History Shorts

Each day, award-winning historian and author Peter Zablocki shares his research into the little-known and hidden-in-plain-sight historical curiosities you probably never heard of. All in the little time you probably do not have.

The Real Raiders of the Ark 03/17/2025

The Real Raiders of the Ark Did you know that Indiana Jones was not the first to have adventures as a result of the Ark of the Covenant? In fact, the Isrealites carried it with them whenever they went - even to battle. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35652735

Grimaldi Curse: Lucien and Jean 03/16/2025

Grimaldi Curse: Lucien and Jean CURSE OF THE GRIMALDIS (SERIES 8): Few stories in the history of the Grimaldi dynasty are as dark and tragic as that of Jean II Grimaldi and his brother, Lucien. Their tale is one of rivalry, ambition, and fratricide, a story soaked in jealousy, treachery, and blood. It was a chapter that seemed to confirm the whispered Grimaldi Curse—the prophecy that no ruler of Monaco would ever find peace or happiness in love or power. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35641555

King Solomon's Mines 03/15/2025

King Solomon's Mines Are King Solomon’s Mines the stuff of legends, literature, or historical truth? Well, it is kind of a combination of all of those things. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35641475

Conversations: Adam Zamoyski 03/14/2025

Conversations: Adam Zamoyski Peter speaks with the renowned author and historian of European, Polish, and Napoleonic history, Mr. Adam Zamoyski. SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: LEARN MORE AT /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35641425

TODAY IN CONTEXT: Tariff Wars in American History 03/13/2025

TODAY IN CONTEXT: Tariff Wars in American History TODAY IN CONTEXT: Tariff wars have significantly shaped the economic and political landscape of the United States. From the early days of the Republic to modern trade conflicts, tariffs have been used both to generate revenue and as protectionist tools to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. However, tariff policies have also triggered economic downturns, political divisions, and retaliatory actions from other nations. Below is a historical overview of key tariff wars in American history. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35671965

Turbulent Life of Lucrezia Borgia 03/13/2025

Turbulent Life of Lucrezia Borgia The last name Borgia is often associated with Renaissance decadence, which included sex and violence scandals at the center of the papacy of Borgian Pope Alexander VI and his two most prominent children, Cesare and Lucrezia. The latter was celebrated as a beautiful young woman, yet she is primarily known today as a notorious figure. Deserved? Perhaps not. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35641340

Chester A. Arthur and Ms. Jennings 03/12/2025

Chester A. Arthur and Ms. Jennings The story of a young lawyer, Chester A. Arthur, and Elizabeth Jennings Graham is a powerful example of early civil rights advocacy long before the broader movement of the 20th century. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35641315

Musketeers 03/11/2025

Musketeers The true story of the Musketeers might be even more incredible than all of their depictions in popular media. SUPPORT THE SHOW: LEARN MORE: READ THE NEWSLETTER: /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35621730

Queen Elizabeth's Spy Network 03/10/2025

Queen Elizabeth's Spy Network The spy network that kept Queen Elizabeth I safe during her reign was one of the most sophisticated and ruthless intelligence operations of its time. Spearheaded by Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s principal secretary and spymaster, this network protected Elizabeth from numerous threats, particularly those from religious and political unrest. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618070

Grimaldi Curse: Lady Claudine 03/09/2025

Grimaldi Curse: Lady Claudine LIMITED SERIES 8: THE CURSE OF THE GRIMALDIS: Lady Claudine /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618075

Battle Axes of Free Love 03/08/2025

Battle Axes of Free Love You probably have never heard of Theophilus Gates and his religious sect, the Battle Axes. In 1838, Gates and his followers worshipped - in THE nude. Yep, that happened. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618080

Conversations: Sir Max Hastings 03/07/2025

Conversations: Sir Max Hastings Join Peter as he speaks with the renowned journalist, author, and military historian Sir Max Hastings. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618085

Vidocq - the First Modern Detective 03/06/2025

Vidocq - the First Modern Detective Francois Vidocq is often considered the first modern detective - even though he spent most of his life on the other side of the law. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618090

Shipping Kids Through USPS 03/05/2025

Shipping Kids Through USPS Yep, you read the title of this episode correctly. There was actually a time in the United States, and not even that long ago, well 1913, when people were able to ship their children through the nation’s postal system. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618095

America First Movement 03/04/2025

America First Movement The America First movement was a major isolationist force in U.S. politics before World War II, combining anti-war sentiment, economic nationalism, and suspicion of foreign alliances. It collapsed after Pearl Harbor, but its ideas — both legitimate arguments about non-interventionism and darker strains of nativism and antisemitism — have echoed through American political history ever since. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618100

Spanish Inquisition 03/03/2025

Spanish Inquisition The Spanish Inquisition was a powerful institution established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, with the blessing of Pope Sixtus IV. It aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy and consolidate the Spanish kingdoms under a unified religious and political framework. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618105

