History Made Beautiful

For centuries, witches have occupied a space between fear and fascination, their presence signaling both power and peril. From the three haggard figures inMacbeth to the Fates of Greek mythology, women who wield influence beyond the expected have been cast as threats to order. But why? In this episode, we examine the historical and cultural forces that turned witches into symbols of chaos, control, and rebellion. Were they truly dangerous, or did they simply exist outside the boundaries of what society deemed acceptable? Join us as we explore the tangled legacy of witches, prophecy, and the fear of women who refuse to obey.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary lives of Euphemia and Theodora, two women who rose from obscurity to become empresses of the Byzantine Empire. Their stories—filled with ambition, resilience, and reform—challenge traditional narratives of power and privilege in late antiquity. From the sensational accounts of Procopius to the lasting legacies of their reforms, we'll uncover how their lives were shaped by, and in turn, shaped the cultural and political landscape of their time. Key Quotes: "Euphemia, born a slave and once known as Lupicina, transformed her identity to embody the piety expected of an empress." "Theodora's reforms addressed marriage, dowry rights, and protections for women sold into slavery—legislation that echoed her own experiences." "Procopius described Theodora as 'Theodora from the Brothel,' highlighting not just his disdain for her origins, but his fear of women who wielded power." "The name Lupicina, linked to the Latin word for 'she-wolves,' connected Euphemia to both sacred Etruscan traditions and the lowest class of Roman society." "In Justinian and Theodora's marriage, Procopius saw not just a union of two people but a symbol of societal upheaval that blurred class distinctions." Through the lens of Euphemia and Theodora's lives, we'll explore the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, the power of identity and narrative, and the ways in which women shaped the empire from behind the scenes. Join me as we unravel the truths and myths surrounding these two remarkable empresses.

In this episode, we explore the lives of the women who shaped and supported the reign of Emperor Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. From political alliances forged through marriage to personal sacrifices and public displays of loyalty, these women played vital roles in Augustus' ascent to power. While Livia Drusilla eventually became the first Empress of the Julian Dynasty, the stories of the other women in Augustus' life are equally compelling. Key Quotes: "Clodia Pulchra's marriage to Octavian was emblematic of Rome's practice of using matrimony as a political tool." "Scribonia, Octavian's second wife, was chosen for her aristocratic connections and political utility." "Julia, Augustus' daughter, lived a life of contradictions—venerated as a symbol of the imperial family yet exiled for rebellion." "Livia embodied the ideal Roman matron while exercising immense behind-the-scenes political influence." "Through marriages and alliances, the women in Augustus' life helped to solidify his rule and secure his legacy." Uncover the intricate roles of Augustus' women in consolidating power during one of history's most transformative periods. From the politically arranged marriages that strengthened alliances to the lasting influence of Livia, these women's stories reveal the human complexities behind the grandeur of Rome's first emperor. Join us as we delve into their lives and legacies, unraveling the ways they shaped the foundation of the Roman Empire.

In this episode, we dive into the passionate, often heart-wrenching love life of Heracles, the demigod whose adventures went far beyond his legendary labors. Known for his superhuman strength, Heracles' story is also woven with deep, complex relationships that reveal the hero's vulnerabilities. From the loyalty of his male lover Iolaus to the tragic fate of his first wife Megara and the jealousy-driven actions of Hera, each relationship paints a vivid picture of love, loss, and redemption. Key Quotes: 1. “The animosity that Zeus' wife, Hera, harbored towards Heracles played a significant role in his life.” 2. “Heracles' life was also filled with many loves and relationships.” 3. “What happened with Megara was less than clear as, although Euripides states that Heracles also shot and murdered Megara, Pseudo-Apollodorus claims that Megara managed to flee.” 4. “Heracles, this most manly of heroes, was about to face further humiliation when he was made to wear women's clothes and help Omphale and her maidens spin.” 5. “Happy god! For he has done, His great work and he lives among the gods, Forever young, forever free from pain.” Unearth the tumultuous love life of Heracles, the Greek hero whose epic romances and tragic losses shaped myths for centuries. Tune in to explore how love, rivalry, and loss intertwined to define the life of this storied demigod and see how these ancient tales continue to resonate today.

