced expulsion, even genocide, in the early days of American and Canadian histories.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Today, chocolate is beloved the world over as a delicious sweet treat that's best enjoyed at the end of a long and stressful day. But did you know that there was a time when it was made solely into a drink? Or that its origins can be traced back to Mesoamerica? Tune in to this week's "sweet" episode to learn all about this delectable delicacy!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
In the West, snakes have a reputation, thanks to the Bible, of mistrust and deception, as it was a serpent in the Garden of Eden that tempted Eve to taste the forbidden fruit, thus leading to the Fall of Man and her and Adam's banishment. It's because of this that, according to tradition, the man who would one day be known as Saint Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland. Or so they say. Tune in to find out the true reason why these slithery reptiles aren't found on the Emerald Isle.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Today, Hollywood is deemed the entertainment capital of the world and is, without question, the most famous section of Los Angeles. But did you know that it didn't begin life with the intent of becoming associated with the movies? Tune in this week for a look into Hollywood's origins, which will surely surprise you.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
2024 is a leap year, and as this episode falls on the extra day in question, I thought it would be fun to examine the history of this most fascinating (and, at times, complicated) occasion. Celebrate February 29th with me by tuning in to this week's episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
When last we joined our (anti-)hero, Jean Laffite had been imprisoned for the crime of piracy. But even bars couldn't keep this legendary figure at bay (maritime pun once again intended here). Tune in this week for the second part, and exciting conclusion, on his incredible story--how he became entangled in a conflict, set up yet another smuggling racket, and ended up in a South American navy, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Pirates have been romanticized in literature, film, and various forms of media since at least the 19th Century, but the truth is that the life or activities of a pirate were anything but romantic. Just ask Jean Laffite, the subject of this week's episode, whose smuggling operation on Louisiana's southeastern coast was interrupted time and again by war, politics, and the law. This isn't to necessarily in a good or positive light, though he was indeed regarded as a hero by the general public of the day, who'd benefitted greatly by his illicit activities. Tune in for part one of the man known as "the Terror of the Caribbean," this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Since at least the 12th Century, there has been a Swedish presence in Finland, so much so that they've since become known as a distinct ethno-linguistic group from the Finns. But this history has been far from easy and has, in fact, proven to be something of a bumpy road for them. Join me this week for a look at the resilient and tenacious Finland Swedes.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Early Christians called him "the Scourge of God." Romans, the most powerful military force in the Ancient World, feared him. Every land from China to Italy experienced his wrath firsthand. He was Attila, leader of the Huns, and he's the subject of today's epic episode. Tune in to learn all about this fascinating character and if he really was as bloodthirsty as history remembers.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
There were several cradles of civilization throughout the world. The Nile in Egypt, the Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, the Yellow River in China...the list goes on and on. But in Mesoamerica, one noteworthy cradle of civilization was born on what's now Mexico's Caribbean Coast and would go on to influence future civilizations throughout the region. These were the mighty Olmec and for 1200 years, they would reign supreme. Find out how in this week's episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Oxford University is considered one of the most prestigious institutions for higher learning in the world, but did you know that it was also the first university in England? Founded, in some form or other, in 1096, just thirty years after the famed Battle of Hastings, it has since blossomed into a world-class university with a rocky, tumultuous history. Tune in this week to find out all about it!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The 19th Century was a tremendously exciting time for Japan. By then, the island country had been isolated from the rest of the world for some three centuries. But now, having been forced to open its doors by the Americans, Japan was exposed to both the wider world as a whole as well as Western ideals. But not everyone welcomed such changes. One who was perhaps the most resistant to such changes was Saigo Takamori, better known to history as Saigo-san, and he'd ultimately lead a rebellion against the Japanese government. But how did this conflict come about? Who was Saigo-san exactly? And how did he and his cause become an enduring symbol of opposition to government tyranny? Find out in the first episode of the new year!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Wreaths, gift-giving, elaborate feasting...these are just some of the traditional practices associated with Christmas. But it might surprise you to learn that the Christian holiday was by no means the first to incorporate such practices. That's because they were borrowed from an earlier, pagan holiday celebrated each year by the Romans: Saturnalia. How exactly did this ancient holiday come about? What were some of its traditions and characteristics? And how did it ultimately disappear? Find out in this brief winter solstice and Christmas special! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
For the better part of a millennium, the city of Paris was more or less the same. A crowded, Medieval city of narrow, twisting streets and people living virtually on top of one another, it was, by the 19th Century, mired in rampant crime and disease and was in desperate need of an overhaul. But who would rise up to accept such a monumental task? Find out in this week's episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Today, the 18th Amendment, better known to history as Prohibition, is seen as one of greatest (to say nothing of disastrous) social experiments in American history. In that volatile thirteen-year period, the production and sale of alcohol was banned, at least on paper, in the United States. Initially, crime syndicates, especially the mob, turned to Canada and Mexico for help, smuggling whiskey, beer, and other potent potables into the country. But what happened when the Canadians and Mexicans were taken out of the equation? The answer will almost certainly surprise you!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
For centuries, Africa was known to Europeans as "the Dark Continent," not so much for the complexion of many of its native inhabitants inasmuch as for the fact that its interior remained largely unexplored. With the Age of Exploration came the full exploration of the interior of Africa, though little, if any, of the Europeans who mapped it likely knew that they weren't the first outsiders to do so. Long before such European countries were even concepts, a group of hearty and intrepid seafarers originally from the Middle East set off from their base of operations in what's now Tunisia to do just that. Tune in to find out how they did it in this week's enthralling episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
In the autumn of 1620, a rickety old ship made landfall just off the coast of what's now Massachusetts. Having been blown way off course on the journey over and as well as losing nearly half its crew on the voyage, the survivors now found themselves far removed from civilization and deeply afraid of the uncertain fate that awaited them. Half the survivors were talking of venturing out on their own, which would prove disastrous as the crew simply needed to stick together if they were going to survive in this rugged and potentially hostile new environment. Find out what they did next in this week's special Thanksgiving episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Strategically located in the northwest and northeast corners of Italian Peninsula respectively, Genoa (or Genova) and Venice were, historically, two independent republics who grew rich through maritime trade. But as their wealth and power continued to grow, they soon each other as a threat to their dominance, which quickly escalated into war. But unlike other conflicts, this series of skirmishes would stretch well over a century. Find out how exactly they came about, and how they ultimately ended, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
What do 17th Century England, the Devil, aliens and unusual weather patterns all have in common? They're linked to the mysterious and unusual phenomenon we now know as crop circles. What are some of the events from history regarding these most curious and, oftentimes, unsettling monumental creations? What causes them? And of these causes, are any of them definitive? You'll have to listen to find out in this, the final installment on our month-long series on the spooky and mysterious, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Few monumental sculptures throughout the world have captured humanity's collective imagination quite like the Sphinx. Now part of a vast archaeological complex at Giza in Egypt, it's served as a curiosity to several generations of visitors and even thinkers and statesmen. But what is it about this mysterious sculpture that enthralls us? How and why was it made? And, most importantly, how did it lose its nose? Find out the answers to these, and other, questions, this week in part three of our spooky October series!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
These days, people dance 'til they drop for fun, often at competitions for prize money or other rewards. But in early 16th Century Strasbourg, a town now situated along the French-German border, dancing 'til one dropped took on an entirely new meaning when a so-called dance outbreak swept through the city and its environs, affecting hundreds of people and even claiming the lives of several victims. What caused this mysterious outbreak? Was it, as they thought at the time, the work of the Devil? And how did it finally end? Discover the answers to these and other questions in this week's truly unsettling episode.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
For the most part on this podcast, we've focused on the factual. History is, of course, chock full of a near-infinite selection of interesting stories that bear repeating. But what of the fictional? Surely, there's history behind such things that never were, as fantasy writers Michael Page and Robert Ingpen once referred to them. In this, the first installment in a series of spooky-themed topics throughout the month of October, we'll be leaving the factual behind for a look at the history behind the greatest civilization that never was: the mythic lost (or eighth) continent of Atlantis!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The Southern Colombian and Northern Ecuadorian coasts are home to a large rainforest, likely one of the wettest in the world. With average annual rainfall exceeding over forty feet (around thirteen meters) per year, it hardly seems the place for a great civilization to emerge. And yet, in the mid-4th Century BC, it did in the form of the amazing Tumaco Culture. Tune in this week to find out how they lived and the incredible artifacts they left behind!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Everyone knows about the October Revolution, the genesis of the greater Russian Revolution that took place in the final days of the Great War (World War One). But what many people don't realize is that this wasn't the first revolution to grip the country. Almost a century earlier, a failed revolt led by generals and military leaders attempted to bring an end to the absolute monarchy, one of the last of its kind in Europe. Join me as we explore this forgotten revolt, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Last time, we charted Vlad the Impaler's ascent to the Wallachian throne and how he earned his notorious moniker. But even he couldn't rule forever and the latter half of his life reflects this as he became embroiled in conflict after conflict, not just with those longing for his own throne, but with outside forces as well. Find out what ultimately became of Vlad in part two of his amazing story!
