Messy Messalina has not gone down in history with the tidiest reputation. In fact, we may even say her reputation is kind of messy.
Empress Messalina was the wife of Roman Emperor Claudius, who ruled from AD 41 to 54. She is infamous for her promiscuity and extravagance. But, was she really all that extra? Or did she just do what every single Roman man was ... Show More
Feb 25
George IV and the Rebel of the Regency (with Ann Foster)
This week’s episode is a crossover we’ve been manifesting forever: Katy welcomes Ann Foster of the Vulgar History podcast for a messy, delightful deep dive into the Regency era—and one of its biggest villains: George IV. Ann brings the tea from her new book, Rebel of the Regency, ... Show More
1h 3m
Feb 18
Charlotte of Belgium, part 2
In Part Two of our series on Charlotte of Belgium (Empress Carlota of Mexico)… we wish we had better news. When we last left our neglected princess, she and her husband, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, had been approached by Napoleon III and offered the crown of Mexico. Charlotte ... Show More
1h 1m
Jul 2024
Domina: Women Who Shaped Rome
<p>The crisis of the Roman Republic is a period littered with iconic male power players. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Pompey, Brutus and the Gracchi brothers. But less famous, and often overlooked are the women that shaped these famous Roman states<em>men</em>.</p><br><p>In today' ... Show More
51m 42s
Mar 2024
134. Cleopatra: The Would-Be Empress of Rome
With Julius Caesar dead, Cleopatra turned to another of Rome’s dominant figures. She became entwined with Mark Antony, the ruler of the eastern half of the Roman Empire, but even with their enormous combined power the destructive tendrils of Roman politics were inescapable. Just ... Show More
41m 53s
<p>"I came. I saw. I conquered".</p><br><p>Perhaps <em>the</em> most famous Julius Caesar quote of all time. But after hearing all about his bedroom antics, it takes on a slightly...different meaning.</p><br><p>From Cleopatra, to his three wives, to male lovers, to mistresses -&n ... Show More
