1629: "The Sacking of the Libraries of Alexandria and Cleopatra"

1629: "The Sacking of the Libraries of Alexandria and Cleopatra"

Author: JC April 21, 2026 Duration: 6:13
Interesting Things with JC #1629: "The Sacking of the Libraries of Alexandria and Cleopatra" – Caesar burns ships in Alexandria’s harbor to block an enemy fleet, but the fire spreads into a city built to collect written knowledge. The damage does not end in one destruction, because war, political change, and attacks on later institutions keep breaking the system that held the libraries together until the record itself survives only in fragments. Thank you to Sofia from Greece for co-writing today's episode!

You're about to hear stories that often slip through the cracks of mainstream conversation. Interesting Things with JC is a compact series where host JC digs into the past and present, finding connections and narratives that are frequently overlooked. Each episode feels like a focused exploration, whether it's a curious historical footnote, a fresh perspective on a current event, or a cultural phenomenon that deserves a closer look. The tone is conversational and inquisitive, driven by a genuine fascination with the subject matter rather than a dry lecture. This podcast sits comfortably at the intersection of history, culture, and society, making complex topics accessible without oversimplifying them. You'll find yourself reconsidering what you thought you knew, as JC guides you through these meticulously researched tales. It’s for anyone with a lingering curiosity about how the world works and where its many strange, compelling stories originate. The result is a consistently engaging listen that proves the most interesting things are often hidden in plain sight, just waiting for someone to point them out. Tune in for a thoughtful break from the noise, filled with substance and unexpected details.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Interesting Things with JC
Podcast Episodes
1644: “Krafft Ehricke” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:57
Interesting Things with JC #1644: “Krafft Ehricke” - He is the rocket engineer who proposed lunar mining, orbital fuel depots, and space based solar power decades before modern commercial spaceflight. From the V-2 rocket…
1643: “Why Are Stop Signs Octagons?” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:59
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1642: “Nedra Talley” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:30
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1641: "Operation Northwoods" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:35
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1640: "David Allan Coe" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:27
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1639: "Eberhard Rees" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:49
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1638: "Route 66 Turns 100" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56
Interesting Things with JC #1638: "Route 66 Turns 100" – Route 66 was stitched together from wagon trails, trading paths, and desert camel routes before becoming the first fully paved transcontinental highway in America.…
1637: “Norbert aka Tony Pork” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:37
Interesting Things with JC #1637: “Norbert” – They call him Tony Pork. He’s a 175 pound pig that pushed himself down a suburban Illinois street on a skateboard using his back legs while steering with his front trotters,…
1636: "AM Radio as the Last Mass-Mind Medium" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:33
Interesting Things with JC #1636: "AM Radio as the Last Mass-Mind Medium" – A 50,000-watt AM station is transmitting one voice across multiple states at night while millions of people in different places hear the same si…
1635: "Nahanni: The River That Refused to Be Touched" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:24
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