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In the years since the late 19th Century, the name Dracula has conjured up images of a vampire living in a secluded castle, but what if I told you that the name comes directly from an actual historical figure? Not a vampire, mind you, but someone who was just as bloodthirsty. Join me this week for a look at the meteoric, albeit chaotic, rise of Vlad the Impaler, one of the most notorious figures in all of history.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The human desire to create art isn't a new one. In fact, it dates back to our very beginnings, when various hunter-gatherer societies wandered the world in search of food and proverbial greener pastures. One such work to survive from that metaphorically dark period of human history is the so-named Venus of Willendorf. Discovered during an archaeological dig in Austria in 1908, she's become legendary in the years since, though she's still just as mysterious to us now as she was then. Find out more about her in this week's episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
With the Great Famine in 1845 in Ireland, millions of destitute Irish fled to the United States in search of a better life. But their arrival on these shores was anything but warm and welcome. So harshly were they treated and severely discriminated against that, by the time the country entered into a war with Mexico, several troops of Irish ancestry defected to the other side. But this is more than just a tale of bigotry and injustice. It's one of courage, tenacity and, above all, standing up for what's right. Tune in to learn more.
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With both societal and government acceptance of homosexuality in Britain these days, it's hard to imagine that there was ever a time when such expressions were outlawed. And yet, throughout much of that country's history, gay men were chastised, shunned, even arrested simply because of who they loved. Join me this week for a look at the steps the British government took towards decriminalizing homosexuality, a series of landmark decisions whose consequences and effects are still being felt today.
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We use them every day. Whether on foot or bicycle, by car or bus, the traffic signal has become so integral to our daily lives that we're hardly conscious of them anymore. But did you know that several makes and models were implemented before the final form we use today? Find out just how many (and how many equally brilliant people) were involved in their creation, development and evolution, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!
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Chances are, you heard it in school, or else used it yourself so as not to have your other classmates (or worse, the teacher) eavesdrop. And yet, while it may have played a fundamental, to say nothing of fun, role in our childhoods, the history of Pig Latin is complex and, above all, amusing. Une-tay in-nay (tune in) to this week's episode to learn more about it!
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No longer safe in the United States with so many local law enforcement agencies hot on their trail, Butch Cassidy, Harry Longabaugh and the latter's girlfriend, Etta Place, make for South America, where they plan to start life anew. But old habits, as they say, die hard and they're soon back in the robbery business. But what ultimately becomes of the trio in this new, exotic locale? Find out in Part Two of Butch Cassidy's hard-to-believe story!
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Several outlaws shaped and defined the myth of the American West, though were as wild and tenacious as the man known to history as Butch Cassidy. From humble beginnings in the wilds of Utah, he'd go on to gain notoriety on, not just one, but two continents. Tune in to part one of his incredible but absolutely true story.
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The artistic movement known as Impressionism conjures up specific ideas and images. It's most commonly associated with France, where it was born in around 1870. But by the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, it had made its way to America, but perhaps nowhere in this great nation did it take off quite like it did in California. The 'History Loves Company' podcast is back this week with a look at the school known as California Impressionism. Check it out!
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While not the inventor of Armenian literature, the 18th Century poet, Sayat-Nova, is considered to be one of its greatest and most important contributors. Still, this legendary figure remains elusive, even little known, outside his Georgian homeland as well as Armenia. If you're curious to learn more about him, then sit back and check out this week's episode!
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Youth subcultures are nothing new. It seems that each generation has its group of youngsters who see to it to rebel against conformity and the status quo. But one of the most surprising and daring of these came about at a time when fascism gripped Europe in a chokehold. Tune in this week for a look at the Zazous, the jazz-mad, umbrella-wielding, wildly-dressed youths who openly challenged the Nazis.
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Today, tea is known the world over for its many health benefits as well as its rich taste. There are also countless varieties from all corners of the globe, but where did this mysterious drink come from? Pull up a chair and join me for a not-so-mad tea party, right here on the 'History Loves Company' podcast to find these answers to these questions!
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While there were six great nations who officially squared off against one another during World War One, it's important to remember that it was, in fact, a global conflict, meaning that several other nations, whether willingly or unwillingly, became involved. One such country was Italy, who joined the side of the Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia). Quick to defend their homeland, they squared off against the Austro-Hungarian Empire in a pivotal battle that's nearly been forgotten outside of Italy. Tune in to this special Memorial Day episode of the 'History Loves Company' podcast as we explore this amazing underdog story.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Ask any child and they'll likely tell you that schooling's both a bore and a chore. Based on the subject of today's episode, it's a sentiment that hasn't changed all that much. Join me as we take a look at a child's homework from 13th Century Russia and see how he coped with the "boredom" of learning, today on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Paleontology was still a new science in the early 19th Century. The largely male-dominated field yielded some truly fantastic studies, but of these, none were as spectacular as those made by a woman from Southern England. Tune in this week to find out all about the wondrous life and discoveries of Mary Anning!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The holiday known as Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) is often misconstrued as being the holiday in which Mexicans celebrate their country's independence from Spain. That day doesn't fall until September 16th, the anniversary of the day when, in 1821, the country officially declared itself independent from Spain. So what, then, does Cinco de Mayo commemorate? Tune in to this brief episode to find out!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
It was the greatest "return to the homeland" venture since the return of the Hebrews to the Promised Land in the Book of Exodus. The only difference is, in this scenario, the people had help from the government they were leaving. As tensions between North and South mounted in America in the decades leading up to the Civil War, the question of what to do with the country's freed and free-born Black population became the subject of much debate by those on both sides of the political spectrum. One of the solutions was quite surprising indeed, as you'll see in this week's fascinating episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Greece and China were two of the ancient world's great powers, but never interacted with one another due to the vast distance that separated them...right? They indeed had knowledge of one another, but what if I told you that they actually met under the most peculiar of circumstances? Find out how in this week's bizarre episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
In contemporary times, it's difficult to imagine crop shortages (at least in so-called developed countries). But not all that long ago, just such an incident occurred in a country then ruled by one of the foremost powers in the entire world. I'm speaking, of course, about the Potato Famine that ravaged Ireland in the mid-19th Century. How did it happen? How were its consequences ultimately felt throughout the world? And how did it change the nation forever? Join me in this sobering episode to find out.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
The Near and Middle East saw a great many empires throughout Antiquity, but perhaps one of the greatest was that of Assyria. At its height, it stretched from Egypt in the West to Persia in the East and was ruled by a man who's since come to be known as its greatest king. Ashurbanipal was one of many in a long line of Assyrian royalty, but what made him stand out? Find out in this new episode!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
Between Greece and Turkey, in the Aegean Sea, lies a chain of islands known as the Cyclades. It's here, long before Indo-Europeans arrived in the area, that a distinct culture emerged, one that's left tantalizing clues into their society in the form of obsidian tools, bronze "calendars" and, most famous of all, marble figurines. What did these latter objects represent? What were they used for? And what ultimately became of Cycladic Culture in general? Find out in this week's episode.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/historylovescompany/support
In the dry, arid steppe between the Volga River and the Caspian Sea in Southern Russia live a people who feel and certainly look different from those who surround them. Known as the Kalmyks, their origins come from a place that's decidedly far from their current homeland. How did they get to this part of Europe? Where did they come from originally? And what historic events befell them throughout their long and proud history? Find out in this all new episode!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
