Assassination – the murder of a prominent person, often for political motives. These calamities shock the world and can change the course of history. But as we will learn from the following shocking accounts, violence can only beget more violence. And the aspirations of assassins have a tendency to backfire, sending political causes flailing backwards and pr ... Show More
Oct 6
Royals, Nobles & Mistresses with Syphilis
From sex-crazed libertines, to noble courtesans, to innocent Empresses; syphilis was a devastating disease which ravaged many, and sometimes changed the course of history. Let’s meet 10 royal and noble victims of this sexually transmitted infection. Lorenzo de’Medici, Duke of Urb ... Show More
33m 44s
Jun 2023
5 Assassinations That Changed History
Assassins have been plotting, murdering, and executing for thousands of years—from the famed Ides of March to forgotten British Prime Ministers. Their reach across history is inconceivable. But what motivates an assassin, and have their murderous ways ever helped them achieve the ... Show More
41m 49s
Mar 2021
Assassinations: from the ancient world to JFK
Historian John Withington, author of Assassins’ Deeds: A History of Assassination from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day, explores some of history’s most notorious political killings. From the first known assassination to the plots to kill Franz Ferdinand and JFK, he reveals how t ... Show More
49m 14s
Dec 2022
Ridiculous Royal Deaths, Part One: Revenge of the Buck-Toothed
It's no secret that the lives of historical royalty have often been filled with triumph and tragedy -- and, sadly, many royals have met strange, untimely ends. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive into some of history's strangest (and most ridiculous) deaths.See omnystudio. ... Show More
38m 16s
May 2023
Even More Ridiculous Royal Deaths
As the old saying goes, it's good to be king -- unfortunately, it can also be pretty dangerous. In today's episode, Ben, Noel and Max explore strange royal deaths, from a mysterious accident/assassination to a fatal chair, a drunken boat ride and more.See omnystudio.com/listener ... Show More
42m 40s
Aug 2023
The Assassination of Orléans: The Rise & Fall of a Medieval Detective
On the eve of the worst winter for over a century and with France on the brink of war with the English, the 1400s in Paris were a tumultuous period. With a mentally unstable king and a collection of dukes, lords and nobles all vying for power in the background, catastrophe was on ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 2018
Introducing Assassinations
People who defied society. Bullets that defiled bodies. Deaths that define history. Assassinations recounts the lead-up, the fall-out, and impact of history’s most dramatic deaths. Within each story, we explore the people who picked the target, pulled the trigger, or poured the p ... Show More
1m 12s
Apr 2023
Assassins vs Templars: Assassins' Deeds
<p>Poisoned blades, a gun, a dagger to the heart - assassinations & killings for political gain have taken place for as long as societies have existed. Just as in the games, we have evidence of assassinations from Ancient Egypt to the American Revolution to the Victorian Age. ... Show More
32m 2s