Soon after the study of the inscriptions of the Daochos Monument was published in 1897, an interest in the study of the sculptor Lysippos was renewed. The inscription on a statue base found at Pharsalos was discovered to be identical to a somewhat shorter epigram of Agias at Delphi, and the name Lysippos, presumably the statue's sculptor, was written at the bottom of the Pharsalos inscription. When the statue of Agias at Delphi was reunited with its base, it became clear that the figure in Delphi was likely a replica of the one in Pharsalos. Like most of Lysippos' works, the original statue was probably cast in bronze and predate the Delphi statue, although only by a few years. The research also reveals that the statues at Delphi were probably certainly sculpted by more than one artist, indicating a diversity of aesthetic influences at work. But Lysippos' name was definitely recognizable. Key Quotes: "The Daochos Monument was a massive rectangular foundation with nine statues northeast of Delphi's Temple of Apollo terrace. Under each of the statues, barring one figure on the far right, there was an epigram describing the individual portrayed and listing their achievements." "Lysippos was known as one of the three best Classical Greek sculptors of the 4th century BC, alongside Scopas of Paros and Praxiteles of Athens, playing a significant role in the artistic revolution of the Hellenistic period." "Lysippos' statues were known for their thin proportions and their genuine naturalism. He studied nature and Polyclitus' Doryphoros canon of ideal male proportions, which he modified by constructing a smaller head and slimmer torso." "It was Lysippos who sculpted Alexander the Great from the ruler's childhood onward, and Alexander would not have any other sculptor portray him." "According to Plutarch, Lysippos was the only one who succeeded in casting Alexander's distinguishing character and excellence in bronze, describing him as 'looking upwards with his face to the sky, as he used to stare with a slight inclination of the neck.'" Discover the enduring legacy of Lysippos, the master sculptor who shaped the image of Alexander the Great and redefined art in the Hellenistic period. Dive into the world of classical Greek artistry and explore how Lysippos' innovations in naturalism and form influenced generations of artists. Uncover the secrets behind his statues, from the Daochos Monument to the iconic portrayals of Alexander. Visit MartiniFisher.com to learn more about this fascinating intersection of art and history (and see some images), and see how these timeless works continue to inspire today. You will also find more images in the History Made Beautiful Instagram account.

At the height of the Roman Empire, Germanicus Julius Caesar was unanimously regarded as one of the greatest warriors the Empire had ever produced. With this in mind, it is somewhat unfortunate that Caligula, through his reputation as Rome's mad Emperor, eclipsed his father's popularity. Germanicus' three daughters were just as scandalous as their brother. To find out more about Germanicus, you can read about him in these posts: ⁠Germanicus and Agrippina: An Imperial Love Story⁠ ⁠A Story of Castor, the Refreshingly Quiet and Surprisingly Competent Politician of Ancient Rome⁠ (Not exactly about Germanicus, but he does feature heavily in it) Key Quotes: "Germanicus Julius Caesar was unanimously regarded as one of the greatest fighters the Empire had ever produced. He was the Roman version of Alexander the Great, who died at the same age." "Germanicus' three daughters were just as scandalous as their brother. But can we blame them? Despite their parental privileges, Germanicus' children grew up in an atmosphere of distrust and terror." "Caligula violated convention by designating the place of honor completely for Drusilla. It's also likely that the rumors of incest involving Drusilla and Caligula were intended to damage Caligula's leadership after his death." "When Caligula became Emperor, his first step was to restore and, if possible, elevate his family's reputation even further. He bestowed significant honors to his three sisters, as well as notable privileges such as Vestal Virgin rights." "Seeing them, Agrippina cried, 'Strike here, for this bore Nero!' before succumbing to their blows. Agrippina was cremated that night and buried in an exposed and unenclosed grave without honor." Step into the scandalous lives of Germanicus' three daughters and their notorious brother, Emperor Caligula. Unveil the secrets of ambition, betrayal, and survival that shaped the Roman Empire's most infamous family. Join us for a deep dive into the rise and fall of Agrippina, Drusilla, and Livilla in our latest podcast episode. Listen now! For more historical insights, visit ⁠martinifisher.com⁠ and check out Martini's book "⁠Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture⁠".

Human hair has always played an important role in culture and in society. For men and women alike, styling one's hair seems to be an innate human desire to emphasize their beauty and power. Thus, apart from being interesting and rather beautiful, hairstyles in history have acted as markers that revealed a person's social status and membership of a tribe or group, social class, age, marital status, political beliefs, and many more. Key Quotes: "Styling one's hair seems to be an innate human desire to emphasize their beauty and power." "A beautiful body was considered direct evidence of a beautiful mind." "Roman emperors were most often known as the trendsetters of hairstyles." "In ancient China, hair and hairstyling was important to men and women alike." "In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) different shaped hairdos developed into a symbol of class status." Explore the captivating history of hairstyles and uncover how they have signified power, beauty, and social status across ancient civilizations. Join us on our podcast as we delve into the fascinating stories behind iconic hairdos from Ancient Greece, Rome, China, and beyond. Tune in now! For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture”.

