History Made Beautiful Martini Fisher

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!