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The story of Malintzin/La Malinche. Her life, role in the Conquest of the Mexica (Aztecs) and her evolving legacy in Mexico and beyond across centuries. Episode Icon: Lámina del Lienzo de Tlaxcala donde se demuestra qué hizo Hernán Cortés, 1581, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Recommended further reading…Lyall, Victoria I. Romo, Terezita (eds.), Traitor, Survivor, Icon, The Legacy of La Malinche, (New Haven and London, 2022).Restall, Matthew, Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest, (Oxford, 2003). Restall, Matthew, When Montezuma Met Cortés, The True Story of the Meeting that Changed History, (New York, 2018).Townsend, Camilla, Fifth Sun, A New History of the Aztecs, (Oxford, 2019).Townsend, Camilla, Malintzin's Choices, An Indian Woman in the Conquest of Mexico (Albuquerque, 2006).Break audio: 'Mother Moon' by Soul Driver from PremiumBeat.com (Purchased with Standard License on the 25/02/2026).Opening and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrgwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
The story of Bartolomé de Las Casas, regarded by some as the first human rights defender and the wider efforts to end the Spanish exploitation of the Indigenous People of Americas. Episode Icon: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, "Fray Bartolomé de las Casas" by Felix Parra (1845-1919) done in 1875 on display at the Museo Nacional de Arte in Mexico City, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-S.A. 4.0., https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ , By using this image, the creator does not endorse History House or its use, no changes have been made. Recommended further reading…Castro, Daniel, ‘Another Face of Empire: Bartolomé de Las Casas, Indigenous Rights, and Eclesiastical Imperialism’, (Durham, North Carolina, 2007). Clayton, A. Lawrence, ‘Bartolomé de Las Casas: A Biography’, (Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2012). de Las Casas, Bartolomé, ‘A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies’, (London, 2004, Reprint). Hanke, Lewis, ‘All Mankind is One: Study of the Disputation Between Bartolomé de Las Casas and Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda in 1550 on the Intellectual and Religious Capacity of the American Indians’, (DeKalb, Illinois, 1974).Hanke, Lewis, ‘Pope Paul III and the American Indians’, in ‘The Harvard Theological Review’, Vol. 30, No. 2 (Apr., 1937), pp. 65-102.Hanke, Lewis, ’The Spanish Struggle for Justice in the Conquest of Ameirca’, (Philadelphia, 1949).MacNutt, Francis Augustus, ‘Bartholomew de Las Casas; his life, apostolate, and writings’, (Cleveland, United States, 1909). Parker, Geoffrey, ‘Emperor: A New Life of Charles V’, (New Haven and London, 2020). Thomas, Hugh, ’The Golden Age: The Spanish Empire of Charles V, (London, 2011). Thomas, Hugh, ‘Rivers of Gold: The Rise of the Spanish Empire’, (London, 2010). van Deusen, Nancy E. ‘Why Indigenous Slavery Continued in Spanish America after the New Laws of 1542’, in ‘The Americas’, Vol. 80 No. 3, (2023), pp. 395-432.Nahuatl Reading of Florentine Codex, 21:12-26:08.English Reading of Florentine Codex, 26:09-28:42.Break audio: ‘Song of Summoning’ by Lost Harmonies from PremiumBeat.com (Purchased with Standard License on the 25/01/2026).Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrgwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
The story of Celtic Ireland and the Roman Empire. Trade, religion and possible invasion.Episode Icon: Ptolemy Cosmographia 1467 - Ireland, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.Recommended further reading...Di Martino, Vittorio, 'Roman Ireland', (Cork, 2003).Freeman, Philip, 'Ireland and the Classical World', (Austin, Texas, 2001).History House Newsletter Sign Up Form: https://2fi43x.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2ra1UsFX7SXuZqtGTVUKXNgBreak audio: 'Celtic Journey' by Vinny Falcone from PremiumBeat.com (Purchased with Standard License on the 27/12/2025). Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrgwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
The story of the time when the Dutch “ate” their “Prime Minister”. Why it happened, who did it and what effect did it have on the Dutch Republic?Episode Icon: Adriaen Hanneman, Johan de Witt, 1652, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Recommended further reading…DeSanto, Ingrid Frederika, ‘Righteous Citizens: The Lynching of Johan and Cornelis DeWitt, The Hague, Collective Violence, and the Myth of Tolerance in the Dutch Golden Age, 1650-1672’, University of California, Los Angeles, 2018.Israel, Jonathan I. ’The Dutch Republic, Its Rise, Greatness and Fall, 1477-1806’, (Oxford, UK, 1998).Rowen, Herbert H. ‘John de Witt True Freedom: Statesman of the "True Freedom” ’, (Cambridge, UK, 1986).Schama, Simon, ’The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age’, (New York City, 1997). History House Newsletter Sign Up Form: https://2fi43x.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2ra1UsFX7SXuZqtGTVUKXNg Break audio: 'A Stormy Spirit by Tiny Music from PremiumBeat.com (Purchased with Standard License on the 29/11/2025). Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrgwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
