Our Fake History
A podcast about myths we think are history and history that might be hidden in myths! Awesome stories that really (maybe) happened!
Episode #205- Why the Mona Lisa?
Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa is undoubtedly the world's most famous painting. But, despite this, many visitors to the Louvre come away disappointed after they see the masterpiece. The real-life painting has a hard time living up to the myth of the "most perfect picture ever painted." How did the Mona Lisa go from being a well-regarded Da Vinci portrait to being an international celebrity? It seems like the 1911 theft of the painting from the Louvre completely changed the Mona Lisa's stature in the world of art. The question is, would she be this famous if she had never been stolen? Tune-in and find out how shaving in front of a Rembrandt, Paris Syndrome, and the worst guards ever all play a role in the story.
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Podcast Episodes
Episode #232 - Why President McKinley? (Part III)
It's impossible to assess the historical reputation of President William McKinley without tangling with the Spanish-American War. In this final part of the William McKinley trilogy Sebastian gets into the debate around w…
Episode #231 - Why President McKinley? (Part II)
The 1896 election of William McKinley has been noted as an inflection point in American politics. But, historians are often conflicted about what story they want to tell.
Episode #230 - Why President McKinley? (Part I)
It turns out a growing number of American conservatives, including Republican strategist Karl Rove, have been attempting to revive McKinley's reputation for years. What do they see in this turn-of-the-century politician?
Bonus Episode - Selkies, Spectacles, and Satire
In this Bonus Episode Sebastian takes questions about his recent exploration of mermaid mythology.
Episode #229 - Real Mermaids?
As European ships started stared exploring more distant waters, tales of mermaid encounters became increasingly common.
Episode #228 - You Talkin' About Myths, Baby? (ft. Liv Albert)
In this interview episode Sebastian speaks with podcaster, author, and host of Let's Talk About Myths, Baby Liv Albert.
Bonus Episode - Helots, Spartan Women, and Historical Fiction
In this bonus episode Sebastian responds to listener questions and comments about the Spartan series.
Episode #227 - What is the Spartan Mirage? (Part III)
Almost everything about the Battle of Thermopylae has been exaggerated and distorted. Who were the real heroes?
Episode #226 - What is the Spartan Mirage? (Part II)
According to some ancient sources the Spartans were incorruptible, never took bribes, and equally divided their land among the elite Spartiates. Is any of that true?
Episode #225 - What is the Spartan Mirage? (Part I)
Is everything we know about the Spartans little more than a collection of historical myths?
