Domina Tempora

Marianne Rosamund Fisher

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Domina Tempora examines the myths, symbols, and forgotten histories that shaped the ancient world. Hosted by Marianne Rosamund Fisher, each episode explores how stories of gods, women, monsters, and power were created, interpreted, and transformed. Thoughtful, atmospheric, and sharply researched—this is history told with clarity, elegance, and a touch of danger.

FEB 4

3: Apples, Sex, and the Law of Creation

Apples are never just fruit. They are thresholds—between worlds, between innocence and knowledge, between mortal limitation and divine punishment. Across mythologies, the apple appears wherever paradise curdles into danger, wherever knowledge exacts a price, and wherever desire proves… educational. Long before it was pinned on Eve, the apple was already busy ruining lives. In this episode: • Why “the apple” wasn’t originally the forbidden fruit—and how a Latin misunderstanding rewrote theology• The Golden Apples of the Hesperides: immortality dangled, then coldly reclaimed• Heracles and the futility of human attempts at divine permanence• Eris and the apple that detonated the Trojan War ✨ Explore more at dominatempora.com Knowledge is never neutral.Some fruits are warnings.

14 min
12/09/2025

2: The Women Who Held Rome by the Throat (Politely, of Course)

The Sibyls were never passive cave-dwellers murmuring riddles into the dark. They were political weapons, divine mouthpieces, and dangerous women whose prophecies shaped empires. Long before Hollywood mystics and Renaissance murals softened them, the Sibyls walked into palaces, burned books in kings’ faces, defied gods, survived curses—and redirected the futures of entire civilizations. In this second voyage of the Domina Tempora Podcast, we follow the Sibyls across Greece, Rome, Libya, and the underworld itself. These women did not merely foretell history—they authored it, one prophecy at a time. 🎧 In this episode:• The old woman who burned six prophetic books to teach a king fear• Apollo’s “gifts” to Cassandra, Marpessa & Deiphobe—and the violence behind them• The Sibyl in a jar: Ovid’s bleak portrait of immortality as imprisonment• How Sibylline Books steered Rome through crisis, prophecy, and politics• Why every era rewrote the Sibyls to fit its fantasies, fears, and power structures 💋 If this episode unsettles—in the best way—good. Let it. ✨ Explore the website: ⁠https://martinifisher.com/⁠🖋 Become a member and receive the Monthly Members-Only Essay—myth retold with elegance, danger, and intellect. 📚 Visit the ⁠shop⁠ for Domina Dossiers—bite-sized, collectible essays on myth & history. 🎧 Subscribe to the ⁠YouTube channel ⁠for whispered ASMR readings of Ovid and Poe. 🏛 Enrol in Greek Mythology 101: A Cultural Guide to the Gods and Myths on ⁠Udemy ⁠— a seductive, intelligent initiation into mythology as culture, identity, and power. 🕯 The Sibyls didn’t ask for authority.They spoke, and the world rearranged itself.

15 min
11/11/2025

1: Sirens were Never "Sexy" (It was a Smear Campaign!)

The Sirens were never “sexy.” That was a re-brand—a smear campaign against women whose voices held power. Long before Disney’s mermaids, they were winged, wise, and catastrophic: guardians of knowledge, not temptresses of flesh. In this first voyage of the all new Domina Tempora Podcast, we uncover how language, religion, and fear transformed the Siren from philosopher-musician to femme fatale—and what that says about how history punishes female intellect. 🎧 In this episode:• The Odyssey’s original Sirens—what Homer really wrote• Ovid, Hyginus & Pliny on the bird-women of wisdom• How a translation changed everything• How medieval monks weaponised beauty 💋 If this episode stirred something in you—feed it. ✨ Explore the website: https://martinifisher.com/🖋 Become a member and receive the Monthly Members-Only Essay—myth retold with elegance, danger, and intellect.📚 Visit the shop for Domina Dossiers—bite-sized, collectible essays on myth & history.🎧 Subscribe to the YouTube channel for whispered ASMR readings of Ovid and Poe.🏛 Enrol in Greek Mythology 101: A Cultural Guide to the Gods and Myths on Udemy — a seductive, intelligent initiation into mythology as culture, identity, and power. 🕯 Because the original Siren didn’t seduce with her body — she seduced with her mind.Her song wasn’t temptation; it was truth.And the truth, as always, is the most dangerous sound of all.