The traditions, history and celebrations of Day of the Dead, (Dia de Los Muertos).Episode Icon: 1. Posada's La Calavera Catrina, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.Recommended Further Reading...Brandes, Stanley H. ‘Iconography in Mexico's Day of the Dead: Origins and Meaning’, Ethnohistory, Volume 45 No. 2, (Spring, 1998), pp. 181-218. ‘Is There a Mexican View of Death?’, Ethos, Vol. 31, No. 1 (Mar., 2003), pp. 127-144. ‘Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond’, (Hoboken, New Jersey, 2007).Miliotes, Diana, ‘José Guadalupe Posada and the Mexican Broadside’, (New Haven and London, 2006).History House Newsletter Sign Up Form: https://2fi43x.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2ra1UsFX7SXuZqtGTVUKXNg Beginning and closing theme 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrgwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the01/06/2024).
The story of the "Ethnarch", Eleftherios Venizelos, (1864-1936). His arrival into Greek Politics, his various departures, returns and his final fall from power, along his often forgotten rapprochement with Turkey.Episode Icon: Autochrome: "La Haye , Pays-Bas Monsieur Venizelos”, 1929, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons.Links to photos associated with the episode...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lzwdarup6k22Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EcaQxptoA/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPKQIuEjJGI/?igsh=YnRwbmUxMXgzdmlp Recommended further reading…Beaton, Roderick, ‘Greece, Biography of a Modern Nation’, (London, 2019).Llewellyn-Smith, Michael, ‘Ionian Vision, Greece in Asia Minor 1919-1922’, (London, 2022 Edition).Llewellyn-Smith, Michael, ‘Venizelos, The Making of a Greek Statesman, 1864-1914’, (London, 2021).Article by host about the Treaty of Lausanne and the Irish Free State: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/956692 History House Newsletter Sign Up Form: https://2fi43x.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2ra1UsFX7SXuZqtGTVUKXNg Break audio: 'Prime Minister of Greece--outtakes', 1929, from the University of South Carolina University Libraries Digital Collections, (permission for use granted on the first of September 2025)Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrgwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
Warning: This episode discusses themes of a Sexual Nature including Prostitution.The extraordinary story of one of History's most remarkable women. Episode Icon: Depiction of the Empress Theodora from a contemporary portrait mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th Century, Host’s own photo.Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lxarl2osd22s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EuqMC7Jqf/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyivuk2Iu_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Recommended further reading...Allan Evans, James, ‘The Empress Theodora: Partner of Justinian’, (Austin, 2003).Herrin, Judith, ‘Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe’, (London, 2021).Hughes, Bettany, ‘Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities’, (London, 2017).Potter, David, ‘Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint’, (Oxford, 2017).Procopius, Sarris, Peter (ed. and translator), Williamson, G.A. (Translator), ‘The Secret History’, (London, 2007).Sarris, Peter, ‘Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint’, (New York, 2024).Break Music: Byzantine Memories provided by SonicArt on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 24/08/2025)Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
Warning: This episode talks about difficult topics including Murder and Suicide.The story of the Mayerling Incident of 1889, which was not only a tragedy for the Habsburg Dynasty of Austria-Hungary but had unexpected implications for European History. Episode Icon: Crown Prince Rudolf and Mary Freiin von Vetsera, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.Links to photos associated with the episode…Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3luy4uterjs2t Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19GPrTaTiM/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMoH6BQoWQF/?igsh=bmtmbW9qenFlbWR1 Recommended further reading...Coatman, Lucy, 'Love is Dead, Newly discovered letters get us closer to understanding the tragic truth of royal murder-suicide at Mayerling', in History Today, Volume 72, Issue 2 (February 2022), pp. 16-18- For a study on Rudolf and Mary's letters.Hamann, Brigitte, 'The Reluctant Empress, A biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, (Berlin, 2018 Edition)- For a biography on the mother of Crown Prince Rudolf, Empress Elisabeth "Sisi". Judson, Peter M. 