Spain is a country that has been ruled by several disparate peoples and rulers. Moors and Arabs, Germanics and Celts, even Romans and Greeks. But before any of these powers laid claim to Spanish sovereignty, a society emerged in Antiquity that didn't subjugate the peoples of Ancient Spain inasmuch as they blended their indigenous culture with that of the foreign power who came to rule over to them. Join me as we explore this forgotten civilization together, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
Many of us travel, but few get to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Such was the case of Alexander Gardner, an American and restless spirit who ultimately found himself in the service of the Sikh Empire of Northern India, where he fought alongside Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims to stop the British from advancing further into their territory. But how did this unassuming figure from the wilds of what's now Wisconsin end up on the opposite side of the world? Tune in to today's episode to find out!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
The time is Prohibition. The place is Chicago, better known at the time as "Gangland," a playful, albeit sinister, moniker due to the long list of illicit activities that take place behind the scenes. It's against this backdrop that the events of this week's episode unfold, a bloody, violent crime the likes of which has seldom been seen in American history. Why did it happen? Who were the key players involved? And how is it that we're still talking about it nearly a century later? Tune in to find out (though I ain't no rat), this week on the "History Loves Company" podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
Several Black and African voices have contributed to Western theatre. Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson, Langston Hughes...these are all big names, but there's one among them to whom they owe a debt of gratitude. Who was Publius Terentius Afer, better known in the English-speaking world as Terence? Find out in today's episode!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
Since its birth in Antiquity, Ethiopia has claimed ties to the Biblical King Solomon, the Queen of the Sheba and the Holy Land in general. This may be true, but in the northern highlands of the this East African country, a community of Black Jews actually traces their lineage back to one of the famed Twelve Tribes of Israel. Join me for a look at the Beta Israel community of Ethiopia, a true story of tenacity and resilience.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
With only two monarchs to its name, the Empire of Brazil could easily have gone down in history as just another tumultuous period in South America's history. But when Pedro II assumed command of the imperial throne at the tender age of five, neither he nor the Brazilian people could have guessed the great leader he would become. Ushering in an age of unprecedented growth and prosperity for Brazil, his reign is still being talked about to this day. Find out all about this most remarkable man and monarch, today on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
The reputation of the fabled Age of Exploration was solidified by such titans as Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama and Sir Francis Drake, among many others. While their accomplishments were indeed significant, there's one voyage whose details have largely been forgotten by the greater public. In the 4th Century BC, a Greek set sail from his home in what's now Southern France and set sail for points unknown in the then uncharted North of Europe. Let's hop aboard his vessel and see what he discovered there, only on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
No sooner had the Paris Commune gotten on its feet did threats of war from the Third Republic start to rear their ugly heads. Resulting in what Parisians called the "Bloody Week," the Commune's National Guardsmen clashed with the Republic's Regular Army in the streets, killing several and wounding more on both sides. Tune in to find out how this all played out, right here on the 'History Loves Company' podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
With France's disastrous defeat at the end of the Franco-Prussian War, the national government was tasked with creating some semblance of order while trying to keep the ever-growing discord amongst Parisians at bay. Find out just how it all went down in the second installment on the Paris Commune.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
In light of the disastrous outcome of the Franco-Prussian War (from the perspective of the French), dissatisfaction with the Second Empire was at an all-time high. Though disillusionment had been stirring for some time, this was the final straw. It wasn't long before the people, namely the working-class, took to the streets to express their concerns, demanding the formation of a new government--a republic--to replace the monarchy and restore rights to the French people. Join me for the first half of a two-part special on this tumultuous time in French history.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
"Once upon a time..." With those four simple words, generations of readers and listeners have been transported to a timeless realm where reality doesn't exist and magic reigns supreme. But while most of us are familiar with the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Perrault, fewer still know those of Franz Xaver von Schönwerth. A civil servant by trade, he went on to gather folktales and legends from around his native Bavaria in the early 1860s. But by the time of his death over two decades later, they and his work had disappeared and remained forgotten for over a century. Join me as we take a look at this most fascinating man as well as the treasure trove of stories he collected, today on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
At its height, it was believed to be the sixth largest city in the world at the time. But it might surprise you that the place in question wasn't in Europe, Africa, or even Asia, but the proverbial New World. From humble beginnings, Teotihuacán quickly rose to become THE powerhouse in Mesoamerica, whose influences extended from its home base in the heart of Mexico down to the jungles of Guatemala and Honduras. But after its meteoric rise, it all came crumbling down, never to recover ever again. The 'History Loves Company' podcast is back this week with a fascinating and comprehensive look at the greatest city in Mesoamerica, bar none. Tune in to listen now!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historylovescompany/support
Most Americans are familiar with the story BEHIND the Thanksgiving holiday, but fewer know how it came to BE an enduring national tradition in the first place. The process involved several decades of early American bureaucracy, two of the nation's greatest presidents and even the intervention of a magazine editor. But how did all these disparate elements figure into the establishment of the holiday we know and love today? Tune in to this special Thanksgiving episode to find out!
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Few military units in American history are as celebrated and revered as the Rough Riders. Formed by then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, it was a ragtag band of men from various walks of life willing to prove their might and skill in battle against the Spanish in the Spanish-American War. Tune in to this special Veteran's Day episode to find out how they beat the odds!
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Typically, societal collapses occur gradually, with years of slow decline before the inevitable end takes place. But in the subject of today's episode, the first societal collapse in history, the opposite was true, in which the fall came rather swiftly. But what caused so many civilizations in and around the Mediterranean to meet such a rapid demise? A nefarious band of brigands and vagabonds known rather vaguely as the Sea Peoples may very well be the culprit. Tune in to the 'History Loves Company' podcast this week to learn all about it.
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When the Roman Empire fell in the late 5th Century, much ancient knowledge was lost. It would take three centuries for any semblance of the old order to return to Western Europe and it would come from a seemingly unlikely source: Charlemagne, the King of the Franks. What caused him to turn to the past? What reforms and changes did he bring about for his kingdom? And how did said changes shape the Western Europe we know today? Find out in this all new episode!
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The Nazca Lines are a series of large images (or geoglyphs) etched into the desert floor of the Nazca Desert in Southern Peru. Depicting plants, animals and geometric patterns, archaeologists and historians have long posited the purpose of these strange manmade formations. Join me as we attempt to decipher for ourselves the meaning of these truly awesome monuments, today on the 'History Loves Podcast.'
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It was the event that almost single-handedly started a war, and not just any war, but one of the fiercest struggles for independence the world has ever seen. Famously dubbed "the Shot 'Heard Round the World" nearly a century later by the famed American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it was the defining moment that would ultimately lead to the American Revolution. Join me as we pay the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord a visit and see what took place on that fateful day, right here on the 'History Loves Company' podcast.
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There was a period, spanning the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, in which study, research and exploration of Antarctica became prevalent. Now known by the awesome(if somewhat romantic) moniker of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, it was a time of great scientific achievement and discovery. Of the many events that shaped this important period, however, perhaps none was as influential (to say nothing of epic) as the Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen's, attempt at locating the South Pole. Find out all about it in today's thrilling installment!