14 min
02/12/2025

237: The Trouble with Witches: Witches and the Boundaries of Power

For centuries, witches have occupied a space between fear and fascination, their presence signaling both power and peril. From the three haggard figures inMacbeth to the Fates of Greek mythology, women who wield influence beyond the expected have been cast as threats to order. But why? In this episode, we examine the historical and cultural forces that turned witches into symbols of chaos, control, and rebellion. Were they truly dangerous, or did they simply exist outside the boundaries of what society deemed acceptable? Join us as we explore the tangled legacy of witches, prophecy, and the fear of women who refuse to obey.

18 min
01/07/2025

236: Sex and the Empire: Euphemia, Theodora and the Scandalous Literary Tradition of Ancient Rome

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary lives of Euphemia and Theodora, two women who rose from obscurity to become empresses of the Byzantine Empire. Their stories—filled with ambition, resilience, and reform—challenge traditional narratives of power and privilege in late antiquity. From the sensational accounts of Procopius to the lasting legacies of their reforms, we’ll uncover how their lives were shaped by, and in turn, shaped the cultural and political landscape of their time. Key Quotes: "Euphemia, born a slave and once known as Lupicina, transformed her identity to embody the piety expected of an empress." "Theodora’s reforms addressed marriage, dowry rights, and protections for women sold into slavery—legislation that echoed her own experiences." "Procopius described Theodora as 'Theodora from the Brothel,' highlighting not just his disdain for her origins, but his fear of women who wielded power." "The name Lupicina, linked to the Latin word for 'she-wolves,' connected Euphemia to both sacred Etruscan traditions and the lowest class of Roman society." "In Justinian and Theodora’s marriage, Procopius saw not just a union of two people but a symbol of societal upheaval that blurred class distinctions." Through the lens of Euphemia and Theodora’s lives, we’ll explore the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, the power of identity and narrative, and the ways in which women shaped the empire from behind the scenes. Join me as we unravel the truths and myths surrounding these two remarkable empresses.

21 min
12/12/2024

235: Augustus' Women: Imperial Women and their Quest to become the Empress of Rome

In this episode, we explore the lives of the women who shaped and supported the reign of Emperor Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. From political alliances forged through marriage to personal sacrifices and public displays of loyalty, these women played vital roles in Augustus' ascent to power. While Livia Drusilla eventually became the first Empress of the Julian Dynasty, the stories of the other women in Augustus’ life are equally compelling. Key Quotes: "Clodia Pulchra’s marriage to Octavian was emblematic of Rome’s practice of using matrimony as a political tool." "Scribonia, Octavian’s second wife, was chosen for her aristocratic connections and political utility." "Julia, Augustus’ daughter, lived a life of contradictions—venerated as a symbol of the imperial family yet exiled for rebellion." "Livia embodied the ideal Roman matron while exercising immense behind-the-scenes political influence." "Through marriages and alliances, the women in Augustus' life helped to solidify his rule and secure his legacy." Uncover the intricate roles of Augustus’ women in consolidating power during one of history's most transformative periods. From the politically arranged marriages that strengthened alliances to the lasting influence of Livia, these women's stories reveal the human complexities behind the grandeur of Rome’s first emperor. Join us as we delve into their lives and legacies, unraveling the ways they shaped the foundation of the Roman Empire.