'The Habsburg Empire – A New History', (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2018)- For an in-depth survey of the Austro-Hungarian State.King, Greg, Wilson, Penny, 'Twilight of Empire, The Tragedy of Mayerling and the End of the Habsburgs', (New York, 2017)- For a comprehensive survey of the Mayerling Incident.Rady, Martyn, 'The Habsburgs: The Rise and Fall of a World Power', (London, 2022)- For a detailed overview of the Habsburg Dynasty.Vocelka, Karl, Mutschlechner (eds.), Franz Joseph, 1830-1916, (Vienna, 2016)- For a comprehensive survey of the life and reign of Emperor Franz Joseph. Additionally, Lucy Coatman is working on the first English Language biography of Mary Vetsera, which should shed new light on her for a wider audience beyond German- speaking countries in Europe and Hungary. Break Music: 'Brahms - Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F# Minor by Wilfred Symphony Orchestra on PremiumBeat by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on the 20/07/2025).Beginning and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
Warning: This episode briefly discusses themes of a Sexual Nature including Prostitution.The story of Lafcadio Hearn/Koizumi Yakumo, a key figure in introducing Japanese Culture to the Western World.Episode Icon: Lafcadio Hearn, 1. From a photograph taken at Martinique, August 24, 1888, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.Links to photos associated with the episode...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lsro7fjmas2e Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BurYzqv9H/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLf9nkxoh12/?igsh=MW55Nmxwa3c4N2ZqOQ== Recommended further reading...Cott, Jonathan, 'Wandering Ghost: The Odyssey of Lafcadio Hearn', (Tokyo and New York, 1992).Dawson, Carl, 'Lafcadio Hearn and the Vision of Japan', (Baltimore and London, 1992).Evangelista, Stefano, 'Lafcadio Hearn and Global Aestheticism', in 'Literary Cosmopolitanism in the English Fin de Siècle: Citizens of Nowhere', (Oxford, 2021). Hearn, Lafcadio, 'Japanese Ghost Stories,' (Republished by Penguin Classics, London, 2019).Hearn, Lafcadio, 'Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan', (Republished by Tuttle, North Clarendon, Tokyo, 2009). Hearn, Lafcadio, 'Kokoro, An Intimate Portrait of Japanese Inner Life', (Republished by Tuttle, North Clarendon, Tokyo, 2022).Hearn, Lafcadio, 'Lafcadio Hearn's Japan, Stories and Essays from Japan's Most Famous Foreign Observer, (Republished by Tuttle, North Clarendon, Tokyo, 2022).Kemme, Steve, 'The Outsider, The Life and Work of Lafcadio Hearn, The Man Who Introduced Voodoo, Creole Cooking and Japanese Ghost Stories to the World', (North Clarendon, Tokyo, 2023).Koizumi, Setsu, 'The Annotated Reminiscences of Lafcadio Hearn', (Republished in San Francisco and Tajimi, 2012).Murray, Paul, 'A Fantastic Journey: The Life and Literature of Lafcadio Hearn', (Folkestone, 1993). Ronan, Senan, Koizumi, Toki, 'Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), His Life, Work and Irish Background', (Dublin, 1991).Ronan, Senan (ed.), 'Irish Writing on Lafcadio Hearn and Japan, Writer, Journalist & Teacher, (Folkestone, 1999).I would also highly recommend 'Black Dragonfly' by Jean Paisley, (London, 2021). While it is a fictionalised biography of Lafcadio Hearn, it is based extensively on his own letters and told in a way that I found highly engaging. Link to Lafcadio Hearn's 'explicit' resignation letter from Harper's, (Obviously this contains strong language)... https://djflanagan.blogspot.com/2016/02/japan-times-articles-on-lafcadio-hearn.html Break Music: 'Yosakoi Bushi' by Mocha Music on PremiumBeat by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on the 27/06/2025).Beginning and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
The life of King Hussein I of Jordan, one of the most consequential Middle Eastern Leaders of the 20th Century.Image Icon: King Hussein of Jordan among his troops 1 March 1957, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. Links to photos associated with the episode...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lqgga5ozhk2k Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19AxbRvBVk/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKTANcuILKq/?igsh=bDJkcG10MzZhZjVx Recommended further reading… Ashton, Nigel, ‘King Hussein of Jordan, A Political Life’, (London and New Haven, 2008).Shlaim, Avi, ‘Lion of Jordan, The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace’, (London, 2008).Break Recording: King Hussein interview (August 1970), Purchased from Getty Images on the 29th of April 2025, with further permission secured from ITN on the 30th of April 2025. Beginning and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024.)