Once upon a time, Zeus spent nine consecutive nights with Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory, giving birth to the nine Muses: Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, Urania, Calliope, and Clio. These Muses inspired countless poets and artists, including Shakespeare and Milton, who invoked their divine influence in their works. The tradition of calling upon the Muses dates back to Homer's Iliad, where he likely invoked Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry. The Muses resided on Mount Olympus, delighting the gods with their songs and dances, often accompanied by Apollo's lyre. Their influence extended beyond art, touching on history, eloquence, and even foreseeing the future. Key quotes: "At the opening of his Henry V, Shakespeare refers to the 'Muse of fire,' and Milton beseeches the 'Heav'nly Muse' to sing at the beginning of his Paradise Lost. By invoking a muse at the opening of their works, Shakespeare and Milton carried on a centuries-old custom." "In the Iliad, Homer describes the Muses singing in response to each other's songs while Apollo plays his lyre, entertaining the gods during their feast." "In his Theogony, Hesiod describes a conversation with the Muses where they bestow upon him their divine voice, enabling him to exalt the gods and their progeny." "In his Metamorphoses, Antoninus Liberalis recounts the daughters of Pierus challenging the Muses in song, only to be transformed into birds as punishment for their audacity." "Valerius Flaccus acknowledges Clio's power in his Argonautica, writing, 'Clio, do you now reveal the reasons behind the heroes' horrific deeds? You, O Muse, have been granted the ability to see into the minds of the gods and understand the processes that lead to reality.'" Dive into the fascinating world of the Muses and discover the divine inspiration behind some of the greatest works of art and literature. Tune in now! For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture”.

In 29 AD, Livia, the Empress of Rome and the widow of Emperor Augustus, died at the age of eighty-six. Although she was the mother of Tiberius, the current emperor of Rome, and an empress through her own marriage to Augustus, her funeral was very low-key by the standards of the Roman imperial family. But Livia's cult had grown throughout the empire even during her lifetime, and upon her death, Livia would have been the first woman in Rome's history to be pronounced a goddess. Key quotes: "When Augustus' sister Octavia died in 11 BC, her funeral oration was delivered by Augustus himself in his capacity as both Octavia's brother and Emperor of Rome." "By contrast, the only person who spoke at Livia's funeral was her great-grandson Caligula before Livia was buried in the Mausoleum of Augustus with minimal ceremony." "The senate also voted for an arch to honor Livia in remembrance of her deeds of charity and goodwill. However, the plan never came to fruition as, although Tiberius did not immediately resist this plan, he instead promised rather heroically to build the arch with his own money instead of using the public funds." "Among his first actions were the divine honors bestowed to Livia on the anniversary of her marriage to Augustus as well as what would have been her one-hundredth birthday." "Livia was still held in high regard during Nero's reign, and she was still highly regarded after the Julio-Claudian dynasty ended in 68 AD." Dive into the world of Rome's first Empress and discover the makings of a legend. Tune in now! For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture”.

Shortly after his marriage, the King of Egypt Ptolemy III, received word of imminent danger to his sister. In return for his safety as his marched to Syria to save his sister's life, his loving wife promised to sacrifice a lock of her hair in return for his safety. Upon his return from the campaign, a lock of hair from the Queen's head was cut and dedicated to the gods, only to disappear by the following day. Later, the court astronomer Conon then announced that he had discovered the lock in the night. To this day, the constellation is called Coma Berenices ("Berenice's Lock"). Key quotes: “Berenice was already hailed as Basilissa (queen) on coins even in her father's lifetime and, upon her marriage, she would be known as Berenice II Euergetis (‘Berenice the Benefactress').” “Allegedly, Demetrius and Apama soon became lovers. According to legends, Berenice killed Demetrius after seeing him in bed with her mother.” “Controlling the narrative of the retelling of Demetrius' murder would have been one of the earliest challenges that the newlyweds faced.” “Ptolemy III needed to introduce a new mythological basis for the new chapter brought about by his own marriage to Berenice, strengthening his dynastic continuity.” “In the poem Berenice's Lock, Callimachus provided further details of the event, that Zephyrus carried off the lock at the command of Aphrodite who then placed it among the stars.” Join us as we unravel the romance, drama and politic of Berenice II, the girl who became Queen. For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.

In this episode, we delve into the captivating tale of the Revolt of the Batavi, an uprising that shook the foundations of the mighty Roman Empire during the years 69 to 70 AD. The Batavi, a small yet formidable Germanic population residing in Batavia along the Rhine delta, spearheaded this rebellion. As their ranks swelled with other Germanic and Celtic tribes from Gallia Belgica, they embarked on a daring mission to challenge the Roman dominion. Key Quotes: “The Revolt of the Batavi, which occurred between 69 and 70 AD, was an uprising against the Roman Empire led by the Batavi, a small but powerful Germanic population of Batavia on the Rhine delta.” “The Batavi and their allies were able to humiliate the Roman army with a series of crushing defeats, including the annihilation of two Roman legions.” “The Batavi people's leader was the Romanized Gaius Julius Civilis, whose skills were honed in the Roman army as an auxiliary officer familiar with the characteristics of Roman warfare.” “However, instead of supporting the Roman Empire, which had granted him citizenship, Gaius Julius Civilis decided to use his knowledge to help the Batavi.” “It was a low point in Roman history. But things took a turn in 77 AD where, following some initial victories, a massive Roman army eventually defeated the insurgents.” “Following peace talks, the Batavi surrendered once again to Roman rule. However, this time they were forced to accept humiliating terms and endure a legion being stationed permanently on their territory, at Noviomagus (modern-day Nijmegen, The Netherlands).” “The rebellion may not have ended in favor of the Batavi in the end, but the rebels' early successes were undeniable. The Batavi's early victories over the Roman legions were also foretold. They were predicted by Veleda, a seer.” Join us as we unravel the remarkable saga of the Batavi rebellion—a saga that reverberated through history, pitting a determined people against the might of Rome. For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of dreams and their interpretations in ancient civilizations. We explore how dreams played a crucial role in government, religion, and daily life in early civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt. Key Quotes: “The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literature, presents dreams as a powerful tool for foretelling and guiding the future.” “Dreams were not just personal experiences but played a crucial role in government, religion, and daily life in early civilizations.” “The dream of Gudea, king of the Sumerian city-state of Lagash, led to the construction of a temple for the god Ningirsu.” “The Assyrian kings Ashurnasirpal II and Ashurbanipal sought guidance and victory in dreams.” “Dreams were incubated within the confines of Asclepieions, temples dedicated to healing, in ancient Greece.” “Dream interpreters, often tribal elders, matriarchs, patriarchs, priests, and shamans, held a special place in these societies. They could enter the world of dreams at will, encounter souls, fight, recover lost souls, heal, and bring the meaning of the dream forth to the life of the dreamers.” Join us as we explore how dreams were regarded as an important way of receiving messages from the world of power and spirit, from the gods and other powerful beings, and how they continue to fascinate us to this day. For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.

