February 01, 2024

223: Whispers of Witchcraft: Antonina and the Byzantine General's Destiny

20 minutes

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing life of Flavius Belisarius, a general of the Byzantine Empire, and his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Antonina. We explore how Belisarius, a man of great military prowess, was brought down by his Achilles’ heel - his deep love for Antonina.

Despite her infidelities and their troubled marriage, Belisarius remained stubbornly loyal to Antonina, a fact that historians like Procopius and Edward Gibbon have noted in their writings. We also shed light on Antonina’s background, her rise from poverty, and her alleged use of magic to win Belisarius’ heart. Join us as we unravel the complex dynamics of power, love, and betrayal in the 6th century Byzantine Empire.

Key Quotes:

“Flavius Belisarius personified the perfect example of what a general of a powerful empire ought to have been.”

“His Achilles’ heel was none other than his wife, Antonina.”

“The unconquerable patience and loyalty of Belisarius appear either below or above the character of a man.” - Edward Gibbon

“Antonina herself from the first led an utterly wanton life. Acquainted with magic drugs used by her parents before her, she learned how to use those of compelling qualities and became the wedded wife of Belisarius, after having already borne many children.” - Procopius

“In Antonina, Belisarius seemed to have met his intellectual equal.”

As promised in this episode, here are some links that you might find interesting:

Ancient Roman Actresses and the Dark Side of Beauty

Tale of Two Concubines

For more fascinating insights into history, check out Martini Fisher’s website and her book, "Time Maps: Mesopotamia”. Dive into the past and discover the rich tapestry of events and individuals that have shaped our world. Happy listening!

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