Warning, this episode will talk extensively about Prostitution and other themes of a sexual nature.The story of the Edo/Tokyo’s main Red Light District from 1617 to 1958, its history, influence on art and the lives of the women who lived there.Episode Icon: A courtesan promenading under cherry trees of the Yoshiwara, accompanied by her child attendant. Colour woodcut by Yoshitora, 1859. Iconographic Collections Keywords: Yoshitora, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.Links to photos associated with the episode...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ARbsKkNUg/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DI2NYK8IvpZ/?igsh=eHB2YWUyYnc5Mmgz Recommended further reading…De Becker, J.E. The Sexual Life of Japan, Being an Exhaustive Study of the Nightless City or “History of the Yoshiwara Yukwaku” (First published in 1899 and revised in the 1900s).Longstreet, Ethel and Stephen, ‘Geishas and the Floating World, Inside Tokyo’s Yoshiwara Pleasure District, (North Clarendon, Vermont, 2020). Ryōko, Matsuba, ‘Shunga and the Floating World: The Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarter’ in Clark, Timothy, Gerstle, C. Andrew, Ishigami, Aki, Yano, Akiko, (eds.), ‘Shunga: Sex and Pleasure in Japanese Art’, (London, 2013).Break Music: Sakura, Sakura by Steffen Schmidt on PremiumBeat by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on the 23/04/2025)Beginning and closing theme, ‘Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
The story of Sweden's most famous queen.Episode Icon: Sébastien Bourdon, Christina, the new Queen of Sweden from 1632 to 1654, daughter of Gustav Adolf, 1650, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.Links to photos associated with the episode…Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lljcygamzs2m Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16CPkdqQQd/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHyF_9hI3Q4/?igsh=NzY2Nmo5ZjZ4ZTls Recommended further reading...Buckley, Veronica, ‘Christina Queen of Sweden’, (London, 2005).Mason, Georgina, ‘Queen Christina’, (London, 1974). Roberts, Michael, ‘Gustavus Adolphus and the Rise of Sweden, (London, 1973). Various Authors, ‘Christina of Sweden— a personality of European civilization, (Stockholm, 1966). I also read other articles and primary sources across my research but these books are good starting points for conducting research on this monarch. Break Music: Adieu Adieu, Corelli Christmas Concerto Op6 No8 on PremiumBeat by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on the 24/03/2025)Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
The legendary love story between Prince Salim/Jahangir of the Mughal Empire and Anarkali, which has been told and retold throughout South Asia.Episode Icon: Dilip Kumar (Salim) and Madhubala (Anarkali) in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) https://www.reddit.com/r/bollywood/comments/1ekjdvh/mughaleazam_was_released_on_this_day_in_1960/?rdt=449803 . Links to photos associated with the episode…Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3li5isvphfk2w Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYoYwmAMN/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGDsZmNIBGH/?igsh=MWdqcjh5YWRzajc5cQ== Recommended Further Reading…Dad, Aisha. 2022. 'Through the Looking Glass’: The Narrative Performance of Anarkali. Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. https://nrs.harvard.edu/URN-3:HUL.INSTREPOS:37372092 For Madhubala…Akbar, Katijia, ‘I Want to Live: The Story of Madhubala,’ (Revised and Updated, New Delhi, 2011). Khan, Aisha, ‘1933-1969, Madhubala, A Bollywood legend whose tragic life mirrored Marilyn Monroe’s’, The New York Times ‘Overlooked’ Series https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/obituaries/overlooked-madhubala.html For the Mughals…Eaton, Richard M. ‘India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765’, (London, 2020). Eraly, Abraham, ‘The Mughal Throne: The Saga of India's Great Emperors’, (London, 2004).Mukhoty, Ira, ‘Akbar: The Great Mughal’, (New Delhi, 2020). Robinson, Francis, ‘The Mughal Emperors: and the Islamic Dynasties of India, Iran and Central Asia 1206 -1925’, (London, 2007).Sharma, Manimugdha, ‘Allahu Akbar: Understanding the Great Mughal in Today's India’, (New Delhi, 2019). Sharma, Parvati, Jahangir: An Intimate Portrait of a Great Mughal, (New Delhi, 2020). Sharma, Parvati, ‘A Lamp for the Dark World: Akbar, India's Greatest Mughal’, (Lanham, Maryland, US, 2023). For Sir Thomas Roe’s Embassy to the Mughal Court…Das, Nandini, ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire’, (London, 2003).Break Music: Bollywood Ballet by Harpo Marks on Premium Beats by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on 12/02/2025) (12:43 to 13:40)Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024).