In this episode, we journey back to ancient Greece to explore the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite force of 150 pairs of male lovers. We discuss their crucial role in ending Spartan domination and the deep bonds they formed in battle. We also touch on the paradox of civilization, where periods of great achievement often coincide with war and turmoil. Key Quotes: “The Pals battalions were far from being a new idea. Thousands of years prior, in the 4th century BC, King Philip II of Macedon erected a tribute at Chaeronea to commemorate the bravery of a battalion he conquered whose soldiers had ties to each other that were more intense and passionate.” “This memorial commemorates the Sacred Band of Thebes, marking the communal grave in which they were buried.” “The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite force of the Theban army consisting of 150 pairs of male lovers, and they played a crucial role in ending Spartan domination.” “One of civilization's great paradoxes is that periods of great intellectual and political achievement are often accompanied by war and turmoil.” “The fourth century BC saw a period of political and military upheaval in ancient Greece, marked by the rise of powerful city-states and the growing influence of Macedon, led by Philip II (382 – 336 BC).” For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher's website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.

In this episode, we journey back to ancient Rome to explore the life and legacy of Marcus Tullius Cicero, the greatest Roman orator. We delve into his prolific writings, which span rhetoric, philosophy, and politics, and the surviving collections of his personal correspondence. We take a closer look at his relationships with various public figures, his friend Titus Pomponius Atticus, and most intimately, his younger brother Quintus. Through these letters, we gain a candid view into Cicero's character, his intellectual prowess, and his day-to-day moods. Join us as we unravel the complexities of brotherly bonds, political frustrations, and the enduring power of the written word in ancient Rome. Key Quotes: “In modern times, Marcus Tullius Cicero is remembered as the greatest Roman orator.” “Many of his letters did not survive, and many others were, perhaps understandably, suppressed for political reasons after his death.” “With Quintus, his younger brother by four years, the famous Marcus Tullius Cicero speaks as he would to a brother, friend, confidant and colleague.” “Marcus' response to his brother's nagging is that although he feels capable to write, he lacks the time and inclination.” “Marcus and Quintus Tullius Cicero were the sons of a wealthy family in Arpinium.” As promised in this episode, here are some links that you might find interesting: Anna Perenna and the Ides of March How to Win an Election: Lessons from an Ancient Roman Rebel For more fascinating insights into history, check out Martini Fisher's website and her book, “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”. Dive into the past and discover the rich tapestry of events and individuals that have shaped our world. Happy listening!

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing life of Flavius Belisarius, a general of the Byzantine Empire, and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Antonina. We explore how Belisarius, a man of great military prowess, was brought down by his Achilles' heel - his deep love for Antonina. Despite her infidelities and their troubled marriage, Belisarius remained stubbornly loyal to Antonina, a fact that historians like Procopius and Edward Gibbon have noted in their writings. We also shed light on Antonina's background, her rise from poverty, and her alleged use of magic to win Belisarius' heart. Join us as we unravel the complex dynamics of power, love, and betrayal in the 6th century Byzantine Empire. Key Quotes: “Flavius Belisarius personified the perfect example of what a general of a powerful empire ought to have been.” “His Achilles' heel was none other than his wife, Antonina.” “The unconquerable patience and loyalty of Belisarius appear either below or above the character of a man.” - Edward Gibbon “Antonina herself from the first led an utterly wanton life. Acquainted with magic drugs used by her parents before her, she learned how to use those of compelling qualities and became the wedded wife of Belisarius, after having already borne many children.” - Procopius “In Antonina, Belisarius seemed to have met his intellectual equal.” As promised in this episode, here are some links that you might find interesting: Ancient Roman Actresses and the Dark Side of Beauty Tale of Two Concubines For more fascinating insights into history, check out Martini Fisher's website and her book, "Time Maps: Mesopotamia”. Dive into the past and discover the rich tapestry of events and individuals that have shaped our world. Happy listening!