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While there have been many political assassinations throughout history, few have led to full scale conflicts. Of these rare instances, perhaps none is as famous as the topic of today's episode, which lit the fuse of a Europe on the brink of war. Who was Gavrilo Princip and how did his name become synonymous with one of the biggest plots of the 20th Century? Tune in to find out.
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The concepts of rights and liberties are still relatively new. For the longest time, the common people and even nobles enjoyed limited or restricted freedoms while a king or monarch maintained absolute power. But a little over eight centuries ago, the first attempt at limiting the monarchy's power was made in England when one of the most important documents was drafted and signed. Tune in to the season three premiere of the 'History Loves Company' podcast to learn all about the Magna Carta!
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Ethnic enclaves are interesting, as they often are communities of specific groups of people living in a particular, if unlikely, place. Such is the case of the Magyarabs, a people who have called the stretch of the Nile River along the Egyptian-Sudanese border home for the last five centuries. How did these people get there and where did they come from initially? The answer might surprise you. Tune in to the 'History Loves Company' podcast this week to find out!
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Most cultures throughout the world have legendary founding figures, great men and women who birthed mighty empires and societies. Of them all, however, perhaps none is as fascinating as the subject of today's episode. Join me as we take a look at the patriarch of Armenia, a man who led his people to freedom and founded a great nation, right here on the History Loves Company podcast!
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Humanity's struggle to reverse aging is one that has plagued since the beginning. But some have gone even further than others, risking it all in an attempt to come up with a solution. That being said, upon first glance, a 16th Century Spanish explorer and a 3rd Century BC Chinese monarch may have little in common, but their quests for immortality are two of the most legendary in all of history. Tune in to the 'History Loves Company' podcast this week to learn all about it!
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Otherworldly incidents and encounters are nothing new. Christopher Columbus reported strange flashing lights in the sky off the coast of the Bahamas in 1492. Since then, however, the reporting of such incidents have become far more frequent the world over, though perhaps none was as strange or unusual as that which took place in the small town of Aurora, Texas in 1897. A cigar-shaped ship, an alien pilot and a proper Christian burial are just some of the bizarre details of this story, told in full in today's episode. Stick around to check it out!
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Today, the French capital of Paris extends to both sides of the River Seine. It truly is a dazzling, mesmerizing place, so much so that it can be hard to imagine that it was once vulnerable and prone to attacks. But that's exactly what happened in the 9th Century, when the city and its inhabitants came face to face with some of the most fearsome warriors in European history. Don't miss this week's thrilling episode all about the Viking Siege of Paris, right here on the History Loves Company podcast!
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Süleyman's reputation as a skilled military strategist and fearsome warrior tends (in the West, anyway) to overshadow his other achievements. Yet he was an outspoken and enthusiastic patron of the arts as well as a fair and just ruler in regards to the law and his people. In this, the conclusion of Süleyman the Magnificent's story, we'll explore these lesser known characteristics to reveal how truly "magnificent" he was.
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Süleyman the Magnificent's reputation has been cemented by many characteristics and achievements. One of the more famous of these was his knack for conquest and domination. Throughout much of his reign, he successfully managed to subjugate one of Central Europe's great powers while simultaneously challenging the authority of the largest empire in Central Asia at the time. Join me today as we embark with the sultan's forces to various far-flung regions to see how he became the greatest military strategist in Ottoman history.
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Few leaders in history were as impressive or beloved as Süleyman the Magnificent, who was perhaps the greatest sultan the Ottoman Empire ever knew. Join me as we trace both its and his origins in this, the first part in a limited series about this most "magnificent" of monarchs.
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The Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans were each mighty and key power players in the Mediterranean world of Antiquity. But there was another civilization that was born on Italy's shores who rivalled them in greatness and were astonishingly more forward-thinking than any of those three combined. For some nine centuries, the Etruscans thrived and astonished their neighbors by granting women equal status to their male counterparts, but what roles did they play in Etruscan society? Find out in today's episode!
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What makes a song become part of a tradition? Is it because it's tried and true? Or maybe it has resonant themes that inspire joy in those who listen to or sing it. Whatever the case, today, we'll be looking at three songs that have become a part of traditional music in the English-speaking world and beyond. I do so hope you'll "tune" in for this one!
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Following Augustus Caesar's victory in the Battle of Actium, Rome, which had been a republic for the better part of five centuries was reorganized into an empire, one that would go on to become one of the largest in history. This, naturally, was followed by an initiative to expand its borders and territories. But when the Romans looked to the north in what's now Germany, they were met with heavy resistance. Tune in this week to find out what happened next, only on the 'History Loves Company' podcast!
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The history of Britain begins with Stonehenge, the Neolithic monument that stands in an open field in Southern England. For centuries, this site has captivated the British public's imagination and curiosity, inspiring several myths and legends as to its construction. But what was its actual purpose? Who exactly built it? And just how long has it been standing? Tune in to this week's episode to learn all about Stonehenge!
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Formed in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was an elite group of Japanese American soldiers willing to prove their loyalty to the United States, even in light of the adversity they faced at home. They would not only become the most decorated unit in the entirety of American warfare, but would also answer the question of what it means to be American. Tune in to this special Memorial Day episode to learn all about these heroes.
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Today, Hawaii, as America's fiftieth state, enjoys a reputation the world over for being an unspoiled island paradise. But its history as independent islands dates back to its origins some 1600 years ago. For centuries, the islands often warred with each other for land and power. It wasn't until the late 18th and early 19th Centuries that one man from the Big Island rose up to unite the Hawaiian people under a single banner. Join me as we explore this fascinating yet turbulent time in Hawaii's history, only on the History Loves Company podcast.
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In this, the third and final segment of 'The Ballad of Ned Kelly,' we take a look at some of his more notorious crimes, including the infamous last stand at Glenrowan. Up to the present moment, Kelly remains a controversial figure in his native Australia, with some lauding him a hero while others denounce him as nothing more than a cold-blooded killer. But what exactly led to his life becoming such a divisive issue? Tune in to this final installment of the Ned Kelly saga to find out!
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From a childhood in the harsh and violent backwoods of the South Australian bush, young Ned Kelly quickly rose to prominence as a hardened criminal, namely through the theft of horses and disorderly conduct with neighbors and locals alike. What were these formative years like for him? Who were the people with whom he surrounded himself? And how did these events in his life give rise to his legendary status? Join me for Part Two of the Ballad of Ned Kelly this week, only on the 'History Loves Company' podcast.
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There have been several outlaws whose exploits have reached us through the ages, but perhaps none was as infamous or controversial as the bushranger, Ned Kelly, who rose to notoriety in 19th Century Australia and still divides the Australian public as to whether he was considered a hero or a villain. Tune in for part one of his epic story, from his childhood to teenage years, and discover the birth of a legend.
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While much of South Korea's population identifies as non-religious, that's not to say that religion plays no part in the everyday lives of some of its citizens. Most are Christian, some are Buddhist and even less practice the ancient and indigenous faith known as Muism. What is this mysterious religion? What are some of its beliefs and rituals? And just how long has it been around? Find out in this all-new episode!
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By the 1950s, so-named bog bodies (those discovered in peat bogs in Northern Europe and elsewhere) were nothing new. But on the morning of May 8th, 1950, one was discovered in Denmark that's the best preserved to date. In fact, when two workers happened upon it, they mistook it for a recent murder victim, not knowing that the human treasure they'd uncovered was, in fact, over two millennia old. Check out this week's episode of the 'History Loves Company' podcast to meet the incredible Tollund Man!
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Though allies during World War Two, the United States and Soviet Union quickly became bitter rivals following the conflict. As the two powers fought for scientific and technological dominance, it wasn't long before both nations began eyeing space with its myriad of possibilities. Thus began the infamous "Space Race" between America and Russia but who, ultimately, would get there first? And what were the consequences of said victory? Tune in this week to find out all about it!