A chat about the city of Catania and the wider island of Sicily as a whole. With special guest, Salvatore Zito.Links to photos associated with the episode....Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lgvbu3b32c2lFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HrtaGt58r/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFagX8PMCcO/?igsh=ZHhpcm84dzN6c3gw Recommended further reading and watching…History Books Norwich, John Julius and Duncan, Paul, Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra, (London, 2016). Norwich, John Julius, The Normans in the South, 1016-1130 (The Normans in Sicily Volume I), (London, 2018). Norwich, John Julius, The Kingdom in the Sun, 1130-1194 (The Normans in Sicily Volume II), (London, 2018).Literature Branati, Vitaliano, Don Giovanni in Sicilia, (1941).Camilleri, Andrea, Inspector Salvo Montalbano Novel Series, (1994 to 2020).Pirandello, Luigi, Various Novels, Plays and Short (1893–1933).Sciascia, Leonardo, Il giorno della civetta, (The Day of the Owl), (1961), Il contesto (Equal Dagger), (1971), Todo modo, (By all means), (1974), Porte Aperte (Open Doors), (1987).Verga, Giovanni, Novelle rusticane, (Little Novels of Sicily), (1883 Originally, Translated by D.H. Lawrence in 1925).MoviesLa Terra Trema, (The Earth Trembles), Directed by Luchino Visconti, 1948.Divorzio all'italiana, (Divorce Italian Style), Directed by Pietro Germi, 1961.Il Gattopardo, (The Leopard), Directed by Luchino Visconti, 1963.Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, (Cinema Paradiso in English), Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988, (Definitely within my top three films of all time).L'uomo delle stelle, (The Star Maker), Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, 1995. Baarìa, Directed by Guiseppe Tornatore, 2009.Break Music: Casta Diva by Bellini by Human Symphony Orchestra on Premium Beats by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on 28/01/2025) (15:19 to 16:16) Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
The story of the Faiyum Mummy Portraits, among the oldest surviving paintings of individuals in History.
Episode Icon: Fayum portrait of a man, mid-2nd century, Myers Collection, Eton College, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Links to photos associated with the episode...
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3le4pyrjzy22o
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19wQHf1XMa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DD_0Lz-MxVb/?igsh=MXN1ZXB4b3lmODhqaQ==
Recommended further reading…
Doxiadis, Euphrosyne, 'The Mysterious Fayum Portraits, Faces from Ancient Egypt', (London, New York, 1995, 2024)
Paterson, Andrew, 'Late Antique Portraits and Early Christian Icons, The Power of the Painted Gaze', (New York, Oxford, 2022)
Price, Campbell, 'Golden Mummies of Egypt, Interpreting Identities from the Graeco-Roman Period', (Manchester, 2023)
Picton, Janet, Quirke, Stephen, Roberts, Paul C. (eds.), 'Living Images, Egyptian Funerary Portraits in the Petrie Museum', (Walnut Creek, California, 2007)
Roberts, Paul, 'Mummy Portraits from Roman Egypt, (London, 2008)
Svoboda, Marie, Cartwright, Caroline R. (eds.), 'Mummy Portraits of Roman Egypt, Emerging Research from the APPEAR Project', (Los Angeles, 2020)
Walker, Susan (ed.), 'Ancient Faces, Mummy Portraits from Roman Egypt', (London, New York, 1997, 2000)
APPEAR Project: https://www.getty.edu/projects/appear-project/
Break Music: 'Egyptian Ambience Loop', provided by Alex Major on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 21/12/2024), lasts from 11:20-12:21
Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
*Note I had a Cold when recording this episode, so my voice is not up to my usual standard.
The story of Laudabiliter, a supposed letter from the Pope in Rome to the King of England which set in motion the Norman and later English presence in Ireland.
