logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2022
59m 7s

The Day of the Dead

SPOTIFY STUDIOS
About this episode
After Pixar’s Coco, you may think you know The Day of the Dead. But the roots of this holiday can be traced back centuries, long before Mesoamerica spoke Spanish. Today, we’ll follow a king’s descent through the hellish levels of the Aztec underworld… until at last, he meets face-to-skull with the Lady of Death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas ... Show More
Up next
Nov 2022
Thanksgiving Special: Zorro, the Curse of Capistrano
He’s the swashbuckling fox of Southern California, a masked bandit who fights injustice with skill and swagger. In our Thanksgiving Special, meet the Curse of Capistrano, the lion-hearted legend himself, as he outwits his ruthless enemies and falls in love! Learn more about your ... Show More
1h 10m
Nov 2022
Lancelot & Guinevere Pt. 2
Terrified by a vision of Camelot’s doom, Merlin plots to put an end to Lancelot and Guinevere’s affair — and unwittingly steps into his own downfall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
50m 46s
Nov 2022
Lancelot & Guinevere Pt. 1
In Arthurian lore, their affair is infamous — the gallant Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere. They wrestle with their desires before a quest pulls the White Knight away. But defeating one enemy will reveal another... and this time, the whole kingdom may be at stake. Learn more abou ... Show More
45m 14s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
264: Mexico: Day of the Dead
On the Day of the Dead you eat pan de muerto and exchange calaveras with your friends. This celebration is often claimed to have its roots in ancient Aztec traditions of human sacrifice. But is any of this true? Join Tom and Dominic to find out. Join The Rest Is History Club (www ... Show More
44m 37s
Nov 2023
385. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Woman Who Changed The World (Part 2)
Hernán Cortés has set sail from Cuba, eager to find the truth behind the rumours of gold on the coast of Mexico. Ahead lies a world he can barely imagine - a land of pyramid temples, terrifying gods and unknown peoples - the empire of the Aztecs. But Cortés has a secret weapon: a ... Show More
54m 52s
Oct 2023
Día de Muertos: Una Perspectiva Local - Day of the Dead: A Local Perspective
In this episode, we reunite with Oliba, May's mom, for a second insightful interview, delving into Día de Muertos, a treasured Mexican tradition celebrated across regions, including Comala, Mexico. Explore the emotional and cultural richness of this tradition, its pre-Hispan ... Show More
28m 9s
Nov 2023
390. The Fall of the Aztecs: War to the Death (Part 7)
"Conquer or die indeed, Cortes thought… The hour of decision was at hand…" It is the spring of 1521 and the fate of Mexico hangs by a thread. Smallpox has ripped through the local population, while the ruthless Spanish commander, Hernán Cortés, has cut off the Aztec capital, Teno ... Show More
40m 4s
Nov 2023
391. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Last Emperor (Part 8)
Tenochtitlan, once the glittering jewel at the heart of the mighty Aztec Empire, has fallen. Hernán Cortés stands triumphant, the master of this New Spain. Or so it seems. For the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtemoc, is still alive and well. And in the jungles of Mexico and Honduras, ... Show More
58m 35s
Nov 2023
389. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Night of Tears (Part 6)
Things have never looked bleaker for Hernán Cortés and his band of Spaniards. They are trapped, starving and terrified in the heart of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, surrounded by an enraged people bent on revenge. And with their imperial hostage Montezuma dead, they only have o ... Show More
46m 40s
Apr 2024
Aztec myths
Were the Aztecs really obsessed with death and sacrifice? Did they have a pantheon of deities similar to the ancient Greeks or Romans? And how did a magical gem change the fortune of the Aztec people? Speaking to Emily Briffett, Camilla Townsend delves into their myths, legends a ... Show More
47m 53s
Apr 2024
The Aztecs
Since the arrival of the Aztecs in central Mexico from the early 1300s, history has been fascinated by them. They’re widely reputed to be a savage people who left behind obsidian knives, skull racks, and disturbing remnants of human sacrifice. But in reality, the Aztecs were far ... Show More
1 h
Oct 2021
The Maya
In 1511, a Spanish lifeboat makes land on the Yucatán coast in modern-day Mexico. Thirteen days ago, the crew's caravel was wrecked on a reef. But their adventure is far from over. Now, they are about to become some of the first Europeans to make contact with the Maya. Custodians ... Show More
56m 31s
Jun 2021
La celebración de Día de Muertos en México
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. The celebration of Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a bright, colorful festivity to remember and honor those who have passed away. To celebrate deceased ancestors, graves are cleaned and decorated, ... Show More
14m 57s