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Persian New Year, better known as Nowruz, coincides with the vernal (or spring) equinox and is a lively and colorful holiday celebrated by millions of people the world over. But the origins of this holiday, though shrouded in the darkness of the distant past, can be traced at least some three thousand years back to antiquity. Join me as we celebrate and explore the Persian New Year. Happy Nowruz!
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Last week, we discussed what led up to the notorious Gallipoli Campaign on the Eastern Front of World War One. Now, experience it from the perspective of those embroiled in the conflict as we explore the battles themselves and what led to it being a costly mistake in human lives.
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The outbreak of the Great War (World War One) saw several nations plunged into the mounting conflict. When the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) joined the fight, a vital lifeline was cut off from the Russians, whose supplies would eventually dwindle and run out. To secure this lifeline, a campaign was launched at Gallipoli on the southern end of the Turkish Straits to secure the waterway leading up to Istanbul and the Black Sea, thus allowing supplies to reach Russia and force the Turks out of the war. But the campaign would prove to be far trickier than the Allies could have imagined. Find out all about in this week's episode.
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With the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazism in the 1930s, the Jews of Germany and Austria found themselves searching for a way out. The answer came in the form of a Chinese consul in Vienna, who began issuing exit visas for all those who wished to escape Nazi persecution. The destination: Shanghai, a bustling port city in East China half a world away from anything these Jews knew. Tune in to this episode to find out about the surprising yet fascinating enclave of Jewish refugees in the Far East during World War Two.
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Long before Philadelphia became the largest city in the fledgling United States in 1780, the distinction of the city with the largest population on American soil belonged to a sophisticated Native American settlement that had emerged on the banks of the Mississippi River a millennium prior. Known as Cahokia, its inhabitants, a culture known as the Mississippians, built it up over several generations, turning it from a sleepy backwater into a thriving religious and commercial center. But then, in the mid-14th Century, it was abandoned for reasons that are unclear. Join me as we explore this most fascinating city, the greatest North of the Mayan and Aztec metropolises of Mexico and Mesoamerica!
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Known as "the Smiling Coast of Africa" and renowned worldwide for its warm hospitality and friendly people, The Gambia is a tiny country nestled along the continent's western coast, yet its history is larger than life. Tune in to this brand new episode to discover this beautiful yet complex country!
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The Sámi people of Europe's Far North are one of the oldest indigenous cultures to call the continent home. Long before the arrival of the Indo-Europeans, the Sámi traditionally herded reindeer, worshipped nature and lived communally in the Arctic Circle. But then, after years of being pushed into the fringes of the modern countries in which they lived, their culture was virtually eradicated in a systematic attempt at assimilation and even destruction. But activism in recent years has brought them into the spotlight and brought about renewed interest in their ancient way of life. Tune in to this brand-new episode to find out all about the Sámi of the Far North.
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"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." If that's the case, then scholars in the Ancient World must have been having lots of fun when the Library of Alexandria opened in the Third Century BC. Planned as the greatest library that ever existed up to that point, it boasted a collection of some 400,000 texts and was the undisputed center of cultural light and knowledge at the time. But then, in the Third Century AD, it all came crashing down. What made the Library of Alexandria so great? What was it like in its heyday? And what caused its slow decline and ultimate downfall? Find out in this week's episode!
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Few empires in history were as sophisticated and impressive as the Timurid Empire, a Central Asian sovereignty that, at its height, was the undisputed cultural and intellectual center of both the Eastern and Islamic Worlds. Ushered in by Tamerlane, the first of the empire's many rulers, it would last for some two centuries. What were the circumstances that brought about this golden age? What were some of its achievements? And how did it all come crumbling down? Check out this week's episode to find out!
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Today, we take the calendar for granted. Yet this important piece of timekeeping plays a critical role in our everyday lives, whether it's scheduling an appointment, planning a business trip, or simply meeting up with friends. But where does this most imperative of tools come from? Who were the people responsible for its creation? And how does it compare to earlier forms of timekeeping? Tune in to the final episode of 2021 to find out!
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If you, like me, are a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then you're undoubtedly familiar with Wakanda, the advanced civilization hidden deep within the African continent and ruled by the mighty T'Challa, better known as the Black Panther. But did you know that Wakanda is based on a real place? For nearly nine centuries, the Benin Kingdom thrived in what's now Southern Nigeria. At its height, it was a highly sophisticated society, undertaking impressive engineering projects and producing some of the greatest works of art ever to come out of Africa. When did the civilization come about? What were its greatest achievements? And what brought about its end? Tune in to find out!
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Over a three-day period in April of 1917, at the height of the Great War (World War One), the Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought between the Canadian Corps and the German Sixth Army. What made this particular skirmish so important and unique was not so much its outcome but what it represented. To this day, Canadians look to this battle as a turning point in their history, one in which the nation, which had long since stood in the shadow of the British Empire, proved that it could stand on its own two feet among the world's greatest countries. Tune in to this all new episode to learn all about it.
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The Age of Exploration is inextricably tied to colonialism, as each "new" territory was quickly absorbed into the several European powers of the time. Spain was among the first to take advantage of this and, in the early 16th Century, toppled the Aztec Empire to gain control of Mexico. But what led up to this conflict? Who were the Aztec? And how did they build such a mighty empire in just two centuries? Tune in to this week's episode to find out.
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This week marks the Jewish observance of Chanukah, the so-named "Festival of Lights" in which candles are lit to commemorate an event that took place centuries ago. The hero of said event, Judah Maccabee, has become a legend in Jewish tradition and lore just as much as the enemy, Antiochus, has become a hated and despotic villain. But just who were these historical figures and what are the origins of the holiday Jewish people celebrate today? Tune in to this brand-new episode to find out!
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Celebrated on the last Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is a day in which Americans come together to honor and celebrate that for which they are thankful, marking the occasion with an elaborate feast that draws friends and family together. But what are the origins of this unique and beautiful holiday? What was the first Thanksgiving like? And who was in attendance? Join me this week, as we travel back four centuries, to discover the circumstances that led up to the celebration we know today.
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For people outside Britain, the Fifth of November is perhaps best known as the holiday alluded to in Alan Moore's landmark graphic novel (as well as its subsequent film adaptation), 'V for Vendetta.' But despite its place in popular culture, it is, in fact, a real holiday based on a real event. The early 17th Century saw England's Catholic population on the receiving end of persecution by the country's Protestant majority. By 1605, the climate had become so intolerable that a group of conspirators plotted to overthrow the government. What were the details behind this plot? Who was involved? And how did one man in particular give rise to one of Britain's most important holidays? Join me as we take a look at the Gunpowder Plot, this week on the 'History Loves Company' podcast.
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Haunted houses have become a staple of the Halloween season. Inhabited by ghosts and other supernatural entities, they can be fun walk-through displays, especially at theme parks or in your neighborhood. But every now and then, stories of REAL haunted houses capture the public's imagination and terrify those who experience them for themselves. One such house was located in the sleepy town of Amityville in Long Island, New York and was the site not only of several murders but an infamous haunting that spawned several books and films on the subject. But were the frightening events that followed the murders true or were they the brainchild of a couple who only wished to gain fame and notoriety? Find out in this, the chilling conclusion of the spooktacular October series of the 'History Loves Company' podcast.
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Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! If only the people of the former Gévaudan Province had those to worry about...What they faced over a three-year period in the 18th Century was decidedly scarier and much more horrifying. A mysterious creature, described as "like a wolf, but also not," stalked the French countryside, claiming many victims and traumatizing even more survivors. Dubbed the Beast of Gévaudan, what exactly was this nightmare-inducing creature? Find out in this all-new episode.
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The day before Halloween in 1938, a curious broadcast broke through as most Americans were huddled around their radios in typical Sunday night fashion. This broadcast, which told of an alien invasion force that had landed in New Jersey, set the entire Northeastern United States into a panic. But, for those who had been listening from the start, it was, in fact, a dramatization of H.G. Wells' classic science fiction novel, 'War of the Worlds.' What caused the mass hysteria that ensued during the program? And how did it become infamous as a result? Tune in to the second episode in this spooktacular series to learn more!