In this episode, we delve into the rise and fall of unusual ancient Roman politicians. We explore how the early distribution of political power was influenced by factors such as fresh water, fertile soil, and a temperate climate, which were crucial for the development of organized societies. We discuss the evolution of Rome from a minor power to an imperial behemoth, and how this complicated the concept of politics. We also examine the formation of the Tribune of the Plebeians in 493 BC, which gave commoners a presence in the government, and the subsequent weakening of the senate after the formation of the Roman Empire in 27 BC. Key Quotes: “In the ancient world, the early distribution of political power was dictated by the availability of fresh water, fertile soil and a temperate climate.” “Rome's evolution from a minor power into an imperial behemoth complicated the concept of politics even further.” “The ancient Roman senate was established in the first days of the city of Rome which was traditionally founded in 753 BC.” “All this changed in the formation of the Tribune of the Plebeians in 493 BC.” “The senate was greatly weakened after the formation of the Roman Empire in 27 BC as it buckled under successions of powerful emperors who often violently coerced this governing body.” For more fascinating insights into ancient history, check out Martini Fisher's website and her book, “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”. Dive into the captivating world of the past and uncover the secrets of the ancient civilizations.

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of Ganesha, one of the most distinctive Hindu deities. We explore his role as the remover of obstacles and the patron of travelers, students, commerce, and new endeavors. We journey back to the Gupta Period (c. 320-600 CE), when Ganesha emerged as a distinct deity in a recognizable form. We trace his evolution as he became one of the most prevalent Hindu deities in foreign lands, particularly during the 10th century CE. Key Quotes: “Ganesha as we know him today does not appear in the Vedas, at least not explicitly.” “A prototype of Ganesha was worshiped in prehistoric times outside the Indian subcontinent in places such as Afghanistan, Iran, Tibet, Mongolia, China, Cambodia, Japan and Mexico.” “Among Buddhists in Thailand, Ganesha maintained his function as a remover of obstacles and is therefore considered a god of success.” For more fascinating insights into history and mythology, visit Martini Fisher's website. Check out her latest book, “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”, available now on Amazon. Let's continue to make history beautiful together.

When word of his younger brother's life-threatening illness reached him, Roman General Tiberius (later Emperor Tiberius Caesar Augustus) who was in Pavia at the time, crossed the Alps like a man possessed. Without stopping day or night, he covered 200 Roman miles in a dangerous country. Tiberius' frantic dash across the Rhine from northwestern Italy to Germany to his brother's bedside evolved into a legend. Read this story in the blog. Read more about: Germanicus Castor (Son of Tiberius) Augustus Castor and Pollux (the divine twins) Legends of the Zodiacs

The works of Quintus Horatius Flaccus, or Horace, span an extraordinarily wide range, making him one of the central authors in Latin literature. Horace seemed to be just as comfortable writing about love and wine as he was about philosophy and literary criticism. However, the phrase that both best encapsulates Horace's moral stance and saves him from oblivion, is the phrase ‘carpe diem' (Odes 1.11.8), which endures well to the modern ages as a slogan on T-shirts and the name of a trendy line of leather goods.   Read on the blog. Read more about Octavian and Mark Antony.

Penthesilea was breathtaking. “Aphrodite, the noble bride of the potent War- god, made her beautiful indeed in death, so that the son of Peleus (Achilles), could be pierced by the arrow of chastising love," writes the 4th century AD Greek poet Quintus Smyrnaeus in his poem Posthomerica ("Things After Homer"). In addition to her beauty, Penthesilea was also born into a family of queens. She was the daughter of Ares, the god of war, and Otrera, Queen of the legendary Amazons. Apart from Penthesilea, Ares and Otrera had three other daughters: Hippolyta, Antiope, and Melanippe. Hippolyta went on to become one of the most famous of the Amazon queens, while her other sisters Antiope and Melanippe ruled alongside her over their country's three major cities. Read on the blog. Read more: Aphrodite Battle of the Tragic Heroes: Legends of India's Karna, Greek's Achilles and Ireland's Ferdiad Ares and Athena An Unhappy Divine Marriage

Elusive and difficult to pinpoint, the ‘Old Man of the Sea' may take on many names in mythology. He embodies the virtues of truth and justice, until he was usurped by a sinister character who made a nuisance of himself by latching on to men, like an irritating conscience, which one could only be rid of by inebriation. Read on the blog. Read more: Women and the Sacred Invention of Beer Ancient History of the Forbidden Fruit Battle of the Tragic Heroes: Legends of India's Karna, Greek's Achilles and Ireland's Ferdiad Sacrifice the Virgin, Save the People