Nazi Aktion T4 Project 03/02/2025

Nazi Aktion T4 Project In 1939, Adolf Hitler authorized the elimination of German citizens who were considered to be weak and led, and I quote, “a life unworthy of being lived.” Doctors and their staff were urged to participate in these willful killings without any risk of future prosections. The secret progam was codenamed Aktion T4. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618110

Roger Sherman's Compromise 03/01/2025

Roger Sherman's Compromise LIMITED SERIES 7 - Famous Americans You Never Knew Existed: Roger Sherman was the only person who signed all four documents from the American Revolution, commonly known as the Founding Documents of the United States. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618115

TODAY IN CONTEXT: Pope Francis and a Conclave 02/28/2025

TODAY IN CONTEXT: Pope Francis and a Conclave TODAY IN CONTEXT: Today, we discuss the history and process of the Roman Catholic Church’s Conclave. While we wish Pope Francis a healthy and speedy recovery, his double pneumonia and the rumors surrounding his imminent death have sparked talks about a conclave. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618125

Conversations: James Crossland 02/28/2025

Conversations: James Crossland Peter speaks with Dr. James Crossland about his latest book, Rouge Agent, detailing the life and career of Robert Bruce Lockhart, including his plot to sabotage the budding Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in the early 20th century. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618130

Flannan Lighthouse Mystery 02/27/2025

Flannan Lighthouse Mystery In December of 1900, Donald MacArthur, Thomas Marshall, and James Ducat vanished from their post at the lighthouse on Flannan Island off the western coast of Scotland. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618135

The Russian Sleeper Agent 02/26/2025

The Russian Sleeper Agent Anna Chapman - a strikingly charismatic and enigmatic figure - became a symbol of modern espionage when she was exposed as a sleeper agent for Russia in 2010. Chapman’s tale intertwines elements of international intrigue, glamour, and a high-stakes game of Cold War-style espionage in the 21st century. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618140

Hoover Ball 02/25/2025

Hoover Ball Judging by the famous movie Cinderella Man about the down-on-his-luck boxer James Braddock during the Great Depression, it may seem that boxing was the go-to sport during America’s worst financial crisis. But, if that is the case, what about other sports, like Hoover Ball, for example? You know, the game named after then-divisive President Herbert Hoover. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618145

Stealing Batman 02/24/2025

Stealing Batman The creation of Batman, one of the most iconic superheroes in history, is a tale of creativity, ambition, and, unfortunately, injustice. While Bob Kane is widely credited as Batman’s sole creator, the reality is that much of the character’s depth, origin, and enduring appeal came from the mind of Bill Finger, a largely unsung collaborator who never received the recognition or compensation he deserved during his lifetime. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618150

Jezebel - Bible's Femme Fatale 02/23/2025

Jezebel - Bible's Femme Fatale The term Femme Fatale stems from the French word “deadly woman.” It epitomizes the male fantasy of predatory female sexuality - irresistible and accomplishing lethal hidden agendas while ensnaring her victims with the bonds of desire. When it comes to the so-called “bad girls” of the bible, arguably none deserves the title more than Jezebel - a murderer, prostitute, and enemy of God. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618155

TODAY IN CONTEXT: Revisiting the Start of the War in Ukraine 02/22/2025

TODAY IN CONTEXT: Revisiting the Start of the War in Ukraine TODAY IN CONTEXT: We know how it's going but don't know where it will go, so let's revisit how it started. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618160

Police Woman Badge No. 1 02/22/2025

Police Woman Badge No. 1 LIMITED SERIES 7 - Famous Americans You Never Knew Existed: Alice Stebbins Wells was a trailblazer when, on September 12, 1910, she became the first woman to serve as a sworn police officer in the United States - yet, as you can probably imagine, not everyone was ecstatic about it. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618165

Conversations: S.C. Gwynne 02/21/2025

Conversations: S.C. Gwynne Join Peter as he speaks with the Pulitzer Prize Finalist, renowned historian, and bestselling author of Empire of the Summer Moon, Mr. S.C. Gwynne. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618170

Tecumseh's Curse 02/20/2025

Tecumseh's Curse The so-called "Tecumseh’s Curse" is a piece of American folklore suggesting that U.S. presidents elected in years divisible by 20 (every 20 years, starting in 1840) would die in office. This pattern is tied to a supposed curse placed by the Shawnee leader Tecumseh after the Shawnee suffered significant losses to U.S. forces led by William Henry Harrison in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618175

The Boxer of Auschwitz 02/19/2025

The Boxer of Auschwitz The tale of Herschel “Harry” Haft, who was forced to box fellow inmates to survive in Auschwitz, is a harrowing testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome, and one that should be more known than it is. /episode/index/show/2c68e044-1b71-48bf-a5c5-2792f5a14f4c/id/35618180

History Shorts

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