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The establishment of Jamestown Colony in what's now Virginia in 1607 is often seen as the genesis of Colonial America. But twenty years prior, the British had attempted to establish a colony further south on Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina. Troubled from the start, it would exchange hands a couple of times before its inhabitants would ultimately and mysteriously vanish, seemingly without a trace. What fate befell the colonists at Roanoke? What clues did they leave behind? And how does this unsolved mystery continue to enthrall us? Tune in to this, the first in a series of "spooktacular" episodes I'll be doing throughout the month of October, to find out!
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As we all know, the rulers of Ancient Egypt were known as pharaohs, great kings (and, therefore, men) who reigned over their empire with an iron fist. But did you know that, in its 3000-year history, a handful of women assumed the role of pharaoh? The most famous of these is none other than Hatshepsut who, following the death of her husband, went on to assume command of the throne and obtain the full powers of pharaoh. Who was this mysterious woman? What did her reign look like? And how has her legacy endured to the present day? Tune in to the 'History Loves Company' podcast this week to find out!
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Though the Han Chinese are in the majority, the People's Republic of China is actually quite diverse with hundreds of languages spoken within its borders and up to fifty-five officially recognized ethnic groups. One of the largest and most well-known of these are the Uyghurs, a Turkic people who have called the Northwest province of Xinjiang home for centuries. Despite their rich and lengthy history in China, however, they have endured continued persecution up to the present day and are now even being systematically wiped out because of who they are. Join me as we take a look at the vast yet complex history of the Uyghurs and the uncertain future they face in China.
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Despite what we're led to believe, humanity is more similar than it is different. At the end of the day, we all more or less strive for the same things. Perhaps this explains how countless cultures throughout history shared similar cultural practices and beliefs without making contact with one another prior to our global age. This can best be exemplified in two codes of conduct from Medieval Europe and Feudal Japan respectively. Known as chivalry and bushido, they're more similar than they are different. Join me as we explore the two in this week's all new episode!
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Following Hitler's invasion of Poland on September 6th, 1939, the official start of World War Two, an eerie eight-month period of little to no fighting ensued. But whispers of the Nazi invasion of other countries was too critical to ignore. As such, Allied British, French and Belgian troops rushed to defend Western Europe from the Nazi menace and became stranded on the beaches of Northwest France as a result. The ensuing rescue operation, which took place over nine days in the late spring of 1940, was later dubbed "a miracle of deliverance" by none other than Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Tune in to the 'History Loves Company' podcast this week to learn all about the Dunkirk Evacuation and what it meant to the greater conflict.
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Throughout much of its history, the Jewish homeland (known in antiquity as Judea) was occupied and incorporated into other empires. But the longest period of its occupation occurred, not surprisingly, under Roman rule. First annexed in 63 BC following the Siege of Jerusalem, by the start of the 2nd Century AD, tensions between the Jews and their Roman oppressors had reached a boiling point. Then, in AD 132, one man rose from among the Jewish people to lead them in their fight to oust the Romans for good. His name was Shimon Bar-Kokhba and he and the rebellion he led are the subjects of this week's episode. Tune in to learn more about them!
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Haile Selassie has become a renowned and beloved figure the world over. The last reigning monarch of Ethiopia, he's venerated as a prophet in the Rastafarian religion and is seen as a symbol of African liberation. But, despite this reputation, there are those who speak ill of him, calling him a tyrant and no better than any other monarch in history. Regardless of one's opinion of him, there's no denying the legacy he left behind on the annals of history. Join me as we explore this most elusive and fascinating figure.
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Located right on the cusp between big city and dense jungle, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious site in the world. Built in the 12th Century by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire of Cambodia, it was originally meant to be the state temple as well as serve as the downtown section of the-then capital. While the capital eventually moved following his death and the originally Hindu temple was converted into a Buddhist one, the complex at Angkor Wat became, in the centuries following its completion, the undisputed symbol of Cambodian national identity. Join me as we take an extensive tour of the grounds and study the history of this most fascinating and beautiful monuments!
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Today, most people know the name Hannibal from the book and film 'Silence of the Lambs' but, long before the deliciously wicked Doctor Hannibal Lecter leapt off the page and onto the screen, the name was both feared and revered as being one of the greatest military strategists and tacticians of all time. Tune in to the 'History Loves Company' podcast this week as we explore the wondrous life and exploits of the Carthaginian general, Hannibal Barca.
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The world of sports has seen its fair share of scandals and controversies, but perhaps none has left as lasting an impression as that of the 1919 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. Driven by greed and spite, eight White Sox players vowed to rig the Series in order to line their pockets with even more money. But, as to be expected, it blew up disastrously in their faces and ruined their reputations for the rest of their lives. What caused these eight players to fix the World Series? Who were the people involved? And what became of them and their careers after the scandal? Tune in to an all-new episode of the 'History Loves Company' podcast to find out!
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Most of us are familiar with the legends of Robin Hood. Much like 'The Odyssey' or Grimm's Fairy Tales, they've become cornerstones of Western literature and have entered the popular imagination. But was there ever such a real person? It appears there very well could have been. William of Cassingham was a skilled 13th Century archer who was deemed an outlaw by his fellow Englishmen following his heroic deeds fending off the French during the Second Barons' War. Could he have inspired the tales? Tune in to this week's episode to find out!
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By 1943, the tide of the conflict was changing. With Italy's resources nearly spent and her armies both physically and spiritually spent, the nation was on the verge of collapse. Public opinion had greatly shifted on Mussolini's leadership and the people had had enough. With a major rift in the country following Il Duce's deposition, Italy was plunged into the throes of chaos and civil war, with Fascist sympathizers and their Nazi allies clashing with Resistance fighters. Join me for the exciting conclusion of this two-part episode on the Italian Civil War, only on the "History Loves Company" podcast.
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In 1943, at the height of World War Two and fighting on multiple fronts, Italy was rocked by a civil war. Waged between fascist sympathizers and a rising Italian Resistance, it rocked the country to its very core, near well splitting it in two. But what led up to this violent skirmish? What was the political climate that created it? Tune in to part one of this two-part episode on the Italian Civil War to discover the foundations rooted in this lesser-known battle on the Italian home front.
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For years, it was believed that Chinese civilization was born solely on and around the Yellow River in Northeastern China in the 3rd and 2nd Millennia BC. But with the discovery of the Sanxingdui (lit. "three star mound") site in Southwest China in 1927 as well as subsequent excavations up to the present day, this notion is being challenged and rewritten. The treasures unearthed reveal a complex and sophisticated society that's as old as those that popped up along the Yellow River at the exact same time. Who were the mysterious people who left such stunning bronze and jade artifacts behind, which are culturally and artistically distinct from those of the Yellow River Chinese? What was their society like? Come with me as we take a look at this forgotten kingdom and what its discovery means for Chinese history.
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While music often unites us, it can just as easily divide us, sometimes rather violently. Several punk shows in the 1970s ended in such a manner and a famous incident at a Rolling Stones concert in 1969 resulted in the stabbing death of an attendee. But perhaps the most famous riot in modern music history took place on the night of May 29th, 1913. The subject of such violence? A ballet. Join me as we take a comprehensive look at one of the most important (albeit controversial) pieces of music of the 20th Century and how it polarized the public.
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The Four Corners region of the United States, located where the states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico meet, is a place of dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. It epitomizes the Wild West but was also once home to one of the most fascinating indigenous cultures in North America. The Ancestral Puebloans left behind some of the most sophisticated and impressive settlements on Earth with whole communities and settlements tucked away in the cliffs of canyon walls. But these feats of engineering didn't happen overnight. Join me as we travel to Mesa Verde in Southwestern Colorado and explore these magnificent communities and the people who built them!
