For centuries, witches have occupied a space between fear and fascination, their presence signaling both power and peril. From the three haggard figures inMacbeth to the Fates of Greek mythology, women who wield influence beyond the expected have been cast as threats to order. But why? In this episode, we examine the historical and cultural forces that turned witches into symbols of chaos, control, and rebellion. Were they truly dangerous, or did they simply exist outside the boundaries of what society deemed acceptable? Join us as we explore the tangled legacy of witches, prophecy, and the fear of women who refuse to obey.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary lives of Euphemia and Theodora, two women who rose from obscurity to become empresses of the Byzantine Empire. Their stories—filled with ambition, resilience, and reform—challenge traditional narratives of power and privilege in late antiquity. From the sensational accounts of Procopius to the lasting legacies of their reforms, we’ll uncover how their lives were shaped by, and in turn, shaped the cultural and political landscape of their time.

Key Quotes:

Through the lens of Euphemia and Theodora’s lives, we’ll explore the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, the power of identity and narrative, and the ways in which women shaped the empire from behind the scenes. Join me as we unravel the truths and myths surrounding these two remarkable empresses.

In this episode, we explore the lives of the women who shaped and supported the reign of Emperor Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. From political alliances forged through marriage to personal sacrifices and public displays of loyalty, these women played vital roles in Augustus' ascent to power. While Livia Drusilla eventually became the first Empress of the Julian Dynasty, the stories of the other women in Augustus’ life are equally compelling.

Key Quotes:

Uncover the intricate roles of Augustus’ women in consolidating power during one of history's most transformative periods. From the politically arranged marriages that strengthened alliances to the lasting influence of Livia, these women's stories reveal the human complexities behind the grandeur of Rome’s first emperor. Join us as we delve into their lives and legacies, unraveling the ways they shaped the foundation of the Roman Empire.

In this episode, we dive into the passionate, often heart-wrenching love life of Heracles, the demigod whose adventures went far beyond his legendary labors. Known for his superhuman strength, Heracles’ story is also woven with deep, complex relationships that reveal the hero’s vulnerabilities. From the loyalty of his male lover Iolaus to the tragic fate of his first wife Megara and the jealousy-driven actions of Hera, each relationship paints a vivid picture of love, loss, and redemption.

Key Quotes:

1. “The animosity that Zeus’ wife, Hera, harbored towards Heracles played a significant role in his life.”

2. “Heracles’ life was also filled with many loves and relationships.”

3. “What happened with Megara was less than clear as, although Euripides states that Heracles also shot and murdered Megara, Pseudo-Apollodorus claims that Megara managed to flee.”

4. “Heracles, this most manly of heroes, was about to face further humiliation when he was made to wear women’s clothes and help Omphale and her maidens spin.”

5. “Happy god! For he has done, His great work and he lives among the gods, Forever young, forever free from pain.”

Unearth the tumultuous love life of Heracles, the Greek hero whose epic romances and tragic losses shaped myths for centuries. Tune in to explore how love, rivalry, and loss intertwined to define the life of this storied demigod and see how these ancient tales continue to resonate today.

Soon after the study of the inscriptions of the Daochos Monument was published in 1897, an interest in the study of the sculptor Lysippos was renewed. The inscription on a statue base found at Pharsalos was discovered to be identical to a somewhat shorter epigram of Agias at Delphi, and the name Lysippos, presumably the statue’s sculptor, was written at the bottom of the Pharsalos inscription. When the statue of Agias at Delphi was reunited with its base, it became clear that the figure in Delphi was likely a replica of the one in Pharsalos. Like most of Lysippos’ works, the original statue was probably cast in bronze and predate the Delphi statue, although only by a few years. The research also reveals that the statues at Delphi were probably certainly sculpted by more than one artist, indicating a diversity of aesthetic influences at work. But Lysippos’ name was definitely recognizable.

Key Quotes:

Discover the enduring legacy of Lysippos, the master sculptor who shaped the image of Alexander the Great and redefined art in the Hellenistic period. Dive into the world of classical Greek artistry and explore how Lysippos' innovations in naturalism and form influenced generations of artists. Uncover the secrets behind his statues, from the Daochos Monument to the iconic portrayals of Alexander. Visit MartiniFisher.com to learn more about this fascinating intersection of art and history (and see some images), and see how these timeless works continue to inspire today.

You will also find more images in the History Made Beautiful Instagram account.

At the height of the Roman Empire, Germanicus Julius Caesar was unanimously regarded as one of the greatest warriors the Empire had ever produced. With this in mind, it is somewhat unfortunate that Caligula, through his reputation as Rome's mad Emperor, eclipsed his father's popularity. Germanicus' three daughters were just as scandalous as their brother.

To find out more about Germanicus, you can read about him in these posts:

Key Quotes:

Step into the scandalous lives of Germanicus' three daughters and their notorious brother, Emperor Caligula. Unveil the secrets of ambition, betrayal, and survival that shaped the Roman Empire's most infamous family. Join us for a deep dive into the rise and fall of Agrippina, Drusilla, and Livilla in our latest podcast episode. Listen now!

For more historical insights, visit ⁠martinifisher.com⁠ and check out Martini's book "⁠Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture⁠".

Explore the captivating history of hairstyles and uncover how they have signified power, beauty, and social status across ancient civilizations. Join us on our podcast as we delve into the fascinating stories behind iconic hairdos from Ancient Greece, Rome, China, and beyond. Tune in now!

Once upon a time, Zeus spent nine consecutive nights with Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory, giving birth to the nine Muses: Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, Urania, Calliope, and Clio. These Muses inspired countless poets and artists, including Shakespeare and Milton, who invoked their divine influence in their works. The tradition of calling upon the Muses dates back to Homer’s Iliad, where he likely invoked Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry. The Muses resided on Mount Olympus, delighting the gods with their songs and dances, often accompanied by Apollo’s lyre. Their influence extended beyond art, touching on history, eloquence, and even foreseeing the future.

Key quotes:

Dive into the fascinating world of the Muses and discover the divine inspiration behind some of the greatest works of art and literature. Tune in now!

For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher’s website and check out her book “Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture”.

In 29 AD, Livia, the Empress of Rome and the widow of Emperor Augustus, died at the age of eighty-six. Although she was the mother of Tiberius, the current emperor of Rome, and an empress through her own marriage to Augustus, her funeral was very low-key by the standards of the Roman imperial family.

But Livia’s cult had grown throughout the empire even during her lifetime, and upon her death, Livia would have been the first woman in Rome's history to be pronounced a goddess.

Key quotes:

Dive into the world of Rome's first Empress and discover the makings of a legend. Tune in now!

For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher’s website and check out her book “Time Maps: Matriarchy and the Goddess Culture”.

Shortly after his marriage, the King of Egypt Ptolemy III, received word of imminent danger to his sister. In return for his safety as his marched to Syria to save his sister’s life, his loving wife promised to sacrifice a lock of her hair in return for his safety. Upon his return from the campaign, a lock of hair from the Queen’s head was cut and dedicated to the gods, only to disappear by the following day. Later, the court astronomer Conon then announced that he had discovered the lock in the night. To this day, the constellation is called Coma Berenices ("Berenice's Lock").

Key quotes:

Join us as we unravel the romance, drama and politic of Berenice II, the girl who became Queen.

For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher’s website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.