Our Fake History

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Our Fake History

A podcast about myths we think are history and history that might be hidden in myths! Awesome stories that really (maybe) happened!

  1. Episode #220- Did India's Thugs Really Exist? (Part I)

    29 JAN

    Episode #220- Did India's Thugs Really Exist? (Part I)

    In 1830 an anonymous letter was published in the Calcutta Literary Gazette warning that India was being threatened by a horrifying cult of murderers. These stranglers were known as Thugs and according to the letter they represented the single greatest threat to law and order in the country. These Thugs apparently worshipped the Hindu goddess Kali and performed their crimes in her name. This letter motivated the British authorities to take immediate action against this group. However, many scholar think that the anonymous author, a British administrator named William Sleeman, may have exaggerated the Thug threat. Some have even argued that the Thugs never truly existed. What should we believe about this storied group of highway robbers? Tune-in and find out how sketchy confessions, Queen Victoria's favorite book, and Indiana Jones all play a role in the story.

    1h 18m
  2. Episode #219- Who Was the Real Mulan?

    15 JAN

    Episode #219- Who Was the Real Mulan?

    The story of Mulan might be the best known piece of Chinese folklore. In China the story has been around for over 1500 years and has inspired dozens of poems, songs, plays, and films. Thanks to Disney, Mulan has become an international icon. The story of a young girl disguising herself as a male soldier to save her father from the military draft has proved to be surprisingly sturdy. However, many in China have complained that western adaptations of the tale misunderstand the source material. Some wonder if western creators are capable of capturing the "real" Mulan. This raises the question: is there a real Mulan? Is one version of this story more authoritative than another? Was there a real person who inspired this legend? Tune-in and find out how teenage siege-breakers, army buddies, and flexible Confucians all play a role in the story.

    1h 33m

  3. 8 JAN

    OFH Throwback- Episode #47- Who Was the Queen of the Pirates?

    In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to Season 2 and Episode #47. Piracy on the high seas has existed for as long as human beings have had boats. For most of history these maritime marauders were almost exclusively men. However, there have also been a handful of notable women who lived the pirate life. Their stories can often blur the line between myth and history. Tune in and find out how severed ears, guardian lizards, and the real life Captain Jack Sparrow all play a role in the story.

    1h 2m
  4. Episode #218- Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part III)

    31/12/2024

    Episode #218- Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part III)

    The second Arab siege of Constantinople should probably just be called the "real" Arab siege of Constantinople. In 717 the Umayyad Caliphate seriously threatened the continued existence of the Roman Empire by besieging the capital from both land and sea. The the army of the Caliphate vastly outnumbered the Roman defenders. But the Romans still had a few tricks up their sleeves. The formidable Theodosian walls, the horrifying flaming liquid known as Greek Fire, and one most slippery men to ever be called Roman Emperor all helped Constantinople weather the Umayyad storm. How did the Romans manage to survive this time? Tune-in and find out how tricky Greeks, unquenchable flames, and general who was just too darn honest all play a role in the story.

    1h 44m
  5. Episode #217- Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part II)

    18/12/2024

    Episode #217- Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part II)

    In the 670's something was brewing in the eastern Mediterranean. The Umayyad caliphate had built an impressive navy and was scoring victories at sea over the Roman empire. It looked like the Caliphate was ready to make a move against the Roman capital of Constantinople. But did they? Our sources tell us wildly different things. Was there a seven year siege? A four year siege? No siege at all? Tune-in and find out how sassy Edward Gibbon, unreliable churchmen, and ambiguous fire ships all play a role in the story.

    1h 28m

  6. 16/12/2024

    Introducing: History's Youngest Heroes from the BBC

    Check out this trailer for a new history podcast from the BBC. Actress Nicola Coughlan, from Bridgerton and Derry Girls, hosts History’s Youngest Heroes – a podcast telling twelve true stories of rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth. Nicola Coughlan shares inspiring tales of both famous and forgotten young heroes – like Audrey Hepburn, who took on the Nazis during World War Two before becoming a Hollywood Star – and Nelson Mandela, who was only a young activist when attempting to overthrow the South African government to end apartheid. This podcast demonstrates how young peoples’ bravery can change history. Listen to the teaser here – and find History’s Youngest Heroes, from the BBC at the following link or wherever you get your podcasts. https://bcc.lnk.to/historysheroesop

    5 min
  7. Episode #216- Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part I)

    04/12/2024

    Episode #216- Did the Siege of Constantinople Even Happen? (Part I)

    When the capital of the Roman empire was moved from Rome to the city of Constantinople, the city on the Bosporus strait became one of the most important places on planet earth. One top being the heart of Roman religious, political, and cultural life for a millennium, the city had a reputation for being impregnable. From the 6th to the 13th century the city was besieged an amazing 19 times, and not once was it overcome by a foreign army. This resilience added to the city's legendary status. Two of the most significant sieges came at the hands of the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate, in 674 and 717. These battles have been cited as historical turning points, however recent scholarship has cast doubt on the traditional sources. How significant were these sieges? Did they both even occur? Tune-in and find out how sassy Voltaire, sloppy meta-narratives, and the end of the world all play a role in the story.

    1h 26m

  8. 27/11/2024

    OFH Throwback- Episode #34- Did Archimedes Build a Death Ray?

    In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to Season 2 Episode #34 - Did Archimedes Build a Death Ray? Archimedes was one of the ancient world’s most important mathematicians. His discoveries would form the foundation upon which all future western science was built. However, he’s probably best remembered for his amazing inventions that saved his city from attackers during the siege of Syracuse. The most discussed of all of these amazing devices has to be Archimedes’ “Death Ray”. This mysterious machine was said to be able to set ships on fire from hundreds of meters away. Did this fabled “Death Ray” really exist, or is just another legend in a life filled with mythology. Tune-in and find out how gold scams, Archimedes claw, and a sphere in a cylinder all play a role in the story.

    57 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
227 Ratings

About

A podcast about myths we think are history and history that might be hidden in myths! Awesome stories that really (maybe) happened!

Information

  • Creator
    PodcastOne
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2002-2025 PodcastOne.com. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Our Fake History

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