Villains and Virgins History Podcast

The Real Robin Hood

Was Robin Hood just a story? Did outlaws really roam Sherwood forest, robbing the rich and hunting the king's deer? The answer is more exciting than you might imagine. Th

The Battle for Rome: Belisarius vs. the Goths

General Belisarius was the most famous commander of his generation. In this episode he sacks Naples and reconquers Rome from the Ostrogoths. A daring sneak attack through

General Belisarius: Hero of the Roman Empire

General Belisarius is the most underrated commander of the Roman Empire. He was the man who reconquered the Roman province of North Africa from the Vandals -- and that wa

Emperor Justinian and Theodora: The Black Death and the Christian Roman Empire

Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora rule the Eastern Roman Empire in a tumultuous period. The plague pays a visit to Constantinople, bringing massive death tolls.  The

The Nika Riots: the bloodiest riots in Roman history

The Nika Riots are some of the bloodiest ever recorded. They unfolded in Constantinople in 532. This insurrection nearly toppled Emperor Justinian, but Empress Theodora m

The Circus Performer who became Roman Empress: Theodora and Justinian

This is the story of a woman who began as a circus performer and child prostitute, and became Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. No less remarkable is her husband Justi

The Man who Blew Up Troy: Heinrich Schliemann

The story of Troy has resounded across millennia: the beauty of Helen, the nobility of Hector, and the feats of Achilles have become legend. One man set out to prove that

Rumi and the Sufis: The Man and his World

Rumi was a 13th century poet and mystic often quoted today.  He was born into a world shattered by the Mongol invasions that sent his family fleeing the only home they ha

Fourth Crusade Ep 2: When Crusaders attacked and burned Constantinople

The story of how Constantinople was assaulted and sacked by the army of the Fourth Crusade is horrifying.  Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and

Crusaders against Christians: The Fourth Crusade part 1

Of all the Crusades, this one may be the worst.  It is the story of how an army of Crusaders end up fighting only other Christians, and it ends with the sacking of Consta

The Return of King Richard the Lionheart: Legends of the Third Crusade

The Third Crusade is over and King Richard the Lionheart is making his way home, escorted by the Knights Templar. After a daring journey in disguise, he will end up becom

Richard the Lionheart vs. Saladin- The Final Confrontation

The Third Crusade involves two of the most well known figures of any crusade: Richard I, the Lionheart, King of England, and Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, Sultan of Egypt

Third Crusade: The Brutal 2 Year Siege of Acre

The siege of Acre, from 1189-1191 was one of the most brutal battles of the Third Crusade.  The armies of the King of Jerusalem surrounded the city of Acre, but were them

Richard the Lionheart and the Kings Crusade

Richard the Lionheart is one of the most famous English kings and he made his reputation on the Third Crusade. In this episode we take a closer look at the man behind the

The Real Kingdom of Heaven: The Third Crusade Ep 1- Rise of Saladin

Saladin and Richard the Lionheart are two of the most legendary figures in the history of the Crusades.  Saladin was both feared and admired by his friends and his enemie

How the Knights Templar Survived

The Knights Templar are one of the most famous medieval orders.  They combined legendary discipline and bravery in battle with the ascetic habits of monks.  Then they wer

Lust, Treachery, and Murder: Portugal and the 100 Years War

The story of Portugal during the 100 Years War is a story of lust, treachery and murder.  It is also a story of survival and resistance.  This episode covers Portugal's m

The Destruction of Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman City

The volcanic eruption that buried Pompeii was a catastrophe of epic proportions. But the mass burial site it created also preserved details of daily life in a first centu

The History of Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a very strange figure when you think about it.  Where does he come from and why does he fly through the sky handing out presents at night? This episode tra

A Day in the Life of A Roman Legionary

What did life look like for the average soldier in the Roman army?  In this episode we get into the details of packs, march speed, camp construction, and food on the marc