Music has been an integral part of the world's culture since prehistorical times and discoveries of ancient musical instruments are still being made to this day. Excavations at the early Neolithic site of Jiahu in Henan Province, China, (7000 - 5700 BC), have produced what may be the earliest complete and playable multinote musical instruments. A sarcophagus representing the oldest illustration of the seven-string lyre and double flute accompanying a ritual from the Minoan Period (3000 - 1400 BC) was also discovered in Crete. Read here for: Courtesans and Music in Ancient China Hades and Persephone Apsara and Gandharva Mahabharata: The Pandava Brothers

"Man the Hunter," an early twentieth-century human origins story, saw hunting as the primary driver of human evolution. This story emphasizes our forefathers' bipedalism, large brains, sharp tools, and insatiable desire for violence. According to this story, hunting also gave rise to the concept of the nuclear family, with women serving as those who waited at home for men to bring home the meat. However, through decades of field research, anthropologists have developed a more flexible and comprehensive view of human labor, which holds that neither men nor women are particularly biologically inclined to gather. Read more about: Mothers' Tears The Woman in White Witches The Body of a Goddess Hecate The Moon Goddess Floods

In the ancient battle of Thurii in 282 BC, between Rome and the Greek colony of Tarentum, the Romans noticed a youth of extraordinary height marching in front of them and performing miracles of bravery. It was only afterwards, when no candidate for the crown of honor showed himself to claim it, that the soldiers realized and became convinced that it was the war god Mars himself who had come to the rescue of his people.   Read more on the blog. Read more about: Anna Perenna Ares and Athena Zeus and Hera Romulus and Remus Lupa

Numerous myths, ubiquitous to great civilizations spanning the globe, reflect a deep-rooted belief in an intimate connection between a human being and a tree. The Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite proclaims that when the tree is injured, the tree nymph also hurts, “…but when the fate of death is near at hand, first those lovely trees wither where they stand, and the bark shrivels away about them, and the twigs fall down, and at last the life of the Nymph and of the tree leave the light of the sun together”. Read more stories of the Sacred Trees in the blog. Read more about: Aphrodite Apsara Kinnara and Kinnari

The ancient figures of the “Divine Twins” are globally recognizable. Among the many associations attached to the Divine Twins is the custom of dual kingship, the warrior king and the priestly king, where one king would go on campaigns and the other would remain to protect and reassure the tribe. Mentions of this custom was made as early as accounts by ancient Greek historian Tacitus (c. 56 – c. 120 CE) and continued well into the Migration Age where the twin kings became popular legendary figures. Learn more in History made Beautiful blog. Learn more about: The Horse, the Snake and the Dog: The Three Heads of the Real Queen of the Night (for more on the role of the Divine Twin in the rule of Emperor Tiberius) A Story of Castor, the Refreshingly Quiet and Surprisingly Competent Politician of Ancient Rome (for a bit more on the role of the Ashvin Twin in the Mahabarata Epic) One Perfect Man = Five Imperfect Demigods Death, Courage and Sacrifices upon the Stars: Legends Behind the Zodiacs

Eucleia's images and altar were worshipped in Locris and Boeotia, Greece, where brides and grooms would perform a sacrifice. There was also a sanctuary dedicated to Eucleia at Aegae, the original capital of Macedonia which also served as the burial-place of the Macedonian kings. At least two statue bases in the sanctuary were votive offerings by a woman named Eurydice. Two inscriptions were found and one of these inscriptions, dating back to 340 BC, reads “Eurydika daughter of Sirras to goddess Eukleia.” Eurydice is the paternal grandmother of Alexander the Great. But she was not the only Eurydice of Macedonia. Her great-granddaughter, a niece of Alexander the Great, was also named Eurydice. Both women were as far removed from the docile and subdued image that Eucleia was supposed to represent. Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

Cycles of nature were at the core of the ancient practice of divination to decipher the will of the gods. Many different methods of divination were practiced in antiquity, such as dream interpretations (oneiromancy), interpreting the entrails of slaughtered animals (haruspicy), and augury (ornithomancy) which interprets the movements and activities of birds. Augury in particular became famously influential in the Roman empire. Read more in History made Beautiful blog. Click below to read more about: Romulus and Remus Vestal Virgins The Divinity of Owls Pulcher and the Ancient Celebrity

One day, the 19th century courtesan Esther Guimond was traveling through Naples when she was stopped for a routine examination of her passport. When asked her profession, she quietly and discreetly told the official that she was a woman of independent means. Seeing the puzzled look on the official's face, she exasperatedly declared, “Courtesan! Take care to remember it!”. Then, perhaps feeling somewhat liberated by this word coming out of her own mouth, she told him audaciously to “go and tell that Englishman over there.” On her death certificate of 1845, Harriette Wilson, the famous British Regency courtesan and mistress of significant and very public men such as Major-General William Craven, 1st Earl of Craven,  and statesman Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, is discreetly described as a “woman of independent means.” Read more about Ancient Courtesans in the blog. Read more about: The First woman The Oldest Profession in the World Aspasia Ancient Roman actresses Apsaras Politics and the Woman's Body The Four Great Beauties of Ancient China