Episode Icon: Contemporary image of Henry II from the Gospels of Henry the Lion, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Links to photos associated with the episode...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DuRK2eTe4/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DC_8RSRMubA/?igsh=MTJ3Y2RlNDd4eWRqMg==
Recommended further reading…
Duffy, Seán, Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf, (Dublin 2014)
- A useful background to Ireland in the Early 11th Century, while also touching upon later political developments
Duggan, J. Anne, ‘Totius christianitatis caput. The Pope and the Princes’ in Bolton, Brenda, Duggan, Anne J. (eds.) Adrian IV, the English Pope, 1154-1159 : Studies and Texts, (Ashgate, 2003)
- The volume as a whole is a useful background to the figure of Pope Adrian IV
Duggan, Anne J. ‘The Power of Documents: The Curious Case of Laudabiliter’ in Bolton, Brendan, Meek, Christine (eds.), Aspects of Power and Authority in the Middle Ages, (Turnhout, Belgium, 2007), pp. 251-276
- A well-researched study into Laudabiliter itself
O’Brien, Gerard (ed.), Gwynn, S.J. Aubrey, The Irish Church in the 11th and 12th centuries, (Dublin, 1992)
- An in-depth study to the changes of the Irish Church in the 11th and 12th Centuries
Break Music: Paint it Black, Originally performed by The Rolling Stones (1966) with this cover version created by Hildegard von Blingin' (2013)
Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
* Warning: Discussion of topics of a Sexual Nature and brief references to Prostitution in the second half of the episode.
The story of the High Society Painter, John Singer Sargent, through his works and relationships.
Episode Icon: Self-Portrait, John Singer Sargent, 1906, Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Links to photos associated with the episode...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cd5dqYMq7/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCM29qnovLF/?igsh=d3JsNjZsdTZub3Nn
Recommended further reading...
Boime, Albert, ‘Sargent in Paris and London: A Portrait of the Artist as Dorian Gray’, in Hills, Patricia (ed.), John Singer Sargent, (New York, 1986)
Cox, Devon, The Street of Wonderful Possibilities, Whistler, Wilde & Sargent in Tite Street, (London, 2022)
Davis, Deborah, Strapless, John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X, (New York, 2003)
Fisher, Paul, The Grand Affair, John Singer Sargent in his World, (New York 2022)
Heller, Nancy G. Portraying the Art of Flamenco, Embodying Spanish Dance in Cash, Sarah, Kilmurray, Elaine, Ormond, Richard, (eds.), Sargent and Spain, (New Haven, 2022)
Hirshler Erica E. with Corbead-Parsons, Caroline, Finch, James and A. Parmal Famela, Sargent and Fashion, (London, 2023)
Nielsen, Christina (ed.), Sargent on Location, Gardner’s First Artist-In-Residence, (Boston, 2018)
Ormond, Richard, Kilmurray, Elaine, Sargent, Portraits of Artists and Friends, (London, 2015)
Silver, Nathaniel (ed.) Boston's Apollo, Thomas McKeller and John Singer Sargent, (Boston, New Haven, 2020) the whole catalogue
There is also an upcoming biography of John Singer Sargent by Devon Cox, planned to published in 2025, the centenary of Sargent’s death. This will, for sure, be on the radar of Sargent aficionados.
Break Music: Sicilienne by Faure by Blue Shift on Premium Beats by Shutterstock, https://www.premiumbeat.com (Purchased with license on 28/10/2024) (21:03 to 23:24)
Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
* Given that this episode was recorded outside of the show's normal recording studio, the sound quality is not as good as usual but hopefully it should still be pretty listenable.
The story of one of Turkey's most well-known writers and his work 'Madonna in a Fur Coat', (recorded in the Pera Palace in Istanbul). More of a book review and exploration of an author's life rather than a typical 'History House' episode.
Episode Icon: Sabahattin Ali, By http://www.itusozluk.com/img.php/6bb32b8919135e275be0773af07eb43328758/sabahattin+ali, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23140412, Fair Use in order to illustrate episode for purely informational, non-commercial purposes, (the photo of this individual and his historical significance are the object of discussion in this episode).
Links to photos associated with the episode:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fPGbyuKL47aUq9i8/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRsqufsQ1I/?igsh=NTRxaDZlcjNwcXBz
Recommended further reading...
Ali, Sabahattin, (Author), Freely, Maureen, Dawe, Alexander (Translators), Selim Sayers, David (Introducer), Madonna in a Fur Coat, (London, 2021). Can be purchased from Amazon as a book or as an Audible File.
