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!
OFH Throwback- Episode #34- Did Archimedes Build a Death Ray?
In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you back to Season 2 Episode #34 - Did Archimedes Build a Death Ray? Archimedes was one of the ancient world’s most important mathematicians. His discoveries would form the foundation upon which all future western science was built. However, he’s probably best remembered for his amazing inventions that saved his city from attackers during the siege of Syracuse. The most discussed of all of these amazing devices has to be Archimedes’ “Death Ray”. This mysterious machine was said to be able to set ships on fire from hundreds of meters away. Did this fabled “Death Ray” really exist, or is just another legend in a life filled with mythology. Tune-in and find out how gold scams, Archimedes claw, and a sphere in a cylinder 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?