Six months into his rule, Roman Emperor Caligula fell severely ill. When he recovered, he abandoned the toga for silk gowns and took up the habit of dressing as a woman. He also declared himself as a living god. Caligula's illness was widely credited by contemporary historians as a turning point to his madness. In contrast, Caligula's parents, Germanicus and Agripinna, were the ‘Brad and Angelina' of Ancient Rome. Their union provided the genetic lynch-pin between the two most powerful dynasties in Rome – the Julian and the Claudian, as well as celebrity, nobility and glamour. They were beloved by the Emperor and the empire alike. From the glowing reports on Germanicus and Agripinna, it was hard to believe that Caligula was their son. However, it is possible that Caligula's descent into madness was not as dramatic as it was reported. His childhood was extraordinary even by ancient Roman standards. In the time that he lived in and all Caligula and his parents have had to go through as a family, is it so hard to believe that this may have planted at least some of the seeds of Caligula's peculiarities? Read more about Germanicus and Agrippina in the History made Beautiful blog. Find out more on the site about: Julia Mark Antony Drusus (Tiberius' son) The ancient significance of Cross-Dressing

Commodus, the son and heir of the distinguished “philosopher emperor” Marcus Aurelius, was a failure as a Roman emperor despite all the influences and privileges that would have prepared him for the position from a very young age. He was appointed co-emperor of Rome and ruled alongside his father when he was just 16 years old and became the sole emperor after the death of his father in 180 AD. What then followed were years of brutal misrule which precipitated civil strife that ended 84 years of the Roman empire's stability and prosperity and led to several assassination attempts on his life. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2023/05/03/the-assassination-of-commodus/

An ancient oracle told by a Pythian priestess says, “But when the time shall come that the female conquers in battle, driving away the male, and wins great glory in Argos, then many wives of the Argives shall tear both cheeks in their mourning.” This oracle was later alluded to by historian Herodotus (c. 484 – c. 425 BC) and geographer Pausanias (c. 110 AD – c. 180 AD). The female whom this oracle refers to was Telesilla, a woman renowned for her leadership of Argos through its political and military crisis and subsequent re-building. Telesilla was also a poet. She was evidently renowned enough that Antipater of Thessalonica, the author of over a hundred epigrams in the Greek Anthology, saw it fit to include her in his canon of nine female poets. Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

In 1493, the invention of the Gutenberg printing press dramatically amplified the gathering and dissemination of news. However, this innovation came with a dark side as it later delivered the Great Moon Hoax of 1835. The Great Moon Hoax was the first-large scale news hoax in which the New York Sun published a series of articles about the discovery of life on the moon. The articles were falsely attributed to Sir John Herschel, one of the best-known astronomers of that time, and were published complete with illustrations of humanoid bat-creatures and bearded blue unicorns. Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

King Sejong of Korea's crowning achievement is hangul, the Korean alphabet. In 1443 CE, the king and eight of his advisers started the process of developing an alphabetic system to represent the Korean language sounds and sentence structure accurately. The new writing system quickly spread among segments of the population who previously had not had access to enough education to learn the more complicated Chinese writing system such as women and those of the lower social classes. This episode is also worth noting as the king initially faced a backlash from the scholars. Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

The assassination of Julius Caesar on the 15th of March 44 BC was a turning point in Roman history. Since then, the Ides of March became notorious as being associated with death. However, long before the Ides of March became associated with Julius Caesar's murder, it was a day of celebration for the ancient goddess Anna Perenna, a goddess beloved by the common people. Read more in History made Beautiful blog. Martini's Instagram mentioned in the episode is here.

The Therigatha (“Verses of the Elder Nuns”) is a collection of short poems by and about the early enlightened women in Buddhism. These women were the theris (“senior ones”) among ordained Buddhist women. They bore that epithet due to their religious achievements. Most of the gatha (“poems”) in the anthology are the songs of their experiences. With some of its poems dating as early as the late 6th century BC, while the poems of the Therigatha are clearly nowhere near as old as the poetry of the Rig Veda, for example, which had been orally transmitted since the 2nd millennium BC, the poems in the Therigatha are still some of the early poetries of India. Read more in the History made Beautiful blog.

Greek mythology tells us about Tiresias, a blind prophet of Apollo, who was famous for his clairvoyance and for being changed into a woman for seven years. He was in Thebes for seven generations, giving advice to Cadmus, the first king of Thebes, and seeing the story of King Laius and his son Oedipus unfold. After the Seven Against Thebes expedition, in which Polynices (son of Oedipus) and six others attacked Thebes, Tiresias died. Pliny the Elder even said that Tiresias invented augury. Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

Benzaiten is one of Japan's most complex and popular syncretic deities who has long ago been conflated and associated with other divinities from the Hindu, Buddhist, and Japanese pantheons. Her many forms range from a two-armed beauty playing music to an eight-armed martial deity holding weapons and a divine representation of the supreme Shinto sun goddess, Amaterasu. Benzaiten is also an agricultural deity invoked for rain and harvests. This patronage earns her a place as one of the shichifukujin (‘Seven Gods of Fortune'). Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