Ozil, Şeyda, Hofmann, Michael, Laut, Jens Peter, Dayioglu-Yücel, Yasemin, Zierau, Cornelia, Dickinson, Kristin, (Eds.) Uca, Didem (Contributor), The Transcultural Critic: Sabahattin Ali and Beyond, (Göttingen, 2017).
Links to newspaper articles and news reports on Sabahattin Ali and 'Madonna in a Fur Coat.'
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36213246
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/21/sabahattin-ali-madonna-fur-coat-rereading
The Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/i-believe-my-father-was-murdered-by-turkish-secret-police-1.3001565
The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/26/books/madonna-in-a-fur-coat-turkish-novel-bestseller-sabahattin-ali.html
Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
The story of the woman on Irish Banknotes from 1928 to the 1970s and her impact on Irish Political History.
Episode Icon: Sir John Lavery, 'Portrait of Lady Lavery as Kathleen Ni Houlihan', 1927, Wikimedia Commons Public Domain.
Links to photos associated with the episode:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eDyMVFHqnLwtymX8/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgtWNvsBIz/?igsh=MXF0aXp6cmE5MWQxZA==
Recommended further reading...
Studio & State, The Laverys and the Anglo-Irish Treaty, (Dublin, 2021).
A catalogue to an exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland the Hugh Lane Gallery. It examines the roles that Sir John and Lady Hazel Lavery played during the Anglo-Irish Treaty Negotiations of 1921.
Lavery, Sir John, The Life of a Painter, (Boston, 1940).
The autobiography of Sir John Lavery, filled with personal anecdotes and memories of his wife, Lady Hazel Lavery.
McCarthy, John, Kevin O’Higgins: Builder of the Irish State, (Newbridge, Ireland, 2006).
A biography of Kevin O'Higgins.
McCoole, Sinéad, Hazel, The Life of Lady Lavery, 1880-1935, (Dublin, 1996, Reissued in 2015).
The main work on Lady Hazel Lavery.
McCoole, Sinéad, Passion and Politics: Sir John Lavery: The Salon Revisited, (Dublin, 2010).
An exhibition catalogue from the Hugh Lane Gallery, examining the role that Sir John and Hazel Lavery played in both British and Irish Politics through their art.
Break Music: Chopin Nocturne in E-flat major Op 9 No 2 by Abydos_Music (pixabay.com), Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)
The fascinating story of the Ottoman Prince Cem Sultan, his captivity in Europe and his influence on Renaissance Art.
Episode Icon: Pinturicchio (Artist), Sailko (Photographer) Detail from Pope Pius II Arrives in Ancona, 1502-1507, Siena Cathedral, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en (by using this image the licensor does not endorse this post or History House).
Links to photos associated with the episode:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/GWTUVdSbpSryczqZ/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_WkvQMNGzM/?igsh=cDA4amlrYzVmNmZo
Recommended further reading (and watching)...
Freely, John, Jem Sultan, The adventures of a captive Turkish prince in Renaissance Europe, (London, 2005).
The main work on Cem Sultan.
Kiang, 'Dawson, 'Josquin Desprez and a Possible Portrait of the Ottoman Prince Jem in Capella Sistina, Ms. 41', IN Bibliothèque d'Humanisme et Renaissance, Volume 54, No. 2 (1992), pp. pp. 411-426.
For more information on Cem's possible depiction in a Sistine Chapel Music Score.
Ménage, V.L. 'The Mission of an Ottoman Secret Agent in France in 1486', The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, No. 3/4 (Oct., 1965), pp. 112-132.
For more information on an Ottoman Spy Mission to find out Cem's whereabouts in France, (due to time constraints, its details could not be included in the episode).
Setton, Kenneth Meyer, The Papacy and the Levant, 1204-1571, Volume II, (Philadelphia, 1978).
For information on the Papacy's interactions with the Ottoman Empire and on Cem's captivity in Rome.
Kings and Generals on Youtube, Cem Sultan: Ottoman Prince in the Heart of Europe, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w9POQMt5jk
A well-produced documentary on Cem Sultan.
Break Music, 'Aman Avci Vurma Mani' by Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road, (Free Music Archive). https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Turku_Nomads_of_the_Silk_Road/Alleys_of_Istanbul/13_-Aman_Avci_Vurma_Mani/ CC BY ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL 4.0 Deed (No changes were made. By using this audio track, the licensor does not endorse this podcast nor its use for this episode).
Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)