26 min
11/07/2024

234: Loves and Losses of Heracles, Son of Zeus

In this episode, we dive into the passionate, often heart-wrenching love life of Heracles, the demigod whose adventures went far beyond his legendary labors. Known for his superhuman strength, Heracles’ story is also woven with deep, complex relationships that reveal the hero’s vulnerabilities. From the loyalty of his male lover Iolaus to the tragic fate of his first wife Megara and the jealousy-driven actions of Hera, each relationship paints a vivid picture of love, loss, and redemption. Key Quotes: 1. “The animosity that Zeus’ wife, Hera, harbored towards Heracles played a significant role in his life.” 2. “Heracles’ life was also filled with many loves and relationships.” 3. “What happened with Megara was less than clear as, although Euripides states that Heracles also shot and murdered Megara, Pseudo-Apollodorus claims that Megara managed to flee.” 4. “Heracles, this most manly of heroes, was about to face further humiliation when he was made to wear women’s clothes and help Omphale and her maidens spin.” 5. “Happy god! For he has done, His great work and he lives among the gods, Forever young, forever free from pain.” Unearth the tumultuous love life of Heracles, the Greek hero whose epic romances and tragic losses shaped myths for centuries. Tune in to explore how love, rivalry, and loss intertwined to define the life of this storied demigod and see how these ancient tales continue to resonate today.

25 min
10/10/2024

233: Lysippos: Creating the Image of Alexander the Great

Soon after the study of the inscriptions of the Daochos Monument was published in 1897, an interest in the study of the sculptor Lysippos was renewed. The inscription on a statue base found at Pharsalos was discovered to be identical to a somewhat shorter epigram of Agias at Delphi, and the name Lysippos, presumably the statue’s sculptor, was written at the bottom of the Pharsalos inscription. When the statue of Agias at Delphi was reunited with its base, it became clear that the figure in Delphi was likely a replica of the one in Pharsalos. Like most of Lysippos’ works, the original statue was probably cast in bronze and predate the Delphi statue, although only by a few years. The research also reveals that the statues at Delphi were probably certainly sculpted by more than one artist, indicating a diversity of aesthetic influences at work. But Lysippos’ name was definitely recognizable. Key Quotes: "The Daochos Monument was a massive rectangular foundation with nine statues northeast of Delphi's Temple of Apollo terrace. Under each of the statues, barring one figure on the far right, there was an epigram describing the individual portrayed and listing their achievements." "Lysippos was known as one of the three best Classical Greek sculptors of the 4th century BC, alongside Scopas of Paros and Praxiteles of Athens, playing a significant role in the artistic revolution of the Hellenistic period." "Lysippos' statues were known for their thin proportions and their genuine naturalism. He studied nature and Polyclitus' Doryphoros canon of ideal male proportions, which he modified by constructing a smaller head and slimmer torso." "It was Lysippos who sculpted Alexander the Great from the ruler’s childhood onward, and Alexander would not have any other sculptor portray him." "According to Plutarch, Lysippos was the only one who succeeded in casting Alexander's distinguishing character and excellence in bronze, describing him as 'looking upwards with his face to the sky, as he used to stare with a slight inclination of the neck.'" Discover the enduring legacy of Lysippos, the master sculptor who shaped the image of Alexander the Great and redefined art in the Hellenistic period. Dive into the world of classical Greek artistry and explore how Lysippos' innovations in naturalism and form influenced generations of artists. Uncover the secrets behind his statues, from the Daochos Monument to the iconic portrayals of Alexander. Visit MartiniFisher.com to learn more about this fascinating intersection of art and history (and see some images), and see how these timeless works continue to inspire today. You will also find more images in the History Made Beautiful Instagram account.

30 min

Domina Tempora examines the myths, symbols, and forgotten histories that shaped the ancient world. Hosted by Marianne Rosamund Fisher, each episode explores how stories of gods, women, monsters, and power were created, interpreted, and transformed. Thoughtful, atmospheric, and sharply researched—this is history told with clarity, elegance, and a touch of danger.

Creator

Marianne Rosamund Fisher
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

88
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Marianne Rosamund Fisher
Show Website

Domina Tempora