In 1898, a group of German archaeologists working in the Demeter sanctuary at Priene unearthed a peculiar set of Hellenistic female figurines. The head of each of these figurines sits directly on her legs. Each figure also has long hair that drapes around her back resembling a lifted veil. These figures represent Baubo. To read more on History made Beautiful blog

The keris, a dagger from Southeast Asia, was named a Masterpiece of Humanity's Oral and Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in 2005. The keris is a dagger with an unusual blade shape made possible by switching between iron and pamor (nickelous iron laminations). A number of the most well-known representations of the keris may be seen on the bas-reliefs of the Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Through maritime trade links and the growing influence of the Majapahit Empire in Java around the year 1492, keris culture spread throughout the Indonesian archipelago as far as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Read more in History made Beautiful blog.

In the 1600s in Japan, the samurai went through a bad time that led to a lot of changes. It was also a time when it was painfully clear that because of their place in society, samurais were not only the first people to go into battle, but they also had to take the most damage when the government changed. Ironically, the hardest time in a samurai's life wasn't when he was fighting, but when he was at home in peace. Read more on History made Beautiful blog.

As a historian, the truth is that no matter how hard we try, there will always be differences between what one historian says happened and what another historian says. We are constantly reminded that a person's views, background, and environment have a big impact on how they see history and life in general. Ancient historians can also see that this is true. In fact, the stories of their own lives are almost as interesting as the stories they have written. Read more about them in History made Beautiful blog.

Symposium, a philosophical work by Plato written between 385 and 370 BC, is about a friendly competition between speeches given by famous men at a banquet. During the talk, Socrates says that a priestess from Mantinea named Diotima taught him "the philosophy of love" when he was young. Socrates also says that Diotima slowed down the spread of the Plague of Athens, which destroyed the ancient Greek city-state of Athens in the second year of the Peloponnesian War (430 BC). Aside from these few details, we don't know much about Diotima as a person, until now. You can also read about Diotima in the History made Beautiful blog.

As Plutarch was writing about the Athenian statesman Pericles, he was amazed by "the great art or power this woman had, which she used to please the leading men of the state." This unusual woman is Aspasia. You can also read about Aspasia in History made Beautiful blog.

After Thespis became the first known actor in the world, the words "actor" and "thespian" were only used to describe men for hundreds of years. Women in the theatre have always been more of an exception than the rule. But you know us... we like to break silly rules. Read more of this topic on History made Beautiful blog

The church tried to ‘release these unhappy slaves of a cruel voluptuousness'. By the time of Valentinian I, who reigned from 364 to 375 AD, the church had gained considerable grounds in ‘rehabilitating' performers and introducing them into respectable society. An actress who, on her death bed, asked for and received the last sacraments, had to promise to never return to her ‘hateful' theatrical life in case she recovered. This was just one episode of of the many adventures of actors and actresses in ancient Rome. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2022/11/08/blame-it-on-the-theater-the-joys-of-being-actors-and-actresses-in-ancient-rome/

Those who are familiar with the Chinese word wuxiá (“martial heroes”) may associate the word with memories of martial arts films and television programs that portray a fanciful depiction of Chinese martial arts to audiences around the world. However, there is more to wuxia than meets the eye. Wuxia is in fact an entire literary genre that depicts the exploits of ancient Chinese martial artists. It has proven to be popular enough to be used in a number of modern cultural media, including Chinese opera, films, television series and video games. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2022/11/01/wuxia-and-the-history-of-kung-fu-movies-legendary-tales-of-chivalrous-martial-heroes-of-ancient-china/

Euripides was not only critical towards religions and ancient legends, he was also considered to be the biggest social critic of all the ancient Greek tragedians. He introduced strong female characters and intelligent slaves, as well as satirizing many of the heroes of Greek mythology This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2022/10/25/writing-about-the-tragic-comedy-of-ancient-greek-women/

The Cinderella story is a tale of serendipity and love – both of which are universal themes. These themes are perhaps the reason why the story seems to transcend time itself and became one of the world's go-to princess tales, recognized all over the world albeit under different names. While there are many variants of the story, they commonly feature a young woman in unjust and oppressive circumstances whose fortune are remarkably and unexpectedly changed with the assistance of divine elements such as magical animals and fairy godmothers (or godfathers). This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2022/10/18/the-strange-and-beautiful-stories-of-cinderella-from-asia/

The history of romance novels and erotica is vast and fascinating! But what do we actually know about the genre? Where did it come from? How has it changed over the years? And why has it continued to be popular for centuries, even though in some cultures, erotica is still hidden? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2022/10/11/from-erotica-to-historical-fiction-ancient-history-of-romance-novels/

The first illustrations of people with a modern comic book style were found in the early 1900s BCE. Carvings from this time period show that Egyptians played with creating comics, but they weren't able to create them in the same way we do today. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://martinifisher.com/2022/10/04/the-history-of-comic-books-from-the-ancient-world-to-today/