Restless Times in History

Part 2/2 The 17th Century Witch Trials in Iceland

The final episode in the story of the 17th century witch trials in Iceland, that saw the fear of the devil and mistrust of magic weave its way into a rural society, which had in former times viewed magic as akin to wisdom, and had placed no particular importance on the devil.
In this episode we shall explore 2 harrowing stories, which highlight the devasting consequences for all involved, when one person is accussed, charged, and condemned of being a witch. The episode concludes with possible answers as to why the witch trials started - and why they ended. 

Part 1/2: The 17th Century Witch Trials of Iceland

During the middle ages, Iceland had been a Catholic country, closely aligned with Norway - and in Iceland, the ancient Norse traditions lived on as an integral part of Icelandic culture. This included the belief in and high regard of magic and magic users. This all changed in the early modern period, when Iceland's society changed, as religious views evovled in Europe, and the balance of power shifted in Scandinavia. In this episode, we examine how this led to a period of witch trials in Iceland from 1625-1683.

The political aftermath of the Sparta earthquake of 464 BCE - An insult, a war, and a world changed

An earthquake, which led to a revolt, that resulted in an insult, and culminated in all-out war. The Sparta earthquake impacted the ancient Greek world for centuries.

The mysterious death of Edgar Allan Poe

Was it murder, illness, or injury, that caused Edgar Allan Poe to die at the age of 40? The 19th century American author, Edgar Allan Poe, wrote short stories that helped popularise the genre of the detective novel. But Edgar Allan Poe died surrounded by strangers in 1849, under circumstances that remain suspicious  to this very day. A few years ago, a scholar suggested a new cause of death, which might answer the question: What brought about the sudden death of Edgar Allan Poe? 

Part 2: The Black Dinner of 1440

Duty, Dinner, and Death - and all the wrong lessons learned!
The devasting events at Edinburgh Castle on the evening of 24th November 1440 - The Black Dinner, and its aftermath.

Part 1: The Black Dinner of 1440

Who dined and died at the Black Dinner of 1440?
2 young boys, heirs to great power and land, were invited to Edinburgh Castle in 1440 – the events that unfolded on the night of their arrival shocked Scotland to the core, resulted in year long strife, and partly inspired George RR Martin's writing of The Red Wedding.

Fantastic Escapes: Alcibiades against the Greeks and Persians

An ancient Greek commander, schemer, and survivor, who escaped his enemies (and friends!) again and again!

Fantastic Escapes: Caratacus against The Roman Empire

How an unrepentant warrior and sworn enemy of Rome was spared certain death, by telling the emperor “You and I could have been friends!”

The Spartans Who Survived The Battle of Thermopylae

Did any Spartans survive the Battle of Thermopylae – Yes. What happened to them - Nothing good! This podcast delves into the tumultuous lives of 3 Spartan warriors – and the fate of a foolhardy traitor.

The King is dead, Long Live the King

Part 7 - The hard won conclusion to the 12th Century historical period, known as The Anarchy