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Most people today recognize Benjamin Franklin as the face on the American one hundred dollar bill, but there was much more to him than a portrait on currency. Born in Boston in 1706, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the preeminent politicians, revolutionary figures as well as minds of his day. What did he do before his foray into early American politics? What contributions did he make to the various arts and sciences? And how did the things he championed and created continue to affect us? Tune in to this week's episode to learn more!
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Egypt, Greece, Rome. Each of the names of these ancient civilizations conjures up images of grandeur and rightfully so. The massive monuments they left behind are testaments of their greatness and have cemented their reputation in the annals of history. But it's important to note that they were by no means the first of their kind. In a fertile region between two rivers in what's now Iraq, the first cities and complex societies arose centuries before the Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Colosseum were even concepts. Known as Mesopotamia (from a Greek word meaning "between the rivers"), they spawned several achievements and innovations the like of which are still utilized today. Join me as we take an extensive tour of this most fascinating location, which truly is the cradle of civilization itself!
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Bands like the Beach Boys and films like "Endless Summer" have immortalized surfing in popular culture and the collective consciousness. Who can say that they aren't at least somewhat familiar with the sport as a result? But its origins go back much farther than the 1960s. Join me as we explore the history of this most popular and exciting watersport.
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Located some distance off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is a remote island paradise of rolling green hills, dramatic coastline and some nine hundred mysterious stone heads. Known as moai, they have kept a close watch on the island and its inhabitants for centuries. Yet, to this day, little is actually known about them, though speculation and debate abound. Who built these megalithic monuments? What purpose did they serve? And what do they reveal about the culture behind their construction? Join me as I seek to answer these questions in today's all-new episode!
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When Armenia fell to Ottoman rule in the 15th Century, the tiny country in the Caucasus was absorbed into the Turks' mighty empire. Over the next five hundred years, the Armenians would make a name for themselves as Ottoman subjects but, in that time, suspicions on behalf of the ruling class began to emerge. A Christian minority in a Muslim majority country, Armenians were seen as outsiders and infidels and, therefore, not to be trusted. These suspicions and hatred reached a fever pitch by the early 20th Century when, during World War One, the Ottoman government carried out a mass genocide against its Armenian population. Now, over a century later, the descendants of its victims continue to feel its effects as the Turkish government to this day refuses to neither accept culpability nor acknowledge that it ever happened. Join me as we take a look at this oft-overlooked crime against humanity and shine some much-needed light on the tragedy.
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She was the largest ship of her day and, when she was christened, her name reflected this. Born out of a bitter rivalry between the two largest shipping firms in Britain, the 'Titanic' was meant to be a bigger and better class of ocean liner that was meant to exemplify human achievement and ingenuity. But then, tragedy struck when, on her maiden voyage, she struck an iceberg and sank beneath the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Just what went wrong to cause such a heartbreaking event to occur? Was it nature or was human error more to blame? Tune in to this week's episode to find out.
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The ancient city of Palenque, located in the state of Chiapas in Southern Mexico, is considered the greatest and best-preserved Mayan city ever found. Once an independent city-state on the fringes of the Mayan world, it rose from obscurity to its height in the 7th Century when its then-ruler, K'inich Janaab Pakal (also known as Pacal the Great) ascended to the throne and set about building it up into a commercial and cultural hub. Though successive generations would continue his legacy of greatness, by the late 8th Century, it had all gone the way of the dinosaurs and the site was abandoned. When was Palenque founded? Who was Pacal the Great? And how have the two become inextricably linked? Find out in this fascinating episode!
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April 1st each year is an occasion in which practical jokes and mischievous mayhem of every kind are played out against unsuspecting "victims." Known as April Fools' Day, its specific origins are unknown but stem from a myriad of sources that span the course of human history. Tune in to this fun episode to find out all about it!
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It was exactly two hundred years ago today that Greece declared itself independent from the Ottoman Empire (based in present-day Turkey), but the road to freedom was a long and arduous one for the Greek people. Having been absorbed into Turkish sovereignty way back in 1453, it would take nearly four hundred years for them to make any headway, thanks in large part to major regrouping efforts as well as help from other European powers. What's the history behind Ottoman rule of Greece? When did revolutionary fervor really take hold? And how long did the conflict last? Find out in this special bicentennial commemorative celebrating Greek Independence Day!
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Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th which, tradition dictates, was the day of its namesake's passing way back in 461. Despite its religious origins, it has become a secular holiday as well in which its revelers celebrate all things Irish. But who was the man whose name graces the holiday itself? What's his story? And how did he become the most beloved national figure in Irish culture and history? Tune in to this week's episode to find out!
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Japan is no stranger to earthquakes. Being on the cusp of two major tectonic plates, they are a frequent, albeit inconvenient and frightening, part of life there. But the one that took place exactly ten years ago today quite literally shook the island nation to its core, as it was proof positive of just how devastating and fatal these natural disasters can be. What is the science behind the Tо̄hoku Earthquake? What made it particularly lethal? And how were the government and people affected by it? Find out in this special edition of the "History Loves Company" podcast.
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By the 1950s, the law known as separate but equal had become second-nature to Southern Blacks. Having originated in the aftermath of the American Civil War, it was proposed by Southern Democrats to maintain continued oppression over the newly-emancipated African Americans. Though there was some opposition in the near-century that followed, it wasn't until 1955 that the fight against it finally gained some traction when a Montgomery, Alabama-based seamstress named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a White rider on a city bus. But who was Rosa Parks? What is the history surrounding the notorious separate but equal law? And how did Parks' heroic actions launch the Civil Rights Movement? Find out in the final Black History Month installment of the "History Loves Company" podcast.
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African Americans have fought in all of America's major conflicts since the inception. By the outbreak of World War Two, they'd more than proven themselves as skilled fighters, though they faced a new challenge. The racist misconception that Blacks were incapable of flying or learning how to operate aircraft led them to enlist in President Franklin Roosevelt's civilian flight program, which he expanded in the years leading up to America's entry into the conflict. Deployed to North Africa and then to Italy, these African American figther pilots proved themselves as they took down hundreds of enemy aircraft within the span of two years. Who were the Tuskegee Airmen? What led to the formation of this special group? And how did their heroism change the U.S. military forever? Find out in this week's enlightening episode!
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African American literature as we know it came about just prior to, during and after the American Civil War, but did you know that, a century before, a Black woman became the first international literary sensation? Phillis Wheatley was a slave who was given the rare opportunity of receiving an education from her owners. She soon displayed amazing prowess as a wordsmith and became a household name not just in Colonial America, but in Britain as well. Who was Phillis Wheatley and how did she pave the way for African American writers who followed? Tune in to this week's episode to find out!
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The practice of slavery in the United States was as old as the country itself. The first African slaves arrived in the Jamestown Colony of Virginia in 1619. Even then, there were stories of runaway or escaped slaves, but it wasn't until the late 18th Century that a concerted effort arose to lead them to safety. For about seventy years, the Underground Railroad served to help fugitive slaves seek freedom in the Northern free states, Canada and even Mexico, but what are the origins of this gateway to freedom? Tune in to find out.
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Despite its unstable beginnings, the Weimar Republic eventually took hold, ushering in a period of prosperity unlike any other in Europe at the time. The German capital of Berlin became the center of this thriving burst of creativity, rivaling Paris as the place to be for art and culture. Conditions improved immensely and it seemed that nothing could stop the growth the country was experiencing. But forces beyond its control were at play and the republic would once again find itself in trouble. Tune in to the conclusion of this special two-part episode to find out how it all happened.
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Germany in the aftermath of World War One was a rough-and-tumble place. Having lost the war and in financial dire straits, it could barely keep itself afloat. In these difficult times, political factions vied for power over the fractured state and the common people suffered a great many hardships and struggles. And yet, from the ashes of such conditions rose the Weimar Republic, the first republic and democracy in German history. Tune in to the first part of this special two-part episode to learn more about this fascinating (albeit tumultuous) period.
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Considered the indigenous Europeans, the Basques have called Northeastern Spain and Southwestern France home since the dawn of civilization. And yet, until recently, their origins have remained unknown. Who are these pastoral people who live along the Spanish/French border? Where did they come from? And what is their standing in Modern European society? Find out in this week's episode!
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Britain in the 1960s was an exciting place, especially if you were a young person. From this explosion of culture, two distinct yet unique youth subcultures were born, the Mods and the Rockers. Expressing themselves in bold news ways, they were often in conflict with one another, the violence of which reached a crescendo in the spring of 1964. But were the scuffles between the two groups as bad as they were reported to be or was it a gross exaggeration by the media to incite a moral panic? Find out in this all-new episode!
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For nearly eight hundred years, much of the Iberian Peninsula (that is, Spain and Portugal) was ruled over by the Muslims. In that time, they built magnificent cities and beautiful structures that were meant to stand the tests of time. Then, by the late 15th Century, it was nothing more than a memory. Who were the Arabs who came to rule Spain? What did they accomplish in that country? And what remains of their legacy? Find out in this, the final episode of 2020!
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Just five months into World War One in December 1914, fighting along the Western Front came to a stalemate when both Allied and German forces made it to the shores of the North Sea in Belgium. Then, just before Christmas, the unthinkable happened. Troops from both sides made an unofficial ceasefire in order to celebrate the holiday together. What triggered the so-named Christmas Truce of 1914 and what effect did it have on the broader conflict? Find out in a special holiday edition of the History Loves Company podcast!
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The Jewish Diaspora has seen the Jewish people scattered throughout the globe, sometimes in the remotest of places, namely as a result of continued persecution. Of all the places they've settled, however, perhaps none is as unique as the city of Kaifeng in Eastern China, which is the home of a rich and vibrant Jewish community dating back over a thousand years. Who are the Jews of Kaifeng? How did they end up in China? And is their heritage in danger of disappearing? Find out in today's enlightening episode.
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The Battle of Thermopylae is considered to be a defining moment not just in Greek history, but in the entirety of Western Civilization. In 480 BC, the Greeks, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, fought valiantly to stop the threat of invasion by one of the largest and most powerful empires in the Ancient World: Persia. What led up to this decisive battle? What was the outcome? And how might Western society look if it had been different? Tune in to this exciting episode to learn more!
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In the 244 years since the United States was founded, it has come to control fifty states and sixteen overseas territories. Of the fifty states, however, how many can claim the distinction of having been formerly independent nations? Perhaps the most impressive of these was Texas which, between 1836 and 1845, was its own sovereign state before ultimately being annexed by the United States. What was Texas the country like and why did it ultimately agree to become a U.S. state? Tune in to today's all-new episode to find out!
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For centuries, what was known of Nubia and the Nubians came down to us from Ancient Egyptian records and sources, leading some (including seasoned archaeologists in the early 20th Century) to assume that they had been founded and influenced by that great civilization. This, however, could not be farther from the truth. Just who were the Nubians and what was their distinct culture and society like? Find out in today's all-new episode!
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It's generally accepted among Canadians that the 16th Century French explorer, Jacques Cartier, was the first European to set foot on Canadian soil. However, nearly five hundred years before, another European, the Viking explorer, Leif Erikson, had, in fact, arrived first and even set up a community on the northernmost tip of what's now the island of Newfoundland. But was Erikson's discovery an accident? Find out in today's all-new episode!
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It's long been believed that Japan is a racially homogenous country. However, what if I told you that it's home to an indigenous population that predates the arrival of the Japanese people? Since the last Ice Age, the Ainu people have called the East Asian archipelago home, only to be displaced when the ancestors of the modern Japanese came. The greatest mystery surrounding the Ainu, however, are their origins. Physically distinguishable from the Japanese and other East Asian populations, it begs the question: Where did they come from? Find out in today's all-new episode.
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Since at least the 19th Century, pirates have been both romanticized and immortalized in various forms of entertainment. However, the real, larger-than-life figures from the so-named Golden Age of Piracy were decidedly more frightening and vicious than popular culture leads on. The most fearsome of these was Edward Teach, better known by his given name, Blackbeard, who became the scourge of both the Caribbean and colonial America in the early 18th Century. Who was this man? Where did he come from? And how did he ascend to the ranks of being one of the most notorious figures in history? Tune in to today's exciting episode to find out!
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Dodge City has garnered the reputation of being the most violent and vicious town in the Wild West. From its humble beginnings as just another stop along the Santa Fe Trail, it quickly rose to prominence based on trade, an industry in buffalo pelts and notoriety. But was its penchant for violence even true or based on gross exaggeration? Find out in today's all-new episode!
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The Mongol Empire holds the title of the largest contiguous land empire in history. At its height, it stretched from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Carpathian Mountains in the west, as far north as the Russian steppes and as far south as the arid plains of India. Perhaps most amazing, however, is that it conquered so much land in less than a hundred years. Then, within 150 years of its foundation, it was all gone. What factors led to the rise and exponential growth of the Mongol Empire and what led to its quick demise? Tune in to this all-new episode to find out!
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With anywhere between seven and eight million visitors annually, the Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks the world over. Perhaps it's the gorgeous architecture that draws people to its gates or maybe it's the love story behind its inspiration and construction that continues to captivate and win the hearts of all who visit it. Join me as we take a look at the man and woman behind the most iconic structure in India!
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Timbuktu has entered the English language as a synonym for a place as mysterious as it is remote. Located within the interior of Africa, it has garnered the reputation of being a distant backwater south of the Sahara Desert. However, at its height, it was the undisputed center of trade and knowledge in the Islamic World, thanks in great part to the university that was founded there. But when and why was the university founded and how did it, in turn, help develop and shape the city surrounding it? Tune in to today's episode to discover more!
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Few civilizations in the ancient world were as impressive as Rome. Beginning as a republic in 510 BC, it later became a vast empire (one of the largest in history), ruled by a great many emperors, from the beloved to the most hated. Of all the hated rulers, however, perhaps none was as loathsome as Heliogabalus...or at least, that's how history wants us to remember him. But was he really as bad as all that? What exactly did he do to warrant such hatred throughout the ages? Find out in today's episode!
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In 1925, renowned explorer and adventurer Percy Fawcett embarked on a journey into the Amazon rainforest...never to be seen again. What he was searching for, a lost city he called Z, people had long believed to be a myth, but was he right? Has his lost city been found at last? Find out in today's episode!
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"Lizzie Borden took an axe..." So begins a disturbing nursery rhyme that has immortalized the crimes of the titular subject who, to this day, continues to intrigue and fascinate, but the question remains: What exactly happened on that hot August morning in 1892? Tune in to find out!
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When it comes to colonialism in India, Britain often comes to mind, seeing as how they ruled much of the subcontinent for nearly a century. Lesser known, the French had settlements there at the same time, though it was a far from easy existence. Tune in to find out more about the oft-overlooked French colonies in India!
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Given China's recent history, most notably the Cutural Revolution and Tiananmen Square Protests, it's hard to imagine that there was ever a time when the scholar/intellectual was held in such high esteem. But sure enough, an entire class of scholar-bureaucrats known as the Mandarins heavily shaped China's imperial government, but who were they and what exactly did they do? Find out in today's episode!
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Throughout history, the Gypsies (or Romani, as they prefer to be called) have wandered the world in search of a home. They've faced persecution and adversity, but have nonetheless persisted, but where did they come from? Find out in this week's episode.
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The Harlem Renaissance was an unprecedented period of African American artistic, intellectual and social output the like of which no one had ever seen before. What triggered this explosion of creativity? What were the circumstances that lead up to it? Find out in this, the premiere episode of the "History Loves